Hi,

I hope this isn't a common quesiton, I had a quick look through the forums and couldn't find anything.

I have been looking at purchasing a STB for home for quite some time, but the main thing holding me back is I don't want an extra remote on my coffee table, and don't want to have to use 2 separate remotes to watch TV (one to turn TV on and a different remote to change channels).

So I am looking for an STB that has a remote with a programmable TV section, like most TV remotes have a extra set of buttons to control a VCR and you need to enter a code into the remote to tell it what brand of VCR you have.

I have searched the internet, but I can't seem to find a list of STBs with this feature.

I will only need an SD STB as it is just for the 4:3 68cm CRT TV in the Family room.

Can anyone suggest a decent STB that has a remote with this feature. I have looked at separate programmable remotes, but they seem to start at about $100.

Thanks.
Greg.

I don't know a lot about remotes etc, and someone else can probably provide a better solution, but how about going for a 3rd party universal remote to control all your devices. A mate of mine has got a fancy touch screen LCD one, and I was fairly impressed with it when I saw it. Even if a STB came with a programmable remote, it may cost a bit more, in which case you could have spent the money on a universal remote

Anyway, getting a STB for a 4:3 CRT? You are better off upgrading this first of all

I think the STB's with remotes that control basic TV functions are in the majority. So long as your TV is a fairly common brand (Sony, Panasonic etc.) you should have little problem.

I have an LG-5100 which is HD, and you'd only buy one if you're upgrading the TV to a Plasma or LCD over the next year. The remote is programmable to operate a TV (Power, Channel, Volume, Mute only - more than you need.)

I have also bought (for a family member) a very cheap DGTEC where the remote was also programmable to cope with a TV.

If possible, try to look at the remotes when buying; they will usually have the buttons in a separate area with a line around them. (This is not easy to do as the remotes are typically not on display).

I'd wait until you had 3+ devices before thinking about a universal remote. I have 5 devices including the TV and a Harmony 880 remote to control them all, which it does fantastically. They become more necessary when you have to change inputs for the TV and receiver; neither of which you have in your setup - but you will one day!

I would absolutely go for a STB now, even though you have a CRT TV, for the following reasons:
* analogue will be shut off anyway in a few years
* provided you have a certain reception level for each channel - reception is perfect
* extra channels such as the guide and ABC2.

Not many regret buying a STB.

cheap remote yep!

approx $30 at big W = pulse remote , does tv, vcr , dvd, stb works well and easy to use.

Thanks for the replies..

I didn't realise they were so common now.. I checked a few years back and couldn't find one with tv controls. And the manufacturers webpages don't seem to list this as a feature, would also be good if the STB remote can switch the TVs AV selection as we also have a DVD player on this TV. Will check out a few today.
We mainly want the STB to clean up reception a bit. most channels are good, but nine is a bit noisy.

Will be looking for a HD STB shortly as I am also setting up a HT room, not sure what sort of display to use there though.. I'm not happy with a plasma, LCD displays seem better, but only if you drive them at their native resolution, CRT currently still has a big advantage with picture quality, but size of a CRT is limited. Am also looking at tripple DLP projectors, but $$$$$...

Thanks Again.

Greg.