Customer Reviews

One For All URC 9910 Premium Learning Line 8-Device IR/RF Upgradeable Universal Remote Control

5 star:		(59)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

Now having 5 media devices (TV, Cable box, VCR, Xbox/DVD, Home Theater receiver), each coming with "quasi-universal" remotes that got ~80% of the keys right, but not enough that I could dump them all, it was time to get a remote that really would do the trick. This is it. It's got a huge built in database of codes, such that 90% of the other remote functions ended up in very sensible places on the new remote. (This is the first universal remote I've had that does a really good job with the cable box.) What about the next 10% you ask? IR learning! Just hold up one remote next to the OFA, push a button on each, and it's learned the command, and mapped it where you want it! Other useful features: volume lock, because everything is going through the receiver, the volume control buttons are set to always operate the receiver, no matter what mode. Macros: programmed to one button push to switch the TV input & audio receiver to the proper modes for DVD, VCR, or Cable.

Cons of the remote: The keypad arrows (up/down/side) are a little small, and not as "comfortable" as other remotes I've had. (I would have preferred separate keys for each, not the pad.) Also, you can fill up the memory for learning. This is mostly the fault of my receiver, which has a separate button on its remote for every possible audio option (e.g., stereo, surround, direct, ...) I ran out of memory room to map them all, so went with just the important subset (e.g., the audio option toggle button).

Pros: For the black belts out there, the second con can be gotten around by getting a JP1 cable, and hooking this thing up to your computer and programming it any way you want. Yes, this has the 6 pin connector in the back, and you can dig around the web for free, legitimate software that will then allow you to program this thing into one all powerful super remote. But so far, I've found that the existing codes + IR learning + macro buttons gets me 98% of what I want, so I haven't felt the need to go through the effort to get that last 2%

July 2006 Update: After just referring this to a friend (who would definitely be using the JP1 programming), I gotta say that I'm still happy. The TV is now a 50" Panasonic Plasma, and the codes were there to work it (including PIP functions). The DVD is now and Xbox 360. OK, the codes weren't there for that. But, I called the company (yes, a toll call, during weekday business hours), placed the remote on the speaker phone speaker, and they downloaded the new codes. Voila! It now controls the Xbox 360. I've been a little bit more clever about using "key mapping" to move properly coded, but oddly placed, functions to more familiar places (and thus save IR learning room). For prices as low as $30, this is still a great remote.

1/2008 - New Updated support feature - In the past the only way to get progrmaing updates for new devises was by downloading code updates through the phone line, a very unreliable hit and miss method. Today when I called support we tried to download via the phone line, and it didn't work. So the tech support team offered to email me a web link to an audio file that contained my program download. I went to the web link, played the audio file through my computer speaker and was able to update the remote by putting the remote up to the speaker while the audio file played. Code update for the remote worked on the first try. In the future I will just request that they email the audio file.

In addition to getting a download from the one-for-all support team, you can also request that they send you an email with the advance function codes for any device you are controlling. It appears that all of the device codes contain all of the function keys that any dvr, reciever can control.

With the email that one-for-all support provided I was able to find all functions supported by my reciever and dvd player and assign any code I needed to any button that I wanted. Once you get the listing of advance function codes for the devices that you have you can control any function of any device.

This is a well kept secret that few people are aware of. So call one-for-all support and ask that the advance function codes for any device you are using. This will open up a whole new world to you. By the way you don't use up any of the precious memory used by learning keys from another remote. I have 5 of these remotes. once I program one I use the jp1 cable to upload the programming to my pc. Then I download the programming to the other 4 remotes, I can program all remotes in less that 5 minutes.

UPDATE: October 2007
I actually just wanted to update on my old review since I stumbled upon it while trying to order another remote for a family member. We still love it and will continue to love it. Don't listen to the idiots that can't properly read on how to program or "learn" their remote. They are lazy! We had upgraded last year to a 42 inch Panasonic Plasma, Sony receiver, Sony speakers and with a HD DVD recorder and this thing still works. I even use it in my bedroom to control my Sony television and my HD recorder that is in my living room. It is amazing and will stay that way in our house...... HAPPY PROGRAMMING!

