SONY RM-AV2100 Universal REMOTE COMMANDER Remote Control

The first thing I did was programmed the unit for my current A/V equipment...a Mitsubishi TV and VCR, Pioneer CD/DVD player, amplifier, General Instruments cable box and Sony Mini-Disc player. The instructions include the universal codes for a ton of manufacturers. This process (after reading the instructions, of course) took less than 20 minutes.

Next, I taught the unit to recognize my Replay TV. This was as simple as hitting a key on the Sony RM-AV2100 and then hitting a corresponding key on the Replay TV remote (while the Sony unit doesn't have a pre-defined DVS (digital video server) selection I was able to treat the Replay TV as "VCR 3"). Getting the unit to synch up with my Replay took about 15 minutes.

Finally, the bells and whistles that I really wanted were installed. The unit comes with 3 "macro" keys which allow you to execute up to 16 commands with the push of one button. I programmed key 1 to turn EVERYTHING on/off. Key 2 turns on the TV, Amp and Replay unit and then tunes to CNBC (in addition to coffee, Squawk Box is my morning addiction!). I haven't programmed Key 3 yet. This process took less than 10 minutes.

So, why did I rate the unit only 4 stars? Here are my complaints:

- The LCD pad is smaller than I'd like. It would have been nice if they had increased the size of the LCD pad and reduced the size of the hard wired buttons
- It doesn't have a button/template which supports digital video servers (Replay, TiVO) directly. As a result, I have to remember how I mapped the keys that are unique to the video server (skip commercials, replay last 7 seconds, etc.)

Now, what I love:

- Excellent instruction manual. Take the time to read through it quickly then follow the step-by-step instructions the first time you program a particular function. You'll get the hang of it in no time.
- Perfect overall size...not too big but not so small that it'll get lost.
- Back-lighting is very good (though I'd like an LCD contrast button).
- Very responsive. It executes the commands much faster than my regular remote. For instance, moving between selections on an on-line programming guide is much quicker.

This goes without mentioning the other components stashed throughout the house. There's a four component stereo system, a TV in the master bedroom, and I expect more as our family grows.

When I was looking at other universal remotes, I was worried that I'd get the same results. Sure, this remote or that remote can control eight other devices, but can it really? I mean, will I have only the four main buttons of the 16+ that I want from my DVD control? There's a difference to be made between being able to interact with other devices, and being truly universal, and the Sony AV2100 is that difference.

As I am sure you will be, I was hesitant about the price. But thirty minutes after getting home, I was no longer a skeptic. Within that time I had successfully programmed in over five different remotes responsible for controlling over eight devices. And I didn't sacrifice anything. Unlike the previous "universal" remotes I had used, I truly had complete control of all my devices. From Picture-In-Picture, to input settings for the TV; from the CD player, to the radio tuner; from the cable box volume and channel, to the special menus and information buttons; from the DVD and VCR controls, to the special menus for navigating DVD bonus features; I am now able to control it all from one remote. With the twelve programmable settings, I am even able to carry this remote around the house for use at other TV's, and even the remote for my camcorder. I'm telling you this thing controls it all. It is truly universal.

Aside from all the great things about this remote, there are a few shortcomings. First off is its size. Make no mistake about the picture you see, it's a pretty sizable control. Its depth is what you really don't get to see, and while it is tapered, it's still pretty thick. Pay close attention to the dimensions.

Second is the screen itself. The screen is what gives you so much control. It can adapt to reflect whatever device you are controlling. The menus, buttons, and so on physically change when you switch from device to device. While this keeps you from having to remember what keys do what for the different devices (what did I make Picture In Picture control for my CD player?), it also lends itself to collecting dirt. You know, the popcorn on your fingers while watching the latest DVD, the cats that decide to walk across the remote, and just the general house dust and other dirt. Even with that flaw, it's a durable plastic coating, and it's nothing a simple damp cloth can't fix.

Another plus to the screen that carries a negative, is that there is a backlight button for when you can't see the screen, for when you're watching that big screen projection TV in a dark entertainment room. But what somewhat confuses me is that there has to be a button for this in the first place. Some of the other LCD-style screen remotes on the market offer an automatic light sensor that turns on the backlight when the room is dim. However, I can also see a problem with this in that if I'm enjoying that latest DVD in a dark entertainment room, the last thing I want is my remote shining bright as a distraction. So perhaps the button for the backlight isn't such a bad idea after all, but it's something to be aware of when making the investment.

All things said and done, this truly universal remote will continue to provide excellent service through the years of upgrades and replacements of other devices. It's powerful, flexible, smart, and fun to use. And most importantly, it's well worth the price.

Some people...have criticized the large size of this remote but I don't find it to be a problem at all. It's not so huge as to be a problem and it's size makes it easy to find when the home entertainment area gets cluttered. I only have two minor nits to pick. The display can be hard to read, depending on the room light. All you have to do is turn on the backlight and this problem goes away, but the light turns itself off in 10 seconds, so move fast... It's a great tool...