First, do installers program universal remotes if they did'nt do the whole install? I have a small to moderate home theater set up in my LR that I did myself. It's getting a little confusing now that I added a new TV and an HDMI compatible DVD player that don't directly go through my AV receiver. I programmed my older Onkyo remote for a few things, macros and stuff, but now would like to purchase another remote to do everything and have it programmed by someone else. Do installers do this and what kind of cost will it incur? In NJ if it matters.


**edit** OMG First thread and I may have already violated TOS. Is this a contractor ONLY forum? lol

I would suggest buying the remote and having it programmed by the same person or company.

Like myself, most installers are better and more proficient at programming one brand of remote over another and most can give you inciteful information as to the best choice for your needs.

Hello! I specialize in remote systems, particularly Home Theater Master. If you would like pricing and more info, please e-mail me at: [email protected]



Thank you,
Damon DG
= = = = =
Control Systems Consultant & Programmer

This is why you need Control4
The short answer is that yes, most firms will program systems they do not install but the outcome of that programming may not be as good as when that firm chooses the equipment in that installation. Toshiba TVs may display a beautiful image but they also may not integrate easily. Seriously, AHEM's advice is what I would follow. There are many of us here who are in your general area. Find someone who will sell and program a remote or remote system for you. Have you a preference for a remote? That would be an other question you need to ask yourself. For example, especially here many can program Prontos but not everyone could a Harmony. Or some may specialize like the individual above in URC products but many here also program them. Or you might wish to consider the big boys and look at a small Crestron or AMX system.

Alan

Please! We have enough problems in the industry without inciting another client!! Are you inciting him to riot, become excessively violent, leave his family??

Sorry, I got carried away. I knew you meant to give insightful info....

Thanks for the replies. I was waiting for an E-mail notification for replies, I may have that function turned off.

Let me just clarify, I don't have too many components and they're all in my LR for my LR set up. The list is 65H84 Toshiba (65 inch HD RPTV) Pioneer Elite 59AVi DVD player, Pio Elite dv F07 301 disk DVD player, Onkyo TXDS 787 AV receiver, Dish network 811 HD Sat receiver.

I don't really want to "overbuy" something I don't need. I would love something my wife could control. As of now, she tells me to turn the TV on and this is digging into my WAF since the new TV and DVD player arrived. lol

If I can, I would love to press a button and watch Satellite TV WHILE all the sound, video and whatever else needs to be input, be taken care of with one button. I would like to turn it all off in the same manner. Then when I want a DVD, press another button. I don't even mind using the remotes of each component AFTER all the inputs have been "one touched" in place. (I hope you're still following me) as the individual remotes for each component have all the buttons labeled of course, I find it easier that way... UNLESS... There is a remote that can somehow CHANGE with each Device, such as "DVD" then all the buttons would change the wording next to them instead of me having to remember what they're used for. THAT would be maybe worth the extra money to spend. I would have to weigh the cost/value myself of that.

Whew, long winded but that's sorta what I'm looking for. Is there a list of people I can contact? I'm in Clifton NJ.

One more question, Is there a place/showroom I can go and see the actual remotes in action? That would be great and help me make my decision. thanks again. Signed, WAF dropping... lol

I would definitely consider a Philips ProntoNG as IMHO it is one of the best remotes out there.
Since you can virtually start with a blank canvas, pretty much anything regarding one way control can be implemented .

A typical example of watching a Dvd would be for you to press a button or picture on the remote screen labelled 'Watch Dvd' the remote would then send out commands to Switch the amp on, select the Dvd sound, turn the tv on, change to the correct input on the tv (model dependent),press play on the Dvd.
The Dvd controls would then appear on the remote screen ready for your use.

This pattern could be the same for all your components.

When you are finished you simply press the 'all off' button and the complete system switches off and returns to your home page ready for switching on again.

The best thing about the latest models is they also use hard buttons for common functions such as volume and channel up/down, navigation.

Also if your budget allows you may wish to go for the ProntoPro which has a colour screen which our clients generally feel is clearer and easier to see.

My advice would be that you ask whoever programs a pronto or similar for you to show you an example of their work, these things should be made easy to use with a clear layout and no unecessary buttons - the less buttons, the more wife friendly the remote, the less headaches for you.

