Philips PMDVR8 Remote

[markabtex]

Has anyone bought this remote yet?
Philips PMDVR8 (http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&qp=03212&bookmark=bookmark_0&oid=70285&catoid=-8760) I saw it today at Circuit City and was impressed by the number of Replay specific buttons preprogrammed on this remote. It would appear to have every major function that the factory remote has plus it is a learning remote. The only thing I didn't like about it was the lack of backlighting. This is the first universal remote I've considered and would like to have some feedback from those who have experience with this model. Thanks;)

[xstrym]

It sounds very new, I'd be surprised if anyone here has tried it yet. Why don't you buy it... and if you like it, you can tell us about it's better points. If you don't like it, take CC up on their 30-day return policy.

Thanks for the link.

[joesc1]

There's a remote control forum here on AVS. You might want to try there, or try remotecentral.com

[markabtex]

This must be a very new remote. Not only couldn't I find any info on this remote on the AVS forum, I couldn't even find any info on the Philips web site. I did several web searches and only came up with the Circuit City description, who is also the only retailer who has the remote currently in stock. I'll go ahead and buy the remote and report back my experience.

[xstrym]

And Hey... Hey, Hey, Hey! Let's be careful out there! :D

[The Robman]

Where did you get the info that it has buttons for all the PVR functions? I can't see the buttons on the tiny picture included in the CC listing and I couldn't find a link to an enlargement.

http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/hires/phl/EC.PHL.PMDVR8.RT.JPG

[xstrym]

Originally posted by The Robman
Where did you get the info that it has buttons for all the PVR functions?

Originally posted by markabtex
I saw it today at Circuit City and was impressed by the number of Replay specific buttons preprogrammed on this remote.

[markabtex]

As I said in my previous post, I couldn't find any further info besides the description on the Circuit City website. For now, all I can say is go down to your local CC store and check it out. No other "universal" remote even comes close to having as many Replay specific buttons preprogrammed and nicely labeled on the remote, at least that I've seen.

[The Robman]

Well, I've placed an order for it so I'll be able to report back on it's compatibility.

[The Robman]

The remote just arrived. I haven't really had a chance to play with it much yet, but I can confirm that it does indeed have buttons for ALL ReplayTV and Tivo functions. This is the first remote I have seen that has all of these buttons and has them programmed right out of the box, so this is the perfect remote for someone who has lost their original Replay/Tivo remote.

I haven't had a chance to really test it yet to see what it's capable of, but my initial impression is that the buttons may be a little over labelled. I don't think it would be that easy to find the button you need in a hurry, but like anything in life, you could get used to it.

At any rate, here's a detailed picture of the remote...

http://www.hifi-remote.com/hr-images/Philips-PMDVR8.jpg

[sixt7gt350]

Wow. It does have a bunch of buttons.
Too bad they're not laid out well.
I wouldn't have to remind my wife (on a daily basis) which button does what with Replay and TiVo.

It may be worth it just to keep her happy.
(And warm her to the idea of me picking up two refurb 5XXX boxes.)

[markabtex]

I bought this remote last weekend and I am very happy with it so far. I agree that the button layout is not the best, but since it's a learning remote, I reprogrammed it to reflect the layout of my original Replay remote. For example, I reprogrammed the the menu and clear keys to control instant replay and quick skip respectively. Also, since I don't need the thumbs up/down buttons, I reprogrammed those as channel up/down keys to navigate through the Replay guide. It has enough buttons to control every function of every component that I have. Also, the macro functions work very well. I just wish it had backlighting. If it did, I'd say this remote would be the perfect "Universal Replay" remote.:cool:

[moeronn]

Rob/Mark - Is there anything you can add to your previous reviews? Will it control 2 RTV units without much effort? Is it JP1 compatable? Any additional info/input you can share is appreciated. Thanks.

[JohhnyReplay]

I bought it a few weeks back, but returned it this past weekend... I just got annoyed that the channel up and down were so far from the other menu buttons... when scanning the channel guide for a show to watch, I almost needed two hands, one for the top of the remote and one for the bottom... seemed good toher than that though...

I ended up settling on the radioshack 15-2117 which I had to setup with quickskip and replay buttons ias buttons named otherwise... but it is an RF/IR remote with RF to IR base station included for $29.99 since they are clearing them out...

[The Robman]

It's definitely NOT JP1 programmable as it's not a UEI remote. In order to control 2 Replays you'd need a JP1 remote to teach it. Note, however, that I haven't tested to see how much learning memory it has.

