Anyone have recommendations on RF universal remotes? I've seen the Home Producer 8 from smarthome.com and the Jensen SC-595. I've heard complaints on both regarding RF range and keypad layout. Suggestions?

According to One For All, RF performance was improved on the URC-9800 (Home Producer 8 Learner) over the non-learning version. The keypad on it is pretty well layed out, though I would have liked a few more specific button labels (it seems quite geared to TV/VCR).

I own both the 8090 and the new 9800. I have not noticed any appreciable improvement in the range of the 9800 over the 8090. The key layout is good for both. One handed operation is ok too. Both of these remotes do the job I need them for, barely. Since there is no better alternative out there I have kept them.

My complaints with the 8090 are that it will not support one of my devices and OneForAll does not offer an upgrade for it( A Sony Preamp). Otherwise I have been able to set it up in a manner that is very convenient with key re-mapping and macros. The RF range is about 60 feet with no walls. From there subtract about 15 feet for each wall you have to go thru. I know they advertise 100 feet RF range, but I have not been able to duplicate this.

The 9800 is identical to the 8090 except that is has six learning keys for each device. There are 8 devices offered so there are a total of 48 learning keys. This solved my problem that I had above with the Sony preamp not having a code but it also used up all the memory available after I used up all the learning keys, remapped a few keys and put in two macros. This remote needs more memory and ALL of the keys should be learning keys. If they could do this, along with support for 10-12 devices instead of 8 it would be a killer remote.

ABye

Daniel/ABye,

Thanks for the tips. Know where I can get the 9800/Producer 8 Learner? No luck with WalMart, Circuit City, Best Buy, internet.

Mark

Try Smarthome.com.

I bought the 9800 at Best Buy for $99.

Also try www.JandR.com They are a NYC mail order house for electronic stuff that I have gotten a lot of stuff from in the past. Their prices are always good and the delivery is prompt, usually the next day. Alternatively I have used Smarthome.com Their prices are not as good and the delivery is about a week.

Arthur Bye