What can I begin to say about this product? I will make this short and sweet.... This is the remote to buy. I live in NYC area and this bad boy works through all the walls throughout my 3 Bedroom apartment. It controls, the Sony receiver, 2 scientific atlanta cable boxes, Technics system, Phillips DVD Recorder, 32 inch JVC television, 27inch Sony television. Originally it didn't control the receiver and recorder, even after attempting to "learn" it, so all you do is call the 800 number listed and you put the remote against the phone or on speaker and their computer talks to something in the back of your computer. The remote then controlled the other two items. They make the claim that it is FUTURE PROOF and UPGRADEABLE and they stand by it. Whenever it cannot be learned just call the company and they will teach it right then and there. You have to set the IF/RF receiver a certain way so that your remote will seamlessly control everything in the house from every possible nook and cranny. I love being in the bedroom and being able to control the kids television or the living room stereo and receiver for that matter. I left the programming up to my husband and had him show me which buttons and macros controlled what. Unlike the previous reviewer, I have many things and functions programmed and I am not having any issue with memory. I have replaced so many remote controls. It is absolutely marvelous to just reach for one remote and control everything in the house. My cable box alone has so many functions, from guide, to info and rew, ff, stop and so forth. It works great with my DVR cable box. I highly suggest this product. I don't know how we could possible survive without it. Everyone comes over and loves the fact that our little remote does everything. Battery life seems to be great, still haven't replaced it from my the beginning of June and the red backlight is a refreshing change. There is also a back up feature for changing batteries, so you don't lose all that precious info that you painstakingly programmed. My husband thanks me everytime he goes to use the remote.. So don't listen to the reviewer before, they just have to set it up in a better spot. We are on the second floor, and can go to the ground floor outside and still operate everything in our apartment. This is a steal..... buy it now before Amazon catches on and raises the price.

Situation: A 9 month old girl is constantly opening the lower doors on the entertainment center. Who knows what knobs she'll twist and turn or what else she'll get into.

Solution: URC 9910

This is an absolutely fantastic product. The RF/IR Extender unit works well behind closed doors, and the IR signal is actually able to `bounce' off of the interior of the doors and control our receiver, DVD & VCR. I can now keep the lower doors on the entertainment center closed and locked so that my daughter isn't always fumbling through our movies and changing settings on our receiver. This in itself is a true blessing.

But the remote is a whole other story. This thing works extremely well. I'm mostly controlling a Sony TV, JVC Receiver, and a Hitachi DVD/VCR. Let me say that I've used many "universal" remotes in the past, but this one takes the cake. Every remote control I've ever had has had difficulty with our audio receiver. I've always been able to get the necessary DVD, TV, VCR, CD, etc. audio input, but it's always been a real hassle trying to figure out which button on the remote to push to get it to the right setting. Enter the URC-9910. With a quick email to One For All, I received all of the 3-digit Advanced Code Settings for all of my devices (many are already listed on www.hifi-remote.com). I can now control our audio receiver extremely well, and have also added many of the PIP functions for our TV to the remote as well. Oh, by the way, if you decide to program in some of the 3-digit Advanced Codes for any of your devices, it won't take up any of the precious 24 learning functions the remote already has.

Finally, this thing is JP1 compatible. I haven't yet taken the time to purchase a JP1 cable, as this remote has already dismantled my former thoughts on Universal Remotes. However, if you do purchase a JP1 cable for around $10-$15, you can download some freeware and can set-up this remote however you want. If anything ever happens and you lose your settings, just hook it back up to you computer and download the settings back into it. Once again, the hifi-remote.com website will give you all the info. you need to dive into this endeavor.

Overall Pros: Being able to use JP1 and program in the 3-digit Advanced codes is a major plus. The backlight can come in handy, though I usually don't need to use it for anything. The RF Extender works well and I'm extremely pleased that I can continue to control my sound equipment in a closet-like area. The Macro Keys also come in handy in being able to turn on/off all equipment at the push of a button.

Cons: Perhaps one day these things will actually come with a JP1 cable. But I can't knock off points for that.

Final Word: If you don't need the RF Extender, just get the URC 8910. It's basically the same remote w/o the extender. For only around $30, this remote is a steal.

This is a very useful "kickass" kinda remote. It even works with my Bose Lifestyle 50 Home Theater (with an optional C-1024 module made by ww.bluedo.com). You just need to learn some basic JP-1 programming which I (being on the tech side) picked up in just 1 day. It's a simple use of XLS (Key Master program) and JP-1 programming interface using the JP-1 cable. The remote emits IR codes and an RF signal, but beware this RF signal will NOT control your RF equipment like BOSE amp. directly, but the RF is used to communicate with the RF Extender module and it carries the IR codes on the RF medium to this extender which then beams the IR codes to the related equipments. So for example, if you use the Bose C-1024 module, then the remote will send an RF+IR signal to the extender module, the extender module will then send the IR code to C-1024 which will then convey the IR code to the Bose multi zone unit/amplifier.

Overall very good value for money. A MUST BUY. However the family might find it a little confusing to operate but then hey.. most of the times, family members operate TV and some basic VCR or DVD stuff, which is easy enough and clear cut.

But remember that you need to get the B01 version that has distinct arrow keys instead of the DONUT ring version which is an old one. People have posted -ve feedback for the DONUT ring version. Except for that this remote is just too good. So go in for the arrow key version.

