Very clear button layout. Very complete set of functions. Fairly easy to program complex functions.

Annoyingly long 1/2 second delay between steps in macros (like when turning multiple devices on and off).

After my A/V Producer died, I wanted to find a universal remote that wouldn't require reprogramming every time the battery died and that could access all of the features on my Technics surround sound receiver. I've been very happy with the SL-9000. Even more important, my wife understands it! Before I had to teach her that you press this key to do that, but everything seems to be clearly labeled on the SL-9000, and it was even easy to set up my X-10 light controls so that we could dim the lights. By the way, I too started getting the RESET message. I went to the company's website and in their FAQ they said that was an indication I needed to replace the batteries. I did, and everything is working again.

Similar Products Used:

A/V Producer

Great when it works. Good battery usage.

Volatile memory loses pre-programmed codes. This is really bad when a manufacturer has provided this as the only remote and the remote loses its pre-programmed codes.

I see I''m not the only one who has found the remote to be defective and error prone (read below). After one year of use, my remote has also lost all of its pre-programmed codes. I never dropped it and used it casually. I too continue getting the RESET error, so I know I''ve lost my codes from its volatile ROM. I will attempt to replace the remote by calling the manufacturer who sold me the preamp, but I may have to do this once a year, as the remote begins losing its memory. Of course, I only speak from my experience, but, as they say, buyer beware.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz

Fully handles 8 devices. Pre-programmed codes for conveninence; full learning for versatility. Macro functions. Good backlighting. Stick-on labels.

Needs additional set of transport keys. Often difficult to get it "learn" -- conditions must be perfect. Macros only work in 4 of the eight device modes.

This is undeniably the best remote available in the vacinity of $100 ($89 from Net Market). The ergonomics, look, feel, backlighting are all superb. This is the first remote that has allowed me to do everything I desired. The absolute worst was the One-For-All product. The Memorex (over 10 years old) worked well, but lacked backlighting. Also, most of the keys were the same size and shape. In the dark, you had to know where your fuctions were by feel, and in the light by memory or label. The GE also lacked backlighting, and failed to accept many codes. Neither had any pre-programming. The Sony 4 device unit was inadequate, and the Radio Shack Unit not adequately programmable (and only 6 devices).

The Home Theater Master delivers what it promises, is easy to use, and is easy to see. Setup can be difficult due to learning failures, but perserverence pays off.

Similar Products Used:

One-For-All A/V producer 8, Memorex learning remote, GE learning remote (THE FIRST EVER!), Sony, Radio Shack 15-1994

durability,ergonomics,ease of use

I believe the SL 9000 is the best remote in the sub $400.00 category.I previously owned the so called "Remote of the gods"(RC2000) This thing consumed batteries at a frantic pace.It was not intuitive for the casual user-my wife;therefore,she refused to use the remote.It was easy for me.Guests would not touch it because it appeared intimadating.I then had the ultimate remote to myself and by myself I used batteries.Ergonomics were not good and it was not very durable.The remote broke in about 11 months.I Then purchased the 9000.The casual user(wife and friends)found it easy to navigate.The buttons are logically placed .I operate several pieces of equipment with relative ease.It worked from the box with preprograming with perfection.After tweaking the remote with the learning feature it was better than some of the original remotes. If you are in the market for an afforable ,reliable,full featured and easy to use remote look no further than the SL9000.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz RC2000

Slim and fit in hand, easy to learn and can punch through to simplify basic op's

macro programming limited to two devices: AUDio and TV; DVD menu surfing assigned to irrelevant buttons.

I wanted a single remote for my HT which includes PRTV, Sat, Preamp-amp, CD, VCR and DVD. First I tried the HK Take Control. It was a total disppointment. The product seemed still in its alpha-testing phase: too many inconveniences there and improvements to be made. For example, the presetting for my Hitachi TV (53SXB59B) was essentially wrong and massive reprogramming had to be done. Hooked up with my PC, however, I quickly realized that I could not do much with such an unflexible programming environment. I could not optimize button locations and would need to "flip" up to four (4) pages to press a button! I'd rather use four different remotes instead.

