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| MONSTER MCC AVL300-S Home Theater & Lighting Controller 300 With Omnilink | 
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| Brand: Monster
Category: CE
List Price: $399.95
Buy New: $224.00
You Save: $175.95 (44%)
New (53)
Avg. Customer Rating:  19 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Shipping Weight (lbs): 5
Dimensions (in): 12 x 14 x 10
Legal Disclaimer: Warranty does not cover misuse of product.
MPN: MCC AVL300
Model: MCC AVL300
UPC: 050644312588
EAN: 0050644312588
ASIN: B000CQP5YS
Release Date: April 16, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | Model NO. MCC AVL300-S | | • | 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 |
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| Accessories:
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| Editorial Reviews:
From 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. 
Web-based setup | 
Lighting setup | 
Online content | 
Connection guide | 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.
Product Description
The name Monster Cable is so synonymous with high quality and high performance. Monster Cable products are indispensable components for music lovers, audiophiles, recording studios, sound professionals, musicians, custom-installers and home theater enthusiasts.PRODUCT FEATURES:Controls multiple systems from anywhere in the home without custom integrated wiring and control panels;Easy online - based Monster lluminessence Lighting configurations for customized scenes and timer events;Simple, online, question - based setup of AV components and lighting through Monster Central website;Includes table top charging station and rechargeable lithium - ion battery;System A/B, Favorites, and two user - programmable buttons for added control features;System includes MCC AVL300 Controller, Monster OmniLink RF - IR bridge and blaster, and control link IR emitters;Extended control of AV components through floors, walls, ceiling, and furniture using OmniLink;Built - in "Whole - Home" control of Monster Illuminessence Lighting System dimmers and switches (sold separately).
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| Customer Reviews: Read 14 more reviews...
 Simply the best remote ever November 12, 2006
32 out of 34 found this review helpful
I'm amazed... simply amazed. The price is way out there... and this obviously isn't for everyone... but it does everything it says... well.
Set up is super smooth, get the manufacturer and model number, type it in during set up on your computer, and it is done. Thats it.
I do have multiple lighting and heating controls and it is a snap to set up as well. And then you can have the remote send the setup information to other controllers as well.
Tip: Don't buy their lighting controls... WAY over priced. Anything that is Z-Wave will work... Leviton sells a line for 1/3 of the price.
It's all about the lighting August 28, 2006
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
I've had a number of universal remotes over the years and each has had pluses and minuses to offer. The monster remote is a very effective universal remote on all accounts but there is ONE thing that stands out here above all the other remotes. Wireless control over lighting. I replaced my dimmers and switches with the Monster dimmers and switches and now I can control every light in my house. Monster really doesn't talk much about this feature but being able to hit "ALL OFF" at night on my way to bed and have the remote turn off all the house lights is killer. You can even map ligthing scenes to activities. If you hit watch a movie it can turn down the ligths at the same time. Really cool. Good job monster.
Excellent remote with minor issues November 26, 2007
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
I purchased this remote recently after comparing this one to the Harmony 890. I have since had a chance to use the Harmony and as such will provide a bit of comparison.
Pros: Wide ranging support of devices, good button ergonomics, good lighting support, flexible configuration
Cons: Clumsy and slow customization interface
Overall I am very happy with this purchase. The remote controls all of my devices (including a DVD player purchased in Japan) and has the flexibility to allow me to control them in the way I want.
The configuration software provided is very poor. It is essentially a limited web browser used to connect to www.myremotesetup.com. I assume they use the client to allow seamless updates to the remote via the USB interface, but it is very slow and cumbersome. I have found that using the web site directly with a browser is much faster, and you can then use the software simply to perform the update to the remote.
While the customization interface is poor, its functionality is quite good. I have been able to define a number of "Activities" (think macros or series of button pushes) which involve all of my entertainment components. The Activities set up both your components and your remote for a given purpose, for example "Watch Cable" or "Watch DVD". For each Activity, you have the ability to "punch through" buttons. That is, you can map any command to each button, for example, the Channel Up button might change the channel on your cable box while the Volume Up button changes the volume on your receiver.
An important feature is that the remote is aware of the state of any given device that it controls. This is very helpful when switching between Activities. For example, say there is an Activity for "Watch Cable" that turns on the TV when you start it, and turns off the TV when you go to another Activity called "Play CD". If you were to click "Watch Cable" and then press the button for "Play DVD", you do not need to worry about the TV being turned off first (as it stops "Watch Cable") and then turned on again (as it starts "Play DVD"). The remote knows that the TV was on because you were using "Watch Cable" and simply leaves it on for "Play DVD".
