Denon RC-969 Electroluminescent (EL) Universal Remote Control
Pros
- Automatic wake/sleep mode that works really well
- Super easy learning remote functions and presets
- Punch-through support for programmed/learned functions
- Adjustable backlight time
- Lighted volume and channel keys
Cons
- Very difficult to see display in sunlight (even at brightest setting)
- Missing some useful functions like 'Video Select'
- Auto wake only works well if remote is oriented horizontally
- Remote is VERY big and is not very ergonomically-shaped
As I've said before (and will probably say again) remote controls are generally hit or miss. On this remote control, Denon decided to go retro. It features an Electroluminescent display which is essentially the same technology employed by LCD backlights. Electroluminescence is simply light (radiant energy) created by an electrical field that does not result in heat. In fact, ELDs could be thought of as inefficient capacitors that lose energy in the form of light. Current ELD life expectancy is around 100,000 hours at 75% of original luminance - that's probably longer than you will use this receiver!
The luminous blue color of the buttons is merely the backlight being allowed through the insulating surface that covers the remote's functions. Each function, or button, has its own parent EL area and the EL backlight is configured so as to allow different buttons to become lit when certain modes are engaged. The remote feels big in your hand, and indeed it is over 9" long and nearly 3" wide at its top and bottom. There is no real ergonomic shape to the remote, except for a slight taper around the midsection. The physical buttons available on the remote are channel up/down, volume, channel select/enter and a 4-way cursor/menu control button. I am not a particular fan of LCD remotes, and the Denon RC-969 shares the same downfalls in that it commands your attention in order to use functions not related to volume or channels. For example, want to record/watch a show on DVR, change the display mode of your HDTV, or bring up the guide on your cable box? With the EL remote, you have to look at the screen and select the correct function. A tactile button-based remote allows you to simply navigate by feel to your more commonly-used functions.
Source Switching
Pay attention to the source buttons or they may throw you. At first glance you'll wonder how on earth your fingers will select between the amp and tuner buttons (for example.) In actuality, the source buttons 舠 toggle 舡 between two or more devices each time they are pressed. Pressing VCR/12 activates VCR1 on the first press, and the screen visually references VCR2 if pressed again. The same is true for ZONE2/ZONE3, CD/CDR, DVD/DVDR, TV/DBS/CABLE, AMP/TUNER, and TAPE MD. VDP (video disc player) won the lottery and has its own button.
All in all, the remote control enables easy control over all equipment once you program it, which is an easy process - one of the more straightforward methods I've seen. Controlling unusual functions such as the variable "aspect ratio" on my Mitsubishi WS-55813 HDTV means you'll have to assign a function to whichever available button you can find. This problem isn't unique to EL remotes- it also exists on remotes with physical buttons. Going back to my earlier statement, however, at least with an LCD remote you can customize the display.
There is a missing feature, or button, that is conspicuously absent from the remote control. It's unfortunate because it is an excellent feature for the Denon receiver. "Video Select" on the front of the AVR-3805 receiver allows you to select a different video source while listening to the current audio signal. This function effectively allows the user to do things such as listen to a DVD or CD while you browse the web on an HTPC (assuming you connect all video through the Denon's switching video inputs.) This is a cool feature, but its usefulness is diminished when you have to activate it from the front of the receiver.
For a $1200 receiver, the included Denon RC-969 is sufficient and its luminescent blue display is a pretty impressive coffee table item to show your friends. It's cool to have a remote that responds to your touch when you pick it up - I don't care who you are!
