Hello Rick,
Thank you for your question.
Allow me to go out on a limb here and make a very strong
recommendation. You did not mention a price range for this device, so
I have not taken that into consideration, although I consider my
suggestion very reasonably priced considering what it can do.
EVERY remote on the market, even the all in ones, are what I call
"Device Centric". That is, if you want to watch a DVD, you turn on the
TV, set it to video 3, turn on the DVD, push play, turn on your stereo
receiver, set it to input 4, etc, etc, etc.
There is one exception, and it is made by Harmony Remotes:
http://www.harmonyremote.com/
They make three devices starting at $199 that are "ACTIVITY Centric"
and utilize Smart State Technology. Let me explain:
If you want to watch a DVD, you click Watch DVD and all of the above
listed steps are performed for you from that one click. If you change
your mind and want to watch cable tv, click that activity and your
set-top box is turned on, tv changed to input 2 (for example) and away
you go. Want to listen to a CD? Then click and the TV turns off, set
top box off, CD on and play hit, receiver changed to audio 1, etc. The
remote always knows what equipment is on and what settings they are
currently using.
It works with virtually any device that can be controlled by a remote.
Here is where you can find more information and even test drive one
online:
http://www.harmonyremote.com/
What is the Harmony Remote?
The Harmony Remote is the first internet powered universal remote
control. With Smart State Technology, the Harmony Remote controls all
of your home entertainment components with a single button press. It
even has free TV listings right on its LCD screen. To configure your
Harmony, connect it to the web through your computer with the USB
plug-and-play port. When you see something you like on TV, press the
Zap button. When you next connect to the web, information about the
show will be on your member web page. (more...)
http://www.harmonyremote.com/Setup/test_drive1.htm
Test Drive Harmony Remote Setup
http://www.harmonyremote.com/
Frequently Asked Questions - F.A.Q.
What does the Harmony do?
What is the difference between the Harmony SST-745 and SST-768?
How easy is it to set up the Harmony?
Does the Harmony support my devices e.g. my JVC AV-277720 Television?
Can I set-up the Harmony using Mac?
Does the Harmony Remote have support PVR functionality for devices
such as TiVo?
What conditions apply to the TV listings?
Why is the LCD screen at the bottom of the Harmony?
Why does one of the LEDs point straight, and the other angled down?
Is one bent?
There is also a users discussion group on Harmony Remotes available
here:
http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-harmony/list.cgi
Welcome to Remote Central's message forum system! This section is for
the discussion of Intrigue Technologies' Harmony SST-768, SST-748 and
the original SST-745. The Harmony is an innovative concept that, in
addition to being Internet connected, helps harmonize all of the
components in your home theater system. If you have questions or
comments regarding advanced programming, customization or enjoyment of
the Harmony, you've come to the right place! Be sure to read our
SST-768 and SST-745 reviews for more information.
Search Strategy:
I was an early beta tester for these products and have in depth
knowledge of their features and use.
I trust my research has provided you with an affordable solution that
will do all you want and more and control almost any device that can
be controlled with an IR remote. If a link above should fail to work
or anything require further explanation or research, please do post a
Request for Clarification prior to rating the answer and closing the
question and I will be pleased to assist further.
Regards,
-=clouseau=- |
