Hey guys! This is my first post and I'm already begging for help. I'm helping a friend get his system updated and he bought a STRDA2100S that I hooked up for him. We sat down and started playing with the remote that came with the unit and it didn't take long for us both to say "Forget it!!" (Well, not in THOSE exact words, but...) Anyway, I told him I'd do some research and see if there's another remote out there that would control his unit and make it easy enough that he and his wife could kinda figure it out. One thing they want to use is the 2nd zone feature on the receiver which the wife uses to go outside on the patio and take breaks from her home based business. Should I stick with one of the bigger Sony remotes or is there another brand that would work for them? A main remote with a second smaller one to control the 2nd zone wouldn't be out of the question if there's one available.

Thanks,

This message was edited by MikeA57 on 11/02/05 10:07 ET.

OK, did I ask the wrong question or just not the right one? Several lookers, no response. I didn't think that what I was asking was too out of line or maybe no one else has a DA2100 (most likely scenario). How about this then: I'd like to get a remote that will control all of the basic functions of a new Sony receiver in the ES line which shouldn't be a big deal. BUT, in addition I'd also like to be able to easily switch from controlling the main zone of this receiver to the 2nd zone. The supplied remote requires a multiple button push just to get the receiver into 2nd zone mode. Then you can control input, volume, etc. Can this multiple button push be programmed into one of the Sony remotes so that only one button has to be pressed to get the unit to control the 2nd zone?

Thanks guys,

Mike,

I have a Sony AV 3000 and really like it alot. I used to own a Sony ES receiver along with a DVD player, CD Recorder, VHS and cable box hooked up to the ES receiver. My Sony 3000 handled everything with ease. You shouldn't have any problems programing Zone 2 with the 3000. It has Macro's that you can program to do that. Plus, it also has round component buttons that may also be programmed for a multi-function task.

Ironically, I just upgraded my Sony ES receiver to the Denon AVR-3805 receiver and replaced my entire speaker system with a 7.1 Phase Technology speaker setup. The reason I'm telling you this is because when I was looking at new speakers, everyone would ask me what I'm powering my system with. I told them a Sony ES receiver. Everytime, the reply was, "ouch....get a new receiver and THEN come talk to us about speakers." So I did and I love my Denon receiver. I hope this helps give you some insight as to what a fellow Sony ES person went thru.

In closing, I DO like my Sony AV 3000 remote. It was easy to program, and has an easy to read manual with easy to set up macros. Even the round function buttons on the remote, I programmed for multiple functions. The only thing I miss on the 3000 is the ability to label the touchscreen buttons to what I want them to say. On each touchscreen button, you have a choice of 4 predetermined labels for each button. The 3000 learns commands well and has great presets.

Thanks Steven. I read through the whole review of the 3000 and now the 3100. I think that's what I'm going to suggest that this guy get. I was just very surprised at how difficult it was to get the Zone 2 features to work on the supplied remote.

Mike