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Finally, a Universal Remote Control that is Just That! Written by: Dan Daily
Hi Gang! Something a little different today. Totally un-computer related; I happened upon the very first remote control in my life that's completely cleaned off my coffee table. And, it's VERY affordable! With Christmas coming, I thought I'd share this with all of you.
So, Let's Go! .
Why a Remote Control for a Column? That's easy; technology is just that. Whether it be computers, audio or visual. The purpose of these tips pages is to point you in the right direction. I'm still doing that and you're going to thank me for this one...
What Makes the Perfect Remote? I can tell you what doesn't: Everything I've ever tried! I've tried various universal remotes over the years and have never been happy with any of them. The cheap ones won't run all the functions of all my equipment; that means you still have to have the old remotes laying around. The expensive ones take forever to program; you have to start all over when the batteries go dead, and are far too complex to use for the less technophiles of us out there. Or, they're just too darned pricey! Who would ever pay over 200 dollars for a remote control? (except for the geeks at PC Magazine maybe...) The perfect remote has to be fairly simple to set up, has to light up and hopefully will only display the buttons that the particular piece of equipment needs. No more, no less. And, it would be very nice if it didn't have to be reprogrammed every time the batteries went dead.
I Finally Found It! While nothing is perfect, this is the closest I've ever seen. Where do you get it? Radio Shack, no less... Radio Shack has always built universal remotes, but the good ones always flunked the simplicity test and would never run all my equipment. Namely, my stereo receiver. The other drawback? I'm the only one that could ever use it! There were so many buttons on it, casual users could never figure it out, so all the remotes were always in sight. It's time to change this once and for all!
The Radio Shack 6-in-One "Kameleon" Touch Screen Remote
Just by looking at it, you can see that this is a very different remote control. The screen you are seeing is the standard screen for running your receiver. Inputs (video, CD, DVD etc.) are handled by the numerical keypad and all the rest of the buttons run exactly as they would if they were on the original remote. This remote will run six devices. Stereo Receiver, VCR, DVD, Satellite Dish, Television and CD player. These modes are accessed by pressing one of the top six buttons. What's also nice; you can program the actual selection buttons to be something else. Example: I don't have a satellite dish, but I have two VCR's. I programmed the satellite dish button to be a second VCR. It runs all six of my devices flawlessly! Really!!! Each device has a screen unique for it's needs. It only shows the buttons used for that device. To turn it on, simply pick it up and the screen comes to life.
There is also a "screen" button that will change how the remote looks, or you can add additional functions to it.
As you can see at the bottom left, the second screen looks like a lot of factory remotes, so it's quite impulsive. There's NO learning curve here folks. Even people that have never picked one up can instantly use it like they've always had it. It's THAT good! Anyone can use it! Even Buffy!!!
Full Function This remote will most probably run all the functions on your present remotes. Have Picture in Picture on your TV? This will run it. Setup screens and menus? This will access them. Have a button NOT on this remote that you use? Simple, you can choose a button not being used, hold your old remote up to it and it will learn the command! (make sure the old one has new batteries in it) And, best of all? It works! I have a jukebox CD player and this allowed me to put "disk skip" functions on the remote. Very nice.
Macro Keys Like a macro on your computer, this remote can also be programmed with them; there are four "M" buttons on the bottom for four possible macro sequences. Example: If you push my remotes "M1;" the TV turns on, switches itself to video 2 input. (direct VCR connection) Then, it turns on my stereo and switches it to VCR in. Then, it turns on my main VCR and hits play. Then it puts itself back in Stereo mode, so you can turn down the sound quickly if it's too loud. All with the click of ONE button. Clicking on "M2" switches the TV from video 2 back to TV mode and turns it, and all the above off. This thing is GREAT!!!
Miscellaneous Radio Shack says the batteries will last between 3 to 12 months. (four triple a's) The jury is still out on that one and I think 12 is being, shall we say, optimistic? But, it took the batteries out of 6! Count em, 6! Remotes! They're ALL gone!!! Also, this unit must use Flash Memory. Why is this important? If the batteries go dead, you don't lose any settings! That's the best part!!! It's also "phone" upgradeable. If you buy something really new it won't run, you can call an 800 number and have it upgraded over the phone. What more could you ask for?
Cons There are always cons. Actually, it's the same con: The only problem/ annoyance is turning it on. This unit is very sensitive to the touch. Pick it up and it's on. If it's sitting on the coffee table and someone steps heavily on the floor, it's on. To save on battery life, Jap Shack has it set to shut off after about 5 seconds. Much too quick until you get to know the remote. I would like to see a button being pressed TO turn it on and it's on cycle lasting at least 15 seconds longer. Or, better yet, a user controlled sensitivity setting and time on duration setting. None of this is serious, but you have to keep it somewhere it's not prone to vibrations or keep it on a folded towel. In my house, this isn't an issue, but if you have kids running around, it may be. Speaking of kids: This thing is built solid. It's almost all metal and the battery door is screwed in. No mishaps with this remote!
The Price? This is subjective depending on your point of view: I think it's cheap at 59.99! If you compare this remote to others similar, it goes from half the price to 1/5th the price for comparable equipment. And, how much is clearing 6 remotes and their batteries off your coffee table worth? This thing is DIRT cheap!!!
Conclusion Although you can get universal remotes cheaper, (Radio Shack sells them) you can't find anything even close for the money. This remote is finally the answer for getting rid of the pile for good! And, even she'll like it!
The Radio Shack 6-in-One "Kameleon" Touch Screen Remote The Answer Has Arrived! I Highly Recommend It!
I hope this helps you on your road. Your Road? Yes, Your Road To Sanity Danny
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