Does what I wanted.

I bought this remote due to my spouses frustration with three (or more) remotes being needed to control various equipment based on what we were trying to do. I'm sure you know the story... TV remote, DVD remote, TiVo remote.


--Intro:
This remote promised macros, 'learning' functions from other remotes, and full customizations.


--Design:
My wife and I liked the TiVo "peanut" shaped remote. This remote is like a bigger brother to it. A little larger, more functions, LCD panel, "glow" back-lighting... but a comfortable shape with all buttons easy to reach with one hand.

--Setup:
A computer with USB and Internet connections are REQUIRED for the software to operate. After loading, connecting and starting the application, you're asked to enter the make and model of all your equipment. This worked quite well. The setup application found most of the commands and keys for my equipment in the database.

--Config:
The application then continues by asking what activities you do and which equipment you use for each. For example, to set up the "Watch a Movie" activity, the application asks which device you use to play/control the movie (DVD) and then which device is used for sound (A/V receiver), and what input is required (TV). This will allow one button "Watch a Movie" to set the required equipment "on" (DVD, A/V, TV) and set the correct input on the TV. While watching, the buttons and keys will operate different equipment as needed. For instance, the STOP/PAUSE/PLAY/MENU keys will control the DVD playback, while VOL UP/DOWN will control the A/V receiver.

--Learning Functions:
Most of my equipment keys and functions were found, but some keys did have to be 'learned'. This system is quite flexible and customizable. The procedure was straight-forward as well.

--Fine Tuning:
Some actions for macros had to refined. For instance, the remote can send different codes, such "POWER TOGGLE" vs. "POWER ON". This can be useful or harmful, depending on how you've established your macro.

I can almost guarantee at least an hour of 'testing' to work out the functions of the macros. But once established, an 'activity' can be defined so that the LCD custom labeled keys and all buttons perform as desired.

One of our long-standing problems with DVD movies was that we use the TV to adjust volume for dialog and use the Surround Sound for ambient and special effects. This used to require two separate remotes. In 'DVD activity', the Volume Up/Down control sound for the Surround Sound and the Up/Down arrows control the sound for the TV speakers.

--Software Hang-ups:
During my configuration and macro adjustments, there were a hand-full of occasions that the software stopped responding. Re-starting the application did not work. Entire reboot of Windows was required. Only experienced a few times, but experienced none-the-less.