URC MasterControl RF20 Universal Learning Remote w/ RF Capability Review

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(More customer reviews)Wow! What an impressive universal remote (but with flaws)! Most of the buttons can 'learn' from a device's remote, or can be programmed with 'macros' (a series of button presses). For example, my DirecTV/TiVo remote has no 'OFF' button (but there's one on the box), so I programmed the universal remote's 'OFF' button for this. My Samsung HDTV has a complicated ZOOM procedure, and a complicated source selection procedure, so I simplified them for my needs. Practically all of the buttons on a device's remote can be duplicated on this remote. With cheaper 'universal' remotes, the most useful functions of a device's remote are there, but for other functions I need to keep the original remote around, so why bother. Now with this one, I can put the old individual remotes away.
But then there's the bug. One of the 'features' of this remote is 'erasing commands'. Why would you need this? Well, perhaps you decided to rearrange your screen buttons, and you didn't need one any more, so you cleared the label and deleted the command (key or macro). And here's the bug: the 'learning' method for programming buttons DOES NOT WORK, if a macro has previously been stored to the button. One would expect that any old command on a button would automatically be erased when a new command (key or macro) is saved, but that is not the case. The work-around for the bug is that you must manually erase the command first. So this is clearly what the 'erasing commands' feature is for. But that reason is not documented in the manual, and neither is the bug itself.
In fact, another problem with this remote is the manual. It appears glib and superficial. It leaves out some important details. One of the most powerful features of this remote is the macro capability, but the manual explains this only through one example, for the ON button on the MAIN page. It does not give any general step-by-step procedure for setting up a macro command on a button for an individual component. Most users will eventually be able to figure this out, but the manual should have more detail. In fact, what is missing from the manual is a chapter on how to set up macros for users who are serious about using this powerful capability. Also important is button layout, which is a design issue. For the screen buttons, for example, the most frequently used commands should be on buttons that are closer to the center of the remote -- that is, lower on the screen, whereas less frequently used or more destructive commands (such as RECORD or CLEAR COUNTER, for example) should be further away -- higher on the screen.
You should also be aware of the large amount of time that it can take to set up the remote as you might like it to be. The Pre-Programmed Code Method of setup is fast, but usually doesn't set up all of the buttons that are on the original remote. The Learning Method is also fast, once you have designed the button layout you want. You may, for example, set up the OFF button to actually do RECORD, since the ON button does the ON/OFF function for a component (this is the layout taken by one of the pre-programmed codes for a VCR). But doing the design of the button layout, and particularly learning how the various setup features work, then setting up macros, then changing things when you see how you can improve your layout -- these things can take a really long time. And the manual does not give you any help with some of these issues. And then of course you may want to document some of your layout, especially if the OFF button invokes RECORD, for example.
Yet another little 'bug' is in the manual's macro example. If the ON button is programmed in this way, then the ON buttons for the individual components no longer work as you might expect. That is, you may wish to play a CD and so you just want to turn on the audio amplifier (and the CD player). But now the AUDIO ON button invokes the MAIN ON button, so everything comes on instead. The manual doesn't warn you of these problems.
For the remote itself and its capabilities, I would probably grade it a 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5. But because of the bug and the manual, it is tempting to grade it as a 1. So the compromise is 3.


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Controls up to 10 Audio/Video components / Provides 453 Macros buttons (up to 190 steps each / Thousands of built-in pre-programmed codes / Power - 4 AAA Batteries (included) / LCD Display Size - 0.88 x 1.88 inch / Learning Function / Backlit Keypad / Size - Depth 1 x Height 8.5 x Width 2.5 inch / Weight – 7.1 oz. (with batteries)

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RedEye Universal Remote System for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad Review

