I'm going to start looking into universal remotes. I'm starting to wear out the remote that came with the TV and I wouldn't mind replacing the 4 that are always on the ottoman in front of me (which would please my wife a great deal).

I'd like to keep the cost under $200 but $100 would be preferrable. It should also be reasonably easy for someone to use that isn't a rocket scientist. I personally don't mind the time that has to be spent programming it. But once the programming is done it should be easy for others to use.

I've noticed the ProntoNeo in Yahoo shopping selling from $200 retail down to $79 refurbished.

I have a Sony DVD player and a Sony CD player that holds 300 discs. I also have a Yamaha 995 AVR and an older 60in Mits TV.

Anyone out there have suggestions/insights/real life experience/recommendations?

I'd strongly recommend the Home Theater Master MX-500. It's available for under $100 online. It's a great product, the best I've used. The ProntoNeo has had some issues, from what I've read online, and I've seen several people on this forum end up ditching it for an MX-500. Here are a couple reviews .

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

For a really cheap but powerful remote, try the Radio Shack 15-2116 for $30. It controls a lot of machines out of the box, and can learn anything else. It also can be upgraded to control everything if you have a JP1 computer cable, some free software, and the time to learn how to program it. In fact, this remote comes from the same company as the Outlaw remote and is very similar. You could do much the same with the Outlaw.

I'm using a predecessor model with Outlaw, Panny, Sony, Samsung and some other gear without problem.

I'm thinking of an MX-500 to replace the 950's remote...do you (gonk or anyone else who has this setup) recommend the URC-8811 and JP1 Cable to go with it? It doesn't seem I'd use it, as I don't even use the 4 macro buttons on the Outlaw's remote as it is.

Tanks and bombs.

-Joe

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Remember the Intellivision?
http://www.gotmaille.com/nostalgia/

Get the MX-500. It will improve your quality of life.

Gonk-

Do you think the MX-500 would control a 1050 nicely?

-Steve

I recieved the Sony RM-AV3000 as a Xmas present and have been very happy with it. It controles everything with no problems and everything is very large and easy to find. I don't like to many products made by Sony but this remote is top shelf IMHO.

Hope this helps

Lasher

Nostalgia -- I chose not to go with the URC-8811 and JP1, and am very happy with that mix. The MX-500 is easy enough to set up without a computer interface, even with a few macros tossed into the mix.

There's also the IR Clone , if you want to play with setting the MX-500 up on a computer.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

Absolutely. I've got it running my 950 without sacrificing any features or controls from the original remote, so the 1050 should fare at least as well.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

I have two mx-700s and one mx-500. I love them all. I gave up my prontos for them. Should work great for pretty much anything you throw at them. My only complaint is the macros can take a bit more time than I like, but thats just nitpicking. If you don't care about the warranty, the mx-700 can be found on ebay for about 180 shipped.

Well, as a result the responses I received and additional research on the Internet I've just ordered the mx-500. Unfortunately, it's a Christmas gift and my wife said I can't open it till then. So I'll let you know after Christmas.

I appreciate the feedback everyone gave.

Good choice audvid! Now put your wife on here and we'll see if we can help convince her to let you open your present a few days early!

A stupid question on configuring the MX500. How do you get the 950 to switch to the proper video source when you select the varoious devices such as SAT,DVD,VCR, ect. On the standard 950 remote when you hit SAT it automatically selects the correct video source. I hope this does not have to be done via macros sice I prefer to hit the source button on the remote without having to hold it down for a second.

Thanks
TPS

Any of the device buttons can also learn a command that will be sent when you select it, allowing them to behave exactly like the device buttons on the 950's remote. You can also assign a macro (triggered when the button is held down for a second or two), which is a separate feature.

EDIT: Just glanced in the manual, and the procedure for this is on page 22 --"Programming the Ten Device Buttons." You need to enter the setup mode, select LEARN, and then press the PAGE button rather than selecting a device. Then press the button for the device, followed by the button on the 950's remote.

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gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

[This message has been edited by gonk (edited November 21, 2003).]