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...Continued from Page 11.
Pushing its buttons!
The RM-AV2500�s manual is surprisingly clear, especially compared to the one written for the RM-AV3000 (shudder). But while Sony�s remote manuals have typically repeated basic information over and over ad nauseum, this manual tends to take the exact opposite approach: almost nothing is repeated, even when it would have been useful.
Some changes were evidently made to the remote late in the design process. The +10 LCD key has had an additional �.� (dot) label added for HDTV receivers � technically it�s the target dot for the calibration routine, but it was in the right place and somebody noticed. Some of the remote�s device buttons seem to have been repositioned to keep �DVD� from inadvertently appearing adjacent to �DVR�, but the oft-used DVD key now feels lost where it is, banished to a corner amongst lowly audio components.
Thanks to a clear font, excellent contrast ratio and bright backlighting, the LCD screen�s text labels are exceptionally legible under a wide variety of lighting conditions, despite their small nature. Whenever the remote transmits a command, either from a button press or during a macro, it beeps relatively loudly. The beep�s volume level cannot be adjusted, but it can be disabled. A softer tone and an option to beep only for LCD keys would be a nice touch.
As described earlier, hitting a hard button or tapping the screen will turn the remote on if it was off. If the button or area of the screen you tapped contains a preprogrammed code, the signal will be transmitted as soon as the LCD activates. Yet, if the button contains a learned code, absolutely nothing is transmitted until the key is hit again. Ideally, hard button presses should always send the attached command, while LCD wake-up taps should send nothing.
The RM-AV2500 is, to put it simply, fast. Changing devices is instantaneous, macros transmit quickly with good feedback, and there�s absolutely no key lag � all traits shared by Sony�s entire RM-AV series. The only slightly slow part with this particular model is the screen activation. Although the backlight comes on instantaneously, the LCD doesn�t come alive for about three-quarters of a second. True, that isn�t much, but it stood out as the RM-AV2100 and RM-AV3100 both switch on instantly. Fortunately, the screen�s timeouts can be set so long this really isn�t a worry.
Final thoughts.
Even with the introduction of modern graphical remotes and sophisticated all hard buttoned models, Sony�s RM-AV series of combination touchscreen/hard buttoned controls retain strong consumer appeal by offering a good price/performance ratio. Although the RM-AV2500 isn�t alone at the $150 price point, it�s the only model to offer a touchscreen and full control of 12 devices.
The lack of hard button backlighting and large form factor could be issues for some, but there are more than enough compensating pluses � large backlit screen, excellent learning capabilities, loads of devices, plenty of macros, a good measure of customization � and it�s a Sony!
Even better, it�s so simple to operate that users won�t be left hunting through multiple pages to round up a single device�s commands, or picking their way through numerous selection menus. If you need a no-nonsense remote that�s able to deal with complex home theater systems, the Sony RM-AV2500 should definitely be on your short list.
- Daniel Tonks (Remote Central)
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