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Sony RM-VL600 Remote Control
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MikeMaroon's Review
I no longer have to move my lazy butt hunting all the remotes
Every day computer user, an early adopter, pc-user, DVD collector, cable user
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APR
1
2008
How many of you had carpel tunnel surgery from pressing too many buttons on more than one remote? Well, you don't have to do that anymore! I have discovered the "one remote to control them all". AND, it doesn't cost some ridiculous amount of money. The Sony RM-VL600 Integrated Remote Commander does everything you could ask of a remote except open the DVD player and insert/remove the DVD.
The deal is, I recently bought a new LCD TV (see my review, this page. That's my shameless plug for the day), an up-converting DVD player (I'll eventually go Blu-Ray, but the players are too expensive right now) and have a digital cable box with a DVR. I'm also about to add a small home theater system. The downside is, gaining new electronic equipment causes the remotes in the living room to multiply like rabbits. Add a 3 yr old and teenagers to the mix and you've just concocted the recipe for a lot of yelling, "Where the @$#$ is the (intsert your electronic device here) remote!!!!!!!" Not to mention having to pick up one remote to turn on the TV, then another to play a DVD, and yet another for the cable box.
Well, what comes to the rescue but an issue of Best Magazine. It just showed up in the mail, apparently because I had spent enough money at Best Buy with my Rewards Card. Anyway, this mag is dedicated electronics lovers like me, and this particular issue had a section devoted to universal remotes. Their top pick for an "entry-level" universal remote was the Sony RM-VL600. I decided to do some research to see if they were right. What I found was this.
There are remotes out there costing $900! NINE. HUNDRED. DOLLARS! I know!!! Personally I could never see myself dropping that kind of dough on a remote control, or even $200. While the Logitech Harmony 880 appears to be a fine remote, with all it's bells and whistles, I have mouths to feed. You know? Ruling out those remotes was easy, so I moved on to the more reasonably priced ones.
After reading professional and consumer reviews for remotes by RCA, Sony and several others, I finally settled on the Sony. Excellent choice, if I do say so myself. I found this remote at several retailers, but Target had the best price at $24.99.
I brought the device home, tore open the case and began what I was sure would be a lengthy process of getting this thing to recognize all my components. Boy, was I surprised. Within 10 minutes I had my new friend operating ALL my devices. The list of device codes included with the remote did NOT include my Vizio LCD TV, which is understandable since Vizio is a fairly new brand. The nice thing about the RM-VL600 is it provides 3 different methods to find the "sweet spot". They are:
1. If you have the code number, just follow the instructions and punch it in. Sony includes a pretty sizable list of codes for a wide array of devices.
2. If the code for your device isn't listed, you can search for the component code by pressing the "set" and "menu" buttons, then the button for your device type (TV, DVD, etc), then pressing the Channel +/- button + "power" repeatedly until your device reacts.
3. This remote has a "learning" function that allows you to place the device remote face-to-face with the Sony and teaching the universal the functions of the old remote. I think this is was makes the Sony so cool.
I was able to use method #2 to find my TV on the Sony and it found it after only 2 tries. I didn't even have to get cramps in my fingers finding my TV! I've not needed to use the "learning" ability since the code list worked for my other components. However, consumer reviews I've read indicate this function works well.
The RM-VL600 does just about everything the expensive models do, without the color screens, touch screens and accessing your pc. The Sony CAN, however control up 8 devices, to include a host of other components that will receive an infrared signal, like air conditioners, heaters, appliances and shutters. It provides 12 one-touch programmable "macros" so you can customize your set-up, allowing for a series of up to 16 consecutive operations with the touch of one button. Sony as also programmed in memory back-up so you don't lose your settings if the batteries go down (it requires two "AA" batteries, which are not included). All this and a 90 day limited warranty for $24.99!
I have only two minor gripes. The device is is not back-lit, so operating it in the dark could be a problem except that the buttons are all logically arraigned and knowing them by heart shouldn't take long. Also, even though it will operate my DVD, I can't get it to open or close the DVD tray. This is a VERY minor annoyance, since I have to walk over there and insert or remove the DVD, as even the $900 super-duper remotes won't do THAT for you.
This device is well-designed, attractive and the buttons are easy to use and program. For 25 bucks this remote will perform all the tasks you need. Use the other $875 to make the car payment and take your significant other to a nice restaurant. You can come home, grab your ONE remote, and enjoy a movie, or whatever.
Now, if I can just find the button on this thing that controls my 3 year old.......
Sony RM-VL600 Remote Control is recommended by MikeMaroon
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