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The following page was printed from RemoteCentral.com:
User reviews for the Radio Shack 15-1995 from Radio Shack. |
| Ratings | Reviews | MSRP (USD) |
Average: 4.06/5.00 Median: 4.33/5.00 | 11 | $69 |
The 15-1995 7-in-1 IR/RF preprogrammed remote features a backlit keypad, LCD display and an RF basestation for through-the-walls control.
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Now viewing user reviews page 1 of 2 for the Radio Shack 15-1995 remote.
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Written by Jim from Kansas. The reviewer has used this remote control for 6-12 months. |
Review 8 made on Thursday October 11, 2001 at 5:16 PM. |
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Review: | First, what's great: --In the US, you can't spit without hitting a Radio Shack, so they're easy to find. If one store is out (see below), their inventory is computerized and linked from store to store, so they'll find you one. They're only $49 on sale, and the store manager has the authority to sell it at that price at any time, so you don't have to wait for a sale. --This baby controls everything I've ever owned, even some stuff that's not listed as supported. --It's programmable via "advanced codes." The no-learning gripes are moot; the advanced codes are better than learning, and take up less memory. You can re-program keys to control devices other than what's labeled. For example, you can control a VCR and a DVD at the same time, or 2 VCRs, or 2 TVs, etc. I have literally every function (not just the popular ones) for eight devices programmed into this remote, including functions not supported on the OEM remote! The remote is supposed to be 7-in-1, but you can reprogram the x-10 controller key to an 8th device. A homebrew computer interface allows addition of new devices not supported at the time of manufacture. --The RF is great, but positioning the base unit for optimal reception takes loads of trial & error and isn't covered in the manual. You could pull the antenna and replace it with a better one, like some people do with cordless phone base units. The base unit comes with a built-in RF emitter, plus another on the end of an extension cord. This works well for stuff behind cabinet doors or far from the base unit. --There is a huge hacker community behind these things. There's this site, hifi-remote, and the Yahoo! jp1 discussion board. If you're reading this forum, you'll likely find any possible use for the remote, way beyond what RS promotes as possible.
What stinks: --It's sold at Radio Shack. The folks at the store really don't know how the hell this thing works, and I've been to 4 or 5 stores asking questions before I bought it. I wound up getting my questions answered here rather than the store. --The unit itself literally stinks. Like there was a fire in the warehouse or something. The smell gets on your hands and won't wash off. It did go away after about 3 months. Both units (see below) had this problem. --The first unit I owned just went dark and quit working after 28 days. The replacement has been okay since, but the case was poorly molded and the seams between the top & bottom half aren't well aligned. The buttons are solid, and the display is okay, though. --It eats batteries. Don't use the backlight. The backlight doesn't light up the shift labels anyway, so it's of limited use. --RS discontinued this remote, and no comparable replacement is in the lineup. For RF, you'll have to buy one of those RF/IR extenders, doubling the cost of a comparable remote setup. It has a one-year warranty, but if it craps out again I won't be able to get a replacement. --The user manual is horrible. It's geared to the below the lowest common denominator. It covers only basic setup. DVDs aren't mentioned. ALL of the function-related complaints I've read here can be traced to the crappy manual. To tap the full capability of this remote, you'll need to read the manual at http://www.hifi-remote.com and learn the programming tricks. To be fair, programming this thing to its full capability is a beast. The interface is worse than RPN or Lisp. This thing has given experienced engineers fits trying to program it. Good luck to those brave enough to try, it is worth it.
Overall: --Everything is a compromise. For me, this was the best combination of features for the price. If RF is a must (as it was for me) you'll find no better solution for the money. --My advice is to check out the web sites above, and see if you can control all your stuff (via advanced codes or built-in codes) BEFORE you buy. Check also for new codes available via the computer interface. If you can control your stuff, and are willing to tackle the goofiest programming interface ever, this is the ultimate sub-$100 remote. Many RS stores still have them, or you can try the used route. |
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Now viewing user reviews page 1 of 2 for the Radio Shack 15-1995 remote.
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