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Sony RM-AX4000 Home Theater Remote Control | 
 enlarge | Brand: Sony
Category: CE
List Price: $199.99
Buy Refurbished: $130.00
You Save: $69.99 (35%)
New (6) from $144.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  102 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries: 4
Batteries Included: No
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4
Dimensions (in): 6.5 x 8 x 2.5
MPN: RMAX4000
Model: RMAX4000
UPC: 027242677036
EAN: 0027242677036
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | XControl up to 16 components with large touch-screen LCD | | • | XPRESS function for easy macro set-up/operation | | • | Set up and customize on a PC with supplied software | | • | Sync-up key for synchronizing operational status on remote and components | | • | High Power 4-LED infrared emitter |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Home-Theater is wonderful but what a mess all those remote controls make. You could place them in a large basket but how can you easily get to the remote you're looking for? Consolidate all your remotes into one! Sony RM-AX4000 remote control comes with Sony's easy to setup PC software. It's the perfect remote control for today's home-theater system, consolidating multiple remote controls into one. Exciting and convenient, this remote features an XPRESS Function for executing a series of commands, and enabling you to operate several AV components just by pressing a single key. It also controls up to 16 components, and with the Sync-up Key, synchronizing operational status on remote and alternate components is done with ease. Also featuring Tivo(tm)/DVR functionality and an illuminated LCD touch screen allows you to highlight and view your choices. Uses 4 AA batteries Learning function for programming other remotes signals you need (only infared signals). Almost 500 non-Sony commands pre-set at the factory for use with non-Sony components. Clock and Timer Function Using a maximum of 8 timer macros, turn your components on and off automatically Non-volatile memory function to keep your settings memorized
Amazon.com Product Description
The Sony RM-AX4000 Home Theater Remote Control can handle everything in your home audio-visual system, doing away with remote control clutter. It can control up to 16 components, and can operate several different components with a single key. The remote control comes up with PC software to customize and program the remote. An XPRESS function can execute a whole series of commands, and the sync-up key makes it easy to sync operational status on remote and alternate components. The RM-AX4000 works with Tivo and other DVRs. You can use the clock and timer function to set up to eight timer macros and turn components on and off automatically. A memory function preserves your settings, and a learning function can program signals from other remotes that use infrared signals. Four AA batteries power the illuminated LCD touch screen.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 97 more reviews...
 Great remote, poorly implemented software... October 9, 2005
64 out of 66 found this review helpful
Added to original review on 5/11/2007. **THERE IS NO VISTA USB DEVICE DRIVER FOR THE RM-AX4000** Upgrading our home computers to Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition has rendered this remote control useless.
I recently purchased a RM-AX4000 to replace my existing Sony RM-AV3000 universal remote and hopefully *FINALLY* have a single unit to replace my seven currently used remote controls...
The remote control itself is well designed, has a nice display with a blue backlight, and is well built with a silver brushed metal front panel and rubber buttons.
However, the included software works reasonably well but could be a lot easier to use.
Initially I setup the unit without using the PC based software by inputing the four digit preset codes for each component. This worked but gives basic functionality and no macros (which Sony calls "XPRESS Functions").
Using the included software to configure the remote requires that you run a wizard which steps you through configuring the unit. I found that it worked better to use the preset codes rather than trying to have it learn from each individual remote.
However, once I did this and downloaded the settings to the remote, the "ALL OFF" button (which is intended to power off all of your A/V components with a single button press) stopped working properly. I have an A/V system consisting all recent model Sony components and for some reason I can't quite fathom the "ALL OFF" button powers everything off, except for the receiver. The "ALL OFF" button on the existing remote which came with the receiver works fine.
After spending two days messing around with the configuration of the RM-AX4000 I was unable to resolve this issue. Also, you must run another initial wizard in order to configure the macros. This whole process requires you to teach it, using the existing remote control for each component. This takes time, and the resulting macros needed tweaking to get them to work properly. This whole process could have been better.
After spending two days learning how to configure the RM-AX4000 using the software I have a single remote which works well......
Overall, I rate this item 3 stars because of the poorly implemented PC software.
Update - a new version of software, AX Remote Editor 1.1, is available for downoad from the Sony Website. You are now no longer forced to run the initial setup wizard !
Update II - the AX Remote Editor 1.1 software seems to run OK on Windows Vista, but THERE IS NO VISTA USB DEVICE DRIVER FOR THE RM-AX4000.
 Purchased and RETURNED November 6, 2005
43 out of 43 found this review helpful
I recently purchased and RETURNED the RM-AX4000. Initially I was excited to have found a newer Sony remote (currently own the RM-AV3000) that could be programmed using my PC versus the traditional method of "head-to-head" learning. The RM-AX4000 looks and feels great; however, the PC program just doesn't cut it.
Additionally, with the exception of my television (Samsung) all other components are Sony and the PC software required that I place the original remote "head-to-head" and press the power button to correctly identify the Sony product. Also, the PC software could not identify the power button on the Samsung remote and required that I learn every button.
