A nice basic universal remote
Pros:
Controls most routine functions for up to four devices, simple layout, easily programmed.
Cons:
Haven't found any.
The Bottom Line:
My only experience is with Philips products being controlled by this Philips remote. Programming, though, seems very straightforward and should enable the user to control many different brands. Get one.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Overview
I've previously reviewed the Philips 19PFL5422/37 (19PFL5402/37 white) LCD and the Philips DVP3960 DVD player. I bought this remote to provide a single control for both devices. My experience has been that staying with same brand on various components, including the remote control, is the best insurance against incompatibility. The reviews I found on this remote were positive, so I bought one.
Details
This is a simple, basic remote, so its layout and use are both straightforward. In addition to the power button, the PM4S has control buttons for TV, VCR, DVD, and CBL (cable). Like other remotes, the user simply presses the device button first, then the power button, and the chosen device comes to life.
Because it's a Philips remote, controlling a Philips HDTV and a Philips DVD player, it instantly recognized these devices. For the user with other brands, however, there's an extensive list of codes, by device, for literally scores of manufacturers. Need Panasonic codes? They're there. How about Sony? Ditto. What about Superscan? Those codes are there too. Codes abound for just about every imaginable TV, VCR, Cable Box, and DVD player sold in the U.S., as of March 2006.
The user manual walks you through the steps necessary to enter the codes into memory, or to search the codes by brand of equipment. So, if you want to find the right code for an Emerson TV, the manual will lay out the steps necessary to find the code you need. If you mess up in the process, the manual explains how to get back to the starting point. If you have the ability to follow instructions and to locate buttons, you can program this remote.
As far as the remainder of the buttons on the remote are concerned, there's the usual cluster of four buttons around a central button. The center button serves as the mute button for normal TV use. When in "menu mode," activated by a button labeled "menu in/out," the center button becomes a select/OK button for use with on-screen commands for the other devices. Around the center button are channel up/down and volume increase/decrease (left/right).
There's an "info/select" button for onscreen information displays. In addition there are a "code select" button for programming the remote and a "subtitle" button for use with closed caption TV (if you have that service) or DVD subtitle display.
In the lower half of the remote are the number keys, including a "TV/VCR" button for toggling between devices. Below these are the play, stop, FF, FRW, pause, and record buttons for use with VCR or DVD.
This remote is 7-1/2" long, 2" wide at the widest, and a maximum of 3/4" thick. It uses two AA batteries, accessed by a door on the bottom.
Conclusions
This is a handy remote for routine use. There are times when some special function requires an original remote, but most times this one is fully adequate for controlling all the usual needs. The PM4S is lightweight and easily used.
