Hi,

I hope you can help me figure out what remote I need.

I have:
ACER LCD TV: 3705 MGW
DENON S-301 semi-surround set
Samsung DCB-H360R (HDTV) Set Top BOx

To watch TV one has to switch on all three of these devices and put them in the right mode. I have no problem with that, but wife and kids do.

Is there a programmable remote that allows me to configure one button press that switches on all three apparatus together. Then the volume up/down should simply manage the Denon, while the Program up/down should manage the Samsung, WITHOUT having to switch devices.

And of course it should be able to learn the ACER codes as those seem never to appear in any remote control database.

I am willing to spend up to 200 dollars/euros.

Thanks for any advice,

Erik

Basically you want a remote that supports macros (playback of a sequence of commands from a single button), and to support the Acer one that can also learn IR codes. Now, these are not overly difficult specifications, and you can get something that can do those two things for as little as $25 (Sony RM-VL600).

However, with a $200 budget you open yourself up to many more options - more powerful remotes that offer greater customization. For example you could get a touchscreen remote, or a hard buttoned remote with LCD screen for custom button and device labels, or an activity-based Harmony, there are even some traditional computer programmable remotes in your price range.

Let me know if anything sounds appealing! :-)

Thanks for confirming that a macro can be programmed to deal with multiple devices. I could not figure that out from what I read.

Since my kids need to deal with the remote, touch screen seems inappropriate. Hard button with an LCD for labelling seems a good option though. I thought of something like the MX-500. Or better/cheaper alternatives?

What is the advantage of PC-programmable if I have to teach it the ACER codes anyway?

Great website BTW, really impressive!

Thanks,
Erik

You should also do some research to see if any of your devices support discrete codes (ie, codes that take you directly to the right input, without needing to use a menu or toggle button). If they do support discrete codes, you'll want a remote that will be able to generate the correct signal, which would mean a "One For All" on the cheap end or "Pronto" on the expensive end.