Customer Reviews

Sony RMVL610N Remote Commander with 3 Color Back Plates - Neutral Pack (Black)

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is my first universal remote. I have done tons of research to figure out what I needed and how much I was willing to spend. Originally I was going for one of the Logitech Harmonies (550, 720, 880 and One were the contenders)but after discovering cheaper remotes would do just as well for my humble set up (I only have 4 items - Sharp Aquos; Panasonic Blu-ray; Yamaha receiver; Scientific Atlantic Explorer HD DVR) I decided to take it down a few notches and focus on the lower end models.

There were items from Universal Remote and One For All that had my attention. Including a couple from Radio Shack. I realized the reason I wanted to go with this product was that it was very recent, very inexpensive, and had the A-B-C-List buttons which made transferring controls from my DVR and blu-ray controls all the more easier.

I have read the setting up these urc's can take HOURS, but for my setup it only took me an hour and half if even. Since the 610 just came out, it easily recognized my devices, including my blu-ray which surprised me. So there were only a few controls from all the other remotes the 610 had to learn.

The great part was the macros that allows me to do exactly what the harmonies would do. It turns on my tv (it's a sharp aquos so the input feature would not work but it wouldnt work with the harmonies either from what I read) then my cable box and finally my receiver switching the input to point the receiver to my cable box. the same goes for my blu-ray if I need that turned on.

Unfortunately, it does not have that state feature where it remembers if the device on the macros you program in its system control is on or off. So it would turn a device off (if it's already on) or vice versa, whenever you switch from say dvr to blu-ray. Not a big issue for me at all though. I can just turn the blu-ray on in that case and switch the receiver to point to it and switch my tv input separately. As long as I can do it in one remote I am ok.

Now all I got to do is remember where all the new controls are in this one remote, but time will force me to get used to it.

Also the guide is very straight-forward and helped a lot in programming my devices.

I have been going back and forth between cheaper/less functional remotes and expensive/fancy remotes like Logitech. And I am glad I snatched this off Amazon @ $22 with free shipping.

I took a few pictures and added those to the gallery, feel free to browse through them for most of my comments.

I played with the remote for a while and first impressions were that the changeable back covers - although a nice touch - are not really necessary. I could have lived with a single cover. The problem is since these are removable and actually the only way to reach the battery compartment, feel a bit loose. It feels like if someone plays with the covers they might start coming off too easily. It may or may not be the case, only time will tell. This is the only reason this remote gets a 5. I just don't want to end up taping the back cover.

For the price to value, it definitely gets 5 stars. For the build quality it gets 4. There are enough buttons to program almost any remote, even my Time Warner remote - which I thought had too many buttons for any remote - matched up nicely. When I used the code in the book it was missing a few functions, and I added them in few minutes using Learn function, those were List, Replay, Day > and <, etc. Luckily there are enough buttons on this Sony remote. The only complain is the speed of IR repeat. It just does not repeat the signal too fast. So if you hit > button on remote for example on guide, it will advance slower than the DVR's original remote. You cannot specify the repeat speed (who really needs to, anyway).

The remote does not come with any batteries, once I put fresh set of AAs in it, it could penetrate through white smoked glass in my cabinet easily (other remotes had trouble, and I had to point straight to unit) IR on this remote is very strong.

There is another nice touch, when you program SONY components (most sony components do not require programming) the Component button on the remote also turns them on. So when you are watching TV and you want to switch to DVD, hitting DVD button on the remote Switches the remote to DVD mode and turns on your DVD player at the same time. Same thing with TV, A/V, AMP, VCR, etc. Oh, don't worry, hitting DVD button again won't turn them off! Remote does not remember the ON/OFF state, but come on, it's not a big deal.

I was able to program this to control my PS3 using NYKO remote for PS3. Now I can watch movies, listen to music, change wallpapers, etc.. using this remote. And best of all, I can turn off PS3 when I am done. The limitations are not caused by this remote, but actually caused by PS3 itself, not letting any IR signal duplicate a few functions on the SIXAXIS... That's another topic.

Greasy/Sweaty hands will leave a lot of marks on this remote. I also would advise against throwing this remote to your couch, etc. It doesn't feel as sturdy with those back covers. You can program 4 Macros.

After a few months of usage, if there is anything to add, I will come back and revise/add to this review.

