ability to control all IR devices, strength of signal, versatility in programing

progamming software could be more intuitive, If you don't have a computer you lose alot of valuable features

I really like my RC5000i. After getting used to the programing software I must say I am impressed with this remote. Since you can label each button there is no need to program buttons that don't do what they say as you are forced to do with most other learning remotes. Also with the software you can manually enter hex codes for remotes! This way you can program on and off buttons even if the OEM remote only has a single power button. Also unlike most remotes this one has plenty of memory, 2mb to be exact. I must say that I don't like the help that Marantz provides on there web site, but I found all the help that I needed at www.remotecentral.com

Similar Products Used:

None

Easy to use, replaces ALL remotes

A little difficult to learn to program via computer, but so easy once familiar with it. Scrolling thru screens can be a little tiring rather than having everything immediately accessible.

I've been a happy owner of a Marantz RC2000 MkII for a few years. I never thougtht I'd enjoy another remote more. It was easy to program and it had all of the buttons I needed, plus added flexibility with the LCD programmable buttons.

Then disaster struck. My 1 year old broke my remote. I decided to upgrade to the RC5000. I read the manual and downloaded the SetUp software from Marantz's web site. It took a while for me to figure out how to program it (the SetUp program on the computer offers so much more potential than just programming directly on the remote, and it's saved on disc in case anything happens to this remote), but now I understand it and I love it.

I find my system much easier to use with the RC5000 than the RC2000 MkII. Having so many macros and the ability to use longer word descriptions is very nice. The only thing I liked more about the RC2000 MkII was having everything accessible and not having to scroll thru pages of commands. However, I was able to make jump buttons on the RC5000 which simplified this issue for components with lots of features.

The final big plus of the RC5000 is the docking/charging station. The RC2000 MkII ate batteries like mad. I'm glad I'll never have to buy batteries again for a remote.

One last plus: It took me weeks to teach my wife how to use the RC2000 MkII. She learned the RC5000 in 3 minutes (I made sure I had worked out all of the bugs before showing her).

Similar Products Used:

Lexicon 500T (big and bulky), Marantz RC2000 MkII

Everything Imanginable-flexiblity, quality, endless possiblities, Able to toss all of my other remotes

Cost

Did a lot of research on remotes. I have a highend Sony 555ES reciever which is noted on many occations on this site to have a lousy remote. In came the Marantz....

Just finished programming everthing. Very easy to do especially with the software.
Also, the screen is large and bright(as compared to the Sony).

$750 CDN is what I paid. That's a lot of money for a remote. However, I feel that it was well worth it in terms of enjoying my system more.

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None

Macro functions are superb; Computer programming capability a very powerful feature.

Lack of buttons! Visibility!

I'm getting rid of my RC5000 - as soon as possible.

Instead of submitting a review, in the normal sense, let me rather say .why not. Marantz RC 5000. I am sure it will help other people in making a decsion.

You CANNOT use the *&^% thing without looking at it. And what is more, you must look closely, because the LED display is not that clear. (Yes, you can turn the "backlighting" on, but you still have to look relatively closely.

You have to take your eyes off the TV when using most functions

The loss of "finger-touching" the buttons is a HUGE disadvantage. In fact, I cannot decide what I hate most. The lack of buttons, or having to look at it all the time.

It is easy to accidentally press a button you don't want to, because you just have to touch - you don't have to press! So say you have your finger on the "stop" button, or "pause", because you expect a phone call or knock at any time - well, you cannot keep your finger on this button while watching, because (a) there is nothing to press unless you touch the screen or backlight first, and (b) if you "rest" your finger on this "space", then guaranteed you will set it off when you don't want to.

You actually HAVE to keep the thing in your hand to use it, and it is heavy. THis wouldn't ordinarily matter, but when you have to keep it in your hand (because you are expecting a call) then it DOES matter! Even the RC2000, which is also a heavy remote, is less akward to hold (it is also a bit akward, but not nowhere as much as the RC5000)

Similar Products Used:

Marantz RC2000 Mk1

Complete Flexibility with buttons, pages, macros. Internal software (operating system) upgradable.

Price; ram is so cheap I would like to see more of it installed (love to down load my own bitmap images, but they consume lots of memory)

I have never been so pleased with a remote! The power to rename, size, shape and place buttons to my exact needs is so addicting and outclasses anything under a grand available. Even without the computer editing software it is a breaze and a joy to use right out of the box.You don't have to be a computer whiz or even own a computer to realize its best features. But the fun starts when you sit at your computer and can design your own menus and equipment interface to suit your every whim and desire. You can check out and download hundreds of other configurations from fellow designers at Remotecentral.com.(Thank you Danial Tonks) Discreet codes, seperate on and off commands for example as opposed to 1 toggle button, for pratically every command your specific equip needs can be found here. The remote comes with a recharger that adds to the cost (a $70 or so additional cost for the Pronto) but is well worth the expense. The warranty is also 3years long versus pronto's 1 year, and with thier jaded customer service history regarding the Pronto, I would spring the extra cabbage for the Marantz. (see remotecentral.com forums for more on prontos nonrepairable, disposable, buy a new unit philosophy)
Everything else about the operational aspects of the pronto and Marantz are almost identical. You can shoot the romote from all over the room and it works. Marantze is a little slower putting out the software updates for both the editing program and the operating system but when they do its rock solid. Pronto spits em out quick and from my experience with pronto edit they are not as steady(little bugs that are more annoying than anything) Marantz removes custom beeps and timers from thier operating system and editing software. These features would be fun but you can design a kick ass interface without them. If you have a need for a do it all remote this is your ticket! If you are the slightest bit interested in tickling your creative side you will have days of fun configuring and designing the graphical user interface of your toy!!!

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lots of various so called unversals, sony,rotel,all for 1

This is just a comment. I find it interesting that everyone who reviewed this remote did not even notice that this is similar or may in fact be the same remote as the highly acclaimed, very popular, audioreview.com STAR rated Philips Electronics Pronto remote.

http://www.marantz.com/db/?MIval=h_home&con=hu
http://www.philips.com/pronto/index.html

Another interesting note is that, why can't they just make the background white to make everything easier to read? In this age and time, we should have the technology.

There is a killer remote out there that would replace the Pronto/RC-5000 for best remote and it is called the UCommand-616 ($179) from Crisp Solutions. It has both tactile and touch-screen buttons and a docking station ($89 extra) that serves as a charging cradle for its NiMH batteries and a PC interface to allow you to program the remote via the free RemoteLink software (although you can program it from the remote but much easier on the PC). Price is tough to beat and it looks cool too..check it out!

http://www.crispsolutions.com/pro616.htm

ease of use-programming from remotes-range-memory-ni cad batteries + charger-etc.etc.

some buttons to small for man hands (can be modified) Manual and Marantz site info SUCKS!

I got this little beauty with my new SR14ex amp. Both are performing extremely well. It connects to your PC, but good luck finding componant specific info, anything out there will change the entire programming of the remote. Marantz should have set something up on their site. However, the 5000i is very easy to program from other remotes and with the new extra memory you can load this puppy with all you have (I put 6 extra componants into it so far IN ADDITION to the amp programming). It has looks AND function...if it had tits I'd marry it..)

Similar Products Used:

RC 2000 MKII