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User reviews for the Sony RM-VL600 from Sony Electronics.
Ratings
Reviews
MSRP (USD)
Average: 4.31/5.00 Median: 4.67/5.00
25
$29.99
The RM-VL600 is an 8-device hard buttoned universal remote that replaces the RM-VL710 and RM-VL900. It features full IR learning capabilities, a preprogrammed code database and a dozen 16-step macros.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 3-6 months.
Review 18 made on Thursday July 12, 2007 at 10:47 AM.
Also owned:
Sony RM-AV2100
Strengths:
Very cheap, very easy to use, reasonable tactile feedback, reasonable keyboard layout. It does 95% of what the RM-AV2100 does for a fraction of the price.
Weaknesses:
Difficult to program, lacks discrete on/off commands, no PC connectivity, limited database.
Review:
I have owned a RM-AC2100 for some years, and when the backlight of that unit failed I had to get a new universal remote. I chose the RM-VL600 because of the very low cost. I don't want to spend too much money on a remote. It's controlling a Sony surround amplifier/reciever, an LG HD/DVD recorder and a Panasonic TH-42PX70 plasma television (which recently replaced my Sony Television)
The RM-VL600 does 95% of what the RM-AV2100 does for a fraction of the price. The ergonomic is very much better than the RM-AV2100, and it's very easy to use, also for the wife and children.
And if you own Sony equipment, it's really really good value for the money, as it has some tricks for Sony equipment, e.g. automatic power-on when pressing a component select button. When it comes to non-Sony equipment, it's getting a little more difficult. Learning mode is very easy, so it's easy to replace the original remotes of non-Sony equipment. But advanced macros are a bit more difficult, due to the lack of discrete codes. E.g. programming a common "All off" button may be difficult, depending on your equipment. Also, not being able to adjust the delay between macro commands makes it difficult to program advanced sequences.
Honestly, I'd rather have some PC-programmable unit, but I won't part with that kind of money for a remote. So for me, the RM-VL600 is the best compromise between functionality and price.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 1-3 months.
Review 17 made on Monday July 2, 2007 at 5:46 AM.
Also owned:
Logitech 525, Dai 1Chi Uni RCU, Chunghop RMX-18, Chunghop RM96, Crest 5 in 1 RCU with learning.
Strengths:
SONY RM-VL600 RCU REVIEW
Simplicity, robust, logical layout very good value.
Weaknesses:
A bit too long, bit too wide [5mm], back is sheer not good for grip, back is tapered to heavier lower end, function buttons are too soft on RCU lower panel.
Review:
Perhaps a bit long physically, ergonomic value is lost with it being 5mm wider than my other Sony remotes, back is too sheer and tends to slip through hand, don't like the tapered rear being thicker at the heavier end over the battery bay. The multi function buttons and system control [fast forward / play etc] are too soft in response, so a minor bump will trigger the wrong selection, this is a pity compared to my most favourite remote from the Sony RDRHX910 which has excellent ergonomic proportions, particularly being slightly narrower with a curved rear body which helps control immensely, this is lacking in the RM-VL600.
Don't get me wrong, I have a list of remotes tried prior to liking the Sony, the first of which went in the bin after four frustrating hours [Logitech 525]. The RM-VL600 has just become available in Australia and is not compatible with standard Sony models marketed here. For example the RDRHX910 Hard Disk DVD recorder with Dual Scart connectors has no user code which works. The next device I wanted to control was a STB for Digital Tv, this was a Strong brand, common in Australia. The latter can be programmed to learn codes from the component's original remote, however none could control the product after all sorts of methods to learn, delete and re learn made no difference.
Puzzled by this I bought a Sony DST-HD500 set top box to replace the also new Strong device. There was no matching code for this STB.
However for all my Sony products, DVD Player, Hard Disk DVD recorder, STB the RM-VL600 learnt from the original remote with consummate ease, I prefer this approach anyway and occasionally I will modify a button
Even better my wife is learning how to tackle all the equipment from one RCU.
As a simple device with just the basic number of functions I am very impressed with the RM-VL600.
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 16 made on Thursday May 17, 2007 at 1:24 PM.
Also owned:
Lots and lots
Strengths:
Nice feel and easy to use, looks good too.
Weaknesses:
Not a lot of product codes
Review:
I see from a previous user review that they didn't like the remote because newer DIRECTV DVR's didn't work. I used the set + channel up + PWR option when setting and was able to find the receivers code and then I used the learning feature to fix the buttons that didn't work. The setup was really easy and I setup everything in less than an hour.
Easy to program buttons where db fails. Reasonable layout.
Weaknesses:
No chapter skip buttons? DVDs need it, let alone HTPCs. Should also have an aspect ratio button label, and a delete button. Not a big deal.