Vladas clearly did not read the manual for this remote. You can program almost any remote, including those without codes. There is no code for my DVD recorder, nor did the manufacturer think it could be programmed into a universal. I decided to individually program all my recorder's remote control keys into the one for all 9910. I am not sure why Vladas was refereing to the four L / macro keys on the remote, as you do not program an entire remote under those keys. All you have to do is assign your device under one of the upper function keys. (SAT,CD,TV,DVD,AUX etc.) I used the Aux for my DVD recorder. It is very simple. You go through the menu system on the one for all 9910 and press the buttons you want it to pick up on the other remote while holding it near the IR port. It took about 10 minutes to program all 36 keys. I do love this remote but I did have a problem. After 2 years of use the RF function failed on mine. I do not know if my remote was dropped too many times, though I do not feel that happened much. The failure is likely on the RF box itself, as there were a ton of power surges in my area around the same time I noticed it wasn't working. I did not have this one device on a protected circuit. I just ordered another because I was so happy with it. If I am lucky the Failure is on the RF and the remotes use a standard signal. This way I will have 2 working remotes and 1 RF box. One remote for the theater room and one next to my computer, as I have my satellite signal running out of my theater room and in through my pc as well.

Just a note to let anyone interested know. I recently purchased this item and it is the improved version with separate direction arrow buttons.

I bought a new Viewsonic LCD TV and have the new Dish Network VIP 622. Well the dish universal remote didn't have the new TV in it, and the TV remote was useless so I had to buy a universal.

Looked at the $300 Logitech because the 622 needed RF, and almost pulled the trigger...sure glad I didn't. This remote didn't have the codes I needed, but a couple minute call to customer support (and a LIVE person answers your call NOT from India for a change) and a quick download and I was in business.

For a very cheap $35 I now control my Dish box that's on the main floor thanks to RF, and my new Viewsonic TV (2nd floor) all in one remote.

HIGHLY recommend the unit...amazing value!

First, let me say that I would like to give this 4.5 stars, not 4. I've been using this remote for about 4 months, and it has done a great job replacing my other remotes. I'm running a TV, DVD, home theater receiver and CD player. One of the main reasons I chose this remote is for the IF receiver, because my receiver and CD player are in another room, but the receiver is hooked up to my TV and DVD player. I was a little worried about the receiver's effectiveness, but it works like a charm! Granted, there's only 1 wall and about 15 feet between me and the receiver, but it's exactly what I needed.

The macros and learning keys are nice; I only wish there were more available. If you only use the basic functions of your original remote, however, the URC-9910 will cover almost everything you need. I set up a "watch DVD" macro that changes the TV to my DVD channel, turns on the DVD, turns on the receiver and changes it to DVD input, and plays the DVD. Works great! The only thing I couldn't do in the same macro is turn on the TV, because there is a 5-second delay on my TV power, and there is no way to insert a pause into the macro.

Now for a couple of small negatives. The directions are not always complete, and there is a little bit of a learning curve. For example, the directions failed to mention that you must select the component being programmed before you even enter the setup menu to program the code (the setup menu makes you select the component as well). Maybe they thought it was obvious, but it took about 20 minutes for me to figure it out. However, if you're willing to devote a couple of hours getting your components set up, you'll be rewarded.

The only real problem I had was setting up my home theater receiver. Only one of the available codes had any effect, and even then it would only power off. No power on, volume, input selection, etc. After an hour of frustration I emailed tech support. This was on a Saturday, and by Monday afternoon I had received a reply with step-by-step instructions. I followed those instructions (they involved advanced programming not found in the manual) and had the remote controlling my receiver 10 minutes later.

Finally, to answer reviewers who complained about battery life: in the 4+ months I've had this remote, I haven't had to touch the batteries. As long as you make sure you're not in backlight mode (so that the keys light up every time you press a key), you should be ok.

This is THE remote to buy in this price range. One for All have the best code-library in the industry. The reviewer way below said only 4 buttons can be learned, not true - in the manual it says that all buttons except the obvious ones can be learned. The reviewer below said the tv code had to be the real manufacturer, not the rebranded manufacter. I own a no-name tv which is really made by JVC. I know that, I enter the JVC code and it works perfectly. If the reviewer had called support they would have said this and given the correct codes for everything.

I dare you to try a remote by any other company in the same price range - well ok, philips and sony make good remotes too, but the database of codes still isn't as large, accurate and complete as it is with oneforall. This is why some other companies actually license the oneforall database for their own remotes!

If their phone service costs money (I can't say since I haven't had to try it, but I can't find a phone number on their website which is a little odd), use their email/web based free support. That's what it's there for. If you don't use a computer these days you'd pretty much better expect to pay for support.

I'd really like an update from the person who reviewed it at 2 stars below to find out how well they did with a remote from another manufacturer for the same price. I bought an rca prior to this (similar features) which was a piece of junk compared to my 9911. By the way, 9911 and 9910 are the same except the 9911 which I own has a standard button in place of the weird select wheel thing. Much better now...

Don't make a mistake - READ THE MANUAL if you buy ANY advanced remote like this. Use their web based support if you must. Go to remotecentral dot com and check out reviews and comparisons. This is how you educate yourself about new technology. Don't assume the manufacturer will dumb the tech down to your level if you're not even willing to read the details of the manual.

This is a great product. Period.