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Omg!

post #1 of 18
3/11/08 at 5:33pm
Thread Starter 
Can some "expert" PLEASE recommend a RF remote that will work for me?
When I asked the expert subwoofer folks to recommend a sub they bombarded me with a multitude of informative opinions that helped me make a choice. I paid more than I wanted to but that was because they explained why it was to my benefit.
I would really appreciate some recommendations for remotes that will do the job.
Thanks,
Jim
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post #2 of 18
3/11/08 at 7:13pm
Thread Starter 
Howdy,
I have a new 7.1 surround system comprising of;
1. Onkyo SR-TX705 AV RECEIVER
2. TOSHIBA HD REAR PROJECTION TV
3. PANASONIC DVDR
4. MOTOROLA COMCAST CABLE BOX DVR
5. SIRIUS HOME CONNECT RECEIVER
6. VCR
7. PHILLIPS CDR
8. possibly PS2 occasional hookup

I plan to add a blue-ray player

I need a RF REMOTE to control these components installed in a wooden cabinet. I want to be able to control from outside up to 60+/- ft.
I want to be able to control the CABLE BOX DVR recorded programs and record programmimng with this same remote.
I hope to find a remote in the $100.00+/- range.

Thanks,
Jim
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post #3 of 18
3/11/08 at 7:28pm
Check out the Logitech Harmony 890.
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post #4 of 18
3/11/08 at 7:57pm
bump the budget and get a URC MX-900 with MRF 350. program it, set it up, and never look back. later.
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post #5 of 18
3/11/08 at 8:03pm
Thread Starter 
Grazie,
Now we are talking!
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post #6 of 18
3/12/08 at 5:07am
+1 for the 900/350.

Reasons/benefits:

1) PC programming.
2) Access to extended codes (descrete input, On/Off, etc.).
3) Up to 40 devices and 40 pages per device.
4) "Watch"/"Listen" buttons.
5) Excellent backlighting.
6) Nice button layout/feel.
7) Addressable RF (MRF-350) to combat potential RF interference.

You've got a pretty substantial amount of money invested in your system (so far). If you can't control it the way you want, you've essentially shot yourself in the foot. Once you get it set up, you'll see where the extra money went. And then, like aham23 said, don't look back.

I'm no expert, but I like to think I know enough to be dangerous. Over the years I've owned an MX-500, 700, 800, 850 and now the 900 (4 zones + lighting) and 350 (bedroom). I've also tried the Harmony 659, 720, 880, 1000 and Pronto TSU-1000, 2000, 6000, but always found myself liking the MX line the best. That's not to say that a Harmony or Pronto or some other remote isn't right for you and your needs.

Hope this helped.
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post #7 of 18
3/13/08 at 7:50am
Do you really want to control the TV from 60ft away?

Here is why I ask, you have listed 8 components, the 350 only has 6 emitters plus a front mounted blaster. In a rack, it is often difficult to use the front mounted blaster. Also, what do you really want to control on the ps-2? If it is only setting the proper inputs on your system so you can PLAY the ps-2, then you really don't need to control it at all.

If you just want to control the 6 devices (no tv and no ps-2) which are located IN the wooden cabinet (with doors?) the 350 will be fine. You can then use the ir on the remote to control the tv, since the tv will not be located behind a door ( well at least not when you are watching it )

With the 900/350 combo, you will be able to control the source/audio portion of your system from over 60ft and the TV from a reasonable viewing distance.

If you add a blu-ray player in the future, you can do the following:

1) replace one of your single head emitters with a dual head one.

2) try to use the front mounted blaster

3) add another 350 to your system

If the 900 is not to your taste, you can also look at the TX-1000 ( which I like a lot) or the 850 ( never used, has more soft buttons, programed vuia serial instead of usb) or the 810 ( never used, but I have played with the software, I don't like it. It is easy to program the way they want you to program it, but but if you want something different, it is difficult)
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post #8 of 18
3/13/08 at 11:07am
>>> Here is why I ask, you have listed 8 components, the 350 only has 6 emitters plus a front mounted blaster. In a rack, it is often difficult to use the front mounted blaster.

Ok the more I read about the MRF-260/350 the more confused I get.
I woul use 9 components with an MX-980 via RF (MRF-350 or maybe the 260)
Here's the list of what I'm using (Everything undernearh my TV in a 40 inches X 20 inches IR range TV on top of that)
- TV Sharp LC52D82U
- Receiver Yamaha HTR6060
- DVD-R Samsung R160
- CD player Sony CE215
- HDPVR Explorer 8300
- DVD player Toshiba SD-430V
- Sony PS3 80 Go with dyno Bluwave IR (I'll have to switch for the IR2BT when avalaible)
- HD-DVD player Toshiba HD-A30
- IR-543 for 14 X-10 modules & switches
Actually I'm using a NextGeneration IR-RF remote extender, and I'm not using the separate IR blaster. It works fine and reach everything with is IR built in blaster, it took me about 30 minutes to find the perfect spot but all 9 components works flawlessly. My questions are;

1 - Does the MRF-350 or MRF-260 built in IR blaster would reach all 9 components?
2 - And if not, can I still use the built in IR blaster and use some separate IR blasters?
3 - My base station would be about 12-16 ft away from the components can I reach my system with the supplied cables (I guess not) or will I have to buy some longer cables or put an extension on them?
4 - Can I buy 3 separates IR blasters if it does'nt work? (Could be cheaper than another MRF-350)

thanks
Gui.
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post #9 of 18
3/13/08 at 11:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by tiger_qc View Post


1 - Does the MRF-350 or MRF-260 built in IR blaster would reach all 9 components?
2 - And if not, can I still use the built in IR blaster and use some separate IR blasters?
3 - My base station would be about 12-16 ft away from the components can I reach my system with the supplied cables (I guess not) or will I have to buy some longer cables or put an extension on them?
4 - Can I buy 3 separates IR blasters if it does'nt work? (Could be cheaper than another MRF-350)

thanks
Gui.

