 I have a Hitachi 51F510 and a Philips Tivo DSR6000 ... Strengths: Nice form factor,easy to setup,price,learning mode works well, permanent memory code retention.
Weaknesses: buttons do not light up,tivo controls are kind of hard to use because of the size & position,almost too many buttons, no master power button.
Summary: I have a Hitachi 51F510 and a Philips Tivo DSR6000R from DirecTV. I was able to program both of these devices using the very first code in the list which came along with the manual. I had those up in about 2 minutes; no joke. My home theater system from LG (LGDVT418) on the other hand, I was unable to program using a "default" codes provided. I was able to use the learning mode without a hitch however with all the buttons for my audio/DVD which were learned had about a 1-2 second delay when pressing the button. If I were to up/down the volume 4 consecutive times, the volume would only up/down 2 levels. If I pushed the audio up/down button once and paused for a second or two, and then pressed again it worked fine. This was quite annoying. I could perhaps live with it, but because I found the Tivo controls 'not so user friendly' I decided to use the remote in my bedroom where there is a more basic setup. I just have a TV and SAT box. With this setup the remote is flawless - and for under 15 bucks you can't go wrong. When the batteries die I can just replace them and the remote will be just the way I left it... well, except for 1 thing. I had used the learning mode to program my TV's power button to my "SAT" mode power this way I never had to leave the SAT mode.
This remote DOES HAVE AUDIO PUNCH-THROUGH but it's only for the TV's integrated audio. With that said, the TV's audio functions will work while you are in any input mode on the remote. Although the remote has permanent memory code retention, I was advised from Philips/Magnavox (remote group) customer service that all learned codes will be lost upon battery replacement. In regards to the Tivo controls: The buttons were pretty small and both me and my wife had a hard time finding the "Tivo Central", "quit", and "live tv" button. I know I only used the remote for two days, but because of the volume issue it wasn't worth it for me to try and get used to it.
Now, IT IS POSSIBLE TO CONFIGURE YOUR AUDIO TO WORK WHILE IN DVR/SAT/WHATEVER MODE, and achieve the same effect as AUDIO-PUNCH THROUGH if you just learn the audio buttons from your desired "default mode", such as DVR, to your audio systems remote. This is what I did and it worked - just had the IR delay response.
If you can live with that and plan on using the remote this way I'd say take the chance. If it doesn't work to your satisfactory, I'm sure you have a TV in another room you would be able to put this baby to use with.
As I said, I am keeping mine for use in another room and will continue to use two remotes until I am willing to pay for a remote $100 or more. :)
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