Review:
My needs are modest, and it fulfills them completely with only a couple of minor disappointments (no chapter skip).
My only problem is getting hold of discrete code information for my TV (Hyundai) so I can program it exactly as I want - i.e. to hit a button to take me to a 'mode' - e.g. to watch TV - turn TV on (not toggle on/off), change TV input, change TV aspect ratio, turn amp on (not toggle), switch amp to TV input. It's all possible with the remote, providing I can get the discrete codes for the units. My failure to do this so far is not a limitation of the remote. Also, to do this I need to get an IR emitter, which wouldn't be a requirement with a more expensive remote. However, an IR emitter is cheap.
My ratings are with reference to the price level. Obviously, the quality and features aren't above average in the company of three-figure pricetag remotes. Available on Ebay for a song.
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 14 made on Tuesday February 20, 2007 at 9:41 PM.
Also owned:
Too many too list
Strengths:
Small, Lightwieght, good price point.
Weaknesses:
NOT ENOUGH PRODUCT CODES. I own a newer Hughes/DirecTV DVR unit and it will not run it. I called Sony and they have never heard of such a thing. I will say their Customer Service was good.
Review:
It's not a bad unit but it needs to have more codes preinstalled or the ability to program more in. As one other reviewer stated, the stuff we are using is name brand, off the shelf.
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 13 made on Monday February 19, 2007 at 1:40 AM.
Also owned:
One for ALL, Harmony 659, and original remotes
Strengths:
EASY TO USE ( DID I SAY EASY? ) Works all my electronics for my Home Theater set-up. Macros pretty easy to set-up also!
Weaknesses:
Not light up keypad
Review:
First off I want to thank all the people on this web site who gave their reviews! This remote is awesome especially for the $25.00 I spent vs the $100.00 for the Harmony Remote which I had to spend 6 hours trying to program and talk with tech reps from Logitech ( I sent it back ). This remote first off was so easy I actually was elated.. I was able to program my Sony STR-DE595 Receiver, JVC XV-65 DVD Player, Toshiba 27AF45 Tv, Scientifica Atlanta Cable Box, and My Audiovox XM Radio..It took me less than 2 hours and the System control buttons for the Macros were even easier! My Wife is grateful, she hated not being able to hit one button and start everything for watching a dvd and now she can! Same gos for me I love it! 5 stars!
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 12 made on Friday February 16, 2007 at 1:23 PM.
Also owned:
Harmony 659 (a great one, by the way)
Strengths:
Macro and mini-macro ability. When using with the Harmony, both remote control complement each other greatly.
Weaknesses:
Have not found one yet, especially for $25.00
Review:
I've been using the Harmony RC for a few years and get use to the "activity" base instead of "device" base as most of the universal rc does. After reading the review of this Sony RM-VL600, I thought to myself, with the learning, macros and punch-through capability, perhaps I can make this to work similar to the Harmony? Besides, I want a remote control for my bedroom's TV & Satellite receiver anyway.
I bought the Sony RM-VL600 from a local Best Buy for $24.99, but also notice that this is available everywhere, including Circuit City and Target for the same price. Instructions for entering codes, learning new signals, or deleting learned signals were easy to follow. A brief description and examples provided at the beginning of each section also helps a great deal. My LCD TV is made by Sony, so I didn't even need to enter the codes. I notice the component select buttons are pre-programmed to power on Sony devices when being pressed. Learning signals from the Satellite remote control was easy and without a problem. I notice that in both device, the transport buttons (Play, Pause, etc.) are not being used.
Now the fun part, programming macros, mini macros, and component select buttons. Being obsessed with Harmony activity base, I want to be able to click on a component select button and get the TV automatically change to appropriate to the correct input. So I look up the Harmony data base and found the discrete codes for Tuner and Video1 inputs. Load that up into the Harmony and teach this command to the TV and Satellite component select buttons, and voila: it works like a champ. Next step was to program favorite channels onto the transport buttons using mini-macro feature. Any button on this remote can learn several commands if you can punch in quick enough. I tried to program channels 2.1, 5.1, 11.1, etc. and had a little hard time to get them all in especially for 20.1 (4 commands). So this is when the Harmony becomes helpful again. I programmed the Harmony using cloned device method to send out these signals in one push of the button, and as expected, the Sony remote control took it in easily. Once this is learned by the Sony, I once again teach this code to the Harmony so that I don't have to use the clone method in the Harmony (Sorry, this may sound confusing, but you would know if you're familiar with the device clone method work around for creating macros in Harmony)
I did some more teaching/learning/programming and overall, everything went well as expected. Using both the Harmony and Sony remotes helped a lot. Harmony remote limitation was macro-ing, which now can be learned from the Sony. Sony remote limitation was with the ability to learn a long list of commands and not having discrete codes for some activities, which now can be provided by the Harmony.
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