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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 under 1 month.
Review 11 made on Friday January 26, 2007 at 12:17 PM.
Also owned:
Philips --DVD-- (don't recall the model number but the purchase price was $10)
Strengths:
-- Excellent learning process -- Good compatibility -- Instant response -- Thoughtful, color-coded button layout -- Fancy macro buttons
Weaknesses:
-- A tad large -- Slightly off-balance when reaching for number buttons with one hand
Review:
The best thing I can say about this remote is that it performs exactly as expected. The buttons respond instantly and commands are learned flawlessly. The learning process itself is very simple, and it's easy to correct your mistakes. The code database also worked very well, often allowing me to avoid learning entirely.
Sony's layout makes operation painless as well. The volume and channel buttons are nice and large, and buttons are distinguished by color and shape to lessen confusion. The remote is a bit large, however, and the batteries cause it to be slightly bottom heavy. This isn't much of a problem, but reaching for the upper buttons one-handed can be clumsy.
The remote has some fancy macro buttons at the bottom, which allow you do anything in sequence, like powering on multiple devices, or changing to the correct channel after powering on the VCR (I haven't tried this one yet). These are a nice touch and reduce the number of times you have to fiddle with the system select buttons.
Overall this is an excellent product. Value is subjective, but $25 seems reasonable to me.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 1-3 months.
Review 10 made on Wednesday January 24, 2007 at 12:38 PM.
Strengths:
Good range
Weaknesses:
Buttons a little too sensitive.
Review:
Generally happy with the product. I purchased this remote based on Remote Central review to replace Panasonc GAO TV remote destroyed by toddlers, Toshiba VHS/PCM VCR whose remote died and generic $50 DVD/CD player from Costco, whose remote keeps disappearing, or is hidden by toddlers. I had to use the manual learn function for most devices and functions. Once it was programmed however, it has worked well. I programmed buttons to play CDs but need to go back and program some buttons necessary to navigate DVD menus.
The only thing I don't like is the buttons are too sensitive. If the dog sits on the remote, chances are he'll turn on TV and the volume will go up to 99.
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 9 made on Tuesday January 16, 2007 at 8:54 PM.
Also owned:
First stand alone universal remote bought
Strengths:
Codes for every component I own; learning ability worked first try that controls my lutron remote light dimmer;
Weaknesses:
The remote is somewhat bulky - rectangular in design (not ergonomic) although not really too heavy.
Review:
The majority of my components (CD player, DVD player, Receiver) are Sony and all worked with the first code I tried. My RCA TV worked with the first code I tried and the Motorolla cable box worked flawlessly with the remote. I control my lighs via IR control and the learning remote feature was VERY simple to setup and have it start learning and it worked perfectly. Everything I have wanted for a long time and at a VERY, VERY reasonable price - paid $25.00 at Best Buy. I probably could have saved $10 and bought the RM-V310 as it looks almost identical except only supports 7 components instead of 8, but as I mentioned before, the eighth component (tape button) is used for the lighting control. I am VERY pleased with the remote and plan on buying my parents one due to the ease of programming and use - I haven't tried the macro functions yet but that is something I am also interested in.
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 8 made on Sunday January 14, 2007 at 10:12 AM.
Also owned:
RCA, various
Strengths:
Resonable price
Weaknesses:
Very poor coverage of what should be common brands.
Review:
I bought the VL600 learning remote because I have a SoundMatters surround speaker that I knew I would have to "teach" to the remote. But I also have a 1 yr old Panasonic HDTV and a DishNetwork (EchoStar) satellite receiver. The remote has no codes that work for either device. The ONE and only code they have for EchoStar has a reference to 1998 - I mean, "hello", it's 2007... And it's not like Panasonic is an off-brand television. And, yes, I did try the "search" feature to find a code that worked for my TV, but that failed too. Now I could try to spend the couple of hours to teach the TV and satellite settings, but instead I think I'll spend 30 minutes and take the crappy device back to the store.
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 7 made on Friday December 29, 2006 at 5:25 AM.
