Customer Reviews

Sony RM-VL600 8-Device Universal Learning Remote

5 star:		(257)
4 star:		(88)
3 star:		(23)
2 star:		(16)
1 star:		(35)

 

 

I bought three of these for my home last week to replace a pile of remotes in my living room, den and bedroom. For each room, I needed at least some of the buttons on each of the remotes to do this or that. No more, thanks to the "learning" function.

You start out, of course, by putting in the code for each device as found in the table in the back of the manual. Under Satellite, DirecTV codes were listed but not my DishTV device. No problem. The "search for correct code" function found it after just a few keystrokes.

Now, after that, some of the functions were missing. For instance, after coding in my DVD device, the Sony600 remote did not seem to have a button that would open/close the DVD tray door ... even though the original DVD remote did. No problem. This Sony600 easily "learns" what your original remote buttons do. The Sony600's DVD "exit" button didn't do anything, so I taught it to do what my original remote's "open/close" button did. How? Basically you just point the two remotes head-to-head, push the Sony600's "learn" button, push the button on the Sony600 that you want "to learn," then push the button on the original remote that you want "to be learned." Ta-da! Save the "learning" and you are done. I was able to transfer EVERY function from ALL my other remotes onto my Sony600 ... I now have one remote (in each room) that will do EVERYTHING ALL the other remotes did.

AND the range is much better than the old remotes as well.

Plus you can train the Sony600 to record and replay a sequence of keystrokes you make on the Sony600 ... it will replay the sequence with a one button touch (the A-B-C-D buttons at bottom are for that). I trained it to do several of these "macros" as well. For instance, I have some wireless headphones attached to the TV ... to make them work, I have to go into the TV's menu and work my way over to the place where I redirect the audio output and such. Turned on the Sony600 "learn" mode, then just performed all the required kestrokes .... TV, menu, down, left, left, enter and so on ... then saved it to the button at the bottom. It's just that simple.

All that for under $25. This is an excellent investment, run out and get one today !!

[Update: August, 2010] I just bought another one of these (to replace one that I broke) from Amazon. I was shipped a black one. It used to ship in silver. There are some silver ones hanging on the shelves at BustBuy, etc. Personally, I like the black look better except the blue buttons would have looked better in black as well. Anyway, other than the color scheme, it's the exact same device, whether you see it in black or in silver.

I was considering a harmony remote to consolidate my remotes, but I just couldn't justify the price. I've used the pronto when they first came out several years ago, so I'm somewhat familiar with what to expect with features for high end universal remotes.

On to the review, I paid nearly full retail price for this remote (a whopping $23), but I don't regret it because this is a purchase that is actually very useful for me. There are lots of universal remotes on the market, but I chose this one because:

1. It is not over-cluttered with buttons. Some people may want more buttons, but not me. The more buttons the higher the level of unfamiliarity with the device and the longer it takes to get used to. Particularly if you tend to use tactile feel (rather than sight) to navigate your way around the remote like I do.

2. This is a true learning remote as many have stated. It ships with a decent quantity of default codes to program your device (it found 2 out of 4 of my devices using the included codes in the manual). More importantly, it is VERY EASY to manually assign functions to each button (within each of the eight device functions) using your existing remote. This may sound like a lot of potential functions, but this device can actually accommodate all of these user-added functions without running out of storage/memory.

3. Macros. The four buttons on the bottom of the remote are devoted to macros. I can turn-on my dvd, switch my TV input, turn on my receiver, and open the dvd tray with the touch of one button. The possibilities here go as far you want it to.

4. Battery life. This device has no LCD display, it has no CD required to set it up, or drivers needed to download. It looks like a basic remote that I wouldn't mind sleeping on or accidentally dropping. It uses 2 AA batteries (does not ship with batteries).

5. Reviews. Look at the reviews for this unit on other sites. They are consistently higher and more favorable than anything else out there, and I can see why.

I rate this so highly because I thought I had to get a harmony in this day and age, but I was so pleased to see that there was such a cheaper alternative that actually suits my needs better.

UPDATE: 2/19/10

I misplaced this remote after moving over a year ago, and have since purchased a Harmony 880 (mine doesn't have the faulty charge issues associated with this model). I used the Harmony for a while, but a few months ago I found the Sony remote. I began using both remotes side by side (after reprogramming the Sony with my other newer devices), and in the end I actually use the Sony and leave the logitech on its charging cradle. Here is why:

1. The Sony doesn't need a charging cradle. One pair of regular alkaline batteries lasts close to a year for me. This is no where near possible with the logitech.

