SONY RM-AV2100 LCD Universal Integrated Remote Commander
by Sony
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List Price: Our Price: $19.99 You Save: $196.00 (91%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of SONY RM-AV2100 LCD Universal Integrated Remote Commander
Customer Review: Handles most things wonderfully
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been using this remote control for about four years now. Back then, I paid about $120 for it. This has been one of my favorite stereo purchases. My wife found it confusing while we had six Sony remotes (2 VCRs, DVD player, amp, tape deck, cd player) that, to her, all looked similar. I bought the remote and it immediately worked flawlessly with all of the components. When I started replacing various equipment, all I had to do was reprogram the remote for the different components. For example, I now have a JVC TV. I entered the three digit code and it works perfectly. I also have a Cyberhome DVD player. I had to manually program all of the buttons. It took all of 5 minutes (including reading the instructions) and I now have full functionality of my DVD. No complaints. When this one dies (if it dies), I will not hesitate to replace it with another Sony universal remote.Customer Review: Control anything that has a remote - period.
Summary: 4 Stars
Okay, it was bad enough having a remote for the TV, a remote for the VCR, and a remote for the cable box. While the cable box came with a "universal" remote, it was only able to control the most basic of functionality on the TV and the VCR. Then came the addition of the DVD player, and with it another remote. Now there were more devices than the remote that was included with the cable box could handle. So I thought I'd switch to the "universal" remote that came with the DVD player, and again I encountered the same limitations. I could control only about half of the functionality that the devices actual remote offered, and at that could only control a finite set of devices.This goes without mentioning the other components stashed throughout the house. There's a four component stereo system, a TV in the master bedroom, and I expect more as our family grows.
When I was looking at other universal remotes, I was worried that I'd get the same results. Sure, this remote or that remote can control eight other devices, but can it really? I mean, will I have only the four main buttons of the 16+ that I want from my DVD control? There's a difference to be made between being able to interact with other devices, and being truly universal, and the Sony AV2100 is that difference.
As I am sure you will be, I was hesitant about the price. But thirty minutes after getting home, I was no longer a skeptic. Within that time I had successfully programmed in over five different remotes responsible for controlling over eight devices. And I didn't sacrifice anything. Unlike the previous "universal" remotes I had used, I truly had complete control of all my devices. From Picture-In-Picture, to input settings for the TV; from the CD player, to the radio tuner; from the cable box volume and channel, to the special menus and information buttons; from the DVD and VCR controls, to the special menus for navigating DVD bonus features; I am now able to control it all from one remote. With the twelve programmable settings, I am even able to carry this remote around the house for use at other TV's, and even the remote for my camcorder. I'm telling you this thing controls it all. It is truly universal.
Aside from all the great things about this remote, there are a few shortcomings. First off is its size. Make no mistake about the picture you see, it's a pretty sizable control. Its depth is what you really don't get to see, and while it is tapered, it's still pretty thick. Pay close attention to the dimensions.
Second is the screen itself. The screen is what gives you so much control. It can adapt to reflect whatever device you are controlling. The menus, buttons, and so on physically change when you switch from device to device. While this keeps you from having to remember what keys do what for the different devices (what did I make Picture In Picture control for my CD player?), it also lends itself to collecting dirt. You know, the popcorn on your fingers while watching the latest DVD, the cats that decide to walk across the remote, and just the general house dust and other dirt. Even with that flaw, it's a durable plastic coating, and it's nothing a simple damp cloth can't fix.
Another plus to the screen that carries a negative, is that there is a backlight button for when you can't see the screen, for when you're watching that big screen projection TV in a dark entertainment room. But what somewhat confuses me is that there has to be a button for this in the first place. Some of the other LCD-style screen remotes on the market offer an automatic light sensor that turns on the backlight when the room is dim. However, I can also see a problem with this in that if I'm enjoying that latest DVD in a dark entertainment room, the last thing I want is my remote shining bright as a distraction. So perhaps the button for the backlight isn't such a bad idea after all, but it's something to be aware of when making the investment.
