The Bottom Line
Pros
- Extensive control of audio and video components - offers both preset and learning capability
- Large Touch Screen Display as well as control buttons
- Very comprehensive user manual
- Stylish and convenient charging base
- Software upgradable
Cons
- Extensive capabilities can make it confusing at times
- Takes a long time to setup if you have lots of components
- Needs charging often
- Reading the user manual before starting is a must
- Expensive
Description
- Wireless infrared remote controller with 3.5-inch color LCD touch screen and control buttons.
- Internal database includes control codes for over 1,100 brands of audio and video components.
- Learning capability for non-databased components.
- Control capability of Wi-Fi enabled devices.
- Both individual component and activity-based control operation.
- Electronic Program Guide (EPG) interface capability.
- USB connectivity for both software/firmware downloads via a PC.
- 32MB of internal memory.
- Internal rechargable battery system and external battery charger/AC adapter included.
- Comprehensive user manual.
Guide Review - Philips RC9800i Touchscreen Remote Control - Short Review
One example of its capability: the RC9800i contained the remote control codes for a 20-plus year old Yamaha AVX-100U surround sound amplifier, including access on/off control, all input control, volume, mute, and most other functions normally accessible by the AVX-100U's original remote. In addition, the 9800i can also learn remote control codes not already in its database.
The 9800i can either control components individually or group components by room and operate them by activity. For instance, if you want to watch a DVD on your home theater system in the living room, all you have to do is go to the living room category you placed your components in and go to "watch DVD on Sony TV (or any other entered TV)" and the 9800i will turn on the TV, DVD player, and your AV receiver, and switch your TV and AV receiver to the correct inputs.
One thing you can't avoid is that if you have several rooms with components, it does take a while to set everything up, which makes for a good day project. However, the 9800i takes you step-by-step through the process, asking you questions on how the functions of your components operate, making its interaction with them more efficient.
The 9800i can expand to accommodate more components and rooms. It also has capability to interface with WiFi-enabled components and digital music and photo functions with a PC.
