Big Picture Big Sound

Now we're getting somewhere!

This is the second comprehensive universal remote control I've owned. My first was an NEC LRC-910 which was also a learning remote, with loads of buttons, but unfortunately the buttons on the NEC unit were all the same size with no lighting, and the overly large size and shape made it a little awkward to use.

The RC2000 is a completely different animal, with a fairly generous memory, the ability to label special purpose buttons via an LCD display, and a pretty straightforward - if not perfect - user interface.

When I first got it, I thought it was a bit of a battery hog, as it went through a set of 4 AA alkalines in about two to three weeks. But I found that I was able to adjust the length of time the backlighting came on, and this at least doubled the battery life. Also, I now use NiMH batteries which last almost as long as alkalines and are rechargeable, so this makes life easier.

When you change the batteries, be sure to use a pen or pencil to cycle the mode button back to "Use." The remote resets itself back to "RC-5" mode after you change batteries (RC-5 mode only operates Philips/Marantz components). It would be nice if the unit remembered the last mode it was in and restored this when batteries are changed, but it doesn't, so you do have to reset it to "Use" mode after a battery change.

At the time I bought it (2+ years ago), it really was able to replace all of my remotes (at the time, that was only 8 remote controls plus a remote light dimmer). And this was a GODSEND. The NEC remote was pretty limited in its functionality, but the Marantz, with its custom label capabilities (up to 5 characters each) is very flexible and intuitive.

Also, I like the fact that the Marantz RC-2000 has actual buttons. The thing that bugs me about LCD touch-screen remotes is that you can't use them in the dark by feel - you have to turn on the lighting in the remote or the lights in the room. Not so with the RC-2000. The buttons are logically shaped. Not having large hard-coded channel up/down buttons is a little strange but you can program these into the upper buttons and clearly label them using the LCD display so it's no biggie.

The only real ergonomic problem is that the play controls (play/rew/ff/etc.) are at the very bottom of the unit. Since the unit is fairly bulky, this makes it awkward to try to operate these lower buttons with one hand - the weight is unbalanced. But you get used to it.

I did eventually run out of memory on the unit, but this was after entering in advanced menuing and programming functions of two VCRs, plus advanced functions from one DVD player, one LaserDisc player, one DAT recorder, one TV, and an FM tuner, plus basic functions from a tape deck, and a CD player. Also, the programming time, for me to add advanced functions of 8 remotes, took a few hours. It would be nice if the unit had the ability to select a code for basic functions of your remotes (like most universal remotes have), then add the more advanced functions via learning and labelling. But this is really a one-time hit for each new remote, so it's not a big deal over time.

The only thing making me seriously consider upgrading to a newer remote is that the RC2000 simply cannot learn some of the functions of my Sony ES preamp remote. The Sony ES preamp has a two-way LCD touch screen remote which is absolutely terrible. A much worse battery hog than the Marantz unit, and really terrible in its ergonomics and functionality. But because the Marantz cannot learn many of the functions of the Sony ES remote (like source selection and surround field selection), we are forced to use the Sony preamp remote for some functions.

If I can get a hold of a Sony ES one-way remote that has standard source selection and preamp selection codes, I'll probably program these into the RC2000 and hold onto the RC2000 for a while longer.

But, as much as I dislike touch-screen remotes, the Marantz RC5000i looks pretty sweet so I may end up biting the bullet (around $400 for the RC5000i) and upgrading after all.

At $249 list, the RC2000 was a little steep, at $150 (price I paid) it was a bargain. At $100 or less, which you can find it for now on eBay and other places, this unit is a total STEAL!! The RC2000, Mk. II does address my two major beefs - placement of the transport controls and low memory. But if you're sick of having 10 remotes on your coffee table and are looking for a single replacement that does pretty much everything you need, I'd say either the RC2000 Mark I or Mark II would be an excellent choice.