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Topic:
HK TC30 First Impressions
This thread has 5 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Monday January 15, 2007 at 14:29
beckp
Founding Member
Joined:
Posts:
May 2002
96
I received my Harman Kardon TC30 for Christmas. I started my programming endeavor the day after and put in all my devices and activities and nothing worked first time. I did some more reading on this forum for hints and turns out changing the delays fixed just about everything. I say I invested about 2hrs initially to get things working. This was actually beneficial as I learned the software and was able to dig deeper into customization. During this time I realized the Tilt Sensor was broken so I accepted the fact I needed to return it for a replacement. Here is where the review starts.

The remote was purchased from http://store.wholesaleav.com/ as they offered a very decent price. I called for a RMA number and sent the remote back to them via USPS Delivery Confirmation. Since I sent it this way I asked if I could get a replacement shipped before they received the defective one, no go. OK, they received my return on a Saturday, on Wednesday I contacted them for a UPS tracking #. I was told they don’t process returns until Fri/Sat. So in the name of customer service (aka lack of actually) my defective remote sat for a week before they even looked at it and would be sending a replacement. This fact alone gives them a failing grade in my book.

The replacement has arrived and works fine. Overall I like the size, shape and feel of the remote, it’s very clean looking. Getting it programmed to control everything was not that hard, just slow since the web software is a little slow and the trial/error process. First thing, the screen isn’t near the quality the pictures online show (which is actually a sticker). It’s color and does the job but don’t expect something real nice. Most importantly though, the WAF seems way high with this since she can now manage to control the system. A few things I wish were better were the size/feel of the volume & channel hard buttons. They are small, hard plastic with a real definitive click. Wish they were rubber like most of the other buttons. I also wish the backlighting for the channel number buttons was brighter and the buttons bigger, there is room. The transport buttons are great. Another wish is I would like to be able to add my own background pictures on the main activity screen (add my name to the long list here).

Overall this remote get’s a passing grade given its cost for what it delivers. It’s not the full scale programmable remote we all wish it were but again, it only cost a little over $100. IMHO this is a great remote that is middle of the road. If you want a beautiful screen, fully customizable (not to mention time consuming) than get a Pronto Pro
Post 2 made on Saturday February 3, 2007 at 07:38
grs
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
December 2003
32
Thanks much to beckp for the review. I'd already purchased my TC30 but as I'd gotten into the setup, thought I'd check in here -- and found beckp's review. Since my setup isn't yet complete, I can't add much yet on that aspect. However, two points.

First, I am having a devil of a time peeling off the LCD-screen sticker. Why do they glue these things on as if to prevent theft of just the sticker itself! I'll likely have the beautiful bezel scratched before I can even use the thing.

Second, I'm replacing my Pronto Pro with the TC30. I'm even embarrassed to use the Pronto Pro as a paperweight (more than a grand sitting around doing nothing -- not even increasing in value as art might). After the battery finally gave way (I'd had the thing three years) and no luck finding a replacement online and after three years of fooling around with frozen screens, slow responses, inability to consistently and automatically update, totally useless "organization" of channel listings, weak IR transmitting (I refused to spend yet more money for the "booster"), and the intermittent unwillingness to "awake" from its sleep state, I finally threw it out. So, I recommend you not purchase a Pronto Pro regardless how you feel about the HK TC30 or how you might feel about any other remote.
Post 3 made on Sunday February 4, 2007 at 13:52
grs
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
December 2003
32
OK -- supplementing beckp's review.

Setting up the TC30 was simple. No more than half-an-hour operation. Worked first time (although I did go back and edit some settings for convenience sake). So far, the TC30 operates reliably and consistently and easily switches from one system setup (TV) to another (stereo). It looks nice laying around, too!
Post 4 made on Monday February 5, 2007 at 16:17
Kevin C S
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
January 2006
183
Could someone please confirm if the TC30 battery is a unique battery for the remote? ie. It isn't internal AAA batteries that are getting charged (would be better IMHO)?

If this is the case, what is the life expectancy of the battery? and what is the cost of a replacement? Most cell phone batteries like this only seem to last a year or two before they are toast rendering the device uselss. I realize this is a LiIon battery though which should last a lot longer. I am just concerned with a remote becoming useless due to its battery whereas one that takes standard batteries would/could/should last a long time.
OP | Post 5 made on Monday February 5, 2007 at 18:30
beckp
Founding Member
Joined:
Posts:
May 2002
96
It's not AA or AAA type batteries but rather is a Li-ion Battery pack (930mAh 3.7v). I did a quick Internet search on the numbers on the battery pack to see if a replacement was available. No luck but I didn't invest much time, HK's website doesn't offer a replacement either.

Last edited by beckp on February 5, 2007 19:50.
Post 6 made on Monday February 5, 2007 at 19:25
Kevin C S
Long Time Member
Joined:
Posts:
January 2006
183
Thanks for the reply.


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