Customer Reviews

One For All URC 4220 Big Easy 4-Device Universal Remote Control

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have used universal remotes for a lot of years now. I have always been a gadget guy so keeping the remotes around for my media setup, especially with kids, is just not practical. For several years I have been using this one for all remote. I have replaced the remote three times for a variety of reasons but have always returned to the same basic model.

You would think with being a gadget guy I would go in for a real expensive remote that could literally do everything. I have tried the more expensive remotes. Believe it or not I have not enjoyed anything more complex then this remote. The others are just too much work for relaxing. I like and my family likes the more relaxed usage of the simple one for all remote.

Pros:
- Inexpensive. Very easy to fit in a your budget.
- Easy to program.
- Works with just about any device even though the codes haven't been updated in a while.
- Nice large buttons.
- Button layout is logical and easy to get familiar with.
- Lasts a long time. I have broken or lost 3 but that is not the devices fault.

Negatives:
- This is not a learning remote. You can search for codes but you can't import functions from other remotes.
- Does not work well with DVD/VCR combos. This is the only reason I have considered moving up.
- Buttons do not light up or glow in the dark and that would be nice.

For the price I could not ask for much more.

Just 5 minutes after opening the box, I had this remote programmed to operate the TV, VCR and DVD player. I love that the number buttons are shaped like numbers so you don't have to worry about the printing wearing off like most remotes. I was even able to teach my 4 year old to operate the remote since now she can see the numbers! Just what we needed to replace our old remote.

this remote sets up easy. the remote has a sleep function on it, and it says you can set up a tv that has a dvd and or vcr built in the tv, a lot of remotes will not do that. i like this remote a lot.

If you're reading these reviews, you're probably looking for a universal remote for one of two reasons: to replace a broken/lost factory remote or to give the elderly a less complicated controller.

At thirteen bucks a pop, the URC 4220 is cheap enough where I'd prefer to leave this out for guests to use or the dog to chew on over the factory remote. As a pre-emptive sacrificial replacement, the 4220 matches nearly all the buttons compared to the Samsung TV remote I'm mothballing. The 4220 lets me get into the TV setup menu and navigate around as I would with the original. Additionally, it's properly pulsing the signal to my Samsung whereas my DirecTV (programmable) remote only notches the volume up just once regardless of how long I hold down the button.

Programming this remote was routine and typical, but could become tedious if there are half a dozen possible codes for your device. The chart printed in the manual listed five codes for my TV. This means reprogramming it five times to make sure I'm using the best code for my particular set. One For All's website isn't any more helpful. Their code finder rehashes the printed chart. Let me enter the specific model of my TV in return for a specific code and I would've been a happier customer. If you're patient enough to read the manual, you'll find some additional nifty features like the single Power button being capable of toggling all four devices... or the ability to re-task the PVR button to operate a second DVD player.

I additionally programmed mine to operate a Samsung 1080P7 Upconverting DVD player and that's where the 4220 showed some limits. It's Menu button only worked for DVD content menus but not the player's setup menu to tweak video/audio settings. The remote is also lacking an Eject button. One For All's reasoning is probably that if you had to extract/load a DVD, you'd be standing near the player anyway. With the DTV transition nearly complete, HDTV power users will find this remote missing the "-" dash button for directly landing on certain digital channels (ie, 11-2, 11-3, etc)

The big numerical buttons suggest that this remote is tailored for the elderly or those with diminished sight. The problem with the 4220 is that OTHER oft-used buttons aren't as distinct. The power button is the same size as the other buttons in that upper region. The labeling for the identically-shaped channel and volume rocker switches are far too tiny for grandma to see without pulling out her reading glasses. No one considered up/down shaped arrows for volume and plus/minus shaped buttons for the channel? There's room for improvement on their grouping ergonomics. Look at the product thumbnail above. The two buttons straddling the zero is counterproductive. If they truly want to target this remote for the tech-challenged end-user, improve the button ergonomics and maybe provide flatspots near certain buttons to accomodate flourescent-colored labels.

This remote should be suitable for the larger majority of casual users who need access to an expanded set of controls beyond power, volume, and channel. The existence of a dedicated sleep, Closed Caption, (DTV) Info, and source input buttons should give most buyers the confidence to use this as a permanent replacement. Power users however, will want to look into the URC8820 while the elderly might be better matched to the URC1050 or URC3300.

Product arrived on time, packaged well. Unwrap & use - amazing! Did not even need to read directions!

Worked great until, like our previous remote controls, it wandered off. Where do they go?

I highly recommend this remote control to anyone who is looking for a simple remote at a very inexpensive price. I used this remote to program my TV, VCR and DVD player and had it operating all three devices within 5 to 10 minutes of taking it out of its packaging. The only feature I would like, which is doesn't have, is glow-in-the-dark buttons but for this price I cannot complain. I am very happy with this product and would certainly buy it again.

This remote was a breeze to program and has all the functions I could want. Also the big buttons are awesome.

I have been using this remote since Christmas 2008. I purchased it for my mother who needs "large number buttons".

The remote works as advertised, albeit with very few options and not enough buttons to truly represent any original device's remote you are replacing.

My biggest gripe is that when we try to change channels on our cable box, turn up/down the volume, mute, etc., it often takes several tries to get the thing to do anything. You have to pretty much aim right at the cable box to make anything happen. We also use a Phillips 8-function learning remote which works no matter what angle you point it at in the room.

I gave one star since I can't determine if it works. My television set was manufactured in 1989. So this could be the reason. Be aware that the manufacturer could be listed in the booklet that is enclosed, yet it gives no information regarding age of your television set. Also it is difficult to insert the batteries, the design is a really tight fit. So good luck