I have a buddy that is contemplating a universal remote and a new entertainment center that would place components behind wood doors. Total components that he will need to control:

Wide Open West High Def Cable Box

3 or 4 year old entry level Denon Receiver. I believe 1600 or 1800 series.

TBD DVD Player

TBD 3 or 4 year old VCR. Toshiba I think?

Yet to be determined bargin Plasma TV. Possibly a Maxent.

I think some of the lower cost Home Theater Master remotes may appeal to him but am a bit worried about the RF performance.

I currently have a MX-800 & MRF 200 (Version 2.0) combo and have had a fair share of problems with missed commands.

Question 1: Does anyone have Home Theater Mater Experience with the entry level units?

Question 2: Are all Home Theater Master Remotes learning remotes?

Question 3: Are all Home Theater Master Remotes capable of RF and IR

Question 4: Have users of these remotes via RF had good experience?

Question 5: Is Home Theater Master the right choice? I have had good luck buying Harmony remotes as Christmas presents. I just don't really know how to get past the cabinet door problem on his entertainment center

Find something with discrete ir codes.



If he needs a VCR get sometinh with discretes. Sonys can be had for under $70


I'd pay up for a better set with discretes



The cheaper units arent pc programable. I'd go for the 850 with mrf300. Doesnt sound as if your buddy will pay up for it though. He can save some dough going for a mx800 with mrf250.


Typically, with proper troubleshooting, almost all of the problems can be cured.


I tried a mx600. The extra time required to set it up and difficulting in making minor changes wasn't worth the savings over the 800/850


Yes


No. MX600/800/850/950/300 are.
mx700 is not. Check their site for info on the real cheapies.


I typically have even when given less than ideal circumstances.


I think so.


I'm not a Harmony fan. Sorry Larry!

Well, depends exactly what you're talking about when you say "Home Theater Master"...

Home Theater Master
MX-600, MX-800

Complete Control
MX-350, MX-650, MX-850, MX-950, MX-3000

Consumer Series
URC-100, URC-200, URC-300

So, basically, you're just left with the MX-500 and MX-700 without RF (and I suppose if we're talking about the low end stuff, also the R5, R7 and SL-9000).