DIY Network

Clearing Up Remote Control Clutter Discover the latest innovations in home-theater gear. From "Home Theater" episode DHTW-101

Figure A

In this DIY workshop host Corey Greenberg, a technology expert, introduces you to the latest innovations and technologies in home-theater gear. He's already talked about big-screen televisions, surround sound, speakers and all the ways to hook the system up, and in this final segment of the first episode, Corey talks about remote controls for your new system.

Everyone at one time or the other has had the frustrating experience of fumbling around in the dark trying to figure out which remote control they need to change a channel or the volume. If you have a specifically programmed single remote control it can make everything easier to use.

The basic model is a "multi-code" remote that has pre-sets to control many different brands of electronics. The next step is the learning remote (figure A), which looks and feels like the multi-code unit, except it can "wirelessly" learn commands from any manufacturer's remote, then be programmed to control one component at a time.

Learning remotes cost approximately $50 to $100.

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Figure B

One of the hottest types of remote controls on the market today is the event-based remote (figure B). This is a recent development that upgrades the capability of the learning remote by actually putting events on the remote itself such as "watch DVD," "watch TV" and "listen to music."

Event-based remotes start at $200, and in this price range a simple remote can even help you program all your commands via the internet. All you have to do is type in a code that corresponds with your equipment's manufacturer.

In this first episode of Home Theater Workshop, Corey has talked about everything from televisions and surround sound to the remotes that control them all. In the next episode he'll get into the nuts and bolts of designing an incredible home theater, with the help of engineer Mark Midyett. Questions such as where should you place the big screen, where should you mount the surround-sound speakers and what about the seating positions will be answered.

For more information on Home-Entertainment Upgrades, check out Fine Living's (one of DIY's sister networks) C/Net package!

RESOURCES :

Sears
Sears, Roebuck & Co.
Website: www.sears.com

Philips Consumer Electronics
Philips Consumer Electronics
Website: www.philips.com

Don Fillers & Assoc.
Website: www.dfasolutions.com

McDougall Bros. Construction, Inc.
Website: www.mcdougallbros.com

Stereo Exchange
Website: www.stereoexchange.com

Audio Video Systems
Website: www.audiovideosystems.com

RCA
Website: www.rca.com

Circuit City
Website: www.circuitcity.com

Consumer Electronics Association
Website: www.CE.org

GUESTS :

Robert Bordeau
Audio Video Systems
160 Herricks Rd.
Minneola, NY 11501
Phone: 516-739-1010
Website: www.audiovideosystems.com

Rebecca Day
Industry Analyst
E-mail: Rebecca362@aol.com