Looking for all-in-one remote that's suitable for MCE

FrankGrimes

I’m just after buying some new AV kit and I’ve now got a ridiculous amounts of remotes in my living room so I’m looking for a remote to replace them all. I know there’s lots of Logitech etc. options out there but there’s so many models I don’t know where to start. I’m looking for one to handle macros, with Windows Media Center buttons a bonus.

Here’s the gear I need to control:

1. Samsung 32” LCD TV
2. A HTPC running Windows Media Center
3. A Yamaha RX-V 361 AV Receiver
4. An LG LH-T 760 IB home entertainment system (i.e. DVD player plus 5.1 surround sound speakers).
5. A Dreambox 500c set-top box
6. An Xbox 360 (not a priority)
7. Wireless sockets (again this is just a bonus but if it had RF to replace the remote I have for controlling 4 plugs that can be switched on and off wirelessly, that would be a big bonus).

I’d prefer to go for a wand style over a tablet I think, and would like to keep under 250euro if possible – am I in or out of luck do you think?

Krusty_Clown

I have had a Oneforall Kameleon 8206 since Christmas, but only got around to configuring it yesterday. It manages 6 devices and doesn't do RF, but it would manage most of the other functions you are looking for, specifically:
TV, media PC (without special buttons, but you can map any of the existing buttons), receiver, DVD player and Dreambox. Isn't the XBox bluetooth rather than IR?
Anyway, for me it works for my LCD TV, Cable, Satellite, Yamaha Receiver, and Media PC. I also have it setup for my IR lighting. Still have to do some work on the macros etc, but it's all motoring along rather nicely at this stage..

The 8210 model, which operates up to 10 devices, also features RF transmission, but I'm not sure if you could use this for RF devices, or if it is just hard-coded for their RF Command Center. A quick review of the manual would reveal all:
http://www.oneforall-int.com/download/manual/MANUAL_URC8210_English.pdf
Costs around 200 euro, from Dalepakdirect.

ffocused

I have 2 harmony remotes a 525 and a 555. (67 & 90 euro respectivley from komplett.ie) The only difference is the screen colour and the 555 has 2 more buttons.

http://www.komplett.ie/k/search.aspx?q=harmony

Both control MCE no problem. With the harmony software you can get it to do anything you want, once you have the original remotes. Most remotes are in the database already.

They take a bit of setting up, but once you are up and running they are a godsend.

Daith

ffocused wrote:

I have 2 harmony remotes a 525 and a 555. (67 & 90 euro respectivley from komplett.ie) The only difference is the screen colour and the 555 has 2 more buttons.

http://www.komplett.ie/k/search.aspx?q=harmony

Both control MCE no problem. With the harmony software you can get it to do anything you want, once you have the original remotes. Most remotes are in the database already.

They take a bit of setting up, but once you are up and running they are a godsend.

Have to agree here. I have the 555 and works great. I control TV, XBox, Media PC, Sky+, Sony amp with it.

Works great and even the non-techies in the house like it. They never liked using the HTPC as a DVD player but all they have to do now is press "Watch DVD".

The only complaint I have is that there's a lag between input and the device registering it. It takes a bit of getting used to but once you are it's fine.

FrankGrimes

Thanks for the info lads.

I've seen some reviews of Harmony remotes (e.g. the 895) that actually cost quite a bit but don't handle macros so if you need multiple button presses (e.g. TV on, TV input to HDMI2, AV on, HTPC On, DVD = Play) they don't work that well. Do the 525 and 555 have similar problems?

Daith

FrankGrimes wrote:

Thanks for the info lads.

I've seen some reviews of Harmony remotes (e.g. the 895) that actually cost quite a bit but don't handle macros so if you need multiple button presses (e.g. TV on, TV input to HDMI2, AV on, HTPC On, DVD = Play) they don't work that well. Do the 525 and 555 have similar problems?

Well the 555 has "activites"

Essentially if I press "Watch DVD" the following will occur with one button press from me.

Turn TV on
Set TV to PC Input
Turn AMP on
Set AMP to Video 1
Turn PC on
Bring up the DVD Menu

Likewise if I want to watch SKY+ the system will change TV Input, AMP input but it will also shutdown the devices I don't want to use.



I'm sure the 895 would be the same but I don't know what benefits the extra price would bring.