Controlling AV kit with 1 remote

kai_lani

Hi,

I've got a quick question about HDMI toys being controlled from one remote.

I have been looking at HDD/DVD digital TV recorders, and have narrowed down to (not interested in V+ or SKY+ due to subsciptions for TV I don't want/watch)

LG RHT 497H
http://www.amazon.co.uk/LG-RHT497H-160Gb-Digital-Recorder/dp/B002BSI3UI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1262023824&sr=8-1
or

Sony RDRDC100B
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-RDRDC100B-Recorder-160GB-Drive/dp/tech-data/B002VJINX4/ref=de_a_smtd

I have a newish Bravia KDL32V4000 TV and want to use them together, but am not sure whether I would be able to use the TV remote with LG HDD. Does the CEC thingy work cross-brand?

Also, any thoughts on the recorders? Is there anything better for the price range?

Many thanks.

K

KathysBoy

Normally remotes don't work across brands, and some won't even work with devices from the same manufacturer. e.g I have a Panasonic plasma and a Panasonic Home Cinema, but the remotes are incompatible. I would check the Sony website to check whether it will work with the Sony. If it doesn't you coould always try a One for All. You can check via their website whether there are codes. I think some can even learn. Not sure abour the recorder. I have Sky + which wouldn't change, its so simple and easy, especially with the series link.

superscaper

I swear by my Logitech Harmony One.

scottishblondie

The HDMI CEC is an industry standard, and so should work across brands. All my stuff is samsung tho, so I can't state this with certainty. Have a read of this.

kai_lani

Thanks for the replies guys, esp. the link SB.

I think I've managed to clear up the query now. It would appear that CEC is an industry standard to fit, but not necessarily to have it activated - seems odd, but info from HDMI on STUPedia and also HDMI.org

And interoperability between brands is not guaranteed. In fact SONY are one of the manufacturers who definitely do not subscribe to interop. Though I'm hoping to be corrected by someone with personal experience

K

missile

I have a harmony one. Then I spotted a one for all in Lidls @ £4.99 it was too good a bargain to pass by. I find the cheapo Lidl easier to set up and it works for most of the functions on all of my toys. Panasonic TV, Sony DVD, Onkyo amp, Topfield PVR and Sky box.