Comparison to Harmony 890
To compare this remote to the Harmony 890 is fairly straightforward. The only item that is not well-known is that there are two versions of the Harmony, the 890 and the 890 Pro. The former is the version that is most commonly purchased. The "Pro" version is exactly the same as the 890, but it has better support for the Z-Wave protocol used by many light controllers. As a result, it has slightly better features for controlling outlets and light switches. For controlling regular entertainment devices (TVs, DVD players, etc) they are identical.
The Monster remote is based on the Harmony 890 Pro, so it has better support of the Z-Wave protocol. If that is something you care about, it is worth noting. The rest of the differences are primarily cosmetic. The Monster remote is a bit heavier, with more of it's weight above it's centerline, it is also a bit wider, owing to its rectangular, rather than peanut, shape. As a result, for those with smaller hands, it may not be quite as comfortable to use. The button arrangement is very similar, but there are slight differences.
The Monster remote is centered on a joystick which has the same functions as the "D-pad" style on the Harmony 890. However, surrounding the joystick are the Pause, Play, Fast Forward, Rewind, Stop and Record buttons. On the Harmony, the D-Pad is surrounded by the volume and channel controls as well as Page Up/Down. For those who make significant use of the former set of buttons, this setup is much more convenient. For those who don't use those buttons as often, they are still available on the Harmony, but are located two rows down from the center (under buttons such as Guide, Info, Menu and Exit).
Finally, the software for customizing the Harmony 890 is faster, more responsive and easier to follow than the software for the Monster. That said, it has exactly the same functionality and, in fact, uses the same web site to retrieve and store data.
Not just a remote... January 31, 2007
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
As mentioned in other reviews, you get the remote, which can be programmed for ANYTHING, and it send both IR and RF signals. You also get the lighting controls, a feature which should not be underrated - very cool to run ALL electronics and electrics from one location. But, the package also comes with an Omni Remote, which is a signal repeater. Basically, you can configure the Omni to repeat signals to your other components, then hide them all in a cabinet or another room. The Monster Remote send the Omni a command over RF, the Omni converts it to IR, then beams it to *the proper component*. Another obscure feature is the ability to chain remotes, and have them all know the state of the system. So your remote upstairs knows the TV is still on, even if you haven't been near it. When you go upstairs, just hit "system off" - it sends the command to the remote downstairs in view of the TV, and the other remote picks up the command and sends it. Very cool. So, for the money you're getting more than a universal remote, you're getting an integrated command network. Mine has worked well since the get go, and I just added lighting controls. So easy, both my wife and visiting mother swear by the thing. My Mom wants one now...
 Cheaply built, EXPENSIVE, poor customizing abililty, poor interface November 15, 2007
5 out of 9 found this review helpful
Pros:
Lighting control
Cons:
Flimsy. Internet connection required to program. poor interface for programming control
Full user opinion
I bought this remote (at a premium) thinking it would be the best universal remote available, and inexpensive compared with RTI, Crestron, or Universal Remote. That couldn't have been farther from the truth.
First of all, the remote is not built well. The buttons are the flimsy, "raised" hard plastic type, not the firm plasticized or rubberized type, and the center "joystick" control protrudes much to tall--enough to where you could accidentally snap it off. The remote's plastic creaks when you press certain buttons. Not what I'd expect for $350!
If you are an A/V enthusiast, and you want complete control of your multiple components, consider a remote by Universal Remote Controls (URC), or if you have the money, Remote Technologies Inc (RTI), but not this. Although you have a cute color screen, the appearance of the "soft buttons" cannot be customized. You can simply change the text in them, that's all.
You MUST have an internet connection to program your remote because the software (and your configuration) resides completely on their website. If their site is "experiencing difficulities" (which I've had occasionally) or your connection is down, you can't program the remote.
The "programming" of the remote is very rigid. You cannot assign whatever you'd like to the soft buttons, nor macros, nor delays. The programming website asks you a series of questions about your components and it pretty much sets up the remote how it believes you need it based on what components you have and what are called "activities". "Activities" seem to be the dumbed down way of programming many of these remotes (such as those by Logitech & Harmony) where you answer a few questions about which A/V imputs are used by your components (to watch TV for example), and it figures out all the component switching and assigns it all to a button titled "Watch TV". This is great for grandpa and grandma who have no idea of how to work remotes, but when you want to control other components briefly, then return to "Watch TV" it becomes problematic.
The lighting control is a nice touch, but the in-wall dimmer I replaced in my master bedroom RARELY receives its commands from the remote, and it's not more than 40 feet, through a few walls (which they claim RF is supposed to allow for up to 120 feet).
This remote simply isn't worth the money or aggravation. If you are an A/V enthusiast, consider RTI, URC, Pronto, or if you have the money, Crestron.
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