URC RFS200 PowerPak Bundle w/ MasterControl RF20 and PowerBlaster by Universal Remote Control, Inc.
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Digital camera reviews of URC RFS200 PowerPak Bundle w/ MasterControl RF20 and PowerBlaster
Digital camera Review: Does everything as advertised, but . . .
Summary: 5 Stars
Before I ran across this product, I was considering the purchase of a Hidden Link system from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware. With this system, an infrared receiver is mounted on the outside of the cabinet that transmits a signal from a regular remote control device. And it costs 200 bucks, not including extra transmitters!
For $130 less, I got this device on the recommendation of several good reviews.
It does everything as advertised (and more if you care to experiment).
I mounted the tiny transmitters on the inside of the doors of my entertainment cabinet right in front of the infrared receivers of my components. After programming each component into the MasterControl and mounting the PowerBlaster unit in the cabinet (you can put in anywhere without regard to placement behind components, etc.) the whole setup worked flawlessly. I even programmed the MasterControl to operate the light dimmer switch in the room!
The only "problem" I encountered was the time it took to set up the entire system; it took about 12 hours total time to customize the commands for each component.
Forget about automatically programming the unit with the manufacturer-supplied numbers--once done, there are several buttons that prove to be useless and some that just don't work.
You can get around this by programming each command manually and naming each command.
Once done, like I said, the system works unbelievably well. I intend to purchase another PowerPak Bundle for the upstairs entertainment center.
Digital camera Review: Does what you need for multiroom control
Summary: 5 Stars
RF20 does a great job - the wireless RF is working fantastic - has six dongles included for weaker IR needs - but main unit pointed at my rack downstairs is all I needed - I'm controlling a Yamaha HTR5990 from living room upstairs and it is doing all I need - have to LEARN a few commands that were stubborn - but otherwise the Pro (pre-programmed) settings are pretty much doing what I need already. Easy to use and no problems. And for $70+ bucks it was worth every penny. Harmony was going to be overkill for what little I needed.
Digital camera Review: Doesn't get any easier
Summary: 5 Stars
I needed a RF remote to control home theater from the next room. I shopped around at retail stores and online, and the next closest in price was at least $50 more expensive. I took a chance after reading reviews and have found that this remote and RF booster are fantastic. The instruction manual and DVD make it incredibly easy to program. Even when the code is not one of the pre-programmed, manual programming is easy and quick. I highly suggest this model when you are looking for a universal remote for home theater.Digital camera Review: Doesn't work with ATT UVerse
Summary: 3 Stars
Hello, I purchased this based on great reviews and price. However, I recently signed up for ATT UVerse television and this "kit" does not work with their set-top box. Apparently, some newer devices with InfraRed (IR) remote controls use a new standard and transmit data differently. I was able to get the remote to work with the ATT box but could not get the PowerBlaster to relay signals. It's not a matter of the signal being too weak or too strong, or conflicting InfraRed light put out by other light sources, it all comes down to the different format being used by the ATT box.
For those of you looking for to control multiple components, including an ATT box, I was able to get the "Hot Link Pro Remote Control Booster System" to work successfully. It cost a little more in the end because you have to purchase a separate universal remote and it is not Radio Frequency. However, I was able to hide the sensor pretty well and still get great control over my system.
So, to sum up, I think this system is probably a pretty good one, as long as you are not trying to control an ATT Uverse box with it.
Digital camera Review: Don't buy Harmony, Buy URC!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a guy that researches everything before I buy. This product got great reviews so I went for it and I have no regrets. The Harmonies have the fancy LCD screens and the fancy price to go with it. What they don't tell you is that fancy LCD screen kills your battery life. That's why you have to charge it all time, I know my neighbor has one. The RF20 has a basic LED display, yeah you don't have a charging station with it but with 4 times the battery life, who cares. You can buy rechargeable AAA batteries anyway. This thing is 1/3 the price of the price of its competitors, but has all the high end features. The programming is so simple that any PC interface would be overkill. The thing can learn any function that your factory remote puts out. It will never matter how old or new your equipment is or whether you do or don't have the remote code for it, the learning feature covers it. You can edit text, and set up multiple functions in macros even adding delay between functions if you receiver takes a few seconds to load up like mine does. This thing is totally customizable, its just a great design. The RF works great too, I can be in my backyard and control my DVD/CD player no problem. If you are looking for a universal RF remote for your home theater system don't drop 300 bucks on a harmony, spend [...] bucks and get the rf20/blaster. It can do more and costs way way less.