MONSTER MCC AVL300-S Home Theater & Lighting Controller 300 With Omnilink Reviews

• Simply the best remote ever

  
  By AXGCRWYTQWVEU on 2006-11-12
  I'm amazed... simply amazed. The price is way out there... and this obviously isn't for everyone... but it does everything it says... well.
  
  Set up is super smooth, get the manufacturer and model number, type it in during set up on your computer, and it is done. Thats it.
  
  I do have multiple lighting and heating controls and it is a snap to set up as well. And then you can have the remote send the setup information to other controllers as well.
  
  Tip: Don't buy their lighting controls... WAY over priced. Anything that is Z-Wave will work... Leviton sells a line for 1/3 of the price.
  
  

• Excellent remote with minor issues

  
  By A1EJR6GD4CAQ17 on 2007-11-26
  I purchased this remote recently after comparing this one to the Harmony 890. I have since had a chance to use the Harmony and as such will provide a bit of comparison.
  
  Pros: Wide ranging support of devices, good button ergonomics, good lighting support, flexible configuration
  
  Cons: Clumsy and slow customization interface
  
  Overall I am very happy with this purchase. The remote controls all of my devices (including a DVD player purchased in Japan) and has the flexibility to allow me to control them in the way I want.
  
  The configuration software provided is very poor. It is essentially a limited web browser used to connect to www.myremotesetup.com. I assume they use the client to allow seamless updates to the remote via the USB interface, but it is very slow and cumbersome. I have found that using the web site directly with a browser is much faster, and you can then use the software simply to perform the update to the remote.
  
  While the customization interface is poor, its functionality is quite good. I have been able to define a number of "Activities" (think macros or series of button pushes) which involve all of my entertainment components. The Activities set up both your components and your remote for a given purpose, for example "Watch Cable" or "Watch DVD". For each Activity, you have the ability to "punch through" buttons. That is, you can map any command to each button, for example, the Channel Up button might change the channel on your cable box while the Volume Up button changes the volume on your receiver.
  
  An important feature is that the remote is aware of the state of any given device that it controls. This is very helpful when switching between Activities. For example, say there is an Activity for "Watch Cable" that turns on the TV when you start it, and turns off the TV when you go to another Activity called "Play CD". If you were to click "Watch Cable" and then press the button for "Play DVD", you do not need to worry about the TV being turned off first (as it stops "Watch Cable") and then turned on again (as it starts "Play DVD"). The remote knows that the TV was on because you were using "Watch Cable" and simply leaves it on for "Play DVD".
  
  
  Comparison to Harmony 890
  
  To compare this remote to the Harmony 890 is fairly straightforward. The only item that is not well-known is that there are two versions of the Harmony, the 890 and the 890 Pro. The former is the version that is most commonly purchased. The "Pro" version is exactly the same as the 890, but it has better support for the Z-Wave protocol used by many light controllers. As a result, it has slightly better features for controlling outlets and light switches. For controlling regular entertainment devices (TVs, DVD players, etc) they are identical.
  
  The Monster remote is based on the Harmony 890 Pro, so it has better support of the Z-Wave protocol. If that is something you care about, it is worth noting. The rest of the differences are primarily cosmetic. The Monster remote is a bit heavier, with more of it's weight above it's centerline, it is also a bit wider, owing to its rectangular, rather than peanut, shape. As a result, for those with smaller hands, it may not be quite as comfortable to use. The button arrangement is very similar, but there are slight differences.
  
  The Monster remote is centered on a joystick which has the same functions as the "D-pad" style on the Harmony 890. However, surrounding the joystick are the Pause, Play, Fast Forward, Rewind, Stop and Record buttons. On the Harmony, the D-Pad is surrounded by the volume and channel controls as well as Page Up/Down. For those who make significant use of the former set of buttons, this setup is much more convenient. For those who don't use those buttons as often, they are still available on the Harmony, but are located two rows down from the center (under buttons such as Guide, Info, Menu and Exit).
  
  Finally, the software for customizing the Harmony 890 is faster, more responsive and easier to follow than the software for the Monster. That said, it has exactly the same functionality and, in fact, uses the same web site to retrieve and store data.
  