Returned and bought SL-9000. This is definitely a better remote for use. The unit is slim and fit well in hand. Backlit. The buttons are all exposed and within the reach of my fingers. Although functions are sorted with different devices, basic functions such VOLUMN and MUTE can be puched through, so one touch does the job. Finding the code for a preprogrammed device is easy, as well as the corrections through learning capability. I spent 20 minutes in dim light to fix a few misassignements while my wife was watching movie. I did the additional adjustment the next day.

However, "all buttons exposed" has its down side. For one, the menu surfing functions for DVD have to be assigned to some irrelavent buttons as TUNER/CD/VCR1/VCR2//TAPE1 to be used as ARROW-UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT//SELECT. Obviously, an emphasis is given to AUDio and TV devices at the expense of DVD. Given the fact that DVD player is becoming an indispensible component of HT settings, this design thinking is already outdated. Another evidence of this compromisation is the restriction to only AUDio and TV for programming macros. What if both video source and TV input need to be switched simutaneously for different connection types (composite, S-video, and component)? This could happen even one has a fully switchable receiver.

Similar Products Used:

Harman Kardon TakeContol

adaptability

learning curve

...claimed SL-9000 would not control his Toshiba SD3109. My SL-9000 works great with my SD3109, and all my other components.

Our house went from 6 remotes to one with the SL-9000. It does require a little effort programming all you components, but the result is well worth it.

One star off for high cost.

price, ergonomics, functionality, learning features, backlighting

Preprogrammed codes seem a bit off; Macros are slooow;

Overall, a very good value. This remote easily replaces all but one of my remotes (Sony STR DB930). The Sony has a weird remote and I think it deserves the blame and not the SL 9000.

Since this remote can learn, mismatched pre-programmed codes, ie, the pre-programmed codes will get you half-way home, however, you will have to "learn" a significant number of functions. This could be a problem if more than 1 person uses the remote and wasn't there when you set it up. In the course of two days I programmed and memorized all of the functions I needed to from my other 7 remotes (except for the 930 - speaking of which, if anyone has the 930 and knows how to get "soundfields" to work on the sl9000, I would really appreciate hearing from you).

I paid $88 plus $8 shipping for JD Electronics on the web. A 5 in the value department, a 4 overall.

Similar Products Used:

None

memory, price, ease of use

transport controls

I read all the reviews on this product before taking the plunge. I normally like to touch and feel a product first but it was not possible when I ordered this. So far it has lived up to its billing. It was east to program, I was able to add and few commands and change the buttons on a few commands. I agree that it needs seperate transport controls for my DVD but that was easily remedied using the numerical key pad and the enclosed stickers. For $84 including s/h I cannot complain.

More memory than most would need.
Ridiculously easy to program.
Even easier to use.
1000+ preprogrammed codes.
Learns from RF and IR.

Can't relabel hard buttons, but they do have those cute little stickers!

Love this remote.
Within an hour of purchasing, I had programmed every command I use in the day to day operation of my Home Theater components from every remote in my HT (6), AND created three macros that worked flawlessly. ALL of this done the first time I tried. How many touchscreen remote owner's do you know (without a computer programming degree) can say that?
Granted my HT is not the most complicated in the world, but I am no computer genius, and this doesn't come with software...I looked at that as a plus in the simplicity department!
Backlighting is terrific, buttons are more or less intuitive, and macro programming was a snap.
Sure, there are many things the Pronto and Take Control remotes can do that this can't, but they also retail for over $300, where this baby, which is actually doing all the same things my old Pronto did, can be had for about 1/3 that!
Of course not every function from every remote I have is on here, but I never used those anyway, so I won't miss 'em until I need 'em. When I do, I'll just take the specific remote out and do what needs to be done, then...back to the box it goes.
This remote controls 8 components, has the capacity for at least 5 macros of 15 commands each, and is so easy to program it's stupid.
What can I say, most HT equipment these days is complicated. At least the way you access them for your day to day viewing doesn't have to be.
Thanks Home Theater Master. You have a winner here.
E-mail me if you want my HT component list.

Similar Products Used:

Pronto, Take Control.

Very easy to program, volume punch thru control is nice

some buttons are small, but to do what it does I guess it's ok

Great remote for the money! I got mine for $92 w/free delivery at www.universalremotecontrol.com, best price I've found. It sets up easy with the codes and the learning process is smooth. The macros are nice if everything is already off or on. It also still fits in one hand! The IR
signal is very strong. So far I'm very pleased.