2. misc-audio
  3. 1000172770

Best Remote??

I would appreciate any suggestions as to which remote might work best in my system. I am a bit tired of using a different remote for each piece, and would like an all in one remote that can display and recreate all (or most) of the functions of each remote, and still not be too difficult to set up, if possible. It must have backlighting for the essential controls while watching DVD's. I use a Mac, if that matters. I would like to stay under $250, but will consider spending up to $500.
I am currently using:
* Musical Fidelity HT600 5 channel amp

* B&K AVP3090 pre-amp

* Sony DVP-9000ES SACD/DVD player

* B&W Nautilus 805 speakers w/ matching stands, * HTM-2 center, LM-1 surrounds

* Denon MD-1000 Minidisc recorder

*Musical Fidelity A3 Tuner

* Toshiba 40X81 Widescreen HDTV

* Monster HTS-3500 power center

Thanks to all for your help and advice.
bmpnyc
9 responses Add your response
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,137 posts
 
Bmpnyc, Swampwalker's comments are correct. Because of the backlighting the Pronto is easy to use in low light situations, but it doesn't have alot of tactile feel. The software is Windows based.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Bmpnyc- there are dedicated hard keys for channel change and volume (and maybe mute) and two programable hard keys on each screen. But the keys for changing devices are "soft" (on the LCD screen). There is a back light, which makes the LCD "keys" visible, but there is a severely limited hard key capability. The Home Theater Master remotes might be more to your liking; I only got the Pronto due to a very good price and the ability to control the Loewe TV which has lots of non-standard codes and a menu driven remote logic. Check out the HTM web site and Remote central to get comments on those devices. I'm not trashing the Pronto; if you've got the time and the inclination you can set up some amazing macros and really do a lot; I just haven't had the time and I'm not much of a programmer.
bmpnyc OP
713 posts
 
thanks 61, I have a Mac, am I correct in asuming that if I can download a WinPc program I can use the Pronto software? Also, how do the basic controls feel to use when it is dark? I like to be able to feel the fast forward, rewind, pause, etc. when the room is darkened, or at least see the controls easily.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,137 posts
 
Bmpnyc, Remote Central makes the Pronto appear more complicated than it really is. The key to the Pronto is the programming software. Once downloaded into a WinPC you can attach the Pronto and commence to customize your remote. The software is quite easy to use. The difficult part is figuring out how you want to control your system. Count on spending a minimum of 2 hours to get it up and running. After you've used it awhile, you'll probably start further tweaking. I've been using the Pronto for nearly 3 years and I cannot imagine operating my HT without it.
bmpnyc OP
713 posts
 
Thanks everyone. I have been aware of Remote Central for years (thanks Swampwalker), but found the info on the Pronto/RC5000 quite daunting, and hope that Audiogon's members can help clear the air by sharing their hands on experience.
robedk's avatar
robedk
21 posts
 
Another good choice is the Home Theater Master MX-500. Lots of hard buttons and easy to set up / use. I've been using it for the last few months and love it.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
BMP- be aware that while there is a large library of downloadable simulations of OEM remotes, and they are learnable as well, there is a considerable learning curve for the Pronto. Most of the controls are "soft", i.e., they must be created and programmed on the LCD for each device. I THINK that the Marantz may have a built in library of devices, I know my Pronto does not and really wish that it did. I also have a Home Theater Master 9000 which has hard buttons only and an extensive library of buit in devices, but the one I have is about 4 years old and did not have commands for my Loewe TV. They (Home Theater Master)have a web site, and there is another web site devoted exclusively to remotes Remote Central.com, with lots of links. Give it a try. If you need the url, you can email me.
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
I second the Pronto (or the Marantz-they're the same) I've had mine for over a year and have never had any problems with it, and it took my eight remotes and made them into one with every feature represented.

P.S. The macros even allow my girfriend to use the HT!
patmatt
86 posts
 
Check out the Marantz RC5000 or it's cousin, the Phillips Pronto. You can get them for around $300.00 retail. They're powerful and versatile. I spec them into my installations all of the time.
Good luck!
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