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User reviews for the One For All URC-9960 (Kameleon) from One For All.
Ratings
Reviews
MSRP (USD)
Average: 3.66/5.00 Median: 4.00/5.00
63
$119
The 8-device One For All URC-9960 represents the second generation of UEI's Kameleon technology. It features automatic backlighting, code learning, macros, Home Theater mode, easy setup, and more.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 3-6 months.
Review 28 made on Sunday May 9, 2004 at 3:50 PM.
Strengths:
Does all it says it will do
Weaknesses:
Eats Batteries
Review:
I was very excited about this unit. Ease of programming, animation, different keyboard displays per device selected, but the auto illuminate when picked up capabilities, well, that’s another story.
This thing lights up when my cat walks across the floor or a bus drives by one block away. Every time my Sub-Woofer lets out a descent bark it lights up.
My Battery expense after 5 months is now equal to the $90 purchase price.
What can I say, it now sits on a shelve in my home theater along with other discarded remotes. I went back to my old Radio Shack universal until something better comes along.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 3-6 months.
Review 27 made on Thursday April 15, 2004 at 1:05 PM.
Strengths:
Real cool looking, large library of pre-programed codes, learns other codes easily, good macros
Weaknesses:
Unbeliavable battery drainer
Review:
I have used many universal remotes and this one was quite easy to opperate, with good overall value EXCEPT for the battery usage. The guys at URC urgently need to do something about it if this technology is intended to be taken seriously. I am NOT a heavy user and the batteries last less than a month, simply because the damn thing will turn itself on whenever it feels like, no matter how sturdy you think your house is. Placing it over a pillow as I've seen suggested in other reviews will help, but the real solution would be to include a sensitivity control or, at least, a cheap ON-OFF switch so you could put it to rest when you're not at home. Bottom line: real nice remote if you don't mind the battery thing.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 1-3 months.
Review 26 made on Saturday April 10, 2004 at 1:29 PM.
Strengths:
Looks nice in the box. If you had all preprogrammed codes, it might be a good unit.
Weaknesses:
This unit is very poor in learning mode. It can only learn 7 keys for a device, which is useless. It have a very fussy IR receiver, which makes it tricky to even pick up a signal to begin with.
Review:
If you want to use this to learn a remote, you're out of luck. Do not buy this if you have a Bose System. It is too much trouble to get working, and you will end up returning it.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 1-3 months.
Review 25 made on Saturday April 3, 2004 at 10:36 PM.
Strengths:
Good functionality. Cool look. Good Macros and learning functions.
Weaknesses:
BATTERY LIFE of course. Back light buzzes and drains the AAA's. I'm using NMHi's and replace them every 3 weeks. No "tactile" buttons
Review:
There's definitely a "coolness" factor in having this remote, but it could use some features... Like some tactile bumps on the remote so you don't have to look at the remote every time you press a button. A dimmer on the backlite and some way of shutting it off so it doesn't go off with every bump. Otherwise, a bit pricey, but cool nun the less.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 1-3 months.
Review 24 made on Friday April 2, 2004 at 2:22 PM.
Strengths:
Doesn't loose settings when batteries are changed. Reprogrammable keys, Good tech suppport.
Weaknesses:
Uses AAA batteries that last less than a month. Limited brightness adjustment. Tech support recommended against rechargable batteries. I now use NiMh batteries.
Review:
It sucks! I should have bought a remote with buttons. Blanks out unexpectedly, a little shake brings it back to life. Lights up when I set a glass down next to it (It's very sensitive to vibration and is not adjustable). May not be a problem if you live on a concrete slab floor. Putting the remote on a pillow helps a little.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 1-3 months.
Review 23 made on Tuesday March 16, 2004 at 8:44 AM.
Strengths:
Ease of use. Menu screens that change with device selection. Home Theater mode for grouping keys from different devices. Learning functions from OEM remote controls. Large set of device codes available, upgradable by phone. User's Guide is written well and easy to understand.
Weaknesses:
Can program a maximum of 5 macros. Cannot change the key labels.
Review:
The 9960 controls all of my home theater devices and has functions that the OEM remotes do not, such as MUTE, FAV channel scan, INFO for display of channel information, LAST channel.
The appearance of this remote is attractive. The edges have smooth curves that feel good in my hand, and the bright display glows with a pleasing blue light. It is very easy to read. Animated graphics indicate which mode is active and when IR signals are sent to the selected device. You can even use it as a flashlight in the dark.
The remote control is silent; there is no buzz sound even at full brightness. The turn-on switch sensitivity is just right. It turns on when you pick it up or press a key. If you have bouncing floors, it may turn on when the floor moves from walking by, a loud subwoofer, or jumping dogs. My floors are very solid and that is not a problem.
I have not used any advanced codes. Instead I learn functions from the OEM remotes. I use 4 macros and 13 learned keys. The device codes control the remaining functions. You can reassign unused device keys to control a second device. For example, use PVR or AUX to control a second VCR or TV. When you press and hold keys, the function repeats, as it should. Useful for adjusting volume, audio or video.
I use four convenient AAA 15-minute rechargeable 800mAh NiMH batteries. I have the 9960 for 2 weeks, which is not long enough to measure the operational lifetime for a single battery charge, but changing batteries is easy.
I noticed that after using the Home Theater power macro, I need to press the SCROLL key the first time before using the HT cursor keys to navigate menus. Adding SCROLL to the end of the power macro saves pressing this key.
I don't like the appearance of the Radioshack brand Kameleon. I have the North America version from UEI.
The reviewer has used this remote control for 1-3 months.
Review 22 made on Friday February 13, 2004 at 5:42 AM.
Strengths:
- Home Theater function - Global Volume - Controls all components - X10 capacity - 5 programmable macros - Upgradable & Flexable
Weaknesses:
- Turns off too quick, time not adjustable - wakeup sensitivity
Review:
I purchased this remote because of the promise to control all of my theater components, several of which I have had difficulty controling via these all-in-one remotes in the past. And it did!! Even my KOSS DVD 260-2 (Canadian model) which was not listed in the manual or on thier web site was not a problem. Less then 5 minutes on the phone with customer service (which they answered immediately!) and I was upgraded and working.
For all my other components, setup was simple. And using a few advanced codes I found on this site & www.hi-fi.com, I was able to customize key placements & functions I felt would be better on different keys or locations.
The Theather mode is a great feature. No more switching to each component to send commands ... your most common components/commands are accesable all on 1 screen at the same time.
And macros work great, including the POWER macro on the Home Theater POWER key ... one press and all my components are powered on or off.
Many other people have commented on the sensitivity of the "wake-up" sensor, which is too sensitive. Yes, it does light up when you walk across the room, hovever I find that placing it where it feels fewer floor vibrations (arm of chair or sofa) does help. So far I'm still on my first set of batteries after 3 weeks, so we'll see. The other common complaint is how quickly it turns off. This should be adjustable, because when you are new to this remote, or programming, you do spend longer than usual looking for keys. However, once you become comfortable with the layout and location of everything, I've found it hardly an issue.
Overall, this is a class A remote. It solved all my remote control issues, and now I'm finally down to just one remote.
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