Want a sound system but don't want another remote involved. What are my options?

[SDG]

I want a sound system but i do not want another remote control involved. What are my options.

[Footloose301]

Originally Posted by SDG

I want a sound system but i do not want another remote control involved. What are my options.

Universal Remote Control. They came out like 30 years ago in case you've been asleep

[SDG]

Cute ansewer. Can my TV's optical out control the volume? ive got a universal remote. Have a satalite remote. have PS3 remote. Have Samsung remote to change TV source. Universal does not list any sound systems for control, wont change the source on my TV and sure wont control my PS3.

I have been asleep

[Footloose301]

Originally Posted by SDG

Cute ansewer. Can my TV's optical out control the volume? ive got a universal remote. Have a satalite remote. have PS3 remote. Have Samsung remote to change TV source. Universal does not list any sound systems for control, wont change the source on my TV and sure wont control my PS3.

I have been asleep

How does a universal remote NOT control sound systems? Mine does. Along with the rest of my equipment. Obviously its not going to control the PS3, but should do just fine for anything else. If you universal remote won't control anything else then I'd suggest buying a new one. Check ebay for some nice Harmony universals. Like this one
http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-LOGITE...QQcmdZViewItem

Also, I have a Scientific Atlanta DVR thru Comcast and that controls all of my devices. You've got to have something to do it, otherwise you need to upgrade.

[SDG]

Thanks, i'll check it out. Would be nice if my TV's audio out would tell the sound system "hay, he trying to turn the volume up"

[MouseRider]

Originally Posted by SDG

Cute ansewer. Can my TV's optical out control the volume? ive got a universal remote. Have a satalite remote. have PS3 remote. Have Samsung remote to change TV source. Universal does not list any sound systems for control, wont change the source on my TV and sure wont control my PS3.

I have been asleep

Take a look at the Logitech remotes, they have support for 100,000s of devices right out-of-the-box and they also provide macros which will control multiple items in a sequence, i.e. turn on TV, switch input mode to satellite, turn on satellite, turn on receiver, all with one button.

PS3 is Bluetooth so it won't control unless you get one of those IR add-ons and even then, it won't turn it on currently.

TOSLINK does not normally contain volume information, so volume has to be controlled by the device that does your D/A conversion, either digitally or after conversion.

[Footloose301]

Originally Posted by SDG

Thanks, i'll check it out. Would be nice if my TV's audio out would tell the sound system "hay, he trying to turn the volume up"

Also, it sounds like you have your audio going from your tv to your receiver...? Is that correct? If so then you'll want to change it since tv's normally only output 2ch sound. Your DVD/Blu-ray/PS3/XBOX/Cable or whatever you have should beconnected to your receiver's audio so you can't get true digital surround sound, and then run video to the tv.

[Footloose301]

Originally Posted by MouseRider

Take a look at the Logitech remotes, they have support for 100,000s of devices right out-of-the-box and they also provide macros which will control multiple items in a sequence, i.e. turn on TV, switch input mode to satellite, turn on satellite, turn on receiver, all with one button.

PS3 is Bluetooth so it won't control unless you get one of those IR add-ons and even then, it won't turn it on currently.

TOSLINK does not normally contain volume information, so volume has to be controlled by the device that does your D/A conversion, either digitally or after conversion.

I just gave him a link a couple posts before to the 1000 series which is a very nice remote. $279.99 is pretty darn good if you ask me

[AV_Integrated]

Universal Remote Control and Harmony (Logitech) are two brands of universal remotes which will meet the needs that you are trying to achieve. If you use ANY other remote beyond one of those, then you have done something wrong with your remote's setup.

One remote - it controls the volume on the receiver, switches inputs, turns devices on and off, and controls each device. When in 'DVD' mode, it should put your TV on the currect input, turn on the receiver, put the receiver on the correct input, turn on the DVD player, and then your volume controls the volume of the receiver, while the keypad controls the DVD functions.

I personally have gone with a Crestron system in my home which is a heck of a lot more robust/reliable overall, but achieves a very similar end result.

[MouseRider]

Originally Posted by AV_Integrated

I personally have gone with a Crestron system in my home which is a heck of a lot more robust/reliable overall, but achieves a very similar end result.

Systems from Crestron and AMX are great but to bring those to maximum potential, the idea thing is to have equipment that support bidirectional serial control.

Improvements in the lower end are getting impressive as well. The Harmony systems in the low range and the mid range systems from Philips and URC are catching up fast in terms of features for the buck.

Many now support RF controls, device state awareness and dedicated emitters and some even serial support.

A great research resource for remotes is here:
http://www.remotecentral.com/