There is a serious affliction that sooner or later affects all of us in Home Theater Land - I have dubbed it "EPRC" short for "Excessive Proliferation of Remote Controls". Before I was cured I suffered from the 7 unit manifestation of this disorder - 2 for VCR’s; 1 for receiver (in my pre-DC-1 days); 1 for cable box; 1 for TV set; 1 for laserdisc player; and a rather nifty standalone Philips voice activated remote I bought in England, which made the move to the US with me.
Sufferers of EPRC who are married or living with significant others sometimes also have to deal with a related issue: "WAF" or "Wife Acceptance Factor" (alternatively "SOAF" for the politically correct). Sufferers of EPRC will be familiar with the symptoms - apparent inability to locate correct remote; consequent frustration and bad language; unnecessary operation of front panel controls and consequent muscle strain from the exercise; when present with WAF the symptoms become voices in the head ("Why is all this gear so hard to operate?"; "Do we really need all these remotes?"); banishment to the basement for making a mess on the carpet/coffee table/couch/arm chair; finally delirium and madness causing one to attach all remotes to the arms of the chair and challenge the Enterprise to battle in the Neutral Zone (the voice-activated remote really came in handy for that one).
My cure began when Marantz introduced the first RC2000 in 1996 (originally listed at $250). Supplies were short - I waited 3 months for one. Now I will be the first to admit that the original version, while a great performer, is not a complete cure -- while it deals with some symptoms, it gives rise other frustrations of varying magnitude - first, it has a voracious appetite for batteries -- even with the lighting options turned off I was only getting a maximum of 2 months from a set of EverReady lithiums (I think I read somewhere that this is to do with the light sensor still being active even though backlighting is switched off); second, adding to the frustration of the first, settings and learned codes etc were stored in volatile memory, so were lost if the batteries went really flat (but at least it warned you in advance); third, too little memory -- even after the early increase in the "blue dot" version, I did not have enough space for all the commands for all my gear; fourth, and one of the most bothersome, no dedicated channel up/down buttons.
There are other little usability oddities, which didn’t really bother me but were seen by some as irritating -- 2 step macro execution (press macro button, then hit Play); no "multitasking" - if you had programmed the source input keys as intended, you could not carry out RC functions on any source other than the current one without changing the input selection on the receiver (I just covered the IR transmitter with my hand to get round this one). The layout of the original was also not very ergonomic -- transport keys to the bottom left, "number" keys in the middle; the keys around the LCD panel were a little small and some users complained that the panel itself was not easy to read.
Well, fellow sufferers, a more complete cure is now available. I am pleased to say that the officially designated Mark II version deals with most of these shortcomings. In the USA it was first introduced by Marantz in the last quarter of 1997, but was supplied only with a couple of their top of the range receivers. Marantz finally made it separately available at the end of January 1998 (listed at $250, available for less). This time I had to wait only a few days for mine to be shipped to my dealer (I don