Jul 29 2009
Why can’t we remotely get along?
1.) Apple Mac Book Pro Remote: simple, but only controls Entertainment on Laptop; movies, iTunes & HULU2.) Apple iPhone: by downloading remote control apps, the phone can control iTunes and TiVo on machines connected to the same network
3.) Sony DVD Remote: simple, works fine
4.) Sony DVD Remote: simple, works fine
5.) Sony Receiver Remote (from 1989): Huge! I can only adjust certain setting through the remote
6.) Logitech Harmony Universal Remote: My favorite of all our remotes, it connects to computer to update firmware and gather latest electronic device info. Macros can be programmed for activities; turn-on multiple devices and change inputs selections accordingly. It was expected to be the Universal remote to eliminate the need for all other remotes in our living room - it even controls the Xbox. Unfortunately, you just can’t program it to do EVERYTHING each proprietary remote feature does. But it does a lot, and even glows-in-the-dark.
7.) Sony Universal Remote: works fine, controls up 6 devices, but is outdated for any newer devices
8.) Sony TV Remote: works fine, used as a universal remote since it is programmed to control our bedroom DVD player
9.) Samsung TV Remote: works fine, controls additional devices, but not that impressive considering the hardware it’s controlling; 42″ Plasma
10.) Samsung Home Theatre Remote: maybe I need to get out the manual, but I can’t figure out all of the buttons on this bad-boy. And I don’t think I should have to get out a manual to understand how to use a remote control. I just want to adjust the volume on the individual surround speakers, and it seems more difficult than it should be.
11.) TiVo Remote: my newest of remotes, and well, one of two reasons I am writing this post. WHY-o-WHY did TiVo put the fast-forward & rewind buttons where most other remotes have channel/volume up buttons? And the shape and size are similar, so I am constantly hitting rewind when attempting to adjust the volume.
12. Samsung TV Remote: also a newer remote, and my biggest complaint of all: the volume button is on the RIGHT and Channel up/down is on the left; opposite of all other remotes I have ever encountered. WHY, WHY, WHY!? I am constantly changing the channel when attempting to adjust the volume.
Why can’t we remotely get along? Shouldn’t we have a standardized, best practice layout for remote controls by now?