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RF & More
The devices I wanted to set up next were two Hitachi VCRs. The secondary unit programmed without incident, however none of the 8 included codes worked with my primary unit, which is configured to "VCR B". An Auto Code Scan failed to turn up a code set that would work, though most competing remotes include this model. No cassette deck codes are provided.
The remote features automatic "punch throughs" for VCR transport controls in TV, Satellite, Cable and Receiver modes. TV Audio is also punched through by default to VCR, Satellite and Cable modes, however you can instead choose to use the receiver’s volume for all 10 components. If you hold down the Action key plus the Power key the remote will turn on or off the TV, VCR, Satellite and cable devices at once, while the built-in sleep timer can turn your TV off after a user selectable period of 1 to 99 minutes.
One of the interesting features included with the SC-595 is the RF transponder that will allow you to use the remote through walls. The remote sends out both RF and IR signals each time you press a button, so if you’re in another room RF signals sent from the remote are received by the transponder and rebroadcast in infrared. In practice, however, I found the RF range to be fairly limited and quite directional in my house. It did function from other rooms, but somewhat unreliably. Since it plugs in to the wall you may be limited on placement possibilities, and as the unit is lightweight it’s important to keep it out of any high traffic areas where it might be accidentally knocked askew. Jensen provides the ability to add additional transponders if you wish to control components in multiple rooms.
The sister model of the $59 (USD) SC-595, the SC-590, removes RF support and replaces it with a completely backlit keypad, something that may be of greater interest to some users. A toll-free information line, one year warranty and 30 day satisfaction guarantee are provided. All in all the SC-595 is a physically well designed remote for basic home theaters, however it’s software design flaws rendered it unable to smoothly operate my complete system.
- Daniel Tonks (Remote Central)
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