[Fant]

I just picked up one of these from Best Buy and am very impressed. It has every replay button which are clearly labeled by the green text... not only that it is a FULLY LEARNING remote meaning you can make any key relearn a function from another remote. Also, has anyone mentioned how thin and light this thing is?

[milky way]

Before I have my replytv, I bought a 4 devices one at Wal-mart for $11, quite similar to 8 devices one without learning function. It is a great one, but it is surprisely thin, makes it difficult to hold and difficult to press buttons -- my finger hurts. Returned it with a broken heart.

[sigpop]

got this a few days ago. i have a tv, old vcr, cheap dvd, old 'all in one' stereo system, motorola dig cable box and a tivo. nothing high end, all pretty cheap stuff.

remote seems to have codes for everything except the fisher all in one stereo, which i only use the aux inputs to send sound out the speakers, so its not really necessary to control.

while it seems to have all the functions i need thus far, the layout stinks. the remote is too skinny. and the 'select' buttons in the center of the two oval groupings are too small for my fat fingers. ergonomics was not at the forefront of this remote's design.

i got it at best buy for $30 (i think). not sure if i am sticking with it. any other recommendations?

[The Robman]

re: the Fisher
Assuming you still have the Fisher remote, use the learning feature, that's what it's for.

re: the layout
I agree totally, give the $30 15-2116 a try, from Radio Shack.

[lucindrea]

robman you have the link to jp1 on your profile , but you havent mentioned if this remote has the plug.

[Fant]

The design of the remote I think depends on who you ask. Personally I have small hands and love the small size of the remote. All the buttons feel different so once you get used to what is where it is intuitive. Also I luv the fact that any button can be reprogrammed.

[sixt7gt350]

Originally posted by lucindrea
robman you have the link to jp1 on your profile , but you havent mentioned if this remote has the plug.

???

originally posted by Robman
It's definitely NOT JP1 programmable as it's not a UEI remote. In order to control 2 Replays you'd need a JP1 remote to teach it. Note, however, that I haven't tested to see how much learning memory it has.

[repoman]

I am having a hard time getting this to learn the A,B,C functions on a Scientific Atlanta HD4200 and on a Yamaha RV 2400 (on off would do here) any ideas?

[fatboylouie]

If anyone who has this remote can give me the ReplayTV codes, and codes for sony TV's, i'd really appreciate it. I lost my manual, and my codes were reset. I haven't watched tv in 4 days *gasp!!*

[imagamer2k]

Originally posted by fatboylouie
If anyone who has this remote can give me the ReplayTV codes, and codes for sony TV's, i'd really appreciate it. I lost my manual, and my codes were reset. I haven't watched tv in 4 days *gasp!!*

I don't have this exact remote, but the Philips Magnavox PM435S uses the following codes (you can try 'em to see if they work ;))

SONY TVs: 202 414 708 801
ReplayTV: 938

My question for the thread is how does the Philips Magnavox PMDVR8 compare with the One-for-All URC-8810w??

ima

[SR94]

I just happened to stumble across this remote at Circuit City (when I picked up my $2.99 RCA Ultimate TV keyboard, thanks to the folks at this forum). Anyway the codes imagamer2k mentioned are the same ones listed in the PMDVR8 manual.

I had purchased a Radio Shack 15-2104, and was all ready to try to teach myself JP1, but just couldn't muster the effort. Also, I was very disappointed that the 15-2104 could only learn the four special buttons, so I was SOL for the cheap Akai TV which won't work with any of the pre-programmed codes. The PMDVR8 has worked like a charm, except the layout IS hard to get used to.

[The Robman]

I don't suppose there are any PMDVR8 users here that happen to have the user manual handy are there? I'm trying to help someone who has lost his manual find the codes for Replay and Tivo, but I can't even find my remote so I'm no help.

If you have the manual, could you look up the Replay and Tivo codes, and the code for a Sony TV, and post them here please.

Thanks,
Rob

[sixt7gt350]

Originally posted by SR94
<SNIP>
I had purchased a Radio Shack 15-2104, and was all ready to try to teach myself JP1, but just couldn't muster the effort. Also, I was very disappointed that the 15-2104 could only learn the four special buttons, so I was SOL for the cheap Akai TV which won't work with any of the pre-programmed codes. <SNIP>

Au contraire.
Almost all of the function buttons can learn. It's just that the manual was written by a moron.