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(More customer reviews)Companies have been coming up with new and innovative ways to use the iPhone ever since the iPhone was available and particularly since the App Store opened. ThinkFlood has introduced their own creative use for the iPhone called RedEye, a hardware and app solution that turns your iPhone into a remote control for, well, pretty much darn near anything that uses an infrared (IR) remote signal.
Because the iPhone is not an IR transmitter, it cannot work directly as a remote for devices that use IR technology for remote control. The hardware portion of the RedEye solution is a small box, slightly larger than Apple's docking station, that also doubles as a charging station.
I'm a sucker for good packaging and ThinkFlood did a nice job with the RedEye. In the box are the RedEye station, the power cord, and inserts that make the various versions of the iPhone or iPod Touch fit snugly in the station. I have a thick skin on my iPhone and was able to use one of the inserts with my iPhone without removing the stick-on skin. One thing that would have been nice is if each insert has some sort of labeling to indicate which version of the iPhone or iPod Touch it was for.
Once plugged in, the unit emits a blue light to indicate it has power. To use the RedEye, the RedEye app (free from the iTunes App Store) must be installed on the iPhone or iPod Touch. When you first launch the RedEye app, a tutorial video launches explaining how the unit works and how to set it up. This was very nice as there are some tricks to setting the unit up that wouldn't be intuitive to the beginner. I did not have any difficulty setting the unit up other than getting the network setup, which was fully explained in the tutorial had I watched that in full first. And once you set up your first device, the rest come naturally.
Once I was correctly networked, the rest was a breeze. You start by configuring what ThinkFlood calls "Rooms." In my case I set up a room called "Basement." Within that room, you can have any number of activities, for example "Watch TV" or "Watch DVD" or even customized activities. You are only limited by what devices you have that accept an IR signal. Configuring which devices to control couldn't be easier. Simply select the manufacturer from the list in the App, send some test signals to the device, and select the signal that works.
Once you are fully configured, your iPhone works exactly as a stock remote would, perhaps better. The screen on your iPhone looks just like a remote. You can also use multi-touch gestures for commands to your device. For the advanced and not so common commands (for example, adjusting aspect ratio), there is a separate command screen that appears to cover any command that your device is capable of accepting. It was quite simple to set up the devices I tested and I was pleasantly surprised how all-encompassing the list of devices is. I tested televisions and stereos from 3 to 10 years old from various manufacturers and had no problems.
ThinkFlood provides wonderful support for their RedEye product. On their website you can find FAQs, video tutorials, the manual and email support. The video tutorials are particularly useful for setup. As a consumer, I appreciate companies that provide thorough support as ThinkFlood does.
At $188, the RedEye is a bit pricey. However, if you compare what this unit can do to something like the Harmony universal remotes, the price is definitely in the ballpark. One drawback is that, although you can configure several rooms, activities and devices, you would need a RedEye base station in each room assuming your rooms are physically outside the IR range of 35 feet or so. On the flip side, you get an extension of sorts because your signal to the Redeye is WiFi, which has a much farther range depending on your wireless setup. So you could centrally locate your RedEye unit between rooms to maximize the IR + WiFi range.
For someone looking for a remote control solution without having to have a dongle or device attached to the iPhone, this is the answer. The device is unobtrusive, only requires one cable for power and is simple to use.

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With the RedEye system you can use your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad to control your TV, stereo, cable box, DVD player, and many other devices that receive standard (infrared) signals. In other words, no more hunting through your sofa cushions for all those different remotes - all the control you need is right in your pocket.

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Ten Technology naviPro eX IR Remote for iPod mini - Remote control - infrared Review

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(More customer reviews)This remote control has a trasmitter that plugs into the top of the ipod and can change the song even from across the room and sometimes from another room. I recommend it to anyone!

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Cut loose with wireless remote control for iPod. The naviPro eX remote for iPod mini is stylishly designed and easy to use. Simply hook your iPod mini to a pair of self-powered speakers, connect the receiver, and in no time you can enjoy navigating through your favorite playlists, albums or audiobooks.Remote power -CR2032 Lithium Cell (included) Receiver power -via iPod Includes aluminum iPod mini stand Remote size -5 x 2 x 0.7 Receiver size -2.03 x 0.60 x 0.53 Stand size -3.07 x 2.38 x 2.60 1-year warranty on receiver

