Entered CNET Catalog: 03/17/2006
SKU: 0050644447112
Manufacturer: Monster Cable Products Inc
Manufacturer description
The name Monster Cable is so synonymous with high quality and high performance. Monster Cable products are indispensable components for music lovers, audiophiles, recording studios, sound professionals, musicians, custom-installers and home theater enthusiasts. PRODUCT FEATURES: 2.3" color display with customizable backgrounds; "Wide Field" IR capability for maximum AV control range and flexibility; Dedicated Surround Button for control of sound modes in the receiver; Tabletop charging station and rechargeable lithium - ion battery for longer - lasting power; "One Touch" activity based control of AV Components; Integrates and controls up to 15 AV components; Simple online, question - based setup of AV components and lighting through Monster Central website; Dedicated Picture Button provides Smart PIP and optimal control for aspect ratio.Product summary
The good: Monster's Home Theater Controller 100 universal remote is powered by a modified version of Logitech's highly regarded Harmony software that makes programming it relatively easy. It features a well-designed button layout and a rechargeable battery with a docking station. The remote also supports multiroom setups.
The bad: First, the Monster Controller 100 is overpriced. Second, even though the remote is generally user-friendly, if you do have a multiroom system, setup can be a challenge and frustrating at times as you must continually test and refine your settings. And at this price, we'd like to see RF functionality included.
The bottom line: The Monster Home Theater Controller 100 universal remote arguably offers a superior design to competing models from Logitech and Harman Kardon, but it's comparatively pricey.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 10/04/2006
Both of Monster's 2006 universal remotes feature color screens, but the Monster Home Theater Controller 100 ($350) is IR only, while the step-up Monster Home Theater and Lighting Controller 300 ($600) comes with both infrared (IR) and radio-frequency (RF) capabilities, the latter being useful for components hidden behind cabinets or doors. The Monster 300 is also able to control lights in your home using the optional IlluminEssence lighting modules, which work on the Z-Wave wireless technology standard.
Like Logitech's current crop of color-screen remotes, the Monster Home Theater Controller 100 (a.k.a. the MCC AV100) comes with a docking station for recharging the removable lithium-ion battery. While we don't think the design of the Monster remote is particularly slick, we do like its button design and layout better than that of the Logitech Harmony 720 and the Harman Kardon TC 30 (though, as with all such subjective calls, your opinion may vary). The remote feels pretty comfortable in hand, and the buttons are more thoughtfully laid out and more tactile. We particularly like the raised Select button in the center of the remote and the raised/angled transport buttons (play, pause, skip forward/back) buttons that surround it. The rockerlike buttons for volume control and channel up/down are also well placed and easy to get to by feel alone using your thumb. The remote offers a good amount of blue backlighting that makes the keys fairly easy to distinguish in the dark.
Measuring 8.1 inches long by 2.4 inches wide by 0.75 inch deep and weighing 6 ounces (with battery installed), the AV 100 isn't exactly svelte, but it's not really a monster. In addition to the screen's color capabilities, the LCD is larger than those of Logitech's monochrome Harmony models. The increased screen real estate offers room for a total of eight activity-based icons that correspond to adjacent hard buttons.
We were a little disappointed by the low-resolution (read: early Palm color screen) 128x160 color display. With the Monster's high price tag, we were hoping it'd be a little sharper. Monster uses its own more text-based, activity-based icons, and while they're not superclean looking, they're at least easier to read than those on the Logitech remote. One item for the wish list: it'd be nice if you could create custom-labeled icons simply by typing in the text to describe the activity you want to assign the button to.
As noted, the Monster 100 comes with a tabletop charging station for juicing up the included rechargeable lithium-ion battery; you simply lay the remote down in its cradle. Not only is this nice for saving dough on batteries, if you're good about leaving the remote in its cradle, you'll always know where it is when you need it.
The Monster 100 has a built-in motion sensor so that when you pick up the remote, it automatically turns on (this feature is now available in other, less expensive Harmony remotes). You can add your own digital images as backgrounds and screensavers--there's a slide-show feature--though we found that we had to crop our images into vertical shots or they'd appear hideously stretched on the screen. And it really wasn't a good idea to have a picture as a background because it made the icons difficult to read; stick with the default blue background.
In terms of programming the remote, the Monster 100 works the same way that other Harmony remotes do, but it comes with its own special flavor of Harmony desktop software, as well as a Monster-modified interface on the remote itself. As we noted in our earlier reviews, programming a universal remote can be a frustrating and time-consuming process, involving punching a series of multidigit codes for each component in your A/V system. By contrast, Harmony remotes are programmed by connecting them to your Internet-connected Windows PC or Mac with the supplied USB cable, installing the model-specific version of Harmony software (in this case, Monster software), and following a fairly straightforward wizard.
