[jgrnfld]

I just bought a TX-P50V10 Plasma TV, a DMR-BS750 BluRay Recorder with twin Freesat Tuners and a SA-BX500 AV Receiver in hopes that this system would be very easy to control. I am pretty angry that even though they come from the same manufacturer I still need all three remotes to make this system work! The TV doesn't have a HDMI output so you can't run it into the Receiver. The Viera Link seems to be a waste of time - the YouTube comes up in a small window on the side and there isn't a full screen option. The Twonky Media Server doesn't play mp3 files. Picassa does, however, seem to work well. Each remote can handle some of the functions of the other units but each one has at least two functions that you can only control with that one. I get the feeling that the only people at Panasonic that thought these components might be used as a system were in marketing.
Don't get me wrong - these components are fantastic. It was just difficult trying to explain to my wife how to turn them on and off after assuring her that they would all work easily with one remote.

[davepuma]

HDMI CEC is a bit of a waste of time. Your best bet is a universal remote such as a Logitech Harmony One. The Harmony range starts at £45 or so for the 525 model. I own both but the One is obviously the better. They are pretty simple to program and once setup will really make controlling your system a lot easier.

TBH, you would have been better off choosing an AV Receiver based on sound quality and specs over one that is the same brand as your TV/BD player. I can't remember the specs of the particular Panasonic model you bought but similarly priced models from Denon, Yamaha etc. would have been better options.

[jgrnfld]

I'm happy with the components - the TV is really great, the BluRay recorder too. The receiver sounds like I expected, which is very good. I am just disappointed that I read too much of what I wanted into the hype about the Viera system. The small print says the Media Server can only do Pictures and Video from your computer, not Music! I mean what's the point? The more I read about it though, the more I can make it work smoothly so once I get it completely fine tuned, I'll post again with the secret!