  
  

• It's all about the lighting

  
  By A3LKDC47W8UYNO on 2006-08-28
  I've had a number of universal remotes over the years and each has had pluses and minuses to offer. The monster remote is a very effective universal remote on all accounts but there is ONE thing that stands out here above all the other remotes. Wireless control over lighting. I replaced my dimmers and switches with the Monster dimmers and switches and now I can control every light in my house. Monster really doesn't talk much about this feature but being able to hit "ALL OFF" at night on my way to bed and have the remote turn off all the house lights is killer. You can even map ligthing scenes to activities. If you hit watch a movie it can turn down the ligths at the same time. Really cool. Good job monster.
  
  

• Not just a remote...

  
  By A2BANVD6NH0KAZ on 2007-01-31
  As mentioned in other reviews, you get the remote, which can be programmed for ANYTHING, and it send both IR and RF signals. You also get the lighting controls, a feature which should not be underrated - very cool to run ALL electronics and electrics from one location. But, the package also comes with an Omni Remote, which is a signal repeater. Basically, you can configure the Omni to repeat signals to your other components, then hide them all in a cabinet or another room. The Monster Remote send the Omni a command over RF, the Omni converts it to IR, then beams it to *the proper component*. Another obscure feature is the ability to chain remotes, and have them all know the state of the system. So your remote upstairs knows the TV is still on, even if you haven't been near it. When you go upstairs, just hit "system off" - it sends the command to the remote downstairs in view of the TV, and the other remote picks up the command and sends it. Very cool. So, for the money you're getting more than a universal remote, you're getting an integrated command network. Mine has worked well since the get go, and I just added lighting controls. So easy, both my wife and visiting mother swear by the thing. My Mom wants one now...
  
  

• Cheaply built, EXPENSIVE, poor customizing abililty, poor interface

  
  By A3IKGL4RBTXAJG on 2007-11-15
  Pros:
  Lighting control
  
  
  Cons:
  Flimsy. Internet connection required to program. poor interface for programming control
  
  
  Full user opinion
  I bought this remote (at a premium) thinking it would be the best universal remote available, and inexpensive compared with RTI, Crestron, or Universal Remote. That couldn't have been farther from the truth.
  
  First of all, the remote is not built well. The buttons are the flimsy, "raised" hard plastic type, not the firm plasticized or rubberized type, and the center "joystick" control protrudes much to tall--enough to where you could accidentally snap it off. The remote's plastic creaks when you press certain buttons. Not what I'd expect for $350!
  
  If you are an A/V enthusiast, and you want complete control of your multiple components, consider a remote by Universal Remote Controls (URC), or if you have the money, Remote Technologies Inc (RTI), but not this. Although you have a cute color screen, the appearance of the "soft buttons" cannot be customized. You can simply change the text in them, that's all.
  
  You MUST have an internet connection to program your remote because the software (and your configuration) resides completely on their website. If their site is "experiencing difficulities" (which I've had occasionally) or your connection is down, you can't program the remote.
  
  The "programming" of the remote is very rigid. You cannot assign whatever you'd like to the soft buttons, nor macros, nor delays. The programming website asks you a series of questions about your components and it pretty much sets up the remote how it believes you need it based on what components you have and what are called "activities". "Activities" seem to be the dumbed down way of programming many of these remotes (such as those by Logitech & Harmony) where you answer a few questions about which A/V imputs are used by your components (to watch TV for example), and it figures out all the component switching and assigns it all to a button titled "Watch TV". This is great for grandpa and grandma who have no idea of how to work remotes, but when you want to control other components briefly, then return to "Watch TV" it becomes problematic.
  
  The lighting control is a nice touch, but the in-wall dimmer I replaced in my master bedroom RARELY receives its commands from the remote, and it's not more than 40 feet, through a few walls (which they claim RF is supposed to allow for up to 120 feet).
  
  This remote simply isn't worth the money or aggravation. If you are an A/V enthusiast, consider RTI, URC, Pronto, or if you have the money, Crestron.
  
  
• The good and the bad after six months
  By AIXTKOGCVXQUH on 2008-05-27
  Hi, let me preface this by saying I also have a Phillips Pronto Pro TSU6000 remote. It is a similar but more expensive unit than the Monster. Many of my opinions are based on comparing the two devices. They differ considerably with both having strengths and weaknesses. I've owned both of them for over six months now. I suspect a lot of the people saying this is the 'best remote ever' have not tried anything else in the same price range.
  
  Overall I'm pleased with the AVL300. It is very feature rich. The inclusion of an RF module is an example. With the Pronto RF is an expensive option.
  
