Rating: 
Summary: They ALMOST got it right this time
Review: I own the RadioShack branded incarnation of this remote, after having previously bought and returned the older 6-in-one Kameleon. I have also read through tons of manuals for different AfO/RadioShack and other models, before finding that this is really the only one that will suffice for me. That said, while some things were improved in this 8-in-1 Kameleon (over the 6-in-1 and other All-for-One models), some things also got worse. The good: * You can send "raw"/advanced IR codes (000 - 255) to your devices, and thus be able to control features not enabled by default. In some cases, you may be able to control the device in ways the original remote could not! For instance, you can send a discrete ON (code 022) or OFF (code 026) signal to nearly all Panasonic devices; or switch the input channel directly to e.g. Video 3, or "AUX", rather than repeated "TV/Video" keypresses. This is very useful for macro programming. You can even assign such advanced codes to particular keys, if you don't use them for anything else. For a list of various advanced codes, check out "http://www.hifi-remote.com/". * You can program 5 macros, on keys M1 - M4, and on the "Power" key. For instance, if you have a home theatre system, you can program M1 to switch your HDTV to your cable/satellite video input, your home theatre to the cable/satellite audio input, and leave your remote in the "Home Theatre" mode. Similarly, assign M2 to DVD video in on the TV, DVD mode on your home theatre, etc... * The ability to download new codes over the telephone is really, really cool. As shipped, this remote did not support my HTiB (a Panasonic HT-SC810V), but after a call to RadioShack customer support I now have this supported as well. The not-so-good:
* The Power macro only works while the remote is in "System" mode. Otherwise, it controls power only to the selected device, e.g. your TV or your DVD player. So to turn on/off your entire system, you need to press "System", then "Power" -- if you forget to do so, you will find that the various devices are "out of sync", and you need to toggle power for individual devices. (This is unlike the 6-in-1 Kameleon, where the "Power" macro worked regardless of what mode the remote was in. In fact, the 6-in-1 would allow you to program a macro on nearly any key, not just M1-M4 + powerd). * I simply don't like the soft keys. I wish AfO had any models with similar functionality in a regular push-button remote. Models like the 8811 come close, but no cigar without the ability to program a macro on the power key. * I had a very difficult time trying to "learn" functions from my original remote. It simply would not accept the code very easily. That's OK, I'd rather add the function by way of assigning the appropriate advanced code to the keys, as this eats less memory, and is more versatile. (For instance, "learned" funtions cannot be copied to other keys via the Keymover feature). * The tilt switch does not work all that great. Sometimes it is too sensitive, turning on the remote after a nearby person breathes - othertimes you have to shake it to turn it on. You can also turn it on by pressing on the pad -- that means another keypress. Someone else described a way to disable the tilt switch by opening up the remote and physically remove it. That's unneccessary. The manual (at least the RadioShack manual) describes very clearly how to do this programmatically:
- Hold down the "P" (i.e. "Setup") key for 3 seconds, until the IR indicator blinks twice.
- Press "Other"
- Enter the code 9-8-5. The IR indicator blinks four times (to indicate that the switch is off), or twice (to indicate that is on).
Rating:
Summary: The 9-8-5 Tilt function and timing options not on all...
Review: I purchased this remote from Amazon.com 4 months ago and although VERY happy with the look and functionality of it, I too was disappointed with the tilt function lighting up the remote every time I breathed too heavily. (I know this sounds like an exaggeration, but believe me, it is not...) I read the many reviews here and attempted to disable the remote with the "9-8-5" code that some reviews mentioned, but it did not work with mine. The manual I have made no mention of the ability to turn off the tilt/vibration function or of a way to change the illumination timer in the set-up. I contacted All-in-One via their website and asked for help. They emailed me back that there is NO WAY to disable or alter the motion sensor on my particular model and suggested I place the remote on a cusion or pillow to help reduce vibration. (Still didn't do much to stop the sensor form turning the device on every few seconds. Thus resulting in a need to change the 4AAA batteries on average of once a week...)
Today, I noticed that an amazon.com user has posted pictures of his remote on this product page and the last one shows the back of his box which states "Latest Features Include : Ability to deactivate the tilt switch (motion sensor)" Obviously, this function was not included in some older models (or non Radio Shack models) The bottom line is there is no way of telling which model you may get shipped from Amazon.com if they don't update their product page with new info stating that the new model is the one they're selling. They may have older models in stock and you may get one that lacks the motion option like I did. (The PDF product manual on this page does not mention the ability to turn off or alter the sensor.)
Otherwise, this is a sweet little remote and I almost feel it's worth buying 16 AAA batteries a month just to be able to use it, but the cost savings of the optional motion feature makes the newer version the only way to go. I only wish I knew if the amazon.com model now has it cause I'd probably spend the cash again to get another with this function.
Rating: 
Summary: Devours batteries!
Review: I thought this was going to be an awesome remote for a few reasons:
*Illuminated remote for dark situations.
*Controls multiple devices including my ReplayTV.
*Easily updated device codes for future expandibilty.
*Cool design, good looks and nice feel.
BUT...it has some huge flaws:
*Eats batteries - no joke!
*Turns on and off constantly - just by entering the room!
*No adjustment for keypad sensitivity or remote on/off.
I like the idea of this remote, but it does not live up to my expectations.
Rating: 
Summary: It Worked! It fixed the "Sensitivity" or "eats batteries"
Review: I too had the "eats Batteries" problem. That was until ROBO314159 came to the rescue. His fix of removing R34 on the board was exactly what I needed. His description was perfect and it worked like a charm! Highly recommend. The only tough part was the black housing removal. I started at the IR LED as it has a small area to get a driver in.
