Is it worth replacing V+ remote?

LeoDanger · 09-11-2009, 9:12 PM

Hi all...

We've just had V+ installed (SA box, sadly!). While we much prefer it to Sky+, we're suffering the seemingly famous errant commands problem.

Every so often, the box thinks we pressed record, or even goes into mute – a real pain as I've set the remote to control the TV (I tried reprogramming the remote to go back to controlling the box with 0683, but it won't work – any body got any other codes for a standard, black V+ remote?).

Anyway, I'm wondering if it's the remote or the box that's causing errant infra red codes. With Christmas coming, I'm considering a Logitech Harmony 555 remote.

My question is, has anybody out there used the Logitech remotes, and if so, did they find that the errant commands stopped?

I've tried searching for answer before posting, so please don't tell me off if this has already been answered!

Cheers...

blue max 2 · 09-11-2009, 11:29 PM

Not sure, but that is usually a sign of the batteries failing. Try revolving them a little to see if it improves.

Failing that, a call into Virgin media will have a replacement out to you in no time.

I've never used a third party remove, only my amps to turn the box on and off with the amp.

Graham

*markymark34* · 10-11-2009, 11:31 AM

I have the logitech 525 have had it for well over a year and it has never put a foot wrong. took me an hour to program everything into it and thats it, goes through a set of batteries in 4 months ish other than that its fantastic, its the best gadget ive ever bought and i wouldnt be without one.

i press 1 button and th etv is on , the V+ box is on and so is my amp all at the right input. you wont regret it.

Boostrail · 10-11-2009, 2:12 PM

I have had a few "lockups" and it now appears its definitely down to the remote not the V+ box . In each case taking the batteries out and putting them back has solved problem. The batteries were not low as i have a DVM and can test them., also they laasted for months after the lock up I noticed also in each case that one of the LED's at the top of the remote had stuck on.

barney258 · 10-11-2009, 3:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markymark34

I have the logitech 525 have had it for well over a year and it has never put a foot wrong. took me an hour to program everything into it and thats it, goes through a set of batteries in 4 months ish other than that its fantastic, its the best gadget ive ever bought and i wouldnt be without one.

i press 1 button and th etv is on , the V+ box is on and so is my amp all at the right input. you wont regret it.

Mark... i have a question for you as you already have one of these remotes!

Would this be ideal for me? I have a Yamaha AV receiver with my v+ box connected via HDMI and my xbox 360 connected via component. The annoying thing is i have to change the 'source' on my TV each time to play my xbox/tv - could this be erradicated if i programmed the logitech remote correctly?

Cheers

dante01 · 10-11-2009, 5:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barney258

Mark... i have a question for you as you already have one of these remotes!

Would this be ideal for me? I have a Yamaha AV receiver with my v+ box connected via HDMI and my xbox 360 connected via component. The annoying thing is i have to change the 'source' on my TV each time to play my xbox/tv - could this be erradicated if i programmed the logitech remote correctly?

Cheers

This can easily be factored into a macro with the Harmony remotes. It would simply require one button press to switch all the configurations and settings needed for any scenario.

LeoDanger · 10-11-2009, 6:20 PM

It does sound like the Logitech remote would be a good option. I assume there are soft keys for things like the V+ button – is that right? Can you specify the name of the buttons? In fact, on the more expensive, colour Logitechs, can you even specify the graphics?

Mark... did you have the rogue command problem before you got the Logitech, or had you never noticed problems at all?

Thanks very much for all the help!

dante01 · 10-11-2009, 9:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeoDanger

It does sound like the Logitech remote would be a good option. I assume there are soft keys for things like the V+ button – is that right? Can you specify the name of the buttons? In fact, on the more expensive, colour Logitechs, can you even specify the graphics?

Mark... did you have the rogue command problem before you got the Logitech, or had you never noticed problems at all?

Thanks very much for all the help!

You can designate any button on the Harmony remotes to perform any function. The downloadable settings will have predefined keys, but you can swop the pre designated functions to any key you want to. The buttons on the Harmony will obviously not all have the same printed designation, but I can do everything the original V+ remote did with my Harmony remote. I use the MENU button as the V+ button.

LeoDanger · 10-11-2009, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dante01

You can designate any button on the Harmony remotes to perform any function. The downloadable settings will have predefined keys, but you can swop the pre designated functions to any key you want to. The buttons on the Harmony will obviously not all have the same printed designation, but I can do everything the original V+ remote did with my Harmony remote. I use the MENU button as the V+ button.

