Manage updates with the Download AppAcoustic Research AARX18G
Manufacturer: Audiovox Corporation Part number: AARX18G
- CNET Editor rating: Not yet rated
- Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 12 reviews
- More product information:
- Editors' blog post
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Description:
- The XSight Touch Advanced Universal Remote will change your home entertainment experience forever. You can start using it right out of the box through the guided set-up on the full-color LCD touch screen. Expand and customize features to control your entire home theater with simple one-touch activities like watch TV or listen to CD. No more having to write directions ... Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/13/2013 |
Acoustic Research AARX18G User reviews
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Setup takes a while, but ease of use is fantastic!
by barnabas1969 on May 5, 2010
Pros: ?Backlighting is terrific
?Key layout is mostly very good
?Simple operation
?Can operate the remote with one hand
?Touch screen works very well
?"List" key for my DVR!
?RGBY keys for my Blu Ray!
?Key-command assignment is very easy via the softwareCons: ?The website is slow
?Cannot change order of device soft keys!
?Cannot move command soft keys from one page to another!
?The learning process needs improvement
?Learned commands should not be overwritten when editing other soft keys on the same page.Summary: I read many reviews before I bought this remote. From what I could see in the reviews, the software is cumbersome, but it appears to be a good deal for ...
Summary: I read many reviews before I bought this remote. From what I could see in the reviews, the software is cumbersome, but it appears to be a good deal for the money compared to the Harmony One or the Harmony 900. I bought the AR-RX18G at Best Buy on Sunday to replace my old Sony RM-AV3000. I started setting it up that night. I spent about three hours on it before I figured out that I couldn?t move devices so that the most frequently used ones are on the first page and also that I couldn?t move soft keys for a device from one page to another. So I decided to give up for the night and start over the next day.
Monday night, I deleted all the devices and started adding them again. To my surprise, they didn?t appear in the order I added them. I reset the remote to factory defaults (Settings > Reset > 981 > Factory Reset) and added the devices again. This time, they appeared in the order I added them. The web pages for searching for a device are VERY slow. However, once the devices were added, I was able to go to the Advanced button and see an image of the remote. This allowed me to click a button on the computer screen and select what function I wanted on that button. I was pleasantly surprised to find many more commands than what were available on my original remotes? including my RM-AV3000.
For the commands that were not on the website? I had to disconnect the remote from the USB cable in order to learn those commands from my original remotes. It would have been easier to do this via the website, but the learning function on the remote is not too difficult (it?s MUCH easier than the learning process on my old RM-AV3000!!!). The real problem with the learning process on the AR-RX18G is that I had to logout of the website and log back in so that I could upload the new commands from my remote. This is not an intuitive process and I might not have known about it without reading the reviews online. I think many users would miss this. It would be much easier if there was a button on each page to upload from the remote. This button should appear on the website right next to the ?download? button.
Also, there were a few inconsistencies with the learned commands. For example, if I learned a new command on a soft key, then edited any keys on that page via the software, my learned commands sometimes stopped working. In order for the learned commands to work reliably, I had to finish all my editing of the soft keys before doing any learning.
There was one strange thing about the device setup for my TV. When I added my RCA HD61LPW42 television via the software, none of the commands worked. However, when I tried adding the TV via the remote menus, it worked fine? and it was using the same T1447 remote code that the software had picked. Evidently, the commands for T1447 on the website are incorrect, but the ones stored in the remote work fine (with the only exception being the input selection? but I was able to learn those commands from my original remote).
As for all the reviews that mention how the Harmony remotes keep track of device states? that would be a nice feature to add to this remote. But, I?ve lived without it for years so I don?t think it?s a show-stopper. I have discrete on/off commands for my TV, receiver, and DVD changer. My other devices have power toggle commands. Basically, my ?All ON? activity turns on my TV, receiver, and cable box and sets them to the correct inputs for watching cable TV. From there, other activities set the correct inputs for other devices and stop short of actually turning on/off the device unless it has discrete on/off commands (like my DVD changer). It?s really no big deal to press the power button after the activity has done its thing. Besides, when I open the tray of the Blu Ray player, it turns on anyway. My ?All OFF? activity turns off the TV, receiver, DVD changer (it has a discrete ?off? command), and cable box. If other devices are left on, it?s really no big deal because they don?t draw much power and it?s easy enough to turn them off when I?m done using the system. The only one that might draw some power is the amplifier for my 2nd room audio, which goes to my back porch, but I don?t use 2nd room audio very often anyway.
