Monster MCC AVL300-S Home Theater and Lighting Controller with Omnilink
by Monster Cable
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Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: Monster CableAudio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Release Date: 2006-04-16
Platform: Mac
Model: MCC AVL300
Product features:
- Updates with Harmony Software
- Omnilink Rf To Infrared Bridge Translates Rf Signals Into Infrared Signals So User Can Control A/V Equipment From Anywhere In The Home
- Controls Wireless Illuminessense Light Switches & Dimmers Throughout The Home
- Customizable Lifestyle Activity Buttons Simultaneously Set Illuminessence Lights & Send Commands To A/V Components
- Controls & Integrates Up To 64 A/V Components
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Monster MCC AVL300-S Home Theater and Lighting Controller with Omnilink
Customer Review: The good and the bad after six months
Summary: 3 Stars
Hi, let me preface this by saying I also have a Phillips Pronto Pro TSU6000 remote. It is a similar but more expensive unit than the Monster. Many of my opinions are based on comparing the two devices. They differ considerably with both having strengths and weaknesses. I've owned both of them for over six months now. I suspect a lot of the people saying this is the 'best remote ever' have not tried anything else in the same price range.
Overall I'm pleased with the AVL300. It is very feature rich. The inclusion of an RF module is an example. With the Pronto RF is an expensive option.
The physical size is also nice. The Pronto is much bulkier and cannot be operated with one hand. It also slips out of your hand easily and you shudder when the $600 device hits the floor. Conversely the Monster is easy to grip and many of the functions can be accessed using only one hand.
The Pronto makes extensive use of 'soft' keys whereas the Monster does not. By 'soft keys' I mean the touch screen rather than actual buttons. It sounds cool and high tech but is over rated. Pressing the touch screen is by nature imprecise. You don't get any tactile feedback so you often miss the key you want and hit the wrong one. The Monster uses true buttons AKA 'hard keys'. It's much easier to tell when your finger is on the button and far less error prone.
The software for programming the two devices is vastly different. I won't try to go into all the details here but here are some highlights.
The Pronto software is very powerful but requires considerable technical savvy. You have to create the entire user interface for the touch screen buttons and panels from scratch. You also have to manually create all the macros to turn on groups of devices. It takes days to setup a moderately complicated home theater. On the bright side there is a big user community that shares what they have created. That can give you a big head start.
The Monster software is wizard based and guides you through the process. The basic setup is pretty straight forward and easy. While it still requires time and technical savvy it's nothing like the Pronto. Fine tunning things is more challenging. Also, the list of home theater components they support is remarkably extensive. They have the codes for just about everything it seems. They have game systems, lighting controllers, stereo components and even had the codes for my Escient Fireball media server. Not having to learn codes from the original remotes saves so much time. One disappointment is they don't take full advantage of discrete codes. These are special codes for A/V devices that typically can't be accessed via the OEM remote but do exist. The discrete codes are huge assets when controlling home theaters.
The software is not without issues. First, it is very slow and clumsy. For example when you click the forward and back button in the wizard there is a noticeable delay before anything happens. Also, you frequently have to go back to the very beginning when configuring multiple settings and devices. It gets tedious. The software could be more intuitive as well. Worst of all you always must have a live internet connection and login to their site to configure the remote. What the heck is that for?? You can't even change the text label on a button without logging into the web. Maybe that's why it's so sluggish going through the wizard.
I hate the charging base for the remote. The remote doesn't snap into the charger it just lays loosely on top. It's very easy to not get it seated properly, or knock it out of position. When that happens obviously it doesn't charge. Many people have reported problems with it.
As compared to the Pronto Pro I would say the biggest strength of the Monster is the hardware. The greatest weakness is the software. It needs more customization capability and an 'advanced mode' so that I don't have to go through the wizard all the time.
Last but not least I have to mention that my unit broke. It recently decided it was not going to charge at all anymore. The support people at Monster were very helpful and I'm in the process of getting it replaced.
Happy remote controlling!
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Description of Monster MCC AVL300-S Home Theater and Lighting Controller with Omnilink
Customizable Lifestyle Activity buttons simultaneously set IlluminEssence lights and send commands to AV componentsEasy Web Setup Wizard: plain language setup with no complex programming or codes to enterCustomizable AV Activity buttons instantly send complex macro commands to multiple audio and video componentsControls AV equipment through walls floors and doors: roam around the house and never point your remote againIncludes charging cradle with rechargeable lithium-ion batteryFrom the Manufacturer
Monster Home Theater Controller AVL300
 Unique & stylish ergonomic design. |   Table-top charging station allows use of remote while charging the supplied lithium-ion battery. |
The AVL300 Remote from Monster Cable has the capability to replace all of your existing remotes. Unlike other remotes on the market, the AVL300's Component and Activity buttons send multiple commands to multiple devices automatically, allowing true one-touch control. You can control even the most complex AV systems, and extend their functionality with the special feature buttons. The unique ergonomic design of the AVL300 features an intuitive layout of easy-to-read large tactile buttons. Thanks to the special illuminated backlit buttons, this remote is easy to read in the dark.
 One-touch control of any home entertainment system! |
Easy to Use
Best of all, there is no complex programming required to use this remote. Use your computer and the online setup wizard to easily configure home theater functions to create home entertainment activities. The Intelligent Monster Tracking Memory remembers what each component is doing, so when you switch activities your gear responds accurately. This functionality is easy enough for the whole family. You don't have to be a technophile to use the AVL300. Everyone from the kids to the babysitter can command home entertainment with ease!
Convenient One-Remote Control and Functionality
The AVL300 provides convenient one-remote control and functionality. This means that you can control multiple systems with one remote. Use in different rooms to control both local and main systems. With maximum versatility, the AVL300 easily commands all of your AV gear, even your room lighting!
 Monster Central Omnilink |  Control Link Extender Set | Works Through Walls, Cabinets, and Floors Monster Controlnet Technology allows freedom to move around the house and never aim your remote again. Included Monster Omnilink extends operating range up to 130 feet. (Reception and performance may vary based on location of device, and environmental and structural conditions.) |
Function Buttons
The AVL300's large tactile function buttons allow complete control of your components. From basic page up and page down functions to Picture-in-Picture and surround sound/DSP mode switching, this remote has you covered. You can even get one-touch access to your lighting system!
 Get one-touch instant access to Monster Central Home Lighting System functions. |  Control multiple systems for multiple rooms. |  Quickly scroll through satellite and digital cable program guides. |  Allows direct access to important picture controls like aspect ratio and PIP. |  Allows convenient access to surround sound and DSP modes while listening. |
Monster Central Control
Monster Central Control is the world's most advanced remote control setup and information source. The web-based setup is fast and easy. The remote congfigurator walks you through your remote setup by simply asking you what home theater equipment you have and how it is connected.
The exclusive online content ensures that you get the most from your remote and home theater experience. You can obtain easy-to-understand technical assistance and advice at Monster Central Control, plus important software downloads and updates.
Make the best connections by downloading the Monster Connnection Guides for everything from PVR to iPod hook-ups.
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What's in the Box
Monster Home Theater Controller AVL300, long lasting lithium ion battery, tabletop charging system, Monster Central Omnilink, control link extender set.
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