Sony RM-AV3100 18-Device Fully Editable Touch Screen Universal Remote Control

I was hesitant to purchase this product based upon some of the reviews that I read about it being buggy and freezing and things such as that, but I did anyway because it seemed that it would do exactly what I wanted for a good price.

Before making my purchase, I read reviews on this site as well as a troubleshooting forum and determined that most of the problems being experienced were user error and could be avoided.

When I received the package I immediately opened it and started looking through the manual for the portions that pertained to me and how I was going to use the remote. I entered the codes given for my listed devices and tested them. My TV however didn't have a listed code, but the instructions on how to find a devices frequency worked flawlessly and my TV was programmed with basic functionality within minutes. I had all of my devices (Technics receiver, Sony DVD, Phillips Tivo, and Sansui TV) all working on the remote within an hour.

Since I have had the remote about a month I have continually tweaked the functions of the devices controlled, often times using learning from my OEM remote to the Remote Commander (RMAV3100) and and continually satisfied with it's performance.

I upgraded my receiver to a Harman Kardon AVR series and have changed the AMP functionality over to it instead of the Technics. Just entering the code for the device didn't give me everything that I wanted to control with the remote, but with a little thought, tweaking, and remote learning I have programmed it to do everything and I no longer use the OEM remotes unless it's to learn a buttons function.

Information that I gleaned from forums to avoid problems:

When you change the batteries, remove all of the old ones and throw them away. Wait at least 20 seconds before installing any batteries. Then replace the batteries with all new and fresh AA's.

I did have the remote freeze up when I hit a newly learned button from the new receiver. When this occurred I removed the backing, removed the batteries, and waited 2 minutes before replacing them, just to be safe. Then I started the remote back up, deleted the offending button, relearned it, and have had no problems whatsoever since then.

I was disappointed. I should have spent more time searching for user reviews of this model and its predecessor. Briefly, pre-program commands were limited, the unit froze occasionally during programming, the buttons were not backlit, and the touch panel, although adjustable, didn't have sufficient contrast.

While the remote can be programmed to handle almost any piece of equipment, the pre-programmed equipment codes are limited. For those that are present, common commands were sometimes missing for my non-Sony equipment. For non-Sony equipment, no separate on and off commands were included.

The component selector buttons are pre-programmed with Sony codes. If your piece of equipment is not listed, it is best to clear the equipment selector button completely before learning the commands from your equipment's remote, as apposed to replacing the Sony commands on one by one basis using the learning function.

The manual is tedious but thorough. An overview of the steps needed to program the remote would have reduced frustration. If you haven't programmed a remote, plan on investing some quiet hours reading the manual.

Occasionally, the unit completely froze while erasing learned key commands or groups. Freezing was common during erasure of learned commands assigned to the remote's volume up and down buttons or the buttons in the ring shaped grouping. Battery removal/re-insertion cleared the freeze. Repeating the operation repeated the freeze. Erasing an entire group, such as TV, without erasing all the learned commands within the group sometimes froze the unit. Erasing all the learned commands within the TV group individually, before clearing the TV button, eliminated the freeze problem but the TV button then refused to accept a new equipment code. Clearing the ENTIRE remote proved necessary to resolve the problem.

On one occasion the unit froze when a button for a learned command was pushed. Clearing the entire remote was required was required to eliminate the problem.

After finding these defects, I found a user forum where users of earlier Sony models had complained about the same things. In my opinion, this new model is truly defective and should be taken off the market until fixed. Alternatively, these defects should be included in Sony's product literature so the public knows before they buy. If you buy one, I suggest you write your planned key assignments and macros down first. Do not attempt do to anything "on the fly" or you won't know what to avoid if the unit freezes.

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At one point if I wanted to see a movie or watch TV or do anything else with my system I had to go through a tedious process of (finding! then) using up to 5 different remotes. Although each of my components had a "Universal" remote, I could change the volume with one, but not skip forward. Or change the channels but not turn anything off. Having a row of 5 remotes set up in front of me got a bit too tedious.

Months later, I can say that I would miss not having this remote around. It does everything I want it to, and it can do more.

The challenge is learing how to use it. Prepare yourself for a morning alone with your system, this remote, and the manual. It would help to have a laptop nearby so you can check for quick ideas online. It took me over two hours to do it correctly, and I consider myself pretty technologically advanced. Once it was set, I didn't ever really have to think about it again. Even changing the batteries was a snap. Take the old ones out, put the new ones in, all the settings remain.

I've seen this in big electronics stores for $200. At that price, it's not a very good value. At half the price, it's a great addition to your HT system and it will make the times you want to sit down and just watch the game a lot easier. It could use some extra features, but it does what it is supposed to do very well.

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I bought this remote despite what I had read concerning setup, etc... Most of my components are Sony so I assumed that it would be a slam dunk as far as programming. The remote is supposed to be pre-programmed for all Sony products. It did not however control my Sony receiver (985). It was easy to have the 3100 learn the commands if you have your original remote.

I was disappointed that I had to program it for my PVR. You would think in this day and age the codes would be out there.

I did eventually get the remote to control all of my components, but ran out of patience trying to get the system control macros to control the misc functions.

I recently purchased the Logitech 659. It really is a much easier product to program and adjust. I would take a look at it before purchasing the Sony.

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Preamble: I originally purchased a Harmony 659, it has interface to Internet, it's easy to use, well that's what all the reviews said. Anyway, Web interface was a pain and had it set up after a lot of hassle; it couldn't handle my Sony Multiple Play DVD, couldn't handle by Panasonic TV properly, and the multiple componants/system option always ended up turning off the wrong componants. And lets be honest trying to read that tiny screen to determine where I was was ridiculous, plus other problems stopped using it after a day.

Forward to last week: saw the new Sony NX7000 (500+ bucks no thank you, but lets check out the rest). Checked reviews on Amazon for the 2500 and the 3100 many people claimed hard to program, limited codes no PC interface, hangs doesn't sound to good really. Checked out remotecentral.com, very detailed review and cnet (this was the previous AV3000), interestingly punters like it better that the editor (who likes the previously mentioned 659!). So I was a bit skeptical at those reviews that really liked it and said how they had it up and running in 1 hour or so. Hmmm, Checked remotecentral.com in detail, and given the Amazon price thought I'd have another go at a 'Universal' Remote.

Well, I really did have it up and running with all my components, including programming the remote I bought for my Ipod, in less than an hour. And no hangs! Couldn't believe it absolutely ecstatic. Other remotes now in spare room in a box!

Upsides:

Really not that difficult to set up.

Easy to flip between components

Bargain Look at the that Amazon price!

Works as stated

No other remotes on my table.

Down sides:

Screen contrast not too hot, but useable.

Generally need two hands to use

Finger prints on screen

Codes not extensive, no Codes for TIVO Series 2

Ohh and batteries not included!

They've just bought out the AX 4000, which does link to a PC! (but not Mac what have Sony got against Apple?), (but of course it is full priced at around $199)

Apparently consumes batteries (so I bought lots!)