2. Both devices can be manually programmed for the specific functions you want to match with the particular input. However, maybe it's my particular setup, but I actually found it more convoluted to tailor my needs with the logitech because you have you to use a computer interface (connecting cables, update, load, save, etc). With the Sony, it will be manual as well, but no need to install a program on a PC and go through additional steps just to get it to start and confirm.

3. The main drawback for the Sony, at least for me, is that it doesn't include buttons to skip or rewind to the next scene. Obviously it has fast fwd and rwd (e.g. >>, <<), just not the next scene buttons (e.g. >>|, <<|). A minor drawback, depending on your needs.

4. I have programmed the Sony with 2 different Windows media center remotes I have. In other words, I've also used this to replace the remote with 2 different media center PC's I've had (obviously the logitech does this as well).

5. Sometimes simpler is better when you don't need a slick display on your remote.

I don't mean to knock on Harmony's by writing this review, I only do it because this is one of the very few electronic devices I've had from a long time ago that can still serve a very practical purpose to this day. As far the Harmony line goes, I don't see how that's a better value unless you have IR remotes for devices behind walls. Until a company can develop a remote that can combine the features of universal learning remote WITH easy to use mouse and keyboard features I feel that I need 2 remotes: one for the devices, and one for HTPC (unless you ONLY use Windows media center for your PC). For the price, it really is an amazing value if you take some time to read the manual and you know how to manually program the remote.

Several years ago I picked up a Sony RM-VL900. I was amazed at how versatile it was. Easy to program, it did everything, and my wife could easily understand how to use our complex home entertainment system because of it. At the time, I reviewed the remote and gave it 5 stars which it still deserves even 4 years later. To this day I have friends that swear by the other universal remotes they own, yet they always seem to have a pile of original remotes handy to cover stuff their universal remotes can't do. With the Sony, all my other remotes are put away and most haven't seen the light of day since I used them to program the Sony. There's simply no need for them anymore.

4 Years later and my VL900 is still serving me well, but the printing on the buttons has worn off making it difficult for others to use. I looked for a replacement but they don't make it anymore. I considered a high end Harmony remote at several hundred dollars, but after trying one out realized that the LCD screen actually makes them more complicated to use for novices than the Sony. In addition, one of the best features of the Sony is the shape and layout of the buttons. I can easily navigate my Sony simply by feel because of the excellent button shapes and layout. The Harmony remote has buttons that are all squished together. It looks nice but can't be navigated by feel as easily.

At first I didn't even consider the RM-VL600 because at the price. I assumed it was an inferior non-learning, non-macro remote. Luckily I took a look at it and quickly realized that not only is it very similar to the VL900, but actually sports some improvements. There are 3 extra buttons compared to the VL900, and one extra dedicated macro button.

Just like the VL900, the VL600 allows you to program macro commands into the component selection buttons for a total of 12 macro buttons. And the 600 was able to learn every command for all of my components just like the 900 did. Each button can be individually programmed to do any command you want. For some components I didn't even use the pre-programmed codes because I knew I'd be creating a very custom setup. The remote handled it without a problem.

The only drawbacks I could find with the remote are that it isn't tapered like the 900 was and the 900 was heavier which I liked. It also doesn't control RF devices. I've gotten used to the non-tapered shape and lightness off the 600 (2 batteries instead of 4). As for the RF, the cheapest remote I could find that controls both RF and IR components costs twelve times as much as this remote, so that can hardly be considered a drawback of this remote considering the price.

In summary, for a simple to fairly complex home theater setup, this is one of the best remotes you can buy. It's easy to set up despite not having a pc interface, very flexible to handle a lot of different setups, and once set up, it's easy and comfortable to use. The fact that is costs less than half as much as the extremely capable remote that it replaces is an even bigger bonus. This remote easily performs as well as or better than remotes that cost ten times as much.

Update 4/19/2010
It's been 3 years since I wrote this review and I'm still using the remote. One of the buttons has stopped working and a few others have to be pushed kinda hard to make them work. Since my system has been upgraded significantly, I decided to upgrade remotes and go with a Harmony 700. After about 2 months, the more I use the Harmony, the more I dislike it. I'm finding it difficult and time consuming to program and my wife finds it harder to use.

I just picked up another of these Sony remotes. I was able to transfer all my programming over from the old one and I'm back in business in a few minutes. I had not problem upgrading it to deal with my new components. Sometimes keeping it simple pays off. Touch screens and PC based programming sound nice, but honestly I find this remote easier to program and use than the Harmony that cost six times more.

This is easily the cheapest fully programmable remote you're likely to find out there, but there are some tradeoffs. It's not very comfortable to hold, the buttons are in weird places, and Sony still doesn't think people need a full set of DVD playback controls for some reason (there's no difference between track forward, fast forward and frame forward in their minds). But if you're like me and don't want to shell out $200 for some backlit Logitech LCD nightmare just to change channels, it'll definitely do the trick.