Chris.

I was going to recommend that you buy the Harmony and program it yourself, you have done a good job of convincing us of your general competence, and the Harmony is much easier to program than your last remote... Then you posted your eq list, and a potential problem reared its ugly head... I am pretty sure that the DV-F07 and the DV-59AVi respond to the same discrete codes... this makes the automation a touch harder, requiring 'IR routing', and perhaps something for a pro...

Good luck either way. This stuff is fun, that's why we all like it, and often how people got started in the biz...

Thanks again for the replies. I looked at the Philips ProntoNG and I'm assuming that's the 3000? Well, it looked pretty good but then I'd have to get it programmed. I know it sounds lame, but it's a little more than I wanted to spend. I did look at the Harmony remotes but I don't think my PC can handle it with Windows 98. lol I'm all screwed up I know...

Quite honestly, I don't mind using 2 or 3 remotes (instead of paying $600+). The main problem is just getting my macros back into gear. I have the Onkyo remote that came with the receiver that only does 2 macros. One for "on" and one for "off" everything, receiver, amp, TV. Then I use either my DVD remote or my Sat remote... You all know the drill (or have known at one time)

I may only need 5 or 6 macros to turn the stuff on and off while switching the "audio" , "video" inputs depending on what I use. So I can live with 2 or 3 remotes but need everything to turn on and inputs to be correct before I use the other remotes. That's why in my original post I asked about a $100-$150 remote. sorta...

I'm just testing out the water and seeing what's out there for the first time. I apologize if it seems I'm giving the runaround and changing my mind. I'm trying to absorb as I go along.

Already a long post, but I'd like to ask this question. Is it possible to have an OSD for the volume level when it is now gone from my screen after changing from S-video to HDMI and component? I kept the S-video plugged in but have to switch video settings to view the OSD. Is it an acceptable practice to have the system switch to the S-video connection through the remote just for viewing the OSD then having it go back to component or HDMI? How about just for the volume level chart?

Also, I may just block off the 59AVi's IR sensor because of the 2 Pioneer problem. I'm using the 301 disk player as a jukebox/library of Disks so I can access them on screen and take the desired disk out and manually insert into the 59AVi. So while I'm doing that, I can just turn on the 59AVi manually.

Still browsing around though. Please tell me if Im way off base with any of my thinking.

Looking at this now. Great price and looks like it would do what I need. Just found it though, I have to do more reading. I would love to go in a showroom and look at a variety of remotes in action! Any place for that in Clifton NJ and surrounding area?

Is it just me or did you forget to tell us what you were looking at?

Mark

cissado

Would you consider a remote that is less than $350 and would do everything you ask? Universal remote home theater master MX-700.

While it's not as 'techie' looking as a pronto, it does exactly what you want it to do and on a day to day basis, it's a lot easier to operate.

It should only take an hour or so to program if experianced with the remote. Probably the best investment you can make towards the simplified operation of your system.

LOL No, it' me! Here it is... Sunwave SRC-3810

I was also looking at the mx 500-and 700. Again, I would go with the least overboard one for my needs, that's why I tend to look at the lower models as well. I'll take a closer look at the mx700.

I've also been reading about the urc 200 and (I think..) the something 350... because the 350 would also control an rf device which I DO have in my Sat receiver Dish 811). I have to keep that in mind.

All great advice. Thanks everyone. I'll keep reading and surely come up with something. I'll pop in with a question or two, I'm sure.

PS I did NOT mention "$100-$150" price tag in my first post as I've stated. I wrote that on another forum and they directed me to this place.

The URC-100 or 200 would handle your needs. The RF is for the remote to transmit the codes to a base station (MRF-100 for the above remotes) and then the base station has flashers which you place on the IR sensors of your devices. The RF does not control RF devices. BTW, the Dish 811 can also use IR. The advantage of RF is for placing your equipment out of site like in a cabinet. Also, you don't have to point the remote at your device.

The MX-350 is a good choice in your price range if you don't need the RF. It is also very flexible with its RF if you want to add it in the future.

Bob

Wow, very valuable information. I'm glad you pointed that out to me. I DO have a clear line of sight to my components.I will just change the Dish 811 to IR.

Now that opens up more options for me. Thank you.