1. If your NextGen blaster does it (which is one of the weakest I've seen, then the 260 or 350 will. Basically, if your all equipment responds to remote(s) placed where the MRF would go, then it will respond to the MRF which is at least as strong and dispersed as the remote.

2. Yes. The blaster can be turned on or off, regardless of whether the emitters are used.

3. You can extend the emitters or try to get the base closer (within 10').

4. Sure
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post #10 of 18
3/13/08 at 11:27am
>>> 3. You can extend the emitters or try to get the base closer (within 10').

Which extension would I need?
Is it 1/8'' cables?
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post #11 of 18
3/13/08 at 11:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by tiger_qc View Post

>>> 3. You can extend the emitters or try to get the base closer (within 10').

Which extension would I need?
Is it 1/8'' cables?

Yes, it's an 1/8" (3.5 mm) mono plug. Mono cables can be a bit difficult to find, but I've successfully used a audio stereo cable (easily found at Radio Shack) as well. You can also extend using Cat 5, but that requires cutting and splicing the emitter.
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post #12 of 18
3/13/08 at 12:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeSRC View Post

Yes, it's an 1/8" (3.5 mm) mono plug. Mono cables can be a bit difficult to find, but I've successfully used a audio stereo cable (easily found at Radio Shack) as well. You can also extend using Cat 5, but that requires cutting and splicing the emitter.

You still call it Radio Shack in the US in Canada it is now The Source by Circuit City.
Anyways thanks a lot I've just ordered my MRF-350 at ebay.ca.
Got my MX-980 for 390$ shipped and the MRF-350 for 190$ shipped with a 3 yr warranty free. (MRF-350)
Is that a good price?
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post #13 of 18
3/13/08 at 12:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tiger_qc View Post

Is that a good price?

Yes, although the warranty will only be valid through the reseller as URC does not authorize or warrant Ebay sales.
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post #14 of 18
3/13/08 at 1:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tiger_qc View Post

You still call it Radio Shack in the US in Canada it is now The Source by Circuit City.
Anyways thanks a lot I've just ordered my MRF-350 at ebay.ca.
Got my MX-980 for 390$ shipped and the MRF-350 for 190$ shipped with a 3 yr warranty free. (MRF-350)
Is that a good price?

hope you get the software with that remote. if you do, i hope its the upgradeable version?

later.
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post #15 of 18
3/13/08 at 2:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by aham23 View Post

hope you get the software with that remote. if you do, i hope its the upgradeable version?

later.

What do you mean?
The software should be include it's brand new.
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post #16 of 18
3/13/08 at 2:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tiger_qc View Post

>>> Here is why I ask, you have listed 8 components, the 350 only has 6 emitters plus a front mounted blaster. In a rack, it is often difficult to use the front mounted blaster.

Ok the more I read about the MRF-260/350 the more confused I get.
I woul use 9 components with an MX-980 via RF (MRF-350 or maybe the 260)
Here's the list of what I'm using (Everything undernearh my TV in a 40 inches X 20 inches IR range TV on top of that)
- TV Sharp LC52D82U
- Receiver Yamaha HTR6060
- DVD-R Samsung R160
- CD player Sony CE215
- HDPVR Explorer 8300
- DVD player Toshiba SD-430V
- Sony PS3 80 Go with dyno Bluwave IR (I'll have to switch for the IR2BT when avalaible)
- HD-DVD player Toshiba HD-A30
- IR-543 for 14 X-10 modules & switches
Actually I'm using a NextGeneration IR-RF remote extender, and I'm not using the separate IR blaster. It works fine and reach everything with is IR built in blaster, it took me about 30 minutes to find the perfect spot but all 9 components works flawlessly. My questions are;

1 - Does the MRF-350 or MRF-260 built in IR blaster would reach all 9 components?
2 - And if not, can I still use the built in IR blaster and use some separate IR blasters?
3 - My base station would be about 12-16 ft away from the components can I reach my system with the supplied cables (I guess not) or will I have to buy some longer cables or put an extension on them?
4 - Can I buy 3 separates IR blasters if it does'nt work? (Could be cheaper than another MRF-350)

thanks
Gui.


Forget the IR Blaster on the 350!

In installations with more than six components, we use "Double Emitters". Therefore, you can place an emitter on up to twelve devices, while only using the six IR jacks on the MRF 350.
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post #17 of 18
3/13/08 at 2:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tiger_qc View Post

What do you mean?
The software should be include it's brand new.

My understanding is that it may or may not come with the software included depending on where it was purchased from. URC wants folks to buy from installers who are supposed to program and/or provide software (which may or may not be upgradeable) for the remotes. They say that you can download software from URC's website if you go through some kind of registration process.
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post #18 of 18
3/13/08 at 3:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by userb View Post

My understanding is that it may or may not come with the software included depending on where it was purchased from. URC wants folks to buy from installers who are supposed to program and/or provide software (which may or may not be upgradeable) for the remotes. They say that you can download software from URC's website if you go through some kind of registration process.

I can get the software for the mx3000, mx950, tx1000, mx900, mx850 & mx810 but none for the mx980. Is there any remotes in those 6 that use the same software as the MX-980?

So with no software and none avalaible I won't be able to program this remote?
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