Also owned:
supportplus 8 in 1
Strengths:
cheap, easy to use, lightweight, long battery life
Weaknesses:
not enough code list, does not cover any brands sold in europe, does not learn accurately, does not have automatic search you have to do it manually.
Review:
I bought this remote yesterday (25 USD+VAT) and saw that code list does not have any of the devices I own in it. so I decided to search the codes. than I saw that it is very difficult to find a code by searching. consequently I decided to learn the remotes I own to rm-vl600. fist I leraned my tv (beko brand) and sat receiver (kyoto). before going furter I wanted to test if it works. then it was a great suprise for me to find out that it was not working properly. for both tv and sat. when I push CH+ button it jumps from cahnnel 1 to channel 4. iti is also the same case for volume. instead of 1 signal it seems to send 3 or 4 signals at a time.
then I reset the remote, cleared everything and learned two remotes ance again but the result was the same.
so I will give it back since my supportplus 8 in 1 remote works better it even has an automatic search function which sends all the signals in sequence automatically. I bought support plus 5 months ago for 9 Euros funny isn't it?
considering the other user reviews I can not say this is a very bad remote but it is maybe my bad luck and maybe mine is a faulty one.
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 6 made on Wednesday December 13, 2006 at 9:43 AM.
Strengths:
Learns commands quickly and easily. Macros easy to program.
Weaknesses:
Lacks backlight. Some buttons too small for good feel (such as the guide, menu, exit, tools buttons). Could use a few more buttons.
Review:
I bought this remote as a cheap alternative to the harmony style remotes. I wanted something with learning and macro capabilities to control my DishTV receiver with DVR, Yamaha AV receiver, Sony TV, Denon CD player and Samsung DVD player.
After trying a couple of the preprogrammed codes with limited success, I decided to use the learning function to program all commands. I found this to be quick and easy, and allowed me to customize for each device. For example, when set to control the satelite/dvr I wanted access to the volume on my AV receiver and the ability to switch audio modes on the AV receiver.
I've set up two macros so far for the most used function - turning on and off the system for watching TV. I've programmed the "A" button to: 1. Turn on the receiver 2. Turn on the TV 3. Set the input on the receiver. 4. Return control to the satelite/dvr receiver and press the "set" DishTv command.
Button "B" is programmed to: 1. Turn the TV off 2. Return the Yamaha receiver to standby.
These macros were set-up in about two minutes (including the time spent reading the directions.)
I've only had the remote for three days, but my initial impressions are very positive. It is a very capable unit that learns commands quickly and easily, and is very simple to set-up. Good bang for the buck!
The reviewer has used this remote control for under 1 month.
Review 5 made on Friday October 6, 2006 at 9:29 PM.
Also owned:
Kameleon
Strengths:
Good code database, easy to program, it learned B&O codes, normal battery consumption, easy battery replacement, good ergonomics, inexpensive.
Weaknesses:
None.
Review:
I've owned a Radio Shack 6-in-1 Kameleon for over two years, and while I enjoyed the illuminated touchscreen and the excellent database of codes, I finally wearied of its excessive battery consumption and the cumbersome routine needed to change batteries.
I also wanted a remote control that could control not only components made by major manufacturers (JVC, RCA, Sony) but my Bang & Olufsen stereo receiver. I considered trying the Phillips NeoPronto or the even more expensive Pronto, but after my expeience with a touchscreen remote, I decided to go for radical simplicity. I wanted a simple, inexpensive remote with no illuminated screen or even a small LCD that would eat batteries. I read reviews of the Sony RM-VL900 and 1000 at this site. Both were suppposedly able to learn B&O's codes. I was set to buy the 900 when I discovered that the RM-VL600 had replaced it.
I purchased the RM-VL600 and am delighted by its performance. I easily programmed the codes for my video components. Then came the real challenge. Could it learn the codes for my 16-year-old B&O receiver? Yes, it could and did. At this price, the Sony RM-VL600 is an amazing value.
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