Was looking for universal remote from Harmony 6xx series & One For All 89xx series but I don't see the need to install software/cables in order to program a remote....(a remote is suppose to make our life easier, not more complicate..)

Surprisingly, at only twnty & change Sony come out with such a powerful & solid built remote you are not missing much comparing with other remotes that charges hundreds more while offering similar functions. not to mention that there's no need to install sofware or cables to program the remotes.

It quickly swallow the pre-program codes for my TV & Home theater system, also easily learned the codes from Satellite receiver and 2 lesser known DVD players, then I created a macro (it allows up to 12 macros)to accomplish multi tasks.

Now I can just press DVD button for 2 sec, it will automatically switch to proper DVD input setting on TV, turn on the Home Theater Receiver & switch to DVD setting of receiver, then turn on DVD player, open the tray..etc) I then apply similar macro to "watch cable tv", "watch satellite tv" and "listen to CD" ...etc, that pretty much covers 99% of the need for average user.

It only uses 2 AA battery & not so heavy/punishing if dropped on floor accidentally. The remote has enough built in memory capacity to learn almost any buttons of any device. The memory will not lost even if you take the battery out.

I also like the large Channel/Volume buttons layout which resembles OEM remote comes with panasonic plasma TV. the Rubber buttons also response well & feel better than the 'hard buttons' on other brand.

Although it does not have backlite (except for 8 device buttons), the brushed aluminum face plate looks neat and reflect enough light source to all buttons.

In summary, function wise it rivals those programmable remote control that cost several times more, it's a very solid remote with nice keypad layout & resembles those name-brand OEM remotes & most of all.. "EASY" to learn and use.

I was looking for a cheap universal remote (couldn't justify spending $100 - $200 on such a simple device). I have many home theater components, some of which are not well-known brands.

This remote worked perfectly for the name brand components (Sony, Toshiba, etc) and gave me the ability to EASILY program all other buttons by simply pointing my old remotes at it and pressing a button.

The great thing about this device is that it works correctly with an A/V receiver. For example it gives you the ability to make the volume buttons control either your A/V receiver or your TV. Also, you can have the remote automatically make the appropriate change on your receiver as you switch among components. So when you press the DVD button, it will switch your receiver to DVD mode and control your DVD player. That is an absolute must for anyone using a reciever to route all audio and video signals.

Another excellent feature you'll notice right away is the remote's wide-angle range. My DVD player's old remote required that I point it exactly at the player for it to work. Now that I have this product I can just point it in the general direction.

Finally, the macro programming is great because it lets you set up an activity with a single button. This is especially useful if you need to make an input select every time you watch a video. For example, pressing the VCR button could automatically turn on your TV and VCR, switch to VIDEO1 on your TV and then play the video.

Some small annoyances for your considerations:

1. The power button cannot be programmed to operate a macro. So if you want to turn on your system with only one button, you'll have to use a generic button. This means that you'll have to explain to your guests how to turn on your system or do it yourself.

2. Look at the picture carefully and make sure all the buttons you need are there (remember that the four generic buttons are system wide and cannot be reused across components). I am missing two buttons for my cable box (page-up and page-down) that have no place on the remote.

Overall, I like this remote's ability to learn codes and its intuitive design. Add to that the great price and you have a perfect addition to your home theater system.

I bought this to replace my original universal remote, that came with my Sony amplifier. I've had several crappy ones. My wife just can't seem to accept that a good remote costs more than $15. She picked up a 6 device remote at Radio Shack and that was okay, but it barely cut it and I had to program every command. The only thing it would do, once programmed with the device code, was turn it on and off.

The Sony came pre-programmed with something like 600 codes. Most of my equipment is Sony, so I took it out of the packaging (a monumental task, believe me), and aimed it at the television. It came on. I tried other buttons and there was nothing it wouldn't do. I turned on the DVD player with the same wonderful results. Then, I aimed it at my Sony amp, which I bought new two years ago. Nothing. Nada. So, I plugged in the code for Sony amplifiers and the stereo came to life. Unfortunately, that was all it could do. I programmed all of the functions in and it refused to "learn" most of them. It just will not recognize this amplifier and it's a Sony! So, I entered codes for other devices. It operates our Panasonic VCR perfectly. All it took was the code. I had no code for my Bose Wave Radio/CD player. I "taught" it by aiming it at the device as the clear, well written instructions said, and I had it! It didn't learn all of it's functions, but enough to make it worthwhile. I also entered the code for the JVC television in my bedroom and it worked perfectly the first time I used it.

