3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
better than the xbox brand, Feb 4 2011
By Keri Bishop "Keri" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: SMK-Link VP3701 X-Link Universal TV Remote Control (Electronics)
I like this one much better than the one made by Microsoft because you can control more devices with it! Microsoft's remote only operates the tv and xbox! We have our sound going trough a home theater system and not the tv so I like interlinks remote much better! the only reason we didn't give 5 stars was the difficulty in programing the remote for our home theater system. all the Panasonic codes worked on power but not volume control. we had to use the remote learning method, rather than the code programing to get the volume to work on our home theater system.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good universal remote for the price, Jan 24 2011
By Benjamin Kalm - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: SMK-Link VP3701 X-Link Universal TV Remote Control (Electronics)
I wanted a universal remote to simplify the use of my home entertainment system. I was up to 3 remotes just to watch a DVD or the satellite feed. Also, 4 remotes on the table is not attractive.
I decided to take a chance on this remote given the low price point and the fact that the button layout appeared better than other universal remotes of a similar caliber.
Pros:
-It is relatively easy to program this remote. Also the programming is not lost when you are changing the batteries.
-Functions I wanted that were not available in the preset programming based on the 4 digit code system were easily added.
-It was also easy to change the default audio system to my receiver instead of the TV which is nice.
-The buttons have a good layout with device selector at the top, arrows and OK next, volume and channels next, DVD/DVR playback controls after, and then numbers at the bottom.
Cons:
-There is no macro function. It would be really nice to be able to set up the remote so 1 button will start the TV, DVD player, and receiver in DVD mode and then set the remote to operate the DVD player. This remote cannot do it.
-The 4 digit codes seem to be older codes and are not good matches for my newer equipment. e.g. Dish did not have the DVR button preprogrammed.
-Occasionally the buttons don't seem to respond immediately when pressed.
In all, I'm quite happy with this remote given its price point. I didn't want to spend over a hundred dollars for a remote when I am quite capable of hitting 6 buttons to turn on the system. If you want to be able to do macros, go for a top of the line logitech harmony. If you don't need the macros, this remote will do just fine.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Remote I've Ever Owned. Hands down., Feb 15 2012
By Justin Embree "Private Embree" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: SMK-Link VP3701 X-Link Universal TV Remote Control (Electronics)
This is EASILY the best remote I've ever owned. When you think about the quality of most remotes, lets face it, they are all a fairly cheap plastic material. Even the brand new one I got with my $700 from Sony, is a bit "cheap feeling". Well this remote doesn't really have that cheap feeling, and there is even some sort of glossy coating on the top part (the face of the remote I mean). Which seems to make it harder to get scratched. Aside from that, this remote was linked to my Xbox right out of the package. Setting up all my other remotes was a cinch. Even the learning method (which I was slightly disappointed with, as I thought it able to learn full remote commands, not just single buttons at a time) turned out to be pretty handy. I have an old surround receiver that doesnt seem to work with most Universal remotes, but this one learned all the functions, after just a few minutes. So let me break it down.
Pros:
Durable quality.
Learning method will learn just about ANY button command
Set up to all devices is super simple
Wide range reception. I can use it anywhere in the room and it works
The button layout is easy, simple, and comfortable
It works for your Xbox too!!
Affordable price, compared to other remotes that do the same exact thing.
Cons:
You haven't bought it yet, and you know you need a Universal. So get to it!
All in all, I'm super happy with this remote. It condensed 4 remotes for me, and works on my Xbox. How in the world could I ask a remote to do much more? For its current price ($25) it is WELL worth it!!! I'm satisfied.
*(Shipping was immediate, but it did take about a week to arrive. I blame that more on the USPS then the seller, but just thought I should note it on here)*