greghwin wrote:Yes it will. It is controlling my Xbox at the moment and so it should control Media Center. I also saw the Media Center choice on their website when I was programming it.

I bought 4 of these when Best Buy had the clearance last year. Had to go to 6 different stores. I've programmed 2 (one for me and one for the wife) with the same profile to control my Home Theater system. It controls my Yamaha Rcver, Pioneer Elite Plasma, DirecTV, Xbox360, Samsung BlueRay, and Asus O!Play, all using RF (I also bought the RF antenna that is compatible with this). Remember that this was originally priced at $179. It's not perfect, but for the price, this is a great "poor-man's" home theater remote.

You seem like you have it so can you tell me if it supports. Sony KDL-46XBR4, Scientific Atlanta 8300HD and Sony DAV-HDX500 and no idea what Vizio I have but just see if they have a strong list of Vizios. Thanks =)

Also if I was to set up everything how easy would you say to use it for someones grandma who just wants to turn to her favorite channel.

If there is an easy way to just get all the supported devices just copy and paste the whole thing and put it in a text file and shove it to mediafire and let us do the finding.

cutdisc wrote:Yea? But how many neighbors would you like to mess with from the coziness of your porch?

Hah! An RF module nicely hidden in the neighbors house would help acheive this task!

Benabik wrote:Tech heads: Uses ActiveX for setup, so no Mac, Linux, Chrome, or Firefox friendliness.

Non-techies: My non-techie wife and roommates never quite got used to using this remote, but easily use the Harmonies we had before and after it.

I got one of these on clearance when my Logitech Harmony broke and when this one broke I happily went back to a Harmony. The Harmony broke because it fell into a recliner on a regular basis. The AR just stopped working one day when I left it in the charger overnight.

Things a Harmony does that this does not:

• Power button turns off everything. The AR just turns of the "primary" device, which often left us with the cable box off and TV on all night.
  
• Remembers what devices it's using. When you switch activities on a Harmony, it will turn off things you won't be using. The AR just ignores things you don't need and tries to turn on the things you need. This sometimes results in it turning off something you needed.
  
• Remembers which activity you were using. If you hit the "Devices" button to, say, turn off something, you then have to go back to "Activities" and select your activity again. Which will try to turn things on again. Which may turn off something. :-(

That said, I found the AR setup webpage easier to use than Logitech's with a nice graphical layout of the remote to help figure out what goes where. Although it didn't recognize as many of my devices as Logitech did.

And while I found it at least a workable replacement for the a Harmony, when I went on a trip my wife just didn't watch TV because she couldn't figure out the remote.

TL;DR - If you want a remote that Just Works, then get a Harmony. If you can put up with some quirks and have a Windows machine, then this one is decent.

Wow! This can control my windows too! I love this country....

theguruguys wrote:They also show up quite frequently at ebay daily deals under the refurbished product listings.

I would only recommend the 300i as a remote in a bedroom for only a couple of devices, or perhaps as second remote in to compliment a 650+ in the living room, its too stripped down otherwise.

The screen on the 650+ series along with the assist/help features and more macros available really make them worth the price difference.

I bought the Logitech 670 for my parents but it turned out to be way too complicated, and had features, i.e. macros, that they would never use. I'm now debating whether I should get then the 300i. It's not a learning remote but Logitech claims to use a database of over 5000 products. That should be fine since they only use the most basic of functions (they don't even know how to use the MUTE button!).

stevedog1 wrote:All video reviews ive seen and read state exactly what the description specs say, which is,

"Built in 433 MHz RF works through walls, ceilings, and floors giving you whole house control (RF extender required; accessory model ARRE433B)"

Exactly. It EMITS 433 MHz. The RF Extender is the device that RECEIVES the RF, and converts it back to IR, so if you want it to control your IR devices through walls you will need the add on module. If you have a DirecTV RF device that already receives RF, it apparently will work without the add-on module that converts the RF back to IR.

theguruguys wrote:Exactly. It EMITS 433 MHz. The RF Extender is the device that RECEIVES the RF, and converts it back to IR, so if you want it to control your IR devices through walls you will need the add on module. If you have a DirecTV RF device that already receives RF, it apparently will work without the add-on module that converts the RF back to IR.

Ah, I see what you mean. I interpreted it differently. I figured if it were Allready rf capable, then why would it need an rf extender. I understand now.

phiyuku wrote:You seem like you have it so can you tell me if it supports. Sony KDL-46XBR4, Scientific Atlanta 8300HD and Sony DAV-HDX500 and no idea what Vizio I have but just see if they have a strong list of Vizios. Thanks =)

Also if I was to set up everything how easy would you say to use it for someones grandma who just wants to turn to her favorite channel.

If grandma's needs are very basic, most TV and cable remotes can control control multiple devices. If she has a cable box, you can simply program its remote to include her TV (probably just on/off and volume up/down). The cable box can be programmed to default to her favorite channel whenever it's turned on. Or if she has many favorite channels, simply use the Favorite Channel feature so that the remote cycles through all her favorite channels.

