Sony RM-EZ4 2-Device Universal Remote with Big Buttons

You do not need to be a senior citizen (I consider myself middle-age at 74) to appreciate the ease of use of a simplified easily read remote. Yes, sometimes I do need to use the original set top box remote, but 90+% of the time I only need to "Power" (ON/OFF), "Change Channels", "Adjust Volume", or "Mute". The SONY remote is a pleasure to use; the original remote keys are small (some really small) with poor contrast even with the light feature "ON" making it difficult to locate the right key (or, pressing only one key). Remote control designers would serve the end-user better by making them more 'user friendly': larger frequently used keys, and possibly even hiding the others (especially "Settings") with perhaps a sliding or flip-up cover.******2nd Unit:Whew! I was in the process of returning this 2nd remote. The 1st remote 'setup' in a few minutes and worked perfectly. It replaced a complex 63 (that's (2Exp6)-1) button monstrosity that was difficult to use (My 'review' of the 1st Sony included, I thought, a comparison photo; not sure where such photos end up). And although my spouse was initially irritated by my ordering yet another remote (we have a bunch of remotes for all our devices) but after she used it just once commandeered it! So, I ordered a second one for myself. After spending more than an hour attempting to setup this remote without success I decided that it must be defective, and applied for a 'return'. However, before sealing the package, I decided to try one more time using a procedure I found online. Worked; now I have 2 great remotes. It looks complicated but took me less than 5 minutes.Procedure:1. Remove batteries > 2. Press each button twice, holding for a second > 3. Install the batteries > 4. Press and hold the "SET" and POWER buttons simultaneously for a few seconds > 5. Press and hold the "SET" button until the LED glows > 6. Quickly select one of the function buttons ("TV" or "CBL/SAT") > 7. Turn on only the device to be controlled (I chose TV as it is quickly obvious when it shuts down) > 8. Alternately press the [CH +] and the POWER buttons > 9. When the device (TV) turns off press the "ENTER" (ENT) button > 10. Test the TV power ON/OFF setting by pressing the POWER button; it should now function > 11. Repeat steps 5 to 11 for the other function button.That I needed to find the solution online rather than in the Sony instruction sheet (or website) points out one of the major causes of product dissatisfaction: poorly written instructions. I worked in the product development and evaluation field, and found that too many instruction booklets are written by people deeply involved and familiar with the product, thus unable to write instructions for the average consumer.

As the title says, I bought this remote for my MIL who has Direct TV service, but an older (4 year old or so TV). Her large button remote from Direct was going out, she is visually impaired, and there is no replacement available from Direct. (Which, if any one from Direct reads these reviews and which, if you'll pardon the pun, is VERY short-sighted.)Her remote needs are VERY simple. Turn on the set top box, turn on the TV, change channels and set volume. She doesn't have a VCR, CD player, etc. Plus she's not the most patient person, nor does she remember how to work complex devices well. I needed a K-I-S-S remote. After reading the reviews, I felt this was worth a shot. Price point was such that, even if it didn't work and I couldn't send it back it was worth a shot. So I ordered it and had it shipped to my BIL's house for him to set it up. (Couldn't ship it to the MIL because she'd see the package in her mailbox and reason "I didn't order this and I'll refuse delivery." Got to love the elderly - LOL!)It arrived, BIL set it up and.....it works. For her. Now understand she doesn't have a newer model TV and I understand from reading the reviews that newer model TV's can be "problematic." But she seems pleased with it. She says she can see the buttons clearly and likes that it's pretty simple without many choices to make. So if you're in a similar situation, this remote MAY work well for you. If you're in a situation with a new model TV you may have to look elsewhere but, as I said, the price point might be worth a shot anyway.It's a crying shame that the elderly, with failing eyesight, seem to have fewer and fewer choices on workable, big button replacement remotes for their TV's.

I say that cuz it's a remote that works with a lot of stuff, I give it that, but it misses out on one key feature which is an ALL ON/OFF BUTTON. Meaning, u have to press tv, hit off, hit satellite, hit off: just to turn everything on and off.This product was made to be ez to use, presumably for the elderly, which is why I bought this. U try to explain to ur grandad who has Alzheimers how to work a dish network remote.So yes, I bought this to replace/simplify the network remote and everything programmed/worked nicely. THEN I realize it doesn't have the primary function I think every ez to use remote should have, THAT DAMN ALL ON/OFF BUTTON!The whole point of getting this was for my grandad, who kept pressing all the wrong buttons on that VERY UNNECESSARILY LARGE REMOTE FROM DISH NETWORK.I called up the company asking "are u serious?" basically and they said they don't have any other remotes that would have that button. So I returned it.Gave it 3 stars cuz everything else worked, just missing a very necessary function.

No luck after repeated attempts to program for operation of comcast cable box. After choosing cable/sat mode if you press the channel button it will change the TV mode from HDMI to standard screen mode and the only way to change it back is to use the factory TV remote. I deliberately bought a Sony thinking I was avoiding Chinese junk...... I was wrong it's made in China. In case any manufacturers of purchasing agents out there read this...... there are a whole lot of people out there that will pay a little extra for good old fashion American made products.