To summarize, the setup process is frustrating. I spent three hours on Sunday only to find out that I had to start over in order to get my most frequently used devices listed on the first page. Then, I spent five hours on Monday night and an additional three hours on Tuesday night. I setup all my devices, all my favorite channels, three profiles, and most of my activities. The activities will probably require a little tweaking in the coming days, but I?m mostly satisfied with the remote. The IR is a little weak compared to my other remotes, but I plan to buy the RF extender anyway, so hopefully it will take care of the problem.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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better then logitech 900 and even 890 harmony remote.
by bdbdbdbdbdbdbdb on October 4, 2009
Pros: easy to use, rf blaster rocks, can create multiple activities, the user interface is as good as logitech web interface.
Cons: nothing i know of yet!
Summary: I tried replacing my 890 remote with a 900, i had dropped the 890 too many times. After realizing that you are limited to 6 activities and the old blasters ...
Summary: I tried replacing my 890 remote with a 900, i had dropped the 890 too many times. After realizing that you are limited to 6 activities and the old blasters couldn't be used with 900. I took the 900 back the next day (today) and picked up the Acoutstic Resaerch XSight Touch! This thing was easy to setup, love the remote shape and feel much more, the dock to recharge beats the logitech easily.
I was able to use the individual ir pieces of the 890, so i didn't have to hook up new ir-blasters to the rf to ir converter box of the Acoustic REsearch. This thing replaced my 890 the way i expected the 900 to replace it.
The one thing I love is that the blaster doesn't have to be programmed everytime I update my settings.
I hope everyone gets this awesome remote instead of the Harmony 900.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Works great, looks and feels good!
by SamRadar on May 27, 2011
Pros: Easy to use, easy to set up. Looks great, responsive touch screen.
Cons: Software isn't great, but it seems like they may have updated it since many of these reviews were posted. I had NO problems whatsoever on Win 7 or with USB connections.
Summary: Took it out of the box, began adding devices. It picked up my TV and DirectTV HD-DVR on the first try, but while it had codes for my Sony receiver ...
Summary: Took it out of the box, began adding devices. It picked up my TV and DirectTV HD-DVR on the first try, but while it had codes for my Sony receiver that worked for volume and other controls, none of the out-of-the-box codes would change the input (pretty important!). That being the case, I took it over to my PC, installed the drivers and registered for the website, and began configuring it through the software. In about 25 minutes I had added 4 devices and created the All On and All Off activities. It took me about 30 minutes to add channel favorites (some logos were missing, which makes the screen look less pretty, but oh well). I am disappointed I can't rearrange the order of the favorite icons, but I just read in another review that it may be possible, so I'll have to check that. I haven't set up any macros yet, but if they are as easy as the rest of the setup, I'll have it all up and running in under 2 hours. Very pleased so far, great product for the price!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very good universal remote
by Prebsol on October 15, 2010
Pros: So far so good. It was easy to set up using the usb cable and a computer. Like a lot of people, my girlfriend and I have different favorite channels. We each have our own profile with our favorite channels.
Cons: It is a smudge magnet and because of the touch-screen it can be hard to wipe clean.
Summary: I've had dozens of universal remotes and this is the only one that I say met all my needs. It controls everything (TV, Stereo, Blu-ray, Receiver, DirecTV and DVR).
Summary: I've had dozens of universal remotes and this is the only one that I say met all my needs. It controls everything (TV, Stereo, Blu-ray, Receiver, DirecTV and DVR).
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Piece of junk- won't connect to common devices
by rcammon85 on January 15, 2012
Pros: The idea is good.
Cons: Code library doesn't contain common devices. Setup process is tedious (and incomplete). Software and website is slow.
Summary: If you want to spend $250 on something that won't work, just donate it to charity. Absolutely horrible execution of a product. The remote, nor the software, nor the ...
Summary: If you want to spend $250 on something that won't work, just donate it to charity. Absolutely horrible execution of a product. The remote, nor the software, nor the website will deliver a code to set up my Samsung Cable/DVR or HK receiver. At this point, this thing isn't even more functional than the free remote from the cable provider. RIP OFF.