If she doesn't have cable/satellite and uses the TV's tuner, most TV remotes also have a Favorite Channel feature. You might want to look into the Logitech 300i, which is on sale at eCost for $16.99. No fancy display or learning feature, but Logitech claims a database of 5000 devices.

Can it control my xbox 360?

sdc100 wrote:
If she doesn't have cable/satellite and uses the TV's tuner, most TV remotes also have a Favorite Channel feature. You might want to look into the Logitech 300i, which is on sale at eCost for $16.99. No fancy display or learning feature, but Logitech claims a database of 5000 devices.

The 300i does have 'macros/programmable buttons' as well for changing TV inputs (HDMI1, HDMI2, etc) for each device "DVD, Sat/Cab" etc, which makes it a step up above most of the universal remotes that come with the satellites/cable boxes. At $16.99 its a great for a basic remote that can still have some 'advanced' features, and can be programmed through easy web interface.

Can I take control of these remotes? I know I can juggle them but can I explain them to our guests?

Anyone know if the ATI RF Receiver will work with this. Hopefully no one goes on ebay and buys all of them cause I an hoping to figure out if it works with it so I can snatch one myself. The IR receiver/remote combo I have is a little iffy right now.

I installed one of these for an elderly client of mine. It was a major PITA. The main issue is that the remote does not remember device states. For example, it won't remember if the TV is on or off, so if you run a macro that turns on the tv and DVD player, then run a second macro that turns on the tv and cable box, it will send the tv on command a second time, turning it off. It made for a very frustrating experience. This is a good price, but I'd still spend the extra and get a Harmony instead.

Does this work with old tvs and Roku?

My boxee box remote is rf too bad! Assuming it can't learn rf -only ir.

I am wondering; since is using RF and IR, is the IR range adequate in a larger room ?

anyone know if this remote will control a Bose Sound dock?

If it also played Angry Birds I'd be in for 3.
;)

gideonfrost wrote:Anyone know if this will work with a roku box that's usually where I get in trouble with Universal remotes.

yes

Astounded that no one has asked... will it control my Acoustic Research XA turntable?

http://www.vinylnirvana.com/ar-gallery/

Can it control a Roku? If so I might buy a few.

How does this compare with the Universal Remote 980?

http://www.universalremote.com/products/residential/remotes/mx-980

I use one of these and it does well though it is several years old and programming is a bit tricky. I actually have the 950.

One of the things that intrigues me about the Harmony (possibly the AR remote offered today) is that most of my equipment has toggle on/off. Apparently the Harmony can tell if the equipment is on or off. This would simplify my life, as I often have to go to the equipment room and see.

How can the remote tell state of the equipment if it is operating though RF to IR emitters?

Comments greatly appreciated!

Do you guys remember when Woot sold the ESPN WiFi version of this remote, then like two weeks later the corresponding website for the WiFi feature was shutdown?

I hope this sale doesn't mean the website to setup this remote will be shutting down soon.

Woot recently "screwed" me on a Dlink Storage Router which was advertised as having a FrameChannel service which would stream tweets, weather, pictures, etc from the FrameChannel site to the router's lcd screen. Well, I never even got the chance to use it once! FrameChannel was shut down a few weeks after I placed my order with Woot!

Regardless, I am still taking a chance on one of these, when it turns into an epic fail I will just wait on a deal on a top of the line Harmony (drooling over the 1110). Can't wait 'til remote manufactures slaps remote capabilities into these crappy, cheapy little tablets. A 7" touch screen wifi capable tv remote running android is what my life needs...heck this may exist, something similar to an L5 iphone app/dongle but for android tabs?

Does anyone know if this will work with Tivo premiere?

thedirtydrunk wrote:Does anyone know if this will work with Tivo premiere?

I hope so, because that's what I've been wanting to get this remote for...getting tired of picking up the wrong remote....even though I got a white one for the TiVo HDs and a black one for the TiVo Premiere. Thinking one remote to control all 3, and then some would be a good thing.

Though not sure what all that isn't...since the TiVo remote turns on/off my TV and Receiver....though it limits me to not using other TV inputs, etc.

Nice timing...otherwise I was about to buy this remote elsewhere for double the money

I would also like to know if this can control RF devices such as the PS3, or is it's RF functionality just for controlling IR devices that are behind a wall?

This would go well with

http://sellout.woot.com/

qwiktune wrote:Anyone know if this would control something like a HDMI Switch? The On/Off and switching between channels?

I wish Woot would find us a line on a bunch of Zektor HDMI5 switchers....or something comparably better ;)

I have the HDVI5, and it can be programmed to select an input based on any IR signal. So, I'm using a button on the respective devices remote to select the input.

It is good, while I only have a DVI input on my HDTV....but been thinking that someday I'm going to cave and get a new display from Woot (ideally just before I need to buy a new bulb for my current)....so someday I'm going to want the equivalent to do HDMI.

Plus I already have more than 5 things....just not using a couple at the moment, but want to....

I bought one of these remotes about a year and a half ago. This is hands down the best remote I have ever owned. Controls my TV, BluRay Player, Surround Sound, DirecTv (RF), Deck TV and Thermostat. Custom keys, custom icon images, and it also learns other remotes.

