Sony Universal Remote Commander Remote Control - RM-V401LIV

Rating:
Summary: Don't buy unless willing to keep your old remotes handy
Review: An unbelievable headache to program, because I repeatedly had to do random code searches (the codes provided by Sony would not work) even though all of my stuff is pretty new and major brands. Even when finally programmed, it does not accomplish what I want from a universal remote -- which is to avoid having to use all the other remotes. It would not accept the code for my digital cable box(Motorola). I called Sony, and after a 1/2 hour, and deprogramming everything else, it worked. Then the fun started. After reprogramming everything, with the codes it had taken me forever to stunble upon, it refused to perform various functions. For example, it would turn the tv (a Sony!)on/off, but would not control volume. Putting aside these issues, (maybe I got a lemon), it's still a weak choice. I have a Panasonic DVD. The Sony remote will turn it on/off, but that's it. No fast forward, no reverse, no pause, no special effects. One of the nice features of Panasonic DVDs is that you can hit a "Zoom" button and letterbox pictures will enlarge to fill the screen. Cannot do this with the Sony remote. For the money, I was not surprised about this limitation, but I certainly did expect it to be able to fast forward, reverse and pause.

Rating:
Summary: Wish it worked with RCA DSS
Review: As a Sony fan, I am still very frustrated and disappointed. Yes, it handles my Sony components: VCR, DVD, TV, and even my Yamaha receiver (somewhat) but not my RCA DSS! Even though this component and brand is listed as being supported and shows codes, it would not work. I even called Sony and got nowhere. I exchanged for the lower model RM-V301, and guess what? The same thing. I ended up with a Phillips...

Rating:
Summary: Don't buy this unless you keep all your old remotes handy!
Review: First the code provided for my cable box would not work. 1/2 hour with Sony and it worked, but the fix required deprogramming everything. After reprogramming it controlled everything on the tv except the volume. Another 1/2 hour on the phone, and no fix. But even putting aside these problems, it's still inadequate. It could turn on my DVD (Panasonic), but nothing else. No fast forward, no reverse, no special effects. There's got to be something much better than this.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Remote
Review: This remote has saved my life! I do not understand the programming problems that people have had with this product. Mine was ready to go immediately! Don't waste your time, like I have, on other universal remotes. Sony has once again proven to be the leader in quality and coolness.

Rating:
Summary: Works, but...
Review: This works quite well, except for the fact that it doesn't work with digital cable boxes. Which is a shame, because I really could use one remote instead of five. I give it three stars because there was not much warning about this lack of support. It works well with all my other components. But where's the "Eject" button? I'll have to return this and try again.