Pioneer XXD3086 Programmable Remote Control
Pros
- Lots of buttons for all necessary functions
- Super easy programmable remote with embedded preset codes
- Single line 8-character LCD for device identification
- Can control 7 additional devices
Cons
- No backlight
- No learning functions
- Does not have some of the latest TV manufacturers
- Quantity of buttons makes "touch" memorization of remote functions difficult
If I were to design a website for this remote I would name it "buttonaholics". There are more buttons on this remote than on the original set of Star Trek . Pioneer saw fit to add a 'shift' function to the remote so that even the buttons could have buttons. On a more serious note, the Pioneer XXD3086 remote was flexible and programmable. If you so desired, it could conceivably control your entire AV system. A total of 7 additional components can be programmed into this unit using manufacturers' preset codes (we did two devices and stopped there).
If you have an odd device or (like me) are using a new product from the latest Korean manufacturer to hit the US market, you may be out of luck. The manual doesn't list manufacturers' codes as they are all stored and selectable on the remote itself. The good news is that a lot of this hardware is shared throughout the industry, so another manufacturers' code might work with your set even if it's not the correct name. Nevertheless, if you think you need a learning remote you can take a look at the VSK-915K which adds this along with some other goodies like composite to s-video upconversion.
The one-line, 8-character LCD screen lets you know what device you are controlling and you can even skip through the inputs one at a time with the "Input Select" button - which I suppose is comparable to channel surfing on a TV.
There is no light on the remote, so using it in the dark will be tough. I'm a fan of fixed-button remote controls, but the sheer number on the XXD3086 will render it hard to memorize beyond the volume and directional buttons (though to their credit, Pioneer did attempt to vary button sizing to help.)
Overall this is an average remote that covers all the bases in terms of control. Considering the price of the receiver costs less than some universal remote controls I am familiar with, I think this is about all we could ask for.
