Comments on: Monster AVL300-S Remote Control Review http://remotejunkies.com/monster-avl300-s-remote-control-review-111 Just another WordPress weblog Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:20:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: ivoanddonetta http://remotejunkies.com/monster-avl300-s-remote-control-review-111/comment-page-1#comment-58 ivoanddonetta Thu, 12 Feb 2009 03:54:11 +0000 http://remotejunkies.com/?p=111#comment-58 <strong>Does what it's supposed to once you get over the hassle of programing and synch.</strong><br />The remote is what you would expect. The set up process for me was more difficult than I expected, I had an issue with getting the remote to synch with the omnilink. After an hour of playing around with the non-user friendly, slow software, I gave up. There are no manuals or particular instructions/guide provided on the website or with the remote. Next day I called the folks at Monster and after a good wait, I was plesantly surprise with the service and the attention. They were great, walked me through the confusing process of linking the remote with the omnilink throug the lights control portion of the software (I'm not using it for lights, but audio/video components I store in a closet). Everything was operational within 15 minute of the call. They asked me to call again if I wanted more help personalizing the button functions to fit my needs. Stated that they expect to service the product in person and that's why they don't put out extensive instructions anywhere. That seemed a little funny, but my problems are resolved. Happy over all with the purchase despite the price tag. Does what it’s supposed to once you get over the hassle of programing and synch.
The remote is what you would expect. The set up process for me was more difficult than I expected, I had an issue with getting the remote to synch with the omnilink. After an hour of playing around with the non-user friendly, slow software, I gave up. There are no manuals or particular instructions/guide provided on the website or with the remote. Next day I called the folks at Monster and after a good wait, I was plesantly surprise with the service and the attention. They were great, walked me through the confusing process of linking the remote with the omnilink throug the lights control portion of the software (I’m not using it for lights, but audio/video components I store in a closet). Everything was operational within 15 minute of the call. They asked me to call again if I wanted more help personalizing the button functions to fit my needs. Stated that they expect to service the product in person and that’s why they don’t put out extensive instructions anywhere. That seemed a little funny, but my problems are resolved. Happy over all with the purchase despite the price tag.

]]> By: Anonymous http://remotejunkies.com/monster-avl300-s-remote-control-review-111/comment-page-1#comment-59 Anonymous Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:53:44 +0000 http://remotejunkies.com/?p=111#comment-59 <strong>terrible product</strong><br />It's such a great idea, but it simply doesn't work as an RF device. It will work as IR device, but is much too expensive as a universal remote. I was very disappointed because I had high hopes and monster is well known company. It just won't work in cabinets and through walls as advertised. The software is even worse. There are no instructions and the manuals will not open up on-line and support is available only 8-5 Monday thru Friday, so when does a working person call? Oh well, a $300.00 dollar lesson. Please don't but this product. terrible product
It’s such a great idea, but it simply doesn’t work as an RF device. It will work as IR device, but is much too expensive as a universal remote. I was very disappointed because I had high hopes and monster is well known company. It just won’t work in cabinets and through walls as advertised. The software is even worse. There are no instructions and the manuals will not open up on-line and support is available only 8-5 Monday thru Friday, so when does a working person call? Oh well, a $300.00 dollar lesson. Please don’t but this product.

]]> By: Anonymous http://remotejunkies.com/monster-avl300-s-remote-control-review-111/comment-page-1#comment-60 Anonymous Fri, 15 Aug 2008 20:20:08 +0000 http://remotejunkies.com/?p=111#comment-60 <strong>AVL 300-S</strong><br />I like this remote and it works very well. It looks and feels like a quality piece of equipment. I set it up in about an hour and it worked <br />without a hitch! Pretty good for the first day of ownership. <br /> <br />The next day, I wanted to tweak some settings. OOPS! That is when frustration set in. The Omnilink quit communicating with the remote control because I pressed the connect button, go figure. <br /> <br />As I tried to find answers in the supplied user guide and in the on-line software it became very apparent that Monster had dropped the ball. <br /> <br />It took about an hour of trial and error to resolve the RF network glitch and the remote works great. <br /> <br />Unlike all of my home theater components the AVL300 does not come with a comprehensive user manual. What you get is a quick start guide that could almost fit inside a CD jewel case. The guide has absolutely zero information about lighting control. Now that is pretty sad considering what you pay for this remote. <br /> <br />If the supplied users guide was more robust and contained advanced information on setting up and troubleshooting a system I would have no problem giving this product a 5 star rating. <br /> <br />I would recommend that if you purchase this remote control and have a problem that you cannot solve with the on-line troubleshooter the first time around, call the support line to avoid prolonged frustration. AVL 300-S
I like this remote and it works very well. It looks and feels like a quality piece of equipment. I set it up in about an hour and it worked

without a hitch! Pretty good for the first day of ownership.

