which Home Cinema Receiver and Remote?

**chef** · 23 September 2008, 07:54

hmm maybe this should be in technical

**OwlHoot** · 23 September 2008, 08:02

At the weekend in PC World I saw a remote that looked like a handheld PC, with a miniature screen and everything. It looked like it could use a remote of its own!

I don't have any suggestions, sorry, but like yourself will look forward to other constructive replies with keen anticipation. What is a cinema receiver BTW?

**chef** · 23 September 2008, 08:36

"Definition: The Home Cinema/Theater receiver is the heart of a home theater system and provides most, if not all, the inputs and outputs that you connect everything, including your television, into. An AV Receiver provides a way of centralizing your your home theater system.

A Home Theater Receiver usually combines the functions of three components:

1. A radio tuner for AM/FM and, in some cases, HD (High Definition Radio) or XM-Satellite Radio.

2. A Preamplifier that switches and controls which audio and video source is selected (such as a Satellite, Bluray/DVD player, Games Console, CD player, etc...) and processes the incoming stereo or surround sound signals and distributes them to the correct amplifier channels and the subwoofer output. The preamp in an AV receiver can also route video signals coming from source components and direct the video signal to the television.

3. A built-in Multi-channel amplifier (5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 channels) that sends the surround sound signals and power to the speaker system.

Also Known As: AV Receiver, Surround Sound Receiver"

**Clippy** · 23 September 2008, 08:56

Originally posted by chef View Post

Ok, hands up, im a gadget geek

It's my birthday coming up and i've decided to treat myself to a new Home Cinema Receiver and to reduce the number of remote's (currently Vista Media Center, sky, tv, receiver) I was also thinking of getting a combined remote that works well and looks great..

I was thinking of the Sony STRDA 5400ES and the KEF IQ range set (2xIQ50's, 4xIQ30, IQ60c, PSW2500) of speakers..

comments and suggestions of a remote?

also, what do you currently have?

The Logitech Harmony One is meant to be pretty good.

**FarmerPalmer** · 23 September 2008, 09:02

Panasonic TH-42PX80B - Screen
Denon 1940 - DVD
Humax PVR-9200TS - PVR
Onkyo TRSR505 - Receiver
Mordaunt Short Carnivals - Speakers

The Onkyo remote can be configured to control everything else
but I tend to use the seperate remotes
- there is always that facility/ button that isn't there

**bren586** · 23 September 2008, 09:32

I use the Harmony 785 Advanced Universal Remote.

I have tried more than a few of these universal remotes and none of them have worked as well as the original.

The Logitech remote is just about a perfect replacement for any remote.

You install their client on your PC connect the charging cradle via USB and then look up your TV, DVD player and so on. It installs the settings on the remote and off you go.

It does not work perfectly with Johnny no brand gear or re branded cheapo stuff but as a contractor this should not be a concern.

Battery life is pretty good and the cradle charges the remote up quickly.

**chef** · 23 September 2008, 09:42

Originally posted by Clippy View Post

The Logitech Harmony One is meant to be pretty good.

I was about to buy one but then found it doesnt turn on/off the PS3 as PS3 uses a bluetooth signal rather than an IR signal and even if you buy the Bluetooth/IR adapter it gives control functionality but not on/off..

**Clippy** · 23 September 2008, 10:16

Originally posted by chef View Post

I was about to buy one but then found it doesnt turn on/off the PS3 as PS3 uses a bluetooth signal rather than an IR signal and even if you buy the Bluetooth/IR adapter it gives control functionality but not on/off..

I would imagine you will have the same problem with other universal remotes.
i.e. not supporting Bluetooth.

**Spacecadet** · 23 September 2008, 10:39

http://www.geekologie.com/2007/02/remote-head.jpg

which Home Cinema Receiver and Remote?