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Monster iEZClick Remote Control for iPod (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have never reviewed a product on Amazon before, but after using this product for just one day, I felt compelled to warn potential buyers about its fatal flaws. The idea behind this product is great, but it works so erratically that it simply renders it not only unusable, but borderline dangerous. I took mine skiing today. Tomorrow I'm returning it.
The major problem with the device is that the iPod does not respond to the commands from the remote reliably. Most of the time you have to press the skip track or play/pause button repeatedly for the iPod to acknowledge the command. I'm talking like upwards of 10 times from a foot away.
Perhaps the worse manifestation of the aforementioned reliability bug is the volume issue. Many other reviewers have touched on this topic, and I am here to say it is as bad as they declare. When the iPod receives the volume "up" or "down" command, often times it shoots the volume to maximum. Good luck getting it lowered quickly before your eardrums burst, especially if like me, you are wearing earphones under a helmet or ski mask and cannot quickly pull them out. Usually what happens next is the volume shoots all the way down to mute (if it ever responds). My ears are literally still ringing from this happening twice on the slopes today. Wow, great product.
Finally, the little connector that plugs into the iPod and acts as a receiver unit has a tendency to come partly loose. This appears to be happening from tension on the headphone plug being exerted onto the receiver unit. I use Shure E2c headphones with a 3rd Gen Nano, and the jack for the headphones on the Nano is so close to the dock connector (and subsequently the receiver unit), that if the plug of the headphones twists at all (as it may do if it's in your pocket), it nudges the receiver unit out of the iPod. This may or may not account for the iEZClick's extremely erratic behavior, as I did experience the erratic behavior while the receiver unit WAS still fully plugged into the iPod.
So to sum everything up, this device does not work as advertised, doesn't reliably respond to commands, comes apart in your pocket and has a tendency to shoot dangerously high decibels into your ears.

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Total Wireless iPod Control and Protection. Control your iPod while it's protected in your backpack, jacket, or case. The Monster iEZClick wirelessly commands your iPod without tangled wires or bulky add-ons. Why fumble with your iPod each time you want to adjust the volume or skip a song? Now you can keep you iPod tucked safely away while you play. So whether you're at the beach, on your bike, or simply on the go, the iEZClick gives you easy wireless iPod control. Rugged design for your active life the Monster iEZClick features a rugged weather-resistant body for outdoor use in the elements. You can wear it on your belt or bag with the included clip, or wrap it on your wrist or handlebars with the elastic velcro strap. The oversized buttons give you "no look" control and are easy to use even with gloves on!

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Terk LF30-RX Add-on Receiver for Terk LF-30S TV Anywhere Wireless A/V System Review

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(More customer reviews)This Terk add on, was purchased for the TV that I have on the enclosed front porch of my home. I use one in my office with with master control off of the bedroom (with full cable access). It work great. Whatever the tv in the bedroom is tuned to, the tv's that the add on's are connected to also show.
And I have to tell you, the picture is very clear, and the sound is great. One concern. If you have a 4.5mz cordless phone, you will have to pull the plug while using this system. Or you will have a line across the screen. I have a line phone so it doesn't matter, but take it into account when ordering. In all though, I highly recommend this item.

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The Terk LF30-RX acts as an extra receiver for the LF-30S Leapfrog A/V system, helping users transmit and receive wireless audio and video signals throughout the house. Thanks to the LF-30S (sold separately), users can store all their A/V components, including satellite receivers, DVRs, DVD players, or camcorders, in one room, while watching audio and video footage in other rooms--all without running any wires on the floor or through the walls. The handy system also eliminates the necessity of buying extra components for each TV. Users can even transmit audio files, such as MP3 or WMA music, from an office computer to a pair of powered speakers in the living room.
The LF30-RX receiver is an add-on to the LF-30S, which initially comes with one transmitter and one receiver. This LF30-RX connects to a second TV or speaker system through its stereo RCA audio and video outputs or its coaxial F-type RF output. Once connected, it transmits IR remote commands to the main transmitter, and then receives clear, crisp signals across the 2.4 GHz frequency band. The system offers a generous range of 150 feet, and easily penetrates walls, doors, ceilings, and floors without interference. In addition, a built-in modulator ensures that you can connect to any TV, whether brand-new or old.
And though the LF30-RX is a single unit, users can also buy additional LF30-RX receivers to connect even more TVs to the wireless system. The receiver measures 5.5 by 1.75 by 3.75 inches (W x H x D).
What's in the Box Receiver unit, AC adapter, AV cable, RF cable and owners manual.

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