Philips PRESTIgO SRU8015 Universal Remote Control
PHILIPS SRU8015/37 15-Device Prestigo Universal Remote

If you have the $ and the equipment you should get a Control4 system. If you are trying to control a bunch of A/V components in one room the Philips PRESTIgO is definitely the way to go. It was simple to setup and works great with TiVo HD DVRs (you only really need to setup one custom button). You pick your A/V component type, then the brand, and the remote just works. It took me about 2 minutes from when I put the batteries in until I was watching a DVD. I have a Harmony 880 that isn't even a good paper weight. When I first got the harmony, it took me a couple hours to setup, after I found an XP machine to use (I would hope they have Mac support by now). The recharging cradle is nice, but when I didn't remember to charge it I was out of luck. Bottom line, the Philips has a better screen, better feel in the hand, and it's far and away easier to use. Note: other reviewers mentioned the database is old and newer components require manual programing. I didn't find that to be true. I have all new components and each was included in the database.
 
Was this review helpful?    

I purchased this remote after researching several universal remote products. I picked this one based on features, price, and reviews. After receiving the item... I opened it up to discover that it did not come with the 3 AA batteries needed to power it. No big deal though. Just FYI Even though they say it's so easy you don't need a manual, it does comes with a quick start guide and a short 18 page manual. It's very short and gives just the basics. You just need to discover all the features of the remote through trial and error. I found that once powered on, the Setup Device procedure is very easy. I love the scroll wheel. I do however, get annoyed that pushing the OK button in the center does not select what you are highlighting. You have to hit the check mark button under the scroll wheel instead. At least it's color coded to help you. The general look of the remote is very slick too! It looks great on my coffee table! I also love the LCD screen, the colors are vivid and resolution makes it very easy to read. After programing the device with my general settings, I was able to program in all my Home Entertainment devices. I was AMAZED at the choices available in the remote's memory! I found all my devices without any problems. Once you setup your devices, you can setup the "more functions" features for each device. Here is where I spent most of my time. You get a list of more functions for each devices you program into the remote. In this list you will find your extra functions such as Audio settings, PIP, Input selections, Picture menu, Surround Settings, etc. You can add and delete the functions you want and/or don't have. This is where the learning feature of the remote comes in. It's a VERY slick feature where the universal remote LEARNS the features from your old remote and reproduces them. Works like a charm! I spent a lot of time deleting functions I didn't need/didn't work with my device. I have the following devices: Sony 50" Rear Screen Proj TV, Sony Blueray player, Panasonic DVDR, Sony 7.1 Surround Sound Receiver, and a generic IR controlled HDMI switcher. The Philips Prestigo remote replaced ALL FIVE of the remotes I had. I also spent a lot of time programing and tweaking the activities . You can program an activity that turns on your TV, selects the input, turns on your receiver, selects the input, etc. all with the push of one button. This feature of the remote is also very useful. It did take me a long time to figure out what wait times to program between each command, and some of my activities are quite command intensive. You need to program in wait times if your device takes a few seconds to power up. (Which the blue ray player takes about 45 seconds to power up. FYI) For example, my TV takes about 5 seconds to power up, so I programed in a 5 sec wait time before sending the next command to the TV, which would be to select the antennae input. Sure it does take some time to get used to... but after I programmed everything in correctly, the remote is AWESOME! Pros: Great remote, fairly easy to use, not as expensive as some other remotes, TONS of features, huge device library, great design/look to it, Scroll wheel very handy, Great looking graphics/LCD screen. Cons: Small delay between pressing the button and the action occuring. I.E. Changing channels, selecting inputs, etc. Can't read the More,Fav, Home keys in the dark. WAAAAAY too bright of a back light. Small learning curve with the interaction of the remote with different devices and programing activities. Wish there was a key to take you back a step when programing activities or selecting things in the setup menu. Wish it came with a rechargeable batteries & recharging station.
 
Was this review helpful?    

I just received the brand new PRESTIGO 8015/37 remote yesterday, and it is an all around beautiful to look at remote. I have 4 devices programmed, and it performs all functions available on the originals. I had researched the Logitech Harmony remotes (680), and I do like their computer USB method of programming and updating over the Philips set up wizard. Some owners of Harmony have reported that the software is slow and lethargic. As for the Prestigo 8015/37..... Pros: 1. It is designer beautful, with all keys fully backlit, and a unique 2" colour LCD screen which accepts the network icons and functions. One touch TV selection 2. Programming is intuitive but imperfect using the setup wizard. 3. Once fully programmed, all keys on the 4 devices I have set up so far work well. This takes some patience and perseverence. 4. A nice shape, preferred over the curvy Harmony 680 and higher. Cons: 1. Database is limited, with new devices requiring manual programming. 2. The . key for sub-channels for the 7432 required a manual fix key, wasting several hours in the initial set up procedures. Frustrating. 3. 3 of 4 devices (new) required manual programming. Even Philips. 4. Documentation could be improved. All in all, a very nice fully functional remote. A real cool factor, making it a gee whiz component. Prices range from $110 (Buy.com) to $200. I have the 7432, Philips Blu Ray, Philips DVDR HDD, and the Toshiba HDDVD fully programmed. It accepts 15 devices, and has 400 built in colour icons. 1500 brand devices in database. Both Logitech Harmony and Philips Prestigo are worthy.
 
Was this review helpful?    

Electronics > A/V Essentials

Electronics > Remotes