Let me give you the bad news first. It had a very, very limited number of programmable preset codes. The touch keys have only about 2 to 4 preset icons that can be displayed. This is limiting when designating an individual key to perform a device specific function. There is no clock, and macro programming such as "all on/off" require the use of a device key on the keypad.

But here is the good news. In spite of having a limited number of preset device codes, the Sima remote has a very easy to use learning mode that allows each touch key to be programmed from the original device remote in a quick, sequential manner that essentially eliminated the need for device codes. The ease of use in the learning mode made it easy to reprogram the keys until I thought it was in the most intuitve layout for myself and my wife, choosing whatever icons were available. The use of a device key for a macro was quite easy to work around, but I would have rather had a separate set of macro touch keys. I really liked the room light sensing, and the "touch on" for the keypad back lighting...the Sony remote does not have that feature!

Overall, I can highly recommend the Sima SUR-20 as a solution to the universal remote problem. It is has intuitive layouts and is easily programmed. As it turned out, I had to tell my wife how to use it over the phone, and she had no trouble! I didn't have a chance to checkout the RCA remote, but at $99.99 with a $30.00 rebate, the Sima SUR-20 could have been my highest value audio/video purchase ever...right at the brake in the price-performance curve!!


All the functions you'll need BUT...   December 4, 2001
 23 out of 24 found this review helpful

What I liked:
VERY easy to program this remote either through preset codes or through learning function.
The LCD screen layout can be customized for each function which allows for great flexibility.

BUT:

The more I used this remote the less I liked it. For example, how often have you (or someone in your family) accidentaly dropped the TV remote. With this LCD screen you'll probably only be lucky enough to drop this thing ONCE! Also, not having actual buttons to push makes it very hard to channel surf, change volume, get program info, etc. without having to look at the remote each time you press a "button". The LCD screen on this remote is a bit hard to see at times and the backlight doesn't help unless the room is very dark. I ended up returning this unit and purchasing the RCA RCU810 remote. Although not quite as flexible as this one, it has just about everything thing you would need in a moderate home theater setup -- and it doesn't look like it will break after someone accidentally drops it on the floor!


Great remote. Lacks advanced features.   March 24, 2002
 18 out of 19 found this review helpful

This remote is great however, it lacks buttons for advanced features on some dvd players (you know, the kind of features that you don't need and don't use when watching movies). It's too wide for me to hold with one hand and press buttons with your thumb. I also found that I had memorized where the buttons on my last remote were by touch. This will most likely be impossible with this one since all the buttons are on a flat screen. Still I had to give it 4 stars cause it's so easy to use. You don't have to wory about all those codes and stuff. Just teach it with another remote. It's really sweet. And if you've read some of the other reviews: I have dropped it twice on low pile carpet and it's still kicking. He's a tough little guy. If you've tried other universal remotes and had stuff that was incompatable you need this remote. Or at least another remote with a learn function.


This thing rocks!   April 17, 2002
 16 out of 17 found this review helpful

I really love this thing. My sister bought me a voice-controlled remote control for Christmas, which sounds like it would be so easy, but I haven't even opened it. It's very easy to get started and I had my whole system programmed, including "macros" (an advanced but super cool feature) in no time flat.

It also looks like, based on the similarity of the screens, that Sima probably OEM's similar items for Sony, but this one is half the price. If you don't need more than 8 devices (?!?!), don't even consider the Sony at twice the price.

The other nice thing is that there are so many default buttons to choose from, matching what's availble from the built in defaults button labels to what's actually on your remote is a cinch. With that said, the only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of five would be for the one missing feature that would put this over the top: Fully customizable buttons that can be called what YOU want them to be called and be as big as you want the to be, instead of having to choose from single sized built-in defaults, as copius a selection as they are.


SUR-20 Reivew. Great Unit!   March 21, 2002
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

Pros:
* With the touch of one button, my TV and Amp switch to Video 2, and the play button is pressed on the DVD player, thanks to the easy to program macro's.

* Great display, easy to read and operate ESPECIALLY in the dark.

* Flat panel eliminates worn or sticky buttons. Finger prints on the flat panel are invisible at night. True, you have to look at the buttons to operate the unit, but at least you can see them.

* Easy to program and use.

General comment:
I was a bit disappointed when the directions said not to program different components on the same screen. Since I listen to movies through the stereo I didn't want to have to switch from "DVD" to "Amp" to control the volume. After ignoring the advice of the book and programming my DVD layout volume buttons to control my AMP, I am happy to say, I am not having any problems with this. I concluded that this warning is probably to discourage novice users from screwing up while in the learning mode.

Cons:
* Flat panel seems more fragile. I wouldn't sit on it or drop it.
* You cannot name any button anything you wish. You have to pick from a pre-selected list for each button. Therefore you have to be flexible on button assignment.
Each button has 5 or 6 possible descriptions available, you may find yourself having to
compromise on button names. Example. The play and mute names are on the same button choice. On my VCR screen layout, I wanted to have a mute button, however it was already assigned as the play button. I ended up having to create a "blank" button and I use that for mute.

Recommendation:
I would recommend this device for the small to average home theater / stereo configuration. If you have big time system with lots of components, I would suggest that you invest in a ...unit which offers more flexibility with button naming and placement.
The device is a bit front heavy due to the batteries (4 AAA) and because it's very smooth it can slip out of your hands. I would be cautious of using around hard floors.