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Topic:
Amazing Discovery: 15-1994 Radio Shack's new 6-in-1 Remote
This thread has 714 replies. Displaying posts 1 through 15.
Post 1 made on Sunday October 17, 1999 at 08:39
Andre
Historic Forum Post
First, Let me say that I am new to this forum, but not to remote controls. I discovered this forum yesterday and was extreamly impressed with the free sharing of information about hidden features on remote controls. I too, like to get the most bang for my buck. I don't want to spend +$200 on a remote when I get get the same functions out of a $20-$40 remote.

Introducing Radio Shacks new 15-1994 remote, the 6-in-1 Smart A/V. It's features are great: +Learning remote with 4 smart keys
+Backlight Keypad
+Supports 6 devices plus X-10/plug-'n-play
+Ergonomic design with nice key layout

But it's the undocumented features that make it a winner for me. You see I had a Radio Shack 150-1918 6-in-1 A/V remote and it had more features:
+Sequencing up to 15 commands (macros) on 2 sequence keys.
+Able to change a device profile. Turn an unused device such as "Cable" to a second "VCR" device key. This is a must have!

Well, guess what! The 15-1994 does this stuff too. It operates the same as the old remote. Instructions for the 15-1918 are on the web at the Radio Shack web site here:
[Link: support.tandy.com]

But wait, there's more. If some of these codes seem familiar to you, That's because the codes are the same as the well documented One-For-All "Cinema 7". That's right, you can access the advanced codes of your devices using the "P" key (instead of the "Magic" key). And you can even re-assign codes to any key on the remote as described at Starbase 314. http://www.starbase314.com/

This leads me to believe that more is possible. I suspect, but have not tried, the following.

+ Learn to any key on the remote.
+ Sequence (macro) to any key on the remote. I have tried it on a Smart key only (4s)

Now I only bought this yesterday at Radio Shack for $39.99. It already is doing 90% of what I need it to do. With a little more setup, I now know it will suit my needs. I hope this information was useful to someone.

-Andre
OP | Post 2 made on Sunday October 17, 1999 at 10:19
David B.
Historic Forum Post
Ah, that sounds like good old Radio shack for sure! They've repackaged either a Cinema6 ($20 bt no backlight)or an X-10 8in1($25 with backlight) as their own, and are charging double for it.

Now don't get me wrong, I love Radio Shack. But SHOP AROUND, SHOP AROUND!

Dave
OP | Post 3 made on Sunday October 17, 1999 at 11:26
Andre
Historic Forum Post
Dave,

If it were just a repackaged Cinima 6 I would have bought the Cinema 6 in a heartbeat. Heck, I have a Wal-Mart within walking dictance. In fact, I did go there first. Even with all the rave reviews for the Cinema 6, here's why I didn't buy it for $19.99:
-No backlighting on the Cinema6 keypad.
-Unknown if it has X-10 support without learning. The 15-1994 has x-10 commands clearly labeled on the remote.
- Didn't like the hoaky number shaped keys on the Cinema6.
-Overall look and feel of the R.S. 15-1994 is more pleasing to me. If you what to see it for yourself, here's a link:
Radio Shack Catalogue

I was more then happy to spend the extra $20 to get those features. And with the support for the Cinama6 so strong, that only helps support a version of it, like the 15-1994. Now that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to have payed less. I kept my reciept, and Radio Shack will honor a sale price if it goes on sale within 30 days of purchase, so I'll be watching next month's flyer. But, as for exchanging this remote for another model, you'd have to pry the "special suede-like finish" from my cold dead hands.

In fact, I just finished wiring my house with an IR repeater system. So, I may buy a second one to keep upstairs.

