Hi all:

I think I'm ready to invest in a universal remote since I currently have 5 remotes on my table. :o However, I know absolutely nothing about them.

Here's what I'll be controlling:
1. Panasonic DLP
2. HK AVR 254
3. Comcast cable box (Motorola?)
4. WD TV
5. Zenith DB318 DVD player
6. Old Onkyo 6 disc changer.

I'd like to spend less than $75 (closer to $60 would be best).

If someone could just point me in the direction to look I'd really appreciate it!! And any tips on using one are also appreciated.

As usual, thanks!

Ok, I changed my price and narrowed it down to refurbs of the 550, 670 and 720.

I think the 550 and 670 are current models. Is the 720 an older model?

Which would you choose?

Thanks.

I have the 670. I chose it because of the button type and layout. All of the transport controls are conveniently located around the OK button.

I don't know if the 720 is an older model.

Ok, I changed my price and narrowed it down to refurbs of the 550, 670 and 720.

I think the 550 and 670 are current models. Is the 720 an older model?

Which would you choose?

Thanks.

The 720 was sold at Costco and was a good alternative due to some liking the shape over the 880. As far as what to choose, that is up to you. They all use the same programming software. You have to decide what looks and feels better and has the buttons you need where you need them. You could try to go to Best Buy and see if they have any on display so you could feel them in your hand.

The 720 was sold at Costco and was a good alternative due to some liking the shape over the 880. As far as what to choose, that is up to you. They all use the same programming software. You have to decide what looks and feels better and has the buttons you need where you need them. You could try to go to Best Buy and see if they have any on display so you could feel them in your hand.

Thanks. I'm leaning towards the 720.

If you've narrowed it down to those I would personally choose the 670 because I like the "peanut" form factor over the "candy-bar." The 670 feels heavier and sturdier than the 550... the 720 is somewhere in between.

Thanks. I wasn't really a fan of the peanut form factor so I ended up getting a refurb 720 from Tiger Direct. Should be here Thursday. :D

I think the 720 is a good choice. I was torn between the 720 and the One, the only thing stopping me from buying the One was it's price. I couldn't talk myself into paying much more than 100 dollars for something that I can already do, just not efficiently. Then, I happened to walk into a store yesterday, and see the 720 on clearance. I was sold.

Honestly I find the remote quite comfortable. Granted, I am one that picks up the remote and puts it back down once done with it, so it isn't in my hand for long periods of time. It has a little weight to it, but I would expect it to. The remote has motion sensor, that works quite well. My only real complain so far is that a few of the keys are clicky, meaning they make an audible click when pushing them. The silver ones (arrow keys, channel and volume rockers mainly) are the clicky ones, the rest are fine.

The charger seems much better than the 8 series charger. I haven't seen/used the One charger to comment on it, but this one goes in every time without fuss, it beeps quietly to let you know it is in. Speaking of the charger, it allows you to change the light from off > dim > on (which is a bit brighter than the dim option).

So far I have had a pretty decent time with it. It is pretty intuitive, as to where the buttons are. I am used to exit being bottom right, so I have hit menu a few times rather than exit. I have also hit guide when I meant to hit info, but I will figure those things out. I haven't completely finished programming it. I have a couple kinks to work out of the programming, as well as add some buttons. I also need to program my HTPC's remote into it, but I haven't gotten that far. I will hopefully get a chance to really toy with it and the software more this weekend.

Good luck with your 720, I hope you enjoy it. :)

I think the 720 is a good choice. I was torn between the 720 and the One, the only thing stopping me from buying the One was it's price. I couldn't talk myself into paying much more than 100 dollars for something that I can already do, just not efficiently. Then, I happened to walk into a store yesterday, and see the 720 on clearance. I was sold.

Honestly I find the remote quite comfortable. Granted, I am one that picks up the remote and puts it back down once done with it, so it isn't in my hand for long periods of time. It has a little weight to it, but I would expect it to. The remote has motion sensor, that works quite well. My only real complain so far is that a few of the keys are clicky, meaning they make an audible click when pushing them. The silver ones (arrow keys, channel and volume rockers mainly) are the clicky ones, the rest are fine.

The charger seems much better than the 8 series charger. I haven't seen/used the One charger to comment on it, but this one goes in every time without fuss, it beeps quietly to let you know it is in. Speaking of the charger, it allows you to change the light from off > dim > on (which is a bit brighter than the dim option).

So far I have had a pretty decent time with it. It is pretty intuitive, as to where the buttons are. I am used to exit being bottom right, so I have hit menu a few times rather than exit. I have also hit guide when I meant to hit info, but I will figure those things out. I haven't completely finished programming it. I have a couple kinks to work out of the programming, as well as add some buttons. I also need to program my HTPC's remote into it, but I haven't gotten that far. I will hopefully get a chance to really toy with it and the software more this weekend.

Good luck with your 720, I hope you enjoy it. :)

Thanks for the great info. I was worried about the charger because my friend with an 8 says he has to have a book on top of thing to make it connect. :confused: Glad to hear it's better.

Thanks for the great info. I was worried about the charger because my friend with an 8 says he has to have a book on top of thing to make it connect. :confused: Glad to hear it's better.

Yeah, my friend's 8 series remote isn't that bad, but it sometimes takes a couple shots to hit the base. But I have heard stories of people having to go to extravagant lengths to get the 8 series to charge, rubber bands being one that made me chuckle a bit. I have only had the remote now for 3 days though so I am far from a veteran of the remote.

I got to playing with it more today, and can do most of the basics without looking down. I had to look for a few buttons, but for the most part I pressed them without cheating.