One of the most important decisions you can make when buying a whole-house music system, home control system, or home theater system is choosing the remote control. It’s the thing you use to communicate with all that equipment. And it better work.
So what should you look for? After all, tons of universal remote controls are available. Some have a few simple features; others have a bevy of high-end amenities.
But all those features aren’t worth a hoot if you can’t figure out how to work the thing. So first and foremost, look for simplicity. Find something that’s easy to operate, has an intuitive layout of keys or touchscreen buttons, and doesn’t require a manual just to change a TV channel or select a different music source.
Here are some important features to look for:
Ergonomics How does the remote control fit in your hand? Is it comfortable? Can your fingers press the buttons easily? Do you want a wand-style handheld remote or a larger touchscreen that might require two hands to operate?
Backlit Keypad Even if you’d love a touchscreen, look for hard buttons for the most common functions, such as volume control. These buttons should be backlit so you can see what you’re doing in the dark.
Charging Dock Look for this and make sure it comes with the remote, especially if it has a battery-draining touchscreen.
Number of Macros Macros allow the transmission of a sequence of many different commands, like turning on several components to start a home theater system. See how many macros can be programmed into your remote.
Receiver and/or Processor RF remotes require an RF receiver that takes the radio signal and transmits the commands to your components via IR or RS-232. Advanced systems require a processor as well. In some cases the receiver and processor are in the same unit. These usually need to be purchased separately.
Other Systems Look for the ability to control an electronic lighting system, motorized shades or draperies, as well as some home control functions.
We’ve compiled some feature sets of six remotes from popular custom install brands that showcase some of these features below.
Niles iRemote TS
click to enlarge
Backlit keypad for easy use in any lighting condition … THEATER and HOUSE mode keys provide one-touch access to a Niles IntelliControl multizone audio/video system and home theater … High-resolution color touchscreen displays customized controls for your audio/video systems.
PLUS …
Displays metadata information from your distributed audio/video system, such as artist, album, song, and menus when available.
Docking cradle charges the remote on a stand.
Control4 SR-250
click to enlarge
Ergonomic design matches a hand’s natural curves, making it easy to hold and use … Backlit keypad for easy use in any lighting condition.
PLUS …
Bi-directional ZigBee (802.15.4) wireless connectivity enables the control of any intelligent device from anywhere in the house.
Easy programming out of the box.
Price includes remote and Control4 HC-300 controller.
Philips Pronto TSU9800
Rotary wheel allows intuitive and convenient content browsing … 6.4-inch VGA color touchscreen.
click to enlarge
PLUS …
Docking station that offers ambient lighting.
Customized interface through ProntoEdit Professional 2.0. PC editor.
RTI T3-V Touchscreen
click to enlarge
High-resolution 3.5-inch VGA touchscreen for lifelike graphics … Three-way rocker switch for scrolling list navigation.
PLUS …
Wireless ZigBee-enabled.
Built-in Wi-Fi for accessing web pages and weather information.
Can control IP-addressable devices like IP surveillance cameras.
Universal Remote Control MX-5000
Haptic technology confirms each touchscreen button-push with a tactile vibration that you feel.
click to enlarge
PLUS …
Browse media from the most popular IP-controlled components, such as PCs, servers, cameras, lighting, HVAC and
networked A/V receivers.
Equipped with Wi-Fi (B and G), Narrow Band RF and IR.
Nevo Q50
click to enlarge
Fully customizable touchscreen … Sleek design for one-handed control.
PLUS …
Two-way wireless Z-Wave for lighting control and HVAC.
Compatible with select web cameras and media servers.
Source : electronichouse.com
People who looked at this audio video item also looked at…
Home Theater Related items
Popularity: 3% [?]