All things said and done, this truly universal remote will continue to provide excellent service through the years of upgrades and replacements of other devices. It's powerful, flexible, smart, and fun to use. And most importantly, it's well worth the price.
Customer Review: Now there's room on the coffee table!
Summary: 4 Stars
I received the Sony RM-AV2100 for Christmas... I'm very happy with the unit and felt compelled to fill everyone in.The first thing I did was programmed the unit for my current A/V equipment...a Mitsubishi TV and VCR, Pioneer CD/DVD player, amplifier, General Instruments cable box and Sony Mini-Disc player. The instructions include the universal codes for a ton of manufacturers. This process (after reading the instructions, of course) took less than 20 minutes.
Next, I taught the unit to recognize my Replay TV. This was as simple as hitting a key on the Sony RM-AV2100 and then hitting a corresponding key on the Replay TV remote (while the Sony unit doesn't have a pre-defined DVS (digital video server) selection I was able to treat the Replay TV as "VCR 3"). Getting the unit to synch up with my Replay took about 15 minutes.
Finally, the bells and whistles that I really wanted were installed. The unit comes with 3 "macro" keys which allow you to execute up to 16 commands with the push of one button. I programmed key 1 to turn EVERYTHING on/off. Key 2 turns on the TV, Amp and Replay unit and then tunes to CNBC (in addition to coffee, Squawk Box is my morning addiction!). I haven't programmed Key 3 yet. This process took less than 10 minutes.
So, why did I rate the unit only 4 stars? Here are my complaints:
- The LCD pad is smaller than I'd like. It would have been nice if they had increased the size of the LCD pad and reduced the size of the hard wired buttons
- It doesn't have a button/template which supports digital video servers (Replay, TiVO) directly. As a result, I have to remember how I mapped the keys that are unique to the video server (skip commercials, replay last 7 seconds, etc.)
Now, what I love:
- Excellent instruction manual. Take the time to read through it quickly then follow the step-by-step instructions the first time you program a particular function. You'll get the hang of it in no time.
- Perfect overall size...not too big but not so small that it'll get lost.
- Back-lighting is very good (though I'd like an LCD contrast button).
- Very responsive. It executes the commands much faster than my regular remote. For instance, moving between selections on an on-line programming guide is much quicker.
Customer Review: Almost Perfect
Summary: 4 Stars
I got the AV-2100 for Xmas.....It is a fully functional remote control that has a tremendous amount of key codes available and can pretty much learn from any remote control. I have it setup to control My Panasonic HDTV, GI Cable Box, Yamaha Receiver, Mitsubishi VCR , Sony DVD and Sony 100 Disc Changer. Real easy to program once you get the hang of it and the Macro keys work like a champ. I have key one setup to turn on my cable box, TV and AMP, Key 2 turns on the DVD player, changes the input on the TV to component 1 and switches my AMP to DVD input. Key 3 turns everything off.Here are my complaints:
Remote could be a little narrower if you are holding the remote in one hand you cant really reach all the keys without putting it down. I would like customizable keys so you can name each touch key whatever you want.
Over all a must have if you own a home theater system and a bucket full of remotes.....
Dominick
Customer Review: I thought it would solve my problems....
Summary: 3 Stars
I bought this thinking that I would never need another remote control. However, this unit is limited in its functionality. I guess that's why they are stopping production and making the other one. The product is big, which is a disadvantage. Also the screen is horrible. Unlike the pronto, who's screen is great, you cannot read this screen without the backlight on. Also, I had trouble with my SONY AV Receiver. It took me a while but I finally figured it out. Before I bought it, I thought that its usefullness would outweigh its size, however for me it is not the case. I am not a big fan of the buttons and the size. Also it cannot hold enough macro functions for my system. Like I said before, this is getting a little old for the times, if I were you, I would return this item and get the Phillips Pronto, its 166 online and can never become obsolete due to its ability to update firmware. It's a lot smaller and had a much better screen. If all you need is something BASIC to control your entire system, this is fine, but I would shell the extra 30 bucks and go with the better, smaller pronto. Another thing that I should note, is that the sony remote does not have backlit "hard buttons" (the rubber buttons on the front). The pronto does.