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Microsoft Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote
by doc1442
This is basically a tv style remote for the Xbox, which seems like a great idea if (like me) you like to watch your DVD's through it. If you don't, you don't need it. Even a bit. This remote doesn't really have a feature list as such, it does everything you can do with a regular Xbox controller: it's just a different shape, and you can ... use it with your TV. Like every other remote it works (or not) through IR. Now for the real story.
At first glance, the remote seems pretty nice (although it's never EVER worth £20), it's comfy to hold, the buttons seem solid and it even lights up in the dark. Firstly, I decided to be clever, and set it up to use with the TV. The instructions make out that this is a blissfully easy a simple process - press a few buttons, enter a code and press a few more buttons. And it would be simple - if it wasn't for the code.
Firstly, you have to enter the make of your TV into the section on the Xbox website. Now, as I'm sure you do, I expected to enter my TV make, get a code: done. However, it's not that simple. Instead, you get a generic list of codes for your TV manufacturer - I had about 20. In reality, they could have just printed the table which shows the codes in the instructions and save everyone a few minutes. The advice from here is basically to enter the codes and see which one works. I got lucky: it was the 7th (which took about 20 mins) but if it had been the 20th I would have been there all day. In the remote's defense, I did have one of the longer lists - as did LG and Sony (mine was Samsung) which are surely the more popular TV manufacturers.
Next, the functionality with the Xbox. Apparently, the blurb says I should have a "range of up to 6m". In reality, it barely works at 6cm. My Xbox is high up and easily visible - my DVD player remote worked, so, in theory so should this more expensive one. However, if I want to use it, I get up, which completely defeats the point.
In summary this remote seems like a nice (albeit expensive) alternative to the controller to watch films, with the added addition you can adjust the volume on the TV (it does more, but I never use it). However, its poor range lets it down. Steer clear, and spend £20 in Blockbusters renting some good films instead.
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Microsoft Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote
by slender_toned
I bought one of these remotes soon after buying my Xbox 360. It is quite an ergonomic remote due to its smooth surface. It has many features but all in all, it's quite pointless to buy considering you can carry out all of its functions with the Xbox 360 controller. If you prefer the feel of a remote just for controlling media, perhaps ... it's worth buying this remote however.
The remote retails at £19.99 but nowadays it's a lot cheaper at under £10 online, so perhaps it's worth considering more. Unlike a smaller version of the controller that came with some of the first Xbox 360s, this one is a lot longer with more functions, which help to control the Windows XP Media Centre.
I do not have a Windows laptop that I use with my Xbox so this is quite pointless for me, but the controller has been used with DVDs and music. This remote has a keypad so you can use it to control your TV too, however it lacks an AV button so you cannot switch between the TV and game without using your TV remote. It doesn't support all TVs though, so you'd have to go on the Xbox site to find out more details.
The one good thing is that the buttons are backlit, meaning you can use it with ease in the dark when watching a movie for example. It has a few useful buttons such as eject, but this is a bit pointless as you still need to walk over and sort out the disc tray yourself. The remote can be used to control your DVD player too if it is compatible.
Of course the Xbox 360 is capable of playing all media, so you can mainly use it for this if you have media on your Xbox. Along with the keypad, you have Windows Media Centre controls, volume and channel controls, directional arrows and controls for videos such as skip buttons, stop, play, pause and more. The remote is full of buttons but doesn't look over the top.
It uses infra-red technology to work with TVs and DVD players and your Xbox 360. The remote takes 2 AA batteries, which mine did not come with when I initially bought it but I'm not sure if they come with the batteries today. It's lovely to hold with its rounded edges and it's not too thick so it can fit smaller hands too. I'd say it's quite a useful remote for certain people who have compatible TVs and DVD players too, otherwise it's not really worth buying as all of the functions can be carried out on the Xbox 360 controller.
Thanks for reading!
:)
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