The included instructions indicated that you cannot use both methods to set-up the remote, I found this to be true and extremely frustrating, as you may encounter an issue while using the remote, and therefore you cannot correct or change a macro on the remote itself, you must return to the PC, attach using the included USB cable and then correct the problem. Also, if you want to test your changes, you must download the new information to the remote and then return to your living room to test. I experienced many round trips between the living room and PC, and ultimately decided that programming the RM-AX4000 should be done on the remote not the PC.
Finally, unless you have a clear line between the new remote and all of your components (which I don't) functions such as "all off" don't reach their target (I did notice that if I point the remote at the ceiling, it worked fine). With that being said, you may have a macro to turn the system off at a specific time, however, unless you leave the remote in a specific location, on a coffee table for example, it doesn't work that well. I don't know about you, but my remote can usually be found laying on the couch or chair, not on the coffee table.
I much prefer my older RM-AV3000. It performs all the same functions, requires the same amount of learning, has a larger infrared area on the front (which is probably why I don't have problems with the macro functions) and works fine.
 A nice replacement for all your remotes July 7, 2006
18 out of 18 found this review helpful
I purchased the Sony RM AX4000 to replace my existing Sony remote commander, the AV3000. What I really wanted was a way to backup the settings in the AV3000 that worked reliably (via a computer). The AX4000 accomplishes this, although in less-than-ideal manner. The beauty of this is that if someone pulls the batteries out, reloading the settings is a matter of minutes instead of a matter of hours.
Like the AV3000, the AX4000 has two huge selling points for universal remotes - macros and user-defined buttons including a 7-character custom description. The macros are awesome for complex systems where multiple devices need to be powered-on and correctly set to watch or listen to the desired content. For example, I have a macro button called "TV" which turnes on the receiver, the VCR, and the TV, turns the receiver to "VCR1" and sets the audio mode to stereo. The user-defined buttons will be well received by everyone, especially those who have used other "learning" remotes and have toiled over which button to use for special functions based on the descriptions available on the remote, and then trying to remember that later during use.
The AX4000 has two modes for programming - with the remote directly via manufacture codes and head-to-head learning, or through the PC based software. You can't do both, which is unfortunate.
Since I wanted the computer backup functionality, I chose the software method. The software is a bit clumsy and at times counter-intuitive, but functional once you get the hang of it. The wizard is lame and you should get through it as fast as you can (I recommend picking one dummy device to configure and delete it from the advanced tab when done). The software allows you to quickly select codes for your equipment from pull-down lists. Then, with the remote connected via USB, you can test the codes from your computer with the emulator mode. This is really only useful if your computer is in the same room as your AV system, or you have a laptop you can bring into the room. You can test the codes and if they don't work, try another (there are multiple codes for most manufacturers). Whatever functions do not work or are not available in the standard template can be learned by the software through the remote with head-to-head learning.
I have a somewhat complex arrangement with 10 components to control, and a few that are less common.
Yamaha 3-Zone AV Receiver
P-M TV
Magnavox VCR
Magnavox DVD
Sony 200 CD Jukebox
Omnifi DMS1 MP3 Streamer
Hauppauge MVP Video Streamer
X10 Light Controls
The preset codes worked for quite a few of the components, but the receiver zones 2 and 3 and the Omnifi and Hauppauge units weren't in the list (not surprising), so all of those keys had to be taught. The AX4000 had trouble learning some of these keys, and I had to repeat the learning and test them several times. Numerous times it would say "learning complete", but the function would not work. Varying the distance between remotes as well as the time the button was held seems to be important for some functions. I had little-to-no trouble learning these same functions with my AV3000, so the AX4000 seems to be a step backwards in this category.
I probably spent 3 hours installing the software, putzing with options, and loading the configuration for the above components. I then spent probably another hour or two over the course of a week or so "fixing" the buttons that did not work on the first learn attempt (I didn't test every button initially). I think the only button I haven't been able to make work yet is the eject button for the DVD player.
One of the disadvantages of this unit vs the AV3000 is the loss of the physical component buttons on the remote. These are now on the touchscreen. While this isn't a make-or-break item for me, I definitely preferred the physical buttons.
The screen on the AX4000 is larger than the AV3000, and the image is sharper with better contrast. If the remote is asleep, the backlight and screen comes on when the screen is touched once. The problem is that if the display is still on, it will perform whatever function is under your finger. There is a "light" button, but I haven't become accustomed to using this yet. Like the AV3000, the AX4000 is big. One-handed operation is difficult at best, unless you rest it on the arm of a chair or sofa (that's what I do).