You choose your home-theater components from a list; explain how they're connected; and define their roles in activity-based functions, such as Watch TV, Watch DVD, and Listen To Music. For each function, you specify which devices and inputs the remote must enable. You can also choose which keypad functions will punch through to which specific devices--always having the channel buttons control the cable box or the volume controls dedicated to the TV, for instance. After you've completed the setup, the software uploads all the relevant control codes to the Monster 100. Depending on the system, sometimes setup is a snap, other times it isn't.
One advantage of the Monster software is that it does a better job guiding you through multiroom setups. We actually set up the remote to work in three rooms in our house, and there's a dedicated A/B Sys button at the bottom of the remote that's a shortcut to controlling multiple systems for multiple rooms.
Once you finish setting everything up in the Web-based software wizard, it's easy to toggle between rooms on the remote, but it's not necessarily the most elegant solution since you're left with activity-based icons that read Watch TV2 and Watch TV3 for your second and third rooms. On the plus side, you can add advanced, macro-style options for delay times, multistep commands, and other functions. Also, the remote's Help key aids in troubleshooting by asking natural-language questions on the LCD. For instance, the screen might read, "Is the digital set-top box on?"
Even as user-friendly as the remote generally is, you will probably encounter a few snags. And as one might expect, the more rooms and components you have, the more time you can expect to invest in getting everything to work properly. A certain amount of trial and error is involved. You must verify that the commands work with your equipment as intended, then modify them as necessary. This can get a little tedious as you run through the software wizard, connect and reconnect the remote to the USB cable, then wait for the remote to update itself.
If you're pairing this remote to only one system, you can conceivably set it up in less than an hour. It's also worth pointing out that Monster, like Logitech, will continue to offer updates to the desktop software and firmware upgrades to your hardware. This should improve the user experience with time.
As for battery life, Monster says you should be able to go a few weeks without recharging, but obviously, if you leave the unit in its cradle, the battery will remain fully juiced. It's also worth noting that the battery is replaceable, so when it eventually wears out--and it will--you'll be able swap in a new one.
When all is said and done, the Monster Home Theater Controller 100's slightly superior design (from the standpoint of button design and placement) give it an edge over the similarly featured Logitech Harmony 720 and Harman Kardon TC 30, which is why we gave it the high score we did. That said, some buyers may prefer the sleeker look of those competing remotes and more certainly, their much lower price tags. In other words, we'd be willing to pay a small premium to own this model, but not a big one--and you shouldn't either.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10out of 10 user reviews
poorly performing products
Pros: nothing positive here.
Cons: monster/logitech products suck! their software and/or downloads have crashed my computer twice. i cost me 600.00 to fix it the first time. don't know how much it is going to cost me for this second time. al this for a 160.00 remote! thank you logitec
out of 10 user reviews
Would repeat the purchase.
Pros: Accessible support
Cons: Experienced conflict with Vista Home Edition. Dislay reverts to "basic" mode until program is physically exited
out of 10 user reviews
"Novice Easy" setup
Pros: Ease of setup even for first time owner of Universal Control. Charging cradle very stable. Buttons are well-built and easy to use. Layout feels very intuitive.
Cons: None to even note
I couldn't be more pleased. Recharging cradle is very sturdy and reliably did the initial charging. Setup even for a novice was very smooth. Any glitches were easily fixed with the remote's Help Button. Customizing for my preferences was a breeze.
Would have rated a "10" but have yet to determine the SAF (Spousal Acceptance Factor)! But my best guess is that she'll love it too!
out of 10 user reviews
Owned for a week
Pros: Easy to program
Cons: Joystick; A, B, no C; Buttons feel cheap
Now time for the cons. I had an issue with the battery. As soon as I took it off the cradle after initial charging, it dropped one battery bar. Then, after being off the charger for one day, it dropped another bar. Note that there are only 3 battery bars on this remote.
In addition, I was not too pleased with some of the controls. I think that the joystick control. I personally would prefer buttons as opposed to the joystick. In addition, my cable box has an A, B, and C button. This remote has hard buttons for A and B, but no C. The C appears in the LCD area, but it is annoying to have 2 out of 3 in one spot, while the third is in a different location.
Finally, the buttons felt cheap. When pressing anything in the number pad, all buttons move. Same goes for the row above the number pad and below the volume/channel up/down controls.
Overall, the remote did as promised, however I would prefer a remote with a sturdier feel.
out of 10 user reviews
used for 6 weeks and my wife hates it.
Pros: recharger base
Cons: web site problems durring programing, no manual
bought a Sony RMAX4000 for half the money and my wife loves it.
out of 10 user reviews
Does the job for me perfectly
Pros: Easy setup, one button operation, wife-friendly
Cons: Screen could have higher resolution, no RF
I don't have an overly complicated setup (TV, AV receiver, DVD/CD player, Cable box with HD, XM radio) but the remote just does its job perfectly for me.
All my devices were in Monster's database (even some functionality that's missing from my original remotes, e.g. my TVs original remote doesn't have an option to select an input, Monster's database had) so there was no need to teach new codes to this remote.
