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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
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!
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.
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.
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.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,141 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.
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