I just stumbled across this site while trying to learn about a marantz RC2000 i'm about to purchase. Cool site, way too much to pick up in an hour or so. Heres my dilemma. I have never owned a "learning" remote (I programmed my dad's Onkyo remote though thats the extent of my knowledge). I own a Shure HTS-5300 surround processor, but lack the remote control. I just purchased a new one from ebay that comes with a remote (dont have it yet its in the mail). In the past, I have tried to get the cheap code-remotes that do stereo equipment, and even came across one with a code for shure equipment, but nothing ever controlled this unit. (I also couldnt get them to control my DVD player, a samsung model -- maybe that unit is too new for it?) After reading in the forums that the RC2000 has a hard time controlling certain frequencies, I am beginning to wonder if I am wasting my time getting this (or any) remote. Maybe I am worrying for nothing, but I dont want to spend the money if it wont work for me. Does anyone have experience with these early-80's processors or know about them? What is the possibility of changing the frequency if the current frequency wont work??? Thanks in advance for any answers! Please write me at [email protected] since I may not keep good track of this forum. Thanks again -- Adam

OK I looked around some more and see there is a lot of interesting remotes out there. I would like to tell my needs and get some good ideas. My price range is 50 to 125 dollars. I always wanted one of those touch screen remotes, but after seeing the reviews, I like the feel of the raised buttons. My system consists of a Scientific Atlanta cable box (early model) Currently an RCA vhs vcr (probably adding a JVC S-vhs to it shortly) Samsung DVD, Zenith TV, Carver C-5 pre-amp, Carver TX-12 tuner, Shure HTS-5300 Dolby surrond processor, and Technics SH-AC500 Digital processor. I currently have a One-for-all "Big Easy HT Plus" which learned macros (more than the one button -- I found I can program every key to do what I want except the mode keys) and it controls everything except the DVD, Technics SH-AC500, and the Shure processor. If I remember right I tink it can control the Technics, but its either that or the carver and the carver is used more. I would like to have something that will control all the functions of the carver preamp AND tuner (the current unit barely touches the features of the tuner) but only touches the volume controls of the Shure. If I decide to use the DVD player, it should let go of the carver remote but control the technics volume controls and dvd functions (good to have control of the vcr too since I use that as a video switcher). Power control should be a macro that will turn everything on and off at once (Amps and stuff are hard-wired through a relay system controlled by the switched power output on the back of the carver preamp -- they dont need control) Sounds like a lot I guess but I would think if it is programmable it should be able to do all that fairly easily. It must be VERY easy to navigate since the fiancee doesnt like anything that doesnt look like a factory tv remote! (I could care less but she has toooo much say in the matter) I have all the remotes to the equipment and programming wont be a problem. Is the RC-2000 what I need or is there anything better??? Thanks for any advice -- Adam

I would definitely recommend the HomeTheaterMaster MX500 as the best choice in terms of ergonomics currently available. I believe it to be far superior to the RC-2000. I have both.

I was a Shure HTS dealer and installed many systems, most of which utilized a learning remote control popular at the time (the old, old Xantech 4 page remote). I don't recall any problems with learning the Shure codes, which leads me to suspect that they were NEC format codes. Both the RC2000 and the MX500 should have no problems learning these codes.