I wish the screen had higher resolution though. Also, it doesn't have RF capability (if you don't know what it is you probably don't need it).
Price seems a bit high, but everything's relative, the other 2 remotes I mentioned are somewhat cheaper.
out of 10 user reviews
Im tired of monster's overpriced BS!
Pros: Its shiny and big.
Cons: Highway Robbery
out of 10 user reviews
More Overpriced Crap from Monster
Pros: Harmony Software
Cons: Fugly, Ridiculous Price
out of 10 user reviews
Capable, good value, easy set up
Pros: Easy web based set up (PC and Mac), one button control of multiple components
Cons: Database on AV Receiver did not include codes for Zones 2 & 3, just the primary Zone 1
The remote is used to control a plasma monitor, AV Receiver, digital HD cable box with DVR, DVD, and DVD/VCR combo unit. The multiple remotes were driving my wife crazy (and me too). The AV equipment I have is of good quality but I could not bring myself to buy one of the high end remotes, for about $400, and then have to pay an additional $400 to have someone program it. Future changes would still depend on someone doing the programming and cost more money. The Monster controller was a good solution. It has one-button capabilities and was something that I could set up and modify.
The basic setup went pretty smoothly. Monster’s web based “set up wizard’ was easy to use, and the component database with the various codes seemed extensive. The user guide included with the remote however was about as minimalist as possible. There is a user manual that can be downloaded from Monster’s web site but all I received was a web site error message when I tried. Maybe if I had the user manual, I would have better understood the relationship between the “activities’ and the related components. Once I got the basic system working, it took a lot of experimenting with the setting to customize the remote. The component and activity settings are buried a number of screens deep on the web site. It was confusing to decide whether to use the trouble shooting screen or the activities screen.
After setting up the cable box and the TV, I went to use the cable guide to pick a station. I could not figure out how to move up and down or side to side within the guide. I felt like an idiot when, by accident, I realized that the Monster remote select button also functioned as a mini joystick. It moves up and down within the guide. I am sure that information was in the user guide that I was not able to download but I did not see this information on the web site or anywhere else.
The remote advertising indicated that the remote’s surround mode button would access the surround sound and DSP modes. I have a Yamaha RX V1500 receiver and none of the surround sound buttons appear when I use the surround mode. I will have to set them up or have to use the remote’s component control button to access the buttons for the AV receiver (all 14 pages worth).
Another issue relates to the AV receiver and its multiple zone capability. The receiver’s primary zone is used for the cable/TV/DVD in the family room. I have zone 2 powering speakers outside, and zone 3 powering speakers in one of my rooms. The receiver can play the cable/TV in zone 1 and in zone 2 use the receiver’s turner to play FM. The codes for the Monster remote do not recognize the other zones. I needed to use the learn code function to get zone 2 to work. I still haven’t figured out how to control the volume in zone 2. This is a major pain for people with AV receivers with multiple zones and needs to be fixed.
I am still having problems switching the monitor’s inputs (AV1 to AV2) when I start an activity. Even though the activity says to switch to AV2, the monitor does not recognize the command. I am still playing with time delays in sending the codes but do not have a solution yet.
The last gripe that I have is that Monster’s web site has a download titled “Setting up your monster controller” and it indicates a 24hr turnaround on contacts to their customer service. I used their web site for the contact and three contacts later am still waiting for an answer to any of my requests. This is a problem since Monster sets the expectation of a quick turn around and then does not deliver.
Problems aside, I still think that this controller was the way to go. It truly has one button capability and allows me to make changes to the remote’s functionality. Most of the issues I have will not be a problem for the majority people. Monster’s support is still a little rough around the edges. I am confident that I will get the remote to handle my needs.
out of 10 user reviews
Thrilled with this remote
Pros: Easy set up, nice buttons, even my six year old can use it
Cons: Not much - remote assistant not of much use
Enter the Monster. I read the reviews of the Logitach Harmonys and decided to take a chance on Monster based on the mixed reviews of Harmony. I cannot tell you how happy I am with the decision. I own a Hitachi 50V500, Scientific Atlanta cable box with PVR, Sony reciever, XBox, and a Toshiba VCR/DVD combo.
The Monster software had all of these components working with correct audio outputs within 15 minutes of me answering questions using the software. The only adjustment I had to make was to customize the "page up" and "page down" inputs to the PVR for skipping through channels in the on screen menu 5 at a time. You can tell Monster made a bog investment in the software to input your components and establish functions.
The other thinh I love is that the Monster remote senses when my components are on or off. My Sony could never do this (or I could not figure out how) and constantly would shut components off when I used the memorized commands (for example it would shut off my reciever when I swtiched from watching to TV to watching a DVD). I knew how to get around this, but nobody else in my house did.
All in all a very positive experience with a product that I think is very hard to get correct. Congrats to Monster on a very high quality product.
