Philips RC9800i LCD Touchscreen Remote Control

I really like the idea of eliminating all the typical Remote Control clutter with a single unit that can control all A/V-Media components, although I am not really a universal remote control sort of guy. Like many consumers, I am a bit intimidated by how complicated all-in-one RC units are to program and configure, but when I lucked into the opportunity to check out this recently introduced mega remote with the power to manage virtually all media components with an almost magical ease of programming and operation, it was just too tempting to pass up.

I've never been an audiophile, although I've loved music and movies my entire life. I've been buying audio/video components since the sixties. My audio/video/media set up is getting a bit long in the tooth, so I asked a friend who has much newer computer-A/V components if we could test the Philips RC9800i with his stuff. He is unhappy with his Radio Shack Universal remote control and has been considering the purchase of a newer and more comprehensive mega remote, so he agreed. We invited another friend, who is a genuine technophobe, to participate in this experiment. The idea was that if the three of us (one in his 30's, one in his forties, and one in his fifties) could program, configure, and use the Philips RC9800i (part of the company's Intelligent Remote Control family designed to be easy enough for even a neophyte to use) then virtually anyone should be able to program and use Philips new mega RC.

Philips RC9800i Overview

The Philips RC9800i is a notebook sized "learning" infrared wireless universal remote control designed to control all media components and interface with the user's home computer to manage all Universal Plug and Play enabled devices. The RC9800i features a 3.5-inch color LCD touchscreen and an on-board database with remote control codes for over 1,100 brands of audio and video components. The RC9800i contained the remote control codes for a 12 year old Kenwood AV receiver that my friend had boxed up in a back bedroom so consumers with older components in their Audio/Video/Media system shouldn't shy away from this unit.

In addition to its huge on-board brand/product database, the RC9800i can learn control codes from the original (OEM) remote controls. The RC9800i also provides Wi Fi connectivity, allowing it to display an electronic program guide (EPG) and if all that isn't enough, the RC9800i is UPNP (Universal Plug and Play) compliant, meaning it can communicate with any computer or digital device on an 802.11b network for streaming content (mp3 files and digital photos) directly from your PC to your home theater/TV. The RC9800i updates its on-board database as the unit sits in its USB charging cradle.

Programming/Set-up

What really sets the RC9800i apart from its competition is this unit's approach to managing entertainment/media options. The RC9800i groups commands not by the individual components, like most RCs, but instead by the desired action (activity based). For instance to watch a DVD movie, you don't punch a button to turn on the A/V receiver, then punch another button to activate the DVD player, and then punch yet another button to turn on the TV – instead you just push "watch DVD movie" and the RC9800i makes it all come together.

Programming is accomplished using the RC9800i's internal database of command options activated via the bright and highly readable 3.5-inch touchscreen and selection buttons. Set-up is done room by room. Simply select the room, list the components located in that room, and then choose a component type (for example DVD player) and a list of brands appears – select the brand of your component and then the specific model. Repeat this process for each component. If you run into problems with an individual component, simply use the remote that came with the component to input the command set.

While programming the RC9800i is not difficult if all components are relatively current and from major OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) it is time consuming and occasionally frustrating. All three of us participated in this process (which probably extended the time expended exponentially) and the procedure was fairly straightforward, but there was some spirited bickering and one incident of hand slapping.

Once you've finished programming all your components and configuring how they will interact with each other, you can visit the Philips Web site and register for the electronic program guide, which is free for one year. The electronic program guide provides up to date program listings via the RC9800i's Wi Fi Internet connection. The RC9800i can also stream mp3 audio from your PC/iPod directly to your audio components. It was surprisingly easy to connect my friend's iPod and listen to mp3 audio files.

Ease of Use

Once it is programmed, this unit is super simple to use and beautifully logical in the way it operates. Just tell the RC9800i what you want it to do and it does it - automatically creating the macros needed to make your chosen action happen.

Technical Specifications

3.5" color touchscreen TFT LCD
Resolution: 320x240 pixels
On Board database: more than 1,100 brands of audio and video components
Connectivity: Wi Fi and USB
Memory: 32MB RAM memory and 32MB flash memory
Power: Internal rechargable Li-ion Polymer battery
MSRP $599.00 -- Street Price Range $499 - $349.00

Included

Charging Cradle/Docking Station/AC Adaptor, USB cable, stylus, Philips Media Manager software CD-ROM, Quick Start guide and PDF users manual

A Few Concerns

The RC9800i's un-tethered battery life is about 3 hours. What this means, in practical terms is that the device will have to be returned regularly to its charging cradle. A full charge requires about 3 hours. My friend (who is already upset that he'll have to eventually send his iPod back to Apple to replace the internal battery) is afraid the RC9800i will require return to Philips to replace the internal battery (we couldn't find any way to access the internal battery or any information about how the internal battery should be replaced, if and when it fails to hold a charge).

Who is this Mega-Remote designed for?

The RC9800i is best suited to consumers with complex media/audio/video set-ups, those with geek tendencies (but lacking in geek skills), and mixed (geek and non-geek) couples. The Philips RC9800i may also be the perfect choice for technophobes, those who have difficulty programming/operating complex devices, and people who want to be in control of their home Media Center, but don't want to seek programming help from a techno-geek friend.

Test Setup

For those who are interested, here is a listing of components used to test the RC9800i -- Compaq Presario V2000 laptop computer, Sony DVP-NS775V DVD/CD/SACD Player, JVC RX 6042 Receiver, Samsung LT-P326W 32" LCD TV, and an Emerson REWV603 VCR.

Conclusion

My friends and I were very impressed with the capabilities of Philips RC 9800i Remote Control and all three of us liked its simplicity and logical intuitive operation.


This product was provided by Hass MS&L with the understanding that the reviewer would post a fair and honest review on Epinions.com. Thanks to Pogomom for providing me with an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and thanks to my wife for her many contributions to this review. She was a vital member of our little test team.