I've used a Sony RM-VL900 remote since 2002 and have been pleased with it except that it only had 35 buttons to program all functions from my original remotes each of which usually had more buttons. I could make do but occasionally would need the original to accomplish a function. As I updated my HDTV, added a HiDef DVD player and other devices it was time to replace my remote. So I thought I'd give the new RM-VL610N a try since the older Sony worked so well in its day.

The RM-VL610 operates much like my older Sony but it has 15 more buttons (including Next Track and Previous Track which were sorely missed). Now I can control all eight devices in my home theater room with one remote and don't have to scramble for an original since there are plenty of programmable buttons to learn all functions from each remote. Also nice is that the buttons are labeled more like modern remotes which makes it easier to remember which functions are programmed to which buttons. The RM-VL900 uses older terminology which made things difficult.

It's impressive how much memory this remote has. It can learn 50 keystrokes from eight different remotes (400 functions) plus has four macro buttons to fire off strings of commands from one button press. I have mine controlling a Samsung HDTV, Sony AVR, Toshiba HD DVD player, Sony DVD player, Sony VCR, Sony CD player, Sony Cassette Tape player and Zenith DTV tuner (for the VCR) - and every necessary function is there. I did have to make an Excel spreadsheet with all the commands laid out but usually don't have to refer to it.

There is a learning curve to programming the remote but the manual does a good job of explaining it. I found it to be a piece of cake but of course was already familiar with the procedure which was similar to the 900.

My only complaints are some keys are small and crowded but I'll live with that since Sony's only fixes for that would be to drop keys or make the remote much larger. And Sony dropped the handy AMP input function labels on the number keys that the older remote had. I had to glance at my spreadsheet a few times until I finally memorized them. Also backlighting would be handy. Really these are quibbles that lessen as you gain familiarity with the remote.

All in all, fantastic power and flexibility at a bargain price. If you need to control many devices don't bother with a cheaper remote, treat yourself to this one. Well done, Sony!

I had the older version of this, and read where this one operated newer eqpt. easier... like DVR's, and other DVD's... I did not find that to be the case... the only thing I gaind from this is, my Vizio tv in the bedroom now has a sleep buton on this remote... and don't have to go through a menu like on it's own....

A great remote, especially for the price! I recently bought this RM-VL610B (bright color version) and an RM-AX1400 and the VL610B offers almost near the functionality of the AX1400...not all, but close enough for me to still be happy with the purchase of both.

The VL610 was easy to program..came default with Sony codes and programmed my Vizio, Sharp, Samsung, and Scientific Atlantic products with ease. I had to learn my Insignia Blu-Ray player, but 99% of other universal remotes have to do the same thing for that product.

Works on all of the following I tested with..

Samsung 55" LED
Vizio 47" LCD
Sharp Aquos 37" LCD
Sony CT100 Sound Bar
Sony DVD Player
Insignia Blu-Ray Player
Living Room IR Dimming Recessed Lighting
SA Digital Cable Box
SA DVR

The Pros:

-controls individual components with ease

-multiple macro keys and functions

-performs macros consistently and easy to program

-Skip buttons and A B C D buttons for DVR and Blu-Ray controls

The Cons:

-No display screen, if that matters to you.

-No "All Off" Function/Button

I bought this remote because the other remotes I bought at local stores would not operate my Toshiba DVD recorder D-R560. I wanted to operate my TV and DVR with one remote and did not want to spend a lot of money on the high end remotes. This one does exactly what I needed without breaking the bank.

For the price you can't ask for more. I personalized each and every button to adapt it to my preferences. I'm currently using it as the only remote in the room, for Sony LCD, Motorola DVR, Sony Amplifier, Even a Mac Mini using the learning function. Everyone should be pleased with this piece.
At first, looked for a Harmony one, but I can't justify the price for the functions.
Not perfect... but nearly.

This was my third remote this week. and the only one that works with my setup.

I have Vizio TV the Logitech harmony set it up both didn't include it as a TV.

I have old (for tech stuff) Toshiba and Pioneer DVR's this is the first remote EVER that has had codes that worked for them. I had to lean a few keys as the setup didn't include all that I use.

But I'm thrilled to finally have one remote on my end table.

An inexpensive solution and a good one.

Love it, easy to program and works with all of my components. Macros are easy as are the learning remote functions.

Bought this for my TV room to replace the remotes for Toshiba TV, Pioneer DVD Player, Yamaha amplifier. Programming took some time but once that was set up, I am able to turn on all the devices and start playing the DVD. I found out that it was also able to turn on and off my aircon which is a plus. However, the buttons were real small and you find that you have to look closely in case you hit the wrong button.