Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote
by Microsoft Software
List Price:
Our Price: $10.98
You Save: $9.01 (45%)
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Category: Video Games
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Product Summary
Brand: MicrosoftRelease Date: 2005-11-15
Platform: Xbox 360
Model: B4O-00001
Publisher: Microsoft Software
Product features:
- Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote
Video Game Reviews of Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote
Customer Review: Very Good, Especially For The Price--And It Controls My Vizio TV!
Summary: 4 Stars
Ok, now that I actually have one of these remotes I can give a first hand review.
I only paid about seventeen dollars delivered from Amazon.com for this remote. It arrived on time and very well packaged. A couple of reviewers complained that this remote wouldn't operate their Vizio TV. I was concerned about this but for the price I decided that if it didn't operate my Vizio it was still worth while just for the convenience of using a proper remote versus using the game controller for watching a DVD or a Netflix download.
There were no programming codes available in the included instructions[...]. Unfortunately, there isn't a listing for Vizio. This is quite an oversight by Microsoft considering that Vizio is currently either the most popular brand name or very close to it for flat panel TVs in the U.S.. But whatever, it does include instructions on how to let the remote search for the proper code. That's what I did and it worked fine. Basically, you push the channel button and it scrolls one at a time through all possible codes.
I don't know how many codes there are but it only took a few tries to find a code that would turn my Vizio on and off and control the volume. Unfortunately, I never did find a code that would also include the proper function of the, "Input" button. I did find one code that allowed the, "Input" button to select, "RGB" input but no others so it was useless. So, in order to change from, "HDMI1" to, "HDMI2" I have to use the original remote that came with the TV. But that's ok since I didn't buy this remote for any other purpose than to allow me to watch a movie via the XBox 360 and control the volume of the TV at the same time.
It comes with 2 Duracell AA batteries. I have very large hands so for me the remote is a little too narrow. But it's acceptable and the rest of my family thinks it fits their hands just fine. The back-lighted buttons are a great feature.
When operating my TV the IR output is very strong. I can change the volume by pointing in nearly any direction. It's almost like an RF remote. When operating the XBox 360 it's a bit more picky where you point it but it's not bad. It doesn't have to be pointed exactly at it but I'd say within maybe 10 or 15 degrees. So far it hasn't been a problem for me. I think this is more a function of the quality/placement of the IR receiver, (TV, XBox, etc.) than of the quality of the IR transmitter, (The remote). Regardless, it's very acceptable for me.
For operation of the XBox 360 the remote works quite well. It's so much more convenient that using the game controller. If that was all it did it would be well worth the price for me.
I haven't yet used it to control Windows Media Center functions on my computer since I haven't yet connected it directly to my computer. I access XBox Live via a wireless connection directly from my wireless modem. I plan to use a long Ethernet cable to access my computer's Windows Media Center files and when I do I'll update this review to include those functions.
There are 4-way arrow buttons with a center, "Ok" button that works for nearly everything associated with the XBox 360 dashboard and anything related to navigating a menu while watching a video. These 4 arrow buttons take the place of the left analog joystick on the game controller with the, "Ok" button acting as the green, "A" button. There are a few situations where I would normally use the right analog joystick on the game controller but there isn't anything like this on the remote control. Specifically when there are two windows on the screen at the same time. With the game controller the left analog joystick will control the left side and the right will scroll up and down on the right side. An example of this would be in the Netflix menu, sometimes. But this is a very minor issue for me that I can easily live with. It's not supposed to take the place of a game controller for all functions and so far it has been successful with nearly all XBox functions that I've asked of it.
I've seen some complaints about this remote. Some have said it won't control their TV, specifically their Vizio. I wonder if these people went all the way through the hundreds of codes available in search mode. I don't think I went through them all and I came across at least a dozen codes that would operate my TV volume, mute, channel, and power buttons. I don't think I went through them all though. I kept track by counting the variations in how many times I had to push the button between acceptable codes. But MS REALLY should include codes for Vizio at least on their website and preferably inside the package.
Another complaint I saw was regarding the printing on the buttons wearing off. Yeah, it would be nice if that didn't happen but in my experience this is a common problem with all sorts of remote controls, even some that cost far more than this one did. The remote that came with my Dish Network DVR receiver had the printing wear off in just a couple of months and it costs several times what this remote costs. No problem. It's not hard to remember the buttons. If I use them enough to wear them off I certainly use them enough to memorize them. I've already memorized the buttons on the XBox 360 remote, or at least the ones I use right now. Just like with my other remotes, I operate them by touch, not by sight.
All in all I say that this is a great deal for a decent product. Could it be better or do more? Sure, but I wouldn't expect it to do anymore than it does for the price. Knowing what I know now I would be willing to pay more for this than I did if I had to.
Description of Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote
MODEL- B4O-00001 VENDOR- MICROSOFT FEATURES- Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote was engineered to serve as your integrated control center for the entire Xbox 360 experience. Enter a new world of digital entertainment with the touch of a single button. Play DVD movies and music plus control your TV and your Media Center PC with one controller. The centralized glowing Xbox Guide Button gives you quick access to your digital movies music and games library and backlit buttons make the keypad easy to see in a darkened home theater. So kick back relax and enjoy the ride.* Power your Xbox 360 system on or off without leaving the couch. * The Xbox Guide Button allows for easy navigation of the Xbox Gamer Guide. * The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote includes control buttons for your music pictures and more. * The Xbox 360 supports progressive-scan for DVD playback functionality including a control for opening and closing the tray. * The remote supports universal TV and console functionality including volume and mute buttons and up-and-down channel changing. * Windows XP Media Center Edition Button and Media Center Edition functionality are featured. * A B X and Y buttons are included for basic control of your Xbox 360 system even without a controller. * Numbered and backlight keypad gives you full functionality even in the dark.Controllers Games
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