-Andre
OP | Post 4 made on Sunday October 17, 1999 at 13:04
steve
Historic Forum Post
I contacted the local Radio Shack
stores in my area but no one had it and
did not no when it would be available.
Should this remote be hitting stores
anytime now or can it be purchased off
there website? Also, does the backlighting
do a decent job?
Thanks,
Steve
OP | Post 5 made on Sunday October 17, 1999 at 14:03
Andre
Historic Forum Post
Steve,

It's available now, but not all stores have it stocked yet. Some stores are waiting to sell out of the older models before getting the new ones in.

The first Radio Shack I went to didn't have it either. I asked the clerk to do a store search on his computer. A Radio Shack store only 3 miles away had 2 in stock. I live in the Indianapolis area. He called the store, and they put it aside for me.

As far as the backlighting of the keypad goes, it's the best I have seen. The light is a soft blue, and it is very easy to read in both low light and no light conditions. As with most backlite keypads, you can also disable it to increase battery life.

-Andre
OP | Post 6 made on Sunday October 17, 1999 at 17:31
David B
Historic Forum Post
Ok.
1) Cinema6 and 7 don't have a backlight but my Cinema7 has several "glow-in-the-dark" keys that glow about 15 minutes after you've held them under a light. In my opinion it was a wasted effort. The logical grouping of keys was easy to train my hand to operate in the dark. No big loss. For those with less skilled hands a clip on light ($3) operated with an X-10 lamp module ($5)can be clipped above your easy chair. Hmmm... $20+$8.... I'm still ahead.
2) Either can control X-10 commands easily On a 6 you have to use the CD device and set it to code 167 to get IR X-10 control. The 7 has an AUX key I use for X-10. Neither controls X-10 using RF. Forget the 6. Get a 7. I got mine at Best Buy for $20 on sale.
3) The shaped number keys make identification in the dark easy. In fact most of the frequently used keys have their own unique shape. Very thoughtful.
4) All that wonderful ONE4All learning ability your Radio shack remote has is already in the Cinema6/7. In fact, I've gotten my Cinema7 to about 85% the functionality of my Pronto (but with no touch screen).
5) "special suede-like finish". Are you sure? Have you ever actually felt real suede? Sounds like worthless Hype to me. I sorta like the fact that fingerprints don't show on the lightly textured finish of my Cinema7 and it doesn't slip out of my hand.
6) Why do I use a Cinema7 if I've got a Pronto? I got the Cinema7 because it was cheap learning macro programmable remote I wouldn't worry about ruining. I've modified it with a mini stereo jack on the side that allows me to use it as an X-10 activated IR macro emitter. Radio shack parts totalled $4. I'm still ahead. It's such a surprisingly well layed-out remote that it's become the one I tend to reach for BEFORE reaching for my Pronto.

I don't doubt the Radio Shack remote is a nice remote. Radio Shack should just be selling it for $25 instead of $40.

Oh... I forgot totally about the X-10 8in1. RF X-10 control, 8 devices, backlighting, macros, learning, and on and on...

I had one (came FREE with another X-10.com purchase) but sold it when I got the Cinema7. That should suggest how much better the Cinema7 is in design, layout and functionality.

Gee, isn't this fun?

Dave
OP | Post 7 made on Sunday October 17, 1999 at 19:00
Andre
Historic Forum Post
Dave,

I agree that comparatively speaking, Radio Shack should be selling this remote for under $30. But, they aren't. As for you coming out ahead, if that helps you sleep at night, more power to you.

Truly the RS remote is a Cinema7 (6 Devices + X-10 = 7 Devices). $40 isn't all I spent. To use the IR for X-10 instead of RF like the X-10 8-in-1, I had bought the RSU 10037703 mini controller console 3 years ago for $39.99. And I spent $200 for IR repeaters through-out the house so that I can use my Home Theater system anywhere.

You know what, it's a matter of personal preference. The X-10 8-in-1 doesn't have PIP for TV so I didn't want that remote. The cinema7 didn't have backlighting and I didn't like the look of it. I choose to spend a little more for something I think is important. Would I buy a Pronto for $249. No way. You did and that's your choice.