The next day, I wanted to tweak some settings. OOPS! That is when frustration set in. The Omnilink quit communicating with the remote control because I pressed the connect button, go figure.

As I tried to find answers in the supplied user guide and in the on-line software it became very apparent that Monster had dropped the ball.

It took about an hour of trial and error to resolve the RF network glitch and the remote works great.

Unlike all of my home theater components the AVL300 does not come with a comprehensive user manual. What you get is a quick start guide that could almost fit inside a CD jewel case. The guide has absolutely zero information about lighting control. Now that is pretty sad considering what you pay for this remote.

If the supplied users guide was more robust and contained advanced information on setting up and troubleshooting a system I would have no problem giving this product a 5 star rating.

I would recommend that if you purchase this remote control and have a problem that you cannot solve with the on-line troubleshooter the first time around, call the support line to avoid prolonged frustration.

]]> By: Anonymous http://remotejunkies.com/monster-avl300-s-remote-control-review-111/comment-page-1#comment-61 Anonymous Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:57:27 +0000 http://remotejunkies.com/?p=111#comment-61 <strong>MCC AVL300-S</strong><br />Not being a techno wiz, I had someone program the remote for me. While it may be somewhat pricey, it does everything it's supposed to do, and I finally put away 6 other remote controls. What a joy to have this item on my theater armchair. MCC AVL300-S
Not being a techno wiz, I had someone program the remote for me. While it may be somewhat pricey, it does everything it’s supposed to do, and I finally put away 6 other remote controls. What a joy to have this item on my theater armchair.

]]> By: Anonymous http://remotejunkies.com/monster-avl300-s-remote-control-review-111/comment-page-1#comment-62 Anonymous Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:28:08 +0000 http://remotejunkies.com/?p=111#comment-62 <strong>Thank Goodness For This Monster!</strong><br />My husband and I were about going crazy with all the remotes. We did not even look for a "one size fits all" because we thought we would have to spend a thousand dollars or more. Low and behold, I found the Monster when I decided to shop for one to give to my husband for this past Christmas. We have now used it for 6 months and we love it. It is definitely user friendly. This is the only remote we use. Be prepared to spend some time setting it up, but after all that, we have had only one issue with it: after we shut off the system subsequent to watching a DVD, when we go to turn the system on for just regular TV viewing, the right video number does not come on. We then have to turn the system off and then turn it back on. Everything is great after that. A minor inconvenience when we think about all the frustration we experienced with the handful of other remotes. We simply have not had time to reconfigure the settings and after all the reviews regarding the customer service, I am very encouraged to contact them and feel confident that this minor problem will be fixed. I highly recommend this remote. Thank Goodness For This Monster!
My husband and I were about going crazy with all the remotes. We did not even look for a “one size fits all” because we thought we would have to spend a thousand dollars or more. Low and behold, I found the Monster when I decided to shop for one to give to my husband for this past Christmas. We have now used it for 6 months and we love it. It is definitely user friendly. This is the only remote we use. Be prepared to spend some time setting it up, but after all that, we have had only one issue with it: after we shut off the system subsequent to watching a DVD, when we go to turn the system on for just regular TV viewing, the right video number does not come on. We then have to turn the system off and then turn it back on. Everything is great after that. A minor inconvenience when we think about all the frustration we experienced with the handful of other remotes. We simply have not had time to reconfigure the settings and after all the reviews regarding the customer service, I am very encouraged to contact them and feel confident that this minor problem will be fixed. I highly recommend this remote.

