Monster Cable has ventured into hardware manufacturing from specializing in audio and video cables. They now manufacture headphones, speakers, and IPod accessories. It seems natural for Monster Cable to manufacture a universal remote control to go along with their home theater products. It should come as no surprise that the remote control commands hefty premium like other home theater products from Monster Cable. The remote control is priced around $300.00 at most internet retailers.

Features

Monster Cable’s AVL300-S boasts both IR and RF with 130 ft range. Monster cable has opted to license the programming set up software from Logitech. Which makes sense since Logitech’s programming set up is one of the easiest and convenient way to program the remote control. The inclusion of RF is especially nice for people that want to hide or tuck away most of the home theater devices. Monster goes step further with ability to control lighting with the optional lighting module that works with this remote control. The 300-S comes with rechargeable battery and can be charged via docking station. Similar to Harmony 890, the 300-S comes with RF base module to control up to 4 IR devices. If you need to control more than 4 IR devices, you can purchase additional bases.

Design

Monster Cable sticks to rectangular shape for their 300-S remote. Unlike some other remote control with dumbbell or peanut shape, 300-S goes for slicker look over ergonomics. The button layout is similar to many Harmony remotes. Top is dominated by the color LCD with 8 corresponding buttons. Menu buttons are right beneath the LCD. The middle of the remote houses the playback function as well as channel and volume control. The bottom of the remote contains the numerical buttons. Monster has chosen to forgo the directional buttons that are present in some of the other remotes. The buttons are raised up from the remote instead of flush fitting. The buttons provide good tactile feedback which helps you with familiarization of the remote.

Ease of Programming

Monster has taken the best feature of the Harmony remotes, namely the programming. Although Monster has chosen to tweak the software, it essentially remains similar to the Logitech’s interface. Once you connect the remote to the PC or Mac, you are connected to the web interface program that takes you through the programming. If you have used Harmony remotes, you know the drill. You enter model from the database and how it functions in your home theater. You set the activity and the remote configures itself to achieve the activity like “watch TV” or “play DVD.” As with Harmony remotes, you can hard configure the buttons to operate a specific device such as channel for television or cable box. I did not test the lighting function as the optional lighting base was not used during the review.

Ease of Use

Once the programming is done, using the remote is fairly simple. The activity based control is very easy to use. You simply select the activity. The good layout helps with the familiarization of the remote. Also, the backlight helps in the dark environment. Like Harmony 890, the motion sensor allows you to save battery by turning on and off with motion. The battery life is rated at two weeks but most users will most likely charge the unit whenever it is not in use.
The Harmony 890 offers very similar functions at lower price. However, the lighting function on Monster’s remote seems to be more robust than the Harmony 890. If you have no need for lighting functions, than Harmony 890 might be a better bang for the buck. Otherwise, 300-S is a solid remote control.

Pros

• IR and RF
• Lighting control
• Rechargeable battery
• Good button layout
• Easy programming
• Good battery life

Cons

• Expensive
• Only 4 IR devices per base

Buy Monster AVL300-S now and save 30% or more!

	Monster MCC AVL300-S Home Theater and Lighting Controller with Omnilink List Price: $399.95 Sale Price: $74.00 Used From: $69.88