Sure it's a Cinema7 in disguise. My main reason for posting was to let people know about this remote and about the undocumented features. I'm not saying go out and buy one. Isn't that what this board is for?

-Andre
OP | Post 8 made on Sunday October 17, 1999 at 21:22
David B
Historic Forum Post
I'm sorry, Andre.

I don't care how you spend your money.

I like using puplic forums such as this to make manufacturers defend the claims they make for their products. I assume you don't work for Radio Shack but your "sales pitch" was the kind of ad claim I like challenging. Thank you for the spirited discourse.

Dave
OP | Post 9 made on Sunday October 17, 1999 at 21:33
Daniel Tonks
Historic Forum Post
Don't forget, One For All is just the market brand of Universal Electronics. They design the remotes, own the IR code tables etc. Radio Shack just got UEI to make them a custom model. I must admit the design looks a bit more sophisticated (plain but clean). The menu control buttons are in the exact same style as the A/V Producer 8 (oval shaped with thicker right/left buttons). $40 may seem a bit high, but wait for a sale or something...
OP | Post 10 made on Monday October 18, 1999 at 06:15
Andre
Historic Forum Post
Dave,

No appology necessary. I too, am a cynic when it comes to ad claims. In fact I did my original post was somewhat tongue-in-cheek, in the format of an infomercial. You're correct in assuming that I do not work for Radio Shack.

Now that I have discovered this forum, I look forward to many more spirited discussions.

-Andre

OP | Post 11 made on Wednesday October 20, 1999 at 14:11
Kathy
Historic Forum Post
Andre,

This new remote sounds very interesting. The Cinema 7 remote is great and I really like it, but I do not like it's cheap looks and the lack of backlighting (the 'glow-in-the-dark' keys are a joke). I would be willing to pay an extra $15 for this new remote if it has the exact same functionality as the Cinema 7.

Now that you have had a couple of days to play with it, can you:
1) Stack commands on the Power button to power on/off all of your components (macros on the Power button).
2) Use the same discreet codes as the Cinema 7
3) Learn on any button (not just the 4 learning buttons)

Also, at exactly which Radio Shack did you get your remote? I live in Indianapolis also and checked with the Radio Shack in Carmel. They didn't have it in stock and supposedly checked their computer and said that no other local Radio Shacks have it either.

Thanks for letting us know about this remote, it may be just what I am looking for!

OP | Post 12 made on Friday October 22, 1999 at 07:18
Andre
Historic Forum Post
Kathy,

It's nice to know someone out there appreciated the information. :-)
The answer to all of your questions is a definate yes. I have tried all of these, and they do work.

I bought my 6-in-1 Smart Remote at a Radio Shack on the south-west side:
Marwood Plaza
3349 Kentucky Avenue

They had 2 in stock when I was there. Good luck.

-Andre
OP | Post 13 made on Saturday October 23, 1999 at 21:52
David Lenz
Historic Forum Post
I just found out from a tech at Radio Shack's web site the 15-1994 will lose it's programming when you change the batteries! Not a good thing.
OP | Post 14 made on Monday October 25, 1999 at 07:56
Andre
Historic Forum Post
Well, I just check this out. Thankfully, it is not the case.

I removed all 4 of the batteries from my 15-1994 for a good five minutes and all the programming stayed. I'd try it for longer, but I don't think that it's necessary. Obviously the R.S. tech was incorrect.

-Andre
OP | Post 15 made on Monday October 25, 1999 at 09:55
Kathy
Historic Forum Post
Andre,

I found the 15-1994 over the weekend (at a store on Pendleton Pike). They had just gotten it in on a truck and hadn't even entered it into their inventory on the computer.

I have it set up identical to the Cinema 7. It is interesting how I pretty much followed the exact same setup commands that I did with the Cinema 7!

Thanks for the heads up on this remote. The backlighting is WONDERFUL and it has a great look AND feel to it. Makes me curious as to how they make it feel "soft"?
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