What do you use for the menu then?!

dante01 · 11-11-2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeoDanger

What do you use for the menu then?!

Which menu? The V+ remote doesn't have a button marked MENU. The OK button brings up the EPG associated with the GUIDE button and I've assigned the GUIDE button on the Harmony remote as being the HOME button on the V+ remote.

LeoDanger · 11-11-2009, 4:42 PM

Ah, it was the "Home" button I was thinking of – thanks!

IAIN-50 · 11-11-2009, 9:51 PM

Hi Mark where did you buy it from. Ihave seen some on eBay. Idid't realise the 1000 model cost so much.

Regards Iain

rn143 · 11-11-2009, 11:19 PM

For a cheaper option, there's also a newly designed V+ remote available NEW STYLE VIRGIN MEDIA V+ REMOTE LIMINTED STOCK BN on eBay (end time 29-Nov-09 13:46:17 GMT)

*markymark34* · 12-11-2009, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IAIN-50

Hi Mark where did you buy it from. Ihave seen some on eBay. Idid't realise the 1000 model cost so much.

Regards Iain

from amazon a special deal last year £30.
Amazon.co.uk: logitech remote

think the 555 is a newer model?

dante01 · 12-11-2009, 2:28 PM

I've the 555, but the cheaper 525 is practically the same. I don't use the 2 additional menus that are on the 555 and wish I'd bought the 525. The styling of the 555 is garish and a bit "pimp my remote" !

The best (affordable) model is the Harmony One:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Logitech-Har...8036189&sr=1-2

LeoDanger · 12-11-2009, 10:06 PM

The Harmony One doesn't have the four coloured buttons though – that'd be a pain with V+ etc

IAIN-50 · 13-11-2009, 7:44 AM

Hi all just bought a Harmony 525 spent an hour setting it up works great with TV, VM, & DVDR but can not get it to learn my Sony DAV-S100 Home Cinema thought will give it another tyr tonight but I may end up getting a new sound system,as I do have another problem that I will post later.

Iain

dante01 · 13-11-2009, 9:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IAIN-50

Hi all just bought a Harmony 525 spent an hour setting it up works great with TV, VM, & DVDR but can not get it to learn my Sony DAV-S100 Home Cinema thought will give it another tyr tonight but I may end up getting a new sound system,as I do have another problem that I will post later.

Iain

Logitech have the Sony DAV-S100 commands which you can download:

Logitech provide over 225,000 devices via their database. You don't have to input each and every command.

barney258 · 13-11-2009, 10:52 AM

These remotes look awesome. So they can control pretty much EVERYTHING? Do you even use it for all your VM stuff, like recording and playing v+ recordings?

dante01 · 13-11-2009, 1:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barney258

These remotes look awesome. So they can control pretty much EVERYTHING? Do you even use it for all your VM stuff, like recording and playing v+ recordings?

You can do everything with a Harmony remote that you can do with the V+ remote. I no longer use the V+ remote and I control all my devices with a Harmony 555. The one exception is my PS3. The PS3 requires a Bluetooth controller and the Harmony remotes are infra red, but you can get a small box that converts the signals and allows you to use the Harmony remotes with the PS3.

There's no problems at all when it comes to replacing the supplied V+ remote with a Harmony remote

IAIN-50 · 13-11-2009, 6:05 PM

Hi again yes I get that on the software but it does not work and that picture shows something very different from the real thing. This is where I get to & it won't learn from the Sony remote.

*JayAy* · 14-11-2009, 1:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeoDanger

The Harmony One doesn't have the four coloured buttons though – that'd be a pain with V+ etc

Harmony One has programmable soft buttons for the four colored buttons - it works a treat and I use it for all my kit expect PS3 (have not bothered to get a bluetooth to iRDA box). Programming is simple and teh list of supported devices is huge. Well worth it as now even my wife can now use all the kit!

dante01 · 14-11-2009, 2:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayAy

Harmony One has programmable soft buttons for the four colored buttons - it works a treat and I use it for all my kit expect PS3 (have not bothered to get a bluetooth to iRDA box). Programming is simple and teh list of supported devices is huge. Well worth it as now even my wife can now use all the kit!

You let your wife touch the remote!