]]> By: Anonymous http://remotejunkies.com/monster-avl300-s-remote-control-review-111/comment-page-1#comment-63 Anonymous Sat, 31 May 2008 11:12:55 +0000 http://remotejunkies.com/?p=111#comment-63 <strong>Major hassle - does not consistently work</strong><br />I have programmed and reprogrammed this device to watch TV, DVR, DVD with a stereo for sound. I choose the radio signal option instead of the infrared and it DOES NOT WORK with any consistency. My family no longer uses it. I have been on the phone with support at Monster. They are nice but the problems do not get fixed. It works for awhile for some things and then other times it just doesn't turn the volume up, turn the TV off, etc. <br /> <br />After about 12 hours of time spent on it over a few days, I have come to hate the thing. Major hassle – does not consistently work
I have programmed and reprogrammed this device to watch TV, DVR, DVD with a stereo for sound. I choose the radio signal option instead of the infrared and it DOES NOT WORK with any consistency. My family no longer uses it. I have been on the phone with support at Monster. They are nice but the problems do not get fixed. It works for awhile for some things and then other times it just doesn’t turn the volume up, turn the TV off, etc.

After about 12 hours of time spent on it over a few days, I have come to hate the thing.

]]> By: jean-carlo http://remotejunkies.com/monster-avl300-s-remote-control-review-111/comment-page-1#comment-64 jean-carlo Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:33:58 +0000 http://remotejunkies.com/?p=111#comment-64 <strong>The best remote out there</strong><br />After using this remote for a while I'm finally ready to post a review. The reason it took so long is because it also took me a while to set it up properly. Once I got it working though, it delivers. I'll share some of my experiences and see if any of them help you decide. <br /> <br />First of all, the remote is used to control several AV components, including a Blu ray player, AV receiver, video projector, music server and more. All of them are concealed inside a closet with wooden doors, so having an RF (radio frequency) remote was mandatory. Out of the box you get the Remote, an RF extender (called Omnilink), cables and software. The remote looks great, except for the center select button which feels very cheap and feels it will break easily. Installation is quite easy, and after you plug in the remote, the setup program will completely guide you adding each component and setting up different `activities' for you to use. For Example, if you set up and activity called "Watch movie", you will control de DVD player, receiver for volume without having to switch back and forth. Sounds easy right? So far yes, but chances are, you won't get it right the first time, so you will have to go back and redo some settings, or even customize the buttons to your needs. Whatever the reason, every time you choose update be prepared to spend about 10 - 15 minutes in front of your computer. Another feature is the built-in help from the remote: it ask you basic questions of current connected equipment and fixes the problem for you (e.g. Is the Cable Box on?, is the TV set to HDMI 1? Etc). <br /> <br />One of the nice features is the ability to control lights wirelessly. Of course, this comes with an extra cost, and you will find yourself adding around 100 extra for each dimmer you choose to add. Granted that you probably spent a fair amount of money in the home theater itself, its something you don't want to miss out. After adding each dimmer, you will have to add it with the software and can choose different light settings (% of light you want to dim). <br /> <br />If any problem should arise, you can always reach tech service and they will help you out. I consider myself tech-savvy, and I still had to call. Fortunately my problem was an easy fix but was not listed in the help files. After spending time you will learn to fix problems yourself, but I guess the ultimate objective is that anybody in your household can use it without needing help. <br /> <br />In summary, this is an awesome remote once you get all the settings right, but it will take you a while to get there. Four stars it is. <br /> The best remote out there
After using this remote for a while I’m finally ready to post a review. The reason it took so long is because it also took me a while to set it up properly. Once I got it working though, it delivers. I’ll share some of my experiences and see if any of them help you decide.

First of all, the remote is used to control several AV components, including a Blu ray player, AV receiver, video projector, music server and more. All of them are concealed inside a closet with wooden doors, so having an RF (radio frequency) remote was mandatory. Out of the box you get the Remote, an RF extender (called Omnilink), cables and software. The remote looks great, except for the center select button which feels very cheap and feels it will break easily. Installation is quite easy, and after you plug in the remote, the setup program will completely guide you adding each component and setting up different `activities’ for you to use. For Example, if you set up and activity called “Watch movie”, you will control de DVD player, receiver for volume without having to switch back and forth. Sounds easy right? So far yes, but chances are, you won’t get it right the first time, so you will have to go back and redo some settings, or even customize the buttons to your needs. Whatever the reason, every time you choose update be prepared to spend about 10 – 15 minutes in front of your computer. Another feature is the built-in help from the remote: it ask you basic questions of current connected equipment and fixes the problem for you (e.g. Is the Cable Box on?, is the TV set to HDMI 1? Etc).

