JP1 Remotes

Greetings,

I've been catching up in the forums over the past few days (I've been away for a while). I've been happily using my URC8910 remote for the past several years, adding protocols, devices, custom macros, and even creating my own devices on occasion when needed as our home audio/video equipment has changed over the years.

Due to the addition of some new equipment in another room in our house, I'd like to get another JP1 compatible remote, however, I see that the 8910 is not easily available these days. I've got a couple of bids up on ebay but it seems these can't be purchased retail anymore.

So my question is this: Is there a remote which is easily available that is similar to the 8910? The features I'm looking for are 6 or more devices, JP1 connector, has an extender, and 2k or more of mem. I'd prefer the JP1 pins to already be there if possible - but I can solder them if there are no other good choices.

I've looked at the spreadsheet of remotes, but really what I'm asking is what remote other past owners of the 8910 have moved to and/or found to be a suitable replacement?

Thanks!

-Matt

Reading a little more in the forums, it occurs to me that I should probably describe what it is specifically about the 8810 that I like to help generate some more targeted recommendations:

1. The ability to hit the device button (e.g. SAT, DVD, ...etc) on the remote and have a macro automatically set inputs on my TV, AV Switcher, and video processor, and put the remote in the correct mode (I believe the remote has to have an extender to map macros to the device buttons like this). Basically one button press and I'm ready to watch a TV, a DVD, ...etc.

2. The ability to have long-key-press functions. I use this quite heavily (I think this is also an extender-required functionality - true?)

3. The ability to learn and transfer learned data to my computer via the JP1 interface. I use this to figure out the protocols devices are using which are not currently posted so that I can "create" devices for them.

4. The ability to add protocols, I one one device (my iScan VP30) that uses a custom protocol I go there in the forums.

Thanks!

-Matt

The current URC-8820 probably meets your requirements, even though it's not an LCD remote.

I prefer my URC8820's over my 8910's (I have three of each).

Pro's - Lighter, better button layout especially for PVR use (IMO), good battery life, extender available, lots of memory, has eight device buttons plus you can access two other "hidden" devices.

Con's - No backlight, no LCD display.

Apart from the backlight and no LCD display, it will do everything your 8910 did. You will need to get a JP1.2 cable, though, which is a completely different interface required for theses newer remotes. You can still use the same old reliable IR, RemoteMaster and KM.

See also the threads on Atlas remotes as they appear to be quite popular.