  The physical size is also nice. The Pronto is much bulkier and cannot be operated with one hand. It also slips out of your hand easily and you shudder when the $600 device hits the floor. Conversely the Monster is easy to grip and many of the functions can be accessed using only one hand.
  
  The Pronto makes extensive use of 'soft' keys whereas the Monster does not. By 'soft keys' I mean the touch screen rather than actual buttons. It sounds cool and high tech but is over rated. Pressing the touch screen is by nature imprecise. You don't get any tactile feedback so you often miss the key you want and hit the wrong one. The Monster uses true buttons AKA 'hard keys'. It's much easier to tell when your finger is on the button and far less error prone.
  
  The software for programming the two devices is vastly different. I won't try to go into all the details here but here are some highlights.
  
  The Pronto software is very powerful but requires considerable technical savvy. You have to create the entire user interface for the touch screen buttons and panels from scratch. You also have to manually create all the macros to turn on groups of devices. It takes days to setup a moderately complicated home theater. On the bright side there is a big user community that shares what they have created. That can give you a big head start.
  
  The Monster software is wizard based and guides you through the process. The basic setup is pretty straight forward and easy. While it still requires time and technical savvy it's nothing like the Pronto. Fine tunning things is more challenging. Also, the list of home theater components they support is remarkably extensive. They have the codes for just about everything it seems. They have game systems, lighting controllers, stereo components and even had the codes for my Escient Fireball media server. Not having to learn codes from the original remotes saves so much time. One disappointment is they don't take full advantage of discrete codes. These are special codes for A/V devices that typically can't be accessed via the OEM remote but do exist. The discrete codes are huge assets when controlling home theaters.
  
  The software is not without issues. First, it is very slow and clumsy. For example when you click the forward and back button in the wizard there is a noticeable delay before anything happens. Also, you frequently have to go back to the very beginning when configuring multiple settings and devices. It gets tedious. The software could be more intuitive as well. Worst of all you always must have a live internet connection and login to their site to configure the remote. What the heck is that for?? You can't even change the text label on a button without logging into the web. Maybe that's why it's so sluggish going through the wizard.
  
  I hate the charging base for the remote. The remote doesn't snap into the charger it just lays loosely on top. It's very easy to not get it seated properly, or knock it out of position. When that happens obviously it doesn't charge. Many people have reported problems with it.
  
  As compared to the Pronto Pro I would say the biggest strength of the Monster is the hardware. The greatest weakness is the software. It needs more customization capability and an 'advanced mode' so that I don't have to go through the wizard all the time.
  
  Last but not least I have to mention that my unit broke. It recently decided it was not going to charge at all anymore. The support people at Monster were very helpful and I'm in the process of getting it replaced.
  
  Happy remote controlling!
  
  
• Issues with software but customer service was excellent
  By AFUQINHJN3OCJ on 2007-10-21
  Previously I used a Harmony H659 remote. Even though all of my AV equipment is outside of cabinets and generally in the line of site for use of a conventional IR remote such as the H659, I would occasionally get the equpment out of sync with the remote. So I bought the AVL300 more for the RF capability.
  
  Monster apparently licenses Logitech's software so I expected setup to be simialr to the Harmony. However, I spent several frustrating hours last weekend and could not get the remote to work properly. No help from "help" on the software or Monster's web site. On monday called Monster. There tech support was excellent. I was only on hold 2-3 minutes before getting someone. Since the software is web-based and all remote settings are stored on their server, he was able to see exactly what I
  was doing. Turns out, the Monster software was conflicting with the Harmony software that was still on my PC. Once I deleted that (and turned off my firewall and ant-virus) everything worked perfectly. I was able program the remote easily.
  
  My major complaint is the lack of good online help. I would have had a less frustrating weekend if Monster had simply stated somewhere in their help or FAQ that you need to do these things. The tech support guy knew immediately what the problem was so it can't be that rare. In addition, there is very little little documentation for the software so you basically have to play with it for a while in order to figure out how to work all the features. But the good side of this is that the software is very intuitive and helpful.
  
  I especially like the ability to program macros (which wasn't available on the H659). For instance, I have a macro soft key that goes through a series of steps to turn closed captioning on and off (normally requires 5 steps on my cable box). I am going to program in soft keys for my favorite channels. Next step is to get some light controllers.
  