One of the nice features is the ability to control lights wirelessly. Of course, this comes with an extra cost, and you will find yourself adding around 100 extra for each dimmer you choose to add. Granted that you probably spent a fair amount of money in the home theater itself, its something you don’t want to miss out. After adding each dimmer, you will have to add it with the software and can choose different light settings (% of light you want to dim).

If any problem should arise, you can always reach tech service and they will help you out. I consider myself tech-savvy, and I still had to call. Fortunately my problem was an easy fix but was not listed in the help files. After spending time you will learn to fix problems yourself, but I guess the ultimate objective is that anybody in your household can use it without needing help.

In summary, this is an awesome remote once you get all the settings right, but it will take you a while to get there. Four stars it is.

]]> By: trackerfred http://remotejunkies.com/monster-avl300-s-remote-control-review-111/comment-page-1#comment-65 trackerfred Tue, 08 Apr 2008 01:17:33 +0000 http://remotejunkies.com/?p=111#comment-65 <strong>Excellent Remote</strong><br />I bought this remote after my son's friend sat on my Harmony 890 which was a great idea that did not quite deliver. Since I loved the concept and the Monster remote had similar software, I took a chance on the higher priced Monster AVL300 and have not been disappointed. Setup was easy - one button did not get the correct code and I easily used the learning function to fix that. The omnilink feature actually works perfectly. The "joystick" controller is a little quirky - however, it works consistently so you just have to adjust to how it behaves. <br />This is a great remote - easy to program and customize, works well, and is easy to use. Excellent Remote
I bought this remote after my son’s friend sat on my Harmony 890 which was a great idea that did not quite deliver. Since I loved the concept and the Monster remote had similar software, I took a chance on the higher priced Monster AVL300 and have not been disappointed. Setup was easy – one button did not get the correct code and I easily used the learning function to fix that. The omnilink feature actually works perfectly. The “joystick” controller is a little quirky – however, it works consistently so you just have to adjust to how it behaves.

This is a great remote – easy to program and customize, works well, and is easy to use.

]]> By: Anonymous http://remotejunkies.com/monster-avl300-s-remote-control-review-111/comment-page-1#comment-66 Anonymous Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:10:43 +0000 http://remotejunkies.com/?p=111#comment-66 <strong>Best Product on the Market, Great Customer Service</strong><br />Now that the price is down out of the stratosphere (I paid $500!), this is a must buy. The programming interface is easy and intuitive. It works more effectively and most simply than any other programmable remote, and I've owned several. <br /> <br />Not to be overlooked, the customer service at Monster is great! The hours are a bit stingy (M-F working hours on the Pacific Coast, so I always have to call from my office), but the people are friendly, knowledgable and quick to do the right thing (when I had a problem with the remote, of my own doing, they didn't hesitate to send out a completely new one free of charge). <br /> <br />This is the best product on the market. Now you can afford it. Buy it. Best Product on the Market, Great Customer Service
Now that the price is down out of the stratosphere (I paid $500!), this is a must buy. The programming interface is easy and intuitive. It works more effectively and most simply than any other programmable remote, and I’ve owned several.

Not to be overlooked, the customer service at Monster is great! The hours are a bit stingy (M-F working hours on the Pacific Coast, so I always have to call from my office), but the people are friendly, knowledgable and quick to do the right thing (when I had a problem with the remote, of my own doing, they didn’t hesitate to send out a completely new one free of charge).

This is the best product on the market. Now you can afford it. Buy it.

]]> By: Anonymous http://remotejunkies.com/monster-avl300-s-remote-control-review-111/comment-page-1#comment-67 Anonymous Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:07:03 +0000 http://remotejunkies.com/?p=111#comment-67 <strong>great remote!</strong><br />I was looking for a remote and was thinking about a control 4. I came across this remote and thought I would take a chance. It does take time and patience to set up and the intructions are not at all helpful. I had to call tech support and they did a great job setting up the remote. Once I figured out how the whole thing works I was able to tweak the system to my needs. My wife and 6 year old son are able to use the remote with ease. Just don't get frustriated with it just call tech support and let them set it up for you. great remote!
I was looking for a remote and was thinking about a control 4. I came across this remote and thought I would take a chance. It does take time and patience to set up and the intructions are not at all helpful. I had to call tech support and they did a great job setting up the remote. Once I figured out how the whole thing works I was able to tweak the system to my needs. My wife and 6 year old son are able to use the remote with ease. Just don’t get frustriated with it just call tech support and let them set it up for you.

]]>