The software has it's share of bugs. The setup wizard is poorly done and should not be used. The user defined buttons within the components cannot be rearranged. The components in the system list can be rearranged with an intuitive drag-and-drop. Seems like that should apply at the component level also. In the learning mode, the software skips some of the user-defined key positions (depending on the component), making these buttons useless. I've found that you can teach the function to an unused key and then 'alias' the user defined key to the defined key, but the original learned key cannot be deleted. For this I've made a "junk" device to keep these learned function without creating confusion during use. Klugey but effective.
I recommend this unit for those who are comfortable figuring out and using new computer software and don't mind spending time getting things setup. Don't expect this to be a 15 minute job or you will be disappointed. The only shot you would have at this is if you have all Sony components which have been on the market for a while.
In summary:
Pros:
PC Backup of Configuration, reloads in seconds
Big, crisp touch screen
Macros and User-defined keys
Cons:
Clumsy software
Some user-defined buttons can't be taught
Trouble learning some functions
 Great remote if you know what you're doing May 29, 2006
12 out of 13 found this review helpful
I keep reading all these reviews on this remote about how people can't program it because either the software is buggy or the codes didn't work.
Yes the software could be better, but it's not that hard to figure out how to program this remote. People who can't set the correct time on their VCR might be better off with a $30 ten button remote you can get at your local supermarket. This remote is for the hardcore people who want total command of everything they prgram into it.
Took me 2 hours to program 6 devices. After I was done, I didn't need to program anything else. Remote works great. Had to program each key in though. The wizard should NOT be used... go straight to the advanced settings after you go through the first wizard.
Overall I like this remote. It's big, sturdy, feels solid like it wont break if I drop it on a wood floor. Rubber buttons and the touch screen works great. If you have fat fingers, you might not like the touch screen as the buttons might be a little small for you.
I do not use the Xpress buttons or the system control buttons as I have no need to. I don't use the ALL OFF button either because I mostly leave my DVD player off while the rest of my stuff is on. If I press that, my DVD player turns on while the rest of my stuff turns off. So I created a motion sweep to turn select units on and off. One finger glide turns what I want on or off.. another finger glide turns other stuff on or off.
Get this remote if you know what you're doing. Do not get this remote if all you can do on a computer is turn it on and surf the web.
What's the problem here? December 9, 2006
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
OK, it's 8 p.m. FedEx showed up with this remote at 5:30. It is now happily controlling a Pioneer Elite THX-certified receiver, 52-inch JVC HDTV, Toshiba DVD Recorder, and Sonos Digital Music Distribution system.
No pain, no problems, one visit to the Help file, no looking at the complete user manual -- only the quick start sheet, a lot less complicated than configuring Outlook 2007. (Of course, designing the Taj Mahal was probably less complicated than configuring Outlook 2007.
Seriously, I have read more absolute tripe about this remote than I can believe. If the bad PR hadn't driven the price down to nothing, I would have been scared away from it. For example, someone said you can't move the settings from one computer to another. Couldn't they find the "save as" command in the file menu ... all you do -- as with almost all software -- is save the configuration to a folder, copy the folder into your new computer, install the AX4000 software and copy the old setup into it?
What could be simpler than that?
And what could be simpler than learning codes by pressing the appropriate buttons on the old remote and a screen shot of the AX4000? It sure beats having to fool with the buttons on both remotes almost simultaneously. Sony has made it almost impossible to get the fast forward and reverse backwards -- something I always do with traditional learning remotes.
True, the pre-programmed codes are useless ... they're always useless unless your system is so uncomplicated you don't need a universal remote anyway. If you've got any kind of HDTV with a zillion aspect and color settings and/or a surround system with hundreds of presets, parameters and setup options and you want to use a single remote to operate the system, you're going to have to spend a few hours programming the remote or settle for reduced functionality. (Unless you've got a Harmony, in which case you'll spend a few hours TRYING to program it, give up and throw it out.)
One thing you should know (it's probably documented in the manual, but I didn't read it and had to waste some time figuring it out.) Both the Component setup window and the XPRESS setup window have multiple blank lines ... logically you would think you put your first component (or Xpress setup) on line one, the second on line two etc. Wrongo, wrongo, it's doesn't (and won't) work that way. Each of the blank lines is supposed to hold four items. So instead of going to line two, after setting up the first thing, you have to click on the blank line to the right of your first entry ... which makes a red rectangle for the second item magically appear ... and so on for three and four and than, finally, you can move on to the next line and start over again.
OK, it ain't intuitive and putting empty boxes on the screen instead of blank lines would have made it all perfectly clear, but it's still not rocket science and, probably (maybe, perhaps) it is very clear in the documentation.
One last thing, my unit arrived with AX Remote Editor version 1 on a CD. I downloaded the latest version (1.1.00.05190) from the dedicated AX site and used that, it is possible that the earlier software is just as bad as other people say it is. All I know is I've used and reviewed remotes ranging in price from $8.95 to $599 and this is the best I've ever had in my hand ... actually, my two hands ... the critics are right about it being big ... but that makes it 20 times easier to use than the Harmony would be if it were usable at all.
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