Thanks again ROBO.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but some annoying flaws
Review: I've been looking at a lot of universal remotes, and I'm amazed at how lame most of the designs are. Ugly buttons, stupid layouts, wanky control schemes, awkward case shapes. What's wrong with the guys who design this stuff? Yeesh. Anyway, when I saw the Kameleon, I decided to give it a try. While I knew it wasn't everything I thought a remote should be, it was one of the better options out there. Overall, it's been pretty good. It looks cool, it's backlit, feels good in the hand, has a fairly complete set of buttons that aren't too tiny, and seems to kick out a decent signal. Still, if it were up to me, there are four things I would change about this remote: 1) Physical volume and channel buttons (so you don't have to look at the remote to adjust these two things). 2) Adjustable backlight timing. The default 6-7 seconds is way too short--about the time you find the right button to push, the thing shuts off. 10-12 seconds would be more reasonable. 3) Adjustable backlight sensitivity. The idea of the backlight coming on when you pick up the remote is great; the implemention of that idea on this remote is not so good. If you leave it on the arm of the couch or on top of some magazines, it tends to switch on a lot. I find that putting it on a more solid surface, like an end table, works better. Maybe they should switch to a different kind of sensor (heat? capacitive?) that responds only to being touched rather than to movement. 4) Named input buttons. Right now, I have to hit number keys in order to select the input on my receiver, like 5 for DVD or 3 for Satellite TV. Not very elegant or user friendly. Those gripes aside, I still think this is one of the better remotes out there for the price.
Rating: 
Summary: Finally a universal remote that is actually universal
Review: I've bought many universal remotes before and I've found that they did not control all of MY devices. This one does it all . I have gotten rid of my 6 remote controls and now have only 1. I like the fact that you can customize the buttons. I didn't like the ones that were preset for my replaytv so i changed them. The only thing I would change would be the 7 second dimmer. It doesn't seem long enough. overall I am very pleased with this device and the price wasn't too bad either.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but not great
Review: I've had my Kameleon for about a year. Overall, I like it. It was easy to program, the macros are handy. Visually it's outstanding, and it's feel in the hand is great. The construction quality is also outstanding.
The downsides however slightly out weigh the positives in my opinion. First, as everyone has pointed out, is battery life. People who say they are getting a week on a set of bateries must be using cheap batteries. I typically get about two to three weeks on a set of NiMH rechargables. This is annoying, but not that big of a deal.
The big problem as far as I'm concerned is the lack of "real" buttons. Since you can't feel the buttons, you have to look at the remote to figure out where to press. Personally, I find it quite annoying.
On the other hand, this is a great feature for the tech-phobic. Because the only buttons that are displayed are those that are needed by the current mode, this could be the perfect remote for those that are scared off by too many buttons.
Rating:
Summary: Works good, just eats batteries and light-up is annoying
Review: I've had my remote for almost a year now and I do have to admit that it does an excellent job at programming the remote and easily entering all the codes, etc... plus there seems to be a ton of buttons for every conceivable use. The only problem I have with this unit is that it sits on the table next to me where I rock in my Lazy-boy recliner. This may not be a problem for some folks, but the remote wil constantly light up while I rock since it senses the vibrations of the chair through the floor. I usually have to leave it turned over so it doesn't constantly turn on and off while I watch a movie or show in the dark. Also, within a week the batteries are dead due to the constant movement from me or my wifes chair (she does not like it at all since the buttons are a little hard to find for her and she dislikes the short "lighted" period while she tries to find the right button). I have tried to place it in other areas around me but nothing is in reach. Plus, I am unable to sit and actually hold the remote (yes, I'm a man and like to have control of the remote - haha) but I have a Tivo unit that I was using with the remote and I usually had the remote in my lap to quickly skip commercials, etc... but in the dark and as I rocked in my chair, it would constantly light-up and was actually extremely annoying. I have since "retired" this remote and use the Tivo remote now except when I need to control the DVD player or Yamaha receiver. The remote sits on a desk and I retrieve it when I need to use the receiver, DVD player, or even the VCR on a rare occassion. It would be much better if I could "turn on/off" the lighted buttons versus it coming on all the time at the drop of a feather. As I said though, this remote does an excellent job at tackling the "all-in-one" remote issue, it just doesn't work for those of us who like to "rock" or move around in our chairs.
Rating:
Summary: Don't buy if you use Tivo. (Sony DirecTV version)
Review: Initially, this was a good remote as far as universal remotes go. The screen is cool to watch, until you set the remote down and realize that the slightest vibration causes it to come on. This really destroys battery life, and we have only been able to go slightly more than a week between battery replacements. If you have Tivo or one of the other lesser PVRs, I don't suggest this remote. When skipping commercials, the remote powers off just when you need to hit the play button again, causing you to blast right past the beginning of your program. I thought that this could be overcome by skipping commercials at a higher or slower speed, but the variations in commercial strings and length proved me wrong. The built in Tivo commands didn't have a now playing list button, and there wasn't an obvious choice left to assign it to without losing another feature, because the Kameleon won't let you assign functions to several buttons on any screen. Finally, after a couple of weeks, I have already noticed that part of the screen pops when touched, as if the material is deciding that it doesn't like to depress at that location. I am returning this remote primarily for the battery issue, but the other issues sealed the deal.
Rating:
Summary: Eesh
Review: It's only eyecandy. Avoid this one. Most of the buttons don't work and it costs over 50 dollars. Seriously,why pay 50 dollars or more FOR A REMOTE! Your TVs,Stereos,VHS/DVD Players come with them!
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