  In summary this is one cool remote. Some frustration initially but Monster's telephone support was excellent. I chose it over the Harmony 890 because I liked the styling and button size and layout better and over the Harmony 1000 because I prefer to have more hard keys and the conventional look and feel.
  
  
• Monster AVL300 is the way to go
  By A1MGN7O2Z94M8E on 2007-11-10
  I looked high and low at reviews of dozens of remotes. I previously used a Logitech Harmony 688 remote that was good, but didn't give me the flexibility I wanted. Also, I needed RF capabilities for my home theater. The Monster AVL300 has exceeded my expectations once I got it setup. I would buy another if I needed it.
  
  Pros:
  -RF works great and has made a huge difference in reliable control of my components
  -I like having hard buttons to press, instead of touch screen. Easy to find your way around the remote without looking at it.
  -Nice to have a charging cradle, and it lights up when you pick it up...no need to touch a button, like some other remotes
  -Supports Z-Wave lighting, although I haven't tackled that yet
  -Comfortable feel, easy for the whole family to use
  -You can setup Favorite Channels with icons of the channel. The only issue is that it's not well documented where to go setup the favorites. I just had to hunt around to find the option to assign the channel and a small graphic (You can download graphics for many channels out on the Monster website)
  
  Cons:
  The documentation is too simple, and doesn't go into detail. It gives you the first layer needed to setup the remote, but not a lot more. Luckily, it's pretty straight forward to set the remote up for use. Key Issue I Found: If you have a Harmony Remote, uninstall the software and delete and folders associated with the HArmony Remote before you install the Monster Central Control software. It looks as though Monster licenses the Harmony software, and it will get confused if the software is associated with a Harmony remote before you setup the Monster remote.
  
  [...]
  
  The one big issue I had was setting up the Omnilink RF-IR bridge that's included. It's easy to setup, but there are options for each component on how the Omnilink talks to the components, which is confusing: The options are All Ports, IR Blaster, Port A, Port B, Port C and Port D. I assigned each component to the appropriate port, as it seemed the best thing to do. There is no documentation for this feature that tells you anything but that you can assign a port. I got it working and didn't play around with it to exactly figure out what all the port assignments do.
  
  
• AVL 300 Takes the Place of All My Old Remotes
  By A1VMMKDAVQBGJA on 2006-09-12
  I have to say that I was a little bit skeptical because of the large price tag but found out through research that this product was actually fairly priced due to the custom programming features it had. I quickly found out that this remote was better than other universals out there because it used RF and was able to control multiple AV systems in my house.
  
  I have not done it yet, but I plan to buy the Lighting products so I can turn off all of my lights at once from bed each night!!! Very cool.
  
  
• Excellent Remote
  By A1P5TQ0WDTVBNB on 2008-04-07
  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.
  
  
• MONSTER AVL300
  By A3DFD2BVDC5YY5 on 2008-01-07
  I purchased this remote as a transition remote until I can justify buying an automation system. However after owning this remote, I think I may be able to do simple automation to my home for a fraction of the cost. Yes I will compromize customize-ability. However in keeping it simple it will be reliable, and user friendly.
  
  I have never set up a multi room remote before, infact I purchased a very expensive marantz remote with a touch screen, but I was never able to figure it out so it sits in my attick. Maybe Ill put it on ebay. Anyway, this remote did take some time to set up and reset up because I made mistakes, but after some trial and error and patience it works beautifully on my theater room (jvc dla rs1, speakercraft inwall surround, marantz reciever, dish 622, and ps3 blueray), living room (vizio 32 inch lcd, dish 211, oppo dvd), and master bedroom (pioneer 50 inch plasma, dish 211, and sony dvd). I have just the one remote for all three rooms, and I just carry it from room to room as needed, but I would like to buy 2 more, they do communicate with each other so as not to over lap if certain components are on and dont have discrete off, the #2 remote wont mistakenly turn off something that remote one has turned on, in an attempt for remote 2 to turn that device on. another feature
  
  
• great remote!
  By A1IT673A763ZNK on 2008-02-09
  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.
  
  
• Best Product on the Market, Great Customer Service
  By A3DRGWZBTJWXRR on 2008-03-12
  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.
  
  
• The best remote out there
  By A3K5NZJWQPX6S6 on 2008-04-29
  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.
  
  
  
• AVL 300-S
  By A3KQR2XP7U1Z3H on 2008-08-15
  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.
  
  

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