I'm sure there's some sort of fix for the amplifier problem. Otherwise, this remote does exactly what it advertises and it can be taught to operate almost anything that comes with a remote control. It is by far the best remote I've ever owned and I loved the one that came with my amplifier. Because of the amplifier, I took a star away. Still, it was a steal at this price. It is light, feels great in the hand and is simple to use. The instructions are well organized, easy to understand and extremely simple to follow. What more could you want?

For about 25 bucks, this remote gave me something that the cable company remote couldn't do... the ability to learn the controls for my Olevia TV!

This may not sound like a big deal, but those that own Syntax Olevia TVs know that most universal cable remotes do not come with built in Olevia codes. It may sound lazy, but keeping one remote for volume and power and another for changing cable channels becomes a drag.

Even though this Sony remote had no codes for Olevia, the learning function quickly allowed me to EASILY program the volume and power controls. Compared to other remotes with learning functions I have used in the past, the Sony was a breeze to "teach."

I quickly entered the code for the Motorola HD cable box, and the other 2 remotes quickly went into a drawer. Problem solved!

This is the second universal "learning" remote I have purchased. The first, costing well over $100 when I bought it, failed to even get close to controlling everything. This low cost unit does the job much, much better.

I am running eight devices with this unit (TV, VCR, DVD, Amp, Tivo, DirectTV, CD Player and Roku Soundbridge) flawlessly. It controlled all three Sony units out of the packaging with zero problems and full functionality. The VCR, DVD and DirectTV units worked perfectly with the first listed code in each category. The TIVO, CD Player (RCA) and Roku all had to be programmed but the only difficulty was in figuring out where I wanted each command to live. The programming itself was a snap.

Cross functionality of a command does not appear to be a problem. I reprogrammed the volume control on seven of the eight functions to control the amp volume, leaving only the TV volume intact just in case. The remote allowed me to reprogram specific buttons even on devices it came working with (the Sony amp, for example).

I only had two complaints with this device and they were small. The code listing documentation was a bit scrambled. In some cases I had to look across several "categories" to find the correct brand code (the basic DirectTV code was 3214 and I had to find it under something other than a "Satelite controller" heading). Ditto with the RCA cd player. The code that worked for me was under another heading as well.

Secondly it appears that the "repeat" function on pressing the same key has a little bit longer than natural lag time in recognizing the key press. Getting to channel 1-0-0 takes a brief pause to let the first zero register and allow a second to be added.

Still, for under 20 bucks it is not possible to beat this remote. Anyone buying a more expensive universal remote is doing so to buy a LCD screen.

This thing is great. I have some really obscure non-brand-name components and none of the preprogrammed codes worked for me. Of course, that doesn't matter when you have a learning function like this remote does. I was able to program each function from each of my 5 remotes onto this Sony remote. I had been considering the Logitech Harmony remotes very seriously and for quite a while, and boy am I glad I didn't spend all the extra money for all the extra bells and whistles that you just don't really need.

You can have 4 macros assigned to the A, B, C & D buttons and each macro can have up to 16 functions. One thing that I did not see published anywhere except for in the instructions is that you can also assign additional 16-function macros to each of the 8 component select buttons at the top. You tap the component select button to select which component to use, but you hold down the component select button for 2 seconds and it runs the macro. This gives you a total of 12 macros you can use! Way more than I need. I use the A button to power everything on and watch satellite TV, and the D button to power everything off. Once everything is on, I use the component select button macros to switch between components (example when holding down the DVD button for 2 seconds - Change audio input on amplifier, change video input on video switcher, power off the satellite box, turn on my DVD player... all with the push of one button!)

The cons:
When teaching the remote to learn volume commands, it learns how long you hold the button down on your original remote. After programming, a tap on the volume up would increase my volume by 4 points and a volume down tap would decrease just one point. I had to reconfigure the button and make sure I pressed the volume up button for the same amount of time as the volume down button while teaching this remote the code. Also with the volume controls on this remote, it's not repeating. That means you can't hold the volume button down and increase the volume of your TV. You have to tap, tap, tap, tap until you get to the volume level you like.

One other con for this remote was that it has no "DVR" button. It seems that almost everyone has a DVR nowadays so I thought the lack of having this button on the remote made it seem ancient. I think I programmed the DVR function to the "Digital/Analog" button. It's cool that you can assign what ever you like to where ever you like. You can even assign power on/off to the channel button if you want. Once you memorize what function you assign to which button, then this won't be a problem.

I really didn't want to give this remote 5 stars because of these cons, but 4 stars would have been too little. Since I can't choose 4.5 stars, I'll round up and give this remote a full 5 stars!