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If time and frustration translate to cost, it's $1MIL!
by SoCalVideo on November 13, 2011
Pros: It was cheap relative to "programmable" remotes. It promised to offer macro capability and a library of existing remote codes. It has a rechargeable battery and power saving mode (it turns off until moved).
Cons: The battery door falls off. Maybe this isn't a big deal, but I don't like having to use scotch tape on devices I just bought.
The "library" of devices is poor. You must have the internet available, in the same room as all your equipment or you're in forSummary: I cannot recommend AVOIDING this unit strongly enough.
The physical unit was designed to look good, but the design went no farther (obviously if parts fall off, it isn't ...Summary: I cannot recommend AVOIDING this unit strongly enough.
The physical unit was designed to look good, but the design went no farther (obviously if parts fall off, it isn't good).
The software was also designed poorly and without input from any home theater owner, as a receiver or amp of some kind is a central component and isn't implemented correctly.
The worst part about the unit is not only the implementation of the web-based setup, but the USE of a web-based setup! Forcing the buyer to use the web offers absolutely no value, and in this case, CRIPPLES the functionality and flexibility of the device considerably.
Think of the best and most feature-rich web interface you could imagine, then wipe that from your mind, because AR has implemented the absolute WORST. The only possible benefit from a web-based setup would be to take advantage of the laborious efforts of other buyers. Yet, there is no such option.
The unit is relatively inexpensive for REASONS. You WILL pay richly in time, frustration and disappointment when using this device, until you sensibly abandon it, happily sacrificing the original "good deal" price as well.
If you need to waste time and money and punish yourself to learn that lesson, by all means, buy this thing, and LEARN IT WELL. If not, buy a better remote, with real client software, that can import remote codes from the HUGE library assembled by others who buy REAL remotes. -
Great Remote, slow website
by ted_roy on August 15, 2011
Pros: Easy to setup, WIN 7 actually discovered the remote before the install disk was run, automatically upgraded the firmware, found devices matching all my devices (Cisco Explorer was a close but not exact), but had to manually programmed my Apple TV, as the
Cons: slow but responsive website. It is a matter of patience. If you just wait for the website it is a simple and almost enjoyable experience.
Summary: I have has a manually programmed Sony touch screen controller for years, I purchased this one at a bargain price from Woot. All the reviews I read had one of ...
Summary: I have has a manually programmed Sony touch screen controller for years, I purchased this one at a bargain price from Woot. All the reviews I read had one of two things in common, either 4-5 stars or 1 star. I took my chances and tried it out. I am glad I did great remote, easy to step up, just be patient with the website. Also each time it asked you to use the configuration on the website or the remote always upload the one on the remote, that way if you made any changes on the remote you will have the most current to edit on the website.
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Could not complete configuration with Win7
by allan_vancouver on February 27, 2011
Pros: Looks nice.
Color touch screen.
Charging dock.
Nice packagingCons: Only 1 of my 4 home theatre components listed in the simple setup option inside the remote.
Only supported using Windows IE with ActiveX.
Would not connect to Windows 7 via USB.
No weekend customer support.
No help with the AR/Audiovox support site.Summary: Had high hopes that I could get the AARX18G up and running in under an hour; when it looked like it might take days or not ever work with Windows ...
Summary: Had high hopes that I could get the AARX18G up and running in under an hour; when it looked like it might take days or not ever work with Windows 7, I returned it and bought a Harmony 700. The AARX18G a nice looking unit with attractive packaging, but my positive experience ended there. I have an iMac and a Win7 machine. The iMac is not supported, so I installed the CD on Win7. The first time I ran the software, it said it was doing and update, and the update worked OK. However, after that the device never connected via USB so I could never try the web-based configuration utility. Only my Blue-ray DVD was supported inside the internal setup in the remote, so using the online configurator was mandatory. I spent about an hour and a half with no success, then spent 30 minutes repackaging it and returning it to the store where I bought it. I exchanged it for a Logitech Harmony 700, and had that remote working exactly how I wanted in about an hour using the downloaded Mac OS X utility. I've had no experience with any other universal remote, and was seduced by the "easiest remote in the world to configure" and "supports 18 devices" marketing words and video supplied by AR/Audiovox -- and they are just words and video with no truth in reality. If you buy this remote, good luck getting it working, because the software behind it is incredibly poor.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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No major complaints
by DKNATL on October 6, 2009
Pros: Easy to program; can create my own macros; easy to update when I want to.
