Since the Radio Shack 15-1995 is not a learning remote and the sale paper that I received yesterday includes the 15-1994 on sale for $29.95, I have some questions.

How many learned functions can you store in the 15-1994? How many in the Cinema 7 learning remote?

How many macro functions can be stored in each?

How about total memory? I have Kenwood stereo components and due to complicated coding by One For All (you need to use two or three codes for both my receiver and my CD player) I have filled up just about all the memory on just about all of the One for Alls that I have tried.

How about ergonomics? Does anyone hate the 15-1994 because of its shape or button position? That is the one thing I don't like about the producer series. These larger remotes don't fit in my hands as well or allow button pushing as easy as the cheaper Cinema series.

Any other comments about the current crop from Radio Shack?

Sorry this is so long....

Marty

IR codes vary in length, so the total number you'll get on any learning remote will vary depending on the devices you program into it. I believe the RS 1994 is internally identical to the Cinema6/7 remotes with the same amount of memory reserved for learning, macros, and programmed keys.

At one point I estimated a total of 180 "units" of shared macro/programming memory for the Cinema7. Each macro step uses ONE unit. Each advanced key or key move uses FOUR units. You can have a total of 12 15-step macros (12x15=180) or 45 programmed keys (45x4=180) or any conbination that adds up to 180.

LEARNING memory is completely seperate from macro/programming memory and NOT affected by the number of macros or programmed keys you use.

I personally prefer the Cinema7 remote. Many find the RS remote to be more conservatively styled. The RS remote is larger. The buttons on the Cinemas are uniquely shaped and can be easily identified by feel. the RS remote has a backlight.

Both remotes can be programmed with far more finess than their manuals suggest. You'll want to search the Universal Remote Forum for the 1994 and this forum for the Cinema7 to find out more about them.

Dave

my 2 cents ... I have both -- I like the feel of the RS - my hand is small but I like the finish and it is roundish and easy to hold/use-- do NOT like the Cinema7 button locations or (particularly) the smallish numbers (literally) for the number keys -- but it is smaller and also convenient --
both seem to be exactly the same...as a matter of fact the C7 had better code for my VCR and it worked for the RS --- easy to program/use...unbelievable for the price (C7 was $24.99, RS (on sale) was $29.99)

Hey Mary,
as you can see, some people prefer the C7 - some prefer the 15-1994, personally I prefer the 15-1994.

David gave the more detailed break down on the memory space, but you should be able to store approximately 22 to 24 learned commands, and you can program 45 advanced codes if you don't have any macro's. (See David's explaination as to how the macro's use up that memory bucket).

As you mentioned that you have a Kenwood stereo, I have a word of caution. If you are using the amplifier device codes of 0313 and 0314, these are not present on the 15-1994 but they are present on the Cinema 7. If you are using the CD code 0028 that is on both. Personally I can control my Kenwood stereo using the CD/0028 code, the only button I'm missing is the input select button (which is the TV/VCR button on AMP/0314) which I had to learn. If you have the VR-309 receiver you might want to get the Cinema 7.

Check out my web site for more info on these remotes.

Rob.
[Link: stormloader.com]

Rob,

Thanks for the tip about the Kenwood. I have a KR V8080 Receiver and DP R6080 5 CD player. I can always try the 15-1994 and return it if I don't like it.

Does the 15-1994 have an X-10 control capability (what Radio Shack calls Plug N Power)? I know that the accessory IR to X-10 converter would be needed but since my other X-10 remote from Radio Shack is currently missing a button, I would like to know if the current models support X-10.

Both the RS 1994 and the Cinema6/7 can control X10 devices. It's simply a matter of programming the X10 device code on the AUX or your choice of device buttons remapped to be an AUX device. I believe the X10 device code is 0167. I could be wrong. It's in the user manual. With either remote you'll need the IR543 IR to X10 transceiver.

Dave

So does this also mean that the Plug N Play device code button can also be mapped to do another non X - 10 device on those remotes that have Plug N Play??

That is could I say make the Plug N Play key another TV or VCR device key?

Marty,

About the Plug and Play button... search the Universal Remotes forum on this website for 1994. That question has been answered before, but since I don't actually own a RS remote I haven't been paying attention.

Dave

The "Plug & Power" button can be used for X10 Home Automation, but it cannot be re-mapped to be a VCR or a TV, etc. So even though the 15-1994 is only a 6 in 1 remote, if you have Home Automation it's really a 7 in 1.