Write a user review, win a speaker stand! AVsmarts.com and Remote Central are offering a special bonus contest for October. If you currently own a universal remote control, write your own review of it in our new User Review Database, then fill out the entry form on this page with your name, email address, and the remote you reviewed. Yes – this means if you’ve already written a review you can enter!

This contests runs from October 11th until midnight (PT) of October 17th. At the close of the contest we’ll randomly draw 10 entries. Each will win a pair of speaker stands. The stands come in various sizes, shapes and colors – so exactly what you get will be a surprise! This particular contest is only open to US and Canadian residents. UPS ground shipping throughout the US is included; Canadian residents may have to pay an additional fee. If you’re not in the US or Canada, please enter our main contest located on this page.

Tell me it’s so! Reports are indicating that the Home Theater Master MX-1000 remote control (click here for our review) is finally shipping out to dealers – however quantities will probably be limited until sometime in November. Next on my wish list for Universal Remote Control Inc., makers of the MX-1000, is the as-yet unannounced software package, which is apparently already in beta form.
[Talk about the MX-1000...]

Once again, the Pronto & RC5000 FAQ: As usual, I've managed to come up with a few last-minute additions since updating the Pronto FAQ to version 1.07d last week. So, with apologies to the kind folks who generate the Adobe Acrobat versions, the FAQ has now been upgraded to version 1.07e. For anyone looking to create their own serial cable, I’ve added a new wiring diagram that will hopefully be helpful.
[Talk about the Pronto & RC5000...]

Speaking of wiring diagrams, I’ve also created one applicable to the Harman/Kardon Take Control and Madrigal IRIQ, which do not use the same arrangement as the Philips Pronto. Click here. [Talk about the Take Control...]

Crisp and new: The eagerly awaited Crisp Solutions UCommand 616 remote control is expected to ship during the third week of October. Shortly afterwards, they’ll make available a PC software package known as RemoteLink. I’ve had a chance to take a look at a beta version of the application, which gives users the ability to fully configure their UC616 remote via a PC. RemoteLink will allow you to create, move, relabel buttons, record macros, set timers and transfer configurations to and from the remote. By supporting two types of files, RemoteLink will permit users to share files and specific device configurations easily through the Net. The optional docking station will be required in order to connect your remote. Take a look at the screenshot below:

And, finally, rumors have it that Crisp Solutions will soon be releasing a new remote similar to the UC515, but with a different backlight and more streamlined design. Stay tuned for further details and a review of the UC616.
[Talk about the UCommand...]