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Changing the type of device a particular key operates is a breeze on the RM-V502 and is fully integrated into the code entry process – each press of the component select button during setup advances that key to the next of 12 different component types including Analog Cable, CD, DAT, Digital Cable, DVR, DVD, MD, Receiver, Satellite, Tape, TV and VCR. Only the [TV] and [Receiver] keys cannot be changed from their defaults.
New options?
The RM-V502 may look like a lot of remote control on the outside, but behind the fancy screen there’s little difference between it and the RM-V302.
The only significant feature addition is the replacement of the channel macro feature with the far more useful Component Select macros. These macros allow you to program a sequence of commands from any of the remote’s devices onto the 8 component select buttons. Every time that key is held for two seconds the sequence will be automatically replayed. When pressed, the remote will switch to the new component without sending the assigned macro. The RM-V502 supports up to 16 steps per macro including device changes.
Practical uses for macros include powering your system on and off, switching input modes on your television and receiver, or setting up common activities such as playing a DVD movie or listening to the radio.
Final thoughts.
If you’ve decided that a preprogrammed-only universal remote control is the way to go, the RM-V502 is Sony’s top-of-the-line model for that genre and would be a worthwhile purchase over any of its lower priced siblings for the easier setup offered by the LCD screen and convenience provided by macros. And yet the display, the remote’s main new physical asset, is largely underutilized. Beyond the initial setup phase it serves almost no practical purpose: during normal use it merely indicates the current (or reassigned) device type.
The $30 price tag may seem like a reasonable increase over the $20 RM-V402, but its value starts to pale when compared to the $35 RM-VL710 (read our review) which is an infinitely more customizable and practical learning remote control. If you have a real need for the 8 devices offered by Sony’s RM-V502 you’ll almost surely be better served by a more capable remote. Otherwise, if you’re specifically attracted to the RM-V502 for its screen, remember that after the first day of setup it’s primarily eye candy.
- Daniel Tonks (Remote Central)
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