JP1 Remotes

Hi there,

I've been programming using JP1 since 2007. My URC8811 and URC8910 remotes are getting a bit old and some buttons are not as responsive. I am thinking of upgrading them to newer remotes.

Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a good replacement. They control 6-7 devices each (TV, Receiver, Blu-Ray, Media Box, PS3 IR receiver, VCR, CD player). The URC-1280 seems like a close fit, but I don't see any macro buttons, which I am currently using. I also currently use the 4x PIP buttons on my remotes as extra buttons for special features such as changing language and subtitles for the blu-ray. Additional buttons like this are also lacking on the URC-1280. The backlight on my current remotes are also great to have, but not a deal breaker.

I like how the Guide, Menu, Info, Exit buttons are located somewhat together compared to the URC2981 (Don't even know if that is JP1 programmable).

I currently have a parallel port cable with 6 pin connector running on Windows 10 in case that matters. So happy they started supporting windows 10 natively, as I previously had to configure a VM to program my remotes.

Anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks.

Just a thought. Since my cable is connected via a parallel port and is quite old, it's probably only a JP1 cable. Does this rule out any JP1.2 or JP1.3 remotes unless I get a new cable?

Thanks

You will need a newer cable for any current JP1 remote, unless you get one that comes with a USB cable, but don't let that stop you because you can get a cable very cheap, you just need to replace the connector on it.

This thread has all the details:
https://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=16360

As for new remotes, you could consider:
1. the RCA RCRP0B / ARRS05G - it's officially a 5 device remote, but internally it's an 8 device unit
2. Inteset INT-422 - another 8-dev in 5-dev sheeps clothing
3. OARI06G - 6-dev
4. The URC-1280 Contour 8 - good 8 dev remote, 10 internally, but appears to only be available in the UK though. Regarding lack of macro buttons, there are the 2 buttons either side of the ZERO button, which have different labels depending on which version you get.
5. URC2981 - another 8-dev European remote

All of the above remotes have JP1 capabilities. If you come up with any other models to consider, check them on the chart below
http://www.hifi-remote.com/wiki/index.php/RemoteChart

Thanks Rob,

Those are great suggestions. I was just wondering if you think there are any benefits to any of these newer remotes compared to just getting another URC8811 or URC8910 - assuming I can get one in good condition.

To me, I have not seen any newer remotes that can beat these two.

Thanks!

Not really, if you can find those old remotes, go for it, just avoid URC-8910's that have the donut ring (like this one).

Here's a URC-8811 for $20 shipped:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/223808418697

Don't forget that you can also search for URC-8810 as those are just the Walmart specific version of the URC-8811. Here's one for $15.50 shipped:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/253501842753