See Robman's site. (http://www.hifi-remote.com/manuals/rs-l-ht.shtml?15-2104#learn)

P.S. JP1 is a piece of cake. Don't let it daunt you. I have a 1994, 2104 and RCA RCU810 programmed.

[imagamer2k]

Originally posted by The Robman
I don't suppose there are any PMDVR8 users here that happen to have the user manual handy are there? I'm trying to help someone who has lost his manual find the codes for Replay and Tivo, but I can't even find my remote so I'm no help.

If you have the manual, could you look up the Replay and Tivo codes, and the code for a Sony TV, and post them here please.

Thanks,
Rob

I posted the SONY TV and ReplayTV codes 2 posts above your original post; they are the same for the PMDVR8. The codes for TiVO are:

Philips TiVO 738
SONY TiVO 838

ima

[The Robman]

Originally posted by imagamer2k
I don't have this exact remote, but the Philips Magnavox PM435S uses the following codes (you can try 'em to see if they work ;))

SONY TVs: 202 414 708 801
ReplayTV: 938 I just found my remote and manual and those codes are good.

Originally posted by imagamer2k
My question for the thread is how does the Philips Magnavox PMDVR8 compare with the One-for-All URC-8810w??

ima Well, I think the URC-8810w is a better remote in general because it's laid out better and it's JP1 programmable, but the DVR8 does have buttons labelled for every PVR function, so there's alot to be said for that, regardless of how poorly the buttons are laid out.

[chinman]

i have pmdvr8

it ownz

[rmanaka]

I just tried a Phillips Magnavox PMDVD6 at Sears for $24.99. Works with my Replay 5040, Toshiba, Sony and Sharp VCRs, Apex and Sony DVDs, Sony TV and even my Carver Audio Center. I'll probably trade in for the PMDVD8 as for $5 I can use the extra 2 buttons! In addition, the keys on the PMDVD8 seemed to be labeled for the RePlayTV while the keys for the PMDVD6 are not labelled very well. All functions are available on the PMDVD6, however.

[krboo]

has anybody been able to get this remote to work with a sony receiver (not sure the exact model #, but it is fairly new, maybe a year old)? I have tried every code and none of them work. I have taught it all the functions i need, but the volume button must be continually pressed instead of holding it down for the volume to turn up, and that's annoying. Just wondering.

[The Robman]

quote from this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5856586#5856586)
[QUOTE=benway]after much frustration figured out how to get the "volume punch thru" to work.

for future ref, the tech support # is 919 573 7854

turns out that the owners manual they have is quite a few pages longer than the one that comes with the unit, and contains the info you need...

[they are sending a new manual FOC-- they can't email a pdf...]

in the meantime, they gave me the info and it appears to work.

under the tv mode, teach the remote your receivers volume/mute functions

then

code search hold till red on

hold mute until red blinks off [a few seconds]

press and release the equip [mode] button you want to punch thru from

p &r the down vol key

p &r the mute button

fingers crossed its working, and is now controlling an HK rvr, Yamaha DVD, Samsung HDTV box

great value for $20 [if it stays working]


good product crippled by terrible manual!

hope that helps someone[/QUOTE]

[SD619]

If I use this remote to control both my ReplayTV 55xx and my Digital Cable Box, will is still need to use the IR Blaster that came with my RPTV?

[MrFussy]

[QUOTE=SD619]If I use this remote to control both my ReplayTV 55xx and my Digital Cable Box, will is still need to use the IR Blaster that came with my RPTV?[/QUOTE]
Yes.

I actually have two of these and like it a lot. While you could use the RTV to monitor what is on your DCB, that's not the way its intended. You use the RTV guide to select a channel to watch, and the rtv changes the channel on the DCB using the IR blaster. This is essentially the same whether you are channel surfing or recoding. You can of course use the remote to directly control the DCB while you are recording a non-DCB channel on the RTV. That way you CAN watch/record 2 programs at once. WHENEVER you are watching/recording through the RTV you should use the RTV guide to select it and let the IR blaster to change the channels.

[WannabeSQ]

I used to have one of these, but it went flaky on me, requiring very hard presses to make certain buttons work, mainly quickskip, as I use it often. I switched to a Harmony, and like the layout and feel much better, the phillips was way too thin, and dasy to get lost in the cracks.

[stevekelso]

I have this remote I did not see the JP1 Connector in the battery spot.
As for working with Replaytv I have a 4500 and it works fine the only complaint is
the buttons are too dam small!
Oh I forgot it is a learning remote so thats handy for Buttons you want to remap.

Steve