Cons: touchscreen not as responsive as my iPhone; something loose in casing, checked 3 others at store-all had same noise; called support-confirmed loose object in their model on desk - complete design flaw
Summary: Sticking with the remote and logged a support case with AR to address the loose object in the casing.
Summary: Sticking with the remote and logged a support case with AR to address the loose object in the casing.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Web registration sucks
by dick_cheney_before on June 18, 2010
Pros: Sure looks nice, haven't used it yet
Cons: Web site and customer support are rock bottom
Summary: Audiovox seems to be the pool filter of bottom rung consumer electronics. Their pointy haired strategy appears to be "buy dieing tech companies, then extract the remaining 'good will' from ...
Summary: Audiovox seems to be the pool filter of bottom rung consumer electronics. Their pointy haired strategy appears to be "buy dieing tech companies, then extract the remaining 'good will' from the brand name by slapping it on as many schlocky products as possible. Audiovox owns AR & Universal Remote Inc - so they slapped "AR" on the URI remote. The Xsight is purely a URI product, which you must register on their bogus ar.ez-rc.com web site. What the web site fails to mention is that if you don't use Microsoft's Internet Exploder, it breaks in unusual ways. Like Step 1 of the "Remote Control Wizard" (with "wizards" like this, who needs door stops?) "Create New Account". Bong! Without IE, every email address you enter returns "This e-mail address is already registered with us". Which is flat out incorrect. Try it some time, if you want to be annoyed. It's pure rookie coding at its worst; I'm sure they could get a team in Bangalore to gin up a better site for under $500, but that might impact the corporate office liquor fund.
Wasted an hour trying to configure this piece of junk. It is the worst. First, the web site blows and is painfully slow. EVERY single text field requires running an ActiveX control. TEXT! That keeps you from putting the "&" in "B & K" because, well, there is no "because" since "B & K" shows up in the manufacturer list! But the software sucks hairy nards because it fails to load the configuration up the USB cable, so you sit in an endless loop of "Please connect your remote to the PC". Then when I guess it works, the only way you know is that it stops saying "Please connect your remote to the PC". Then when setting up an activity, it appears that you only get four key presses in the macro. So you're screwed if you have a DVR, A/V receiver and TV that need to be powered up and set to the proper inputs to watch the DVR. And forget about "help"! It takes you to the web page so you can buy some more AR-branded junk! Their FAIL is another opportunity to sell! Profit!
All Audiovox "brands" have completely out-sourced their tech support. And there is no way to contact them directly - they have even hidden their domain registrations so that you can not contact them. I had to call a marketing person whose phone number was still accidentally listed on their corporate web pages. That's how little they want to hear from you little people - "Just keep shoveling your cash into our pockets so we can continue to make payments on our vacation home in the Poconoes." Three calls later and I'm talking to a drone in South Carolina in a third party tech support basement. He knows about the problem but there is nothing he can do. That's WHY people out-source tech support! They don't want to know about grubby little customer problems - who cares? "We're going to a marketing meeting in Arub this weekened! And freshen up my martini while you're at it."
Updated on Jun 18, 20101 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Audiovox Corporation
- Part number: AARX18G
- Description: The XSight Touch Advanced Universal Remote will change your home entertainment experience forever. You can start using it right out of the box through the guided set-up on the full-color LCD touch screen. Expand and customize features to control your entire home theater with simple one-touch activities like watch TV or listen to CD. No more having to write directions for the grandparents or babysitter. Create personalized, full-color profiles with channel favorites for mom, dad, and even the kids. It's that simple. Bring it home and enjoy!
General
- Remote type Universal remote control
Overview
- Features LCD display
- Number of supported devices 18
- Supported devices TV ,
DVR ,
DVD player - Input device Keypad,
Touch screen - Display LCD display - 2.2 in
- Color display Yes
Power
- Battery Standard battery - Lithium ion
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Audiovox Corporation products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Audiovox Corporation
- Address:
150 Marcus Boulevard, Hauppauge, NY 11788
