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User reviews for the Take Control TC1000 from Harman/Kardon.
Ratings
Reviews
MSRP (USD)
Average: 3.74/5.00 Median: 4.17/5.00
34
$349
Designed in cooperation with Microsoft, the Take Control is an ergonomically designed unit featuring a large backlit LCD screen, a selector wheel for scrolling through channels and menu options and large volume buttons.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 1-2 years.
Review 6 made on Friday January 5, 2001 at 11:23 PM.
Strengths:
I've yet found a device that I haven't been able to program with this remote. I really enjoyed being able to set up several button configurations allowing me to use the remote anywhere in my home with a remote and video sender the TC control all of my equipment in my family room (Dvd, laser, Jukebox changer & DTV.)
Weaknesses:
Brightness has definitely been a problem. Size of touchscreen buttons create a problem from my big fingers!! I also wish there was 2 more actual button on the screen which would allow you to go previous screens or go forward.
Review:
I love the TC but I was extremely lucky to pay less than $50 bucks for the remote more than a year ago... I wish I purchased all of them!!! If I had to pay more than $200 for it I probably wouldn't!!!! I was extremely happy to see the TC program to a Samsung LD player that i couldn't find a remote around with the capability.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 1-3 months.
Review 5 made on Tuesday December 19, 2000 at 2:26 AM.
Strengths:
Very easy to setup, recognised all my devices, from Plasma TV, to lights to fans etc. Chunky feel, like the thumb-wheel. PC interface eaasy to use, but sometimes slow. Excellent navigation keys make almost any type of menu possible.
Weaknesses:
Easy to default, changing batteries reset clocks and contrast. Contrast default is almost unreadable. Not very ergonomic and button delay does not work very well. I have a JVC DVD player and it expects longer key presses (not configurable) which means you have to hold the button longer than the beep and macros are impossible. Transmit duration function please. Also cannot configure button shapes - would be nice but not critical.
Review:
Overall a good, fast remote to use. Probably a nightmare to use without a PC and the default codes for devices are next to useless (for all my stuff anyway). In general I am very happy with this product so far, but still feel that I will buy something else when a newer/better model appears.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 1-3 months.
Review 3 made on Thursday October 19, 2000 at 6:39 PM.
Strengths:
Backlit, Touchscreen/buttons, PC programmable, Outstanding value.
Weaknesses:
touchscreen not always easy to hit exactly.
Review:
I never thought I would see the day when a touchscreen user programmable universal remote would sell for the price I got mine. Actually I have a Madrigal IRIQ. In one night over football, I had all my gear (prologic receiver, TV, DVD, VCR & Lighting) programmed and usable without even using the PC interface.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 3-6 months.
Review 2 made on Saturday October 7, 2000 at 1:18 PM.
Strengths:
Ergonimic design - much easier to hold than the Philips Pronto. Easy to push hard buttons.
Weaknesses:
The bitmaps are not customizable. The channel wheel does not work with many devices. Not enough memory. Would like it to have physical play, pause, rewind, fast forward, and stop.
Review:
For its price, it's a nice universal remote for small systems.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 1-2 years.
Review 1 made on Thursday August 24, 2000 at 2:45 PM.
Strengths:
Ergonomic, one-handed operation. Intuitive interface and software. Sturdy.
Weaknesses:
Can't rearrange buttons once remotes are learned.
Review:
We've had Madrigal's version of Take Control for over a year now. The day we bought it, I sat down, spent about 3 hours programming it, chucked all my other remotes into a box, and haven't touched them since. Not only did the remote learn how to operate my standard array of electronics (TV, VCR, LD Player, etc.) it even managed to operate the funny little remote-control fan we have. The only IR device I found that stumped it was the controller for my Sony Playstation. In the past year it has been the standard remote and done exactly as we could want of it. We've changed the batteries twice (Madrigal estimates battery life of 4 months), dropped it on occasion, and generally subjected it to the rigors of domestic life and a year later it's still going strong.
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