I'm in for two! My first Woot in nearly a year! i thought I had kicked the addiction, but I guess not. :-(

Syndil wrote:From the product description:



It's a learning remote, so it's capable of controlling ANY device that you currently own an IR remote for. No need to ask, "will it work with...?"

I bought a "learning" remote that could not learn the functions of my Panasonic DVD/VCR, so that's not necessariy a certainly. But the one I bought was not this brand, so I'm not saying anything about this particular item.

I have one of these -- paid a lot more for it, too...

It works reasonably well. The buttons controlling the guide/menu for the FIOS box are wee little guys right under the screen so that takes a little getting used to. I also use it with the RF extender while keeping the cable box, DVD, etc in the closet. Using the RF, I sometimes have problems getting each button push to be recognized so I sometimes have to push "guide" a number of times at different angles to get it to register - pointing it at the wall seems to work for some reason.

As mentioned before it is not Mac compatible - but is within virtual windows. I HIGHLY recommend using the web based set up over just using the remote or learning functions. It does download pretty quick.

Other issues: I have had the backlight sometimes stays on and drain the battery quickly - only way I can seem to get it fixed is a battery pull. I cant ever get the thing to keep the time correctly. The touch screen is resistive so even the couch cushions can push the buttons and, depending on how you have the soft keys set up, can perform those functions (eg, pillow can power off the tv).

PROS: Price is right for an RF capable remote - direct tv RF compatible out of the box. Nice full color touchscreen. Backlit buttons. Highly customizable (if you take the time). I have had no compatibility issues with my hardware.

Does anyone know if this will work with my Cox cable jDVR by Scientific Atlanta (Explorer 8240HDC)? There were a few functions that the last remote I bought could not learn about the DVR features, so it was not a keeper.

waylandsmith wrote:I bought one of these remotes about a year and a half ago. This is hands down the best remote I have ever owned. Controls my TV, BluRay Player, Surround Sound, DirecTv (RF), Deck TV and Thermostat. Custom keys, custom icon images, and it also learns other remotes.

Dido.

I am resisting the urge to get another. You CAN'T beat this price for functionality of this deal.
I also have the RF-IF module. It works great to control my speakers on the deck when my reviver and audio source are inside.

Syndil wrote:From the product description:



It's a learning remote, so it's capable of controlling ANY device that you currently own an IR remote for. No need to ask, "will it work with...?"

So you're saying it will work with my laserdisc player? Sweet!

Does anyone know if this remote supports Audio Receivers?

NocheFamily wrote:Does it work ps3?

PS3 is not an IR controlled device. This will not control a PS3.

Syndil wrote:AH I get what you are saying now. It doesn't remember what is on and what is off?? I would have thought that would be a basic feature of any macro enabled remote.

This is actually a fundamental flaw in the design of ALL remotes (to my knowledge). They have a "power" button that sends a signal to the device to toggle its power off/on. A remote that tries to remember whether a device is on or off will get it wrong if you happen to be pointing the remote the wrong direction and inadvertently hit the power button (say it falls down the side of your La-Z-Boy and you butt-dial the power button) or if someone uses another remote.

The device manufacturers need to define two additional signals: "Power on" and "power off", which would not change the state of the device if it is already correct. Then a remote can be programmed to send the "off" signal to all devices you don't need to use right now.

Lord John Whorfin wrote:I had an Acoustic Research remote which required a web service to function. When that company folded, the remote became useless. AR's response to my request? Tough.
I would strongly suggest you consider how they stand behind their product before you decide to purchase.

Lord John is right. I got one a while back, and there is no longer any support. The company went under. This means if the items you want to control are not in the device, you may be out of luck.

theguruguys wrote:If a macro turns a device off, the next macro isn't aware if the device was turned off on on last, and you end up having to use the 'assist' quite a bit more than needed. The Harmony remembers which devices it has turned off and on, which is the main difference.

They do both have the assist feature, I'll edit my earlier post to clarify.

Am I the only one who cycles through and just turns on the devices I need manually? The power button on my harmony isn't tied to everything... I don't want it to be.

Charles.

Benabik wrote:
Things a Harmony does that this does not:

• Power button turns off everything. The AR just turns of the "primary" device, which often left us with the cable box off and TV on all night.
  
• Remembers what devices it's using. When you switch activities on a Harmony, it will turn off things you won't be using. The AR just ignores things you don't need and tries to turn on the things you need. This sometimes results in it turning off something you needed.
  
• Remembers which activity you were using. If you hit the "Devices" button to, say, turn off something, you then have to go back to "Activities" and select your activity again. Which will try to turn things on again. Which may turn off something. :-(

Excellent and very helpful post. Sorry, Woot: I was about to buy one of these (the AR) until I saw the info about the Harmony. My only question: Which Harmonies have you owned, and do they all have the same sort of capability of "knowing" which things you'll need on/off? I looked at the Logitech array of Harmony remotes and most are out of my price range, up to about the Harmony 700 (and even *that* seems awfully steep, at $119.99, full retail). I like the Harmony One, but unless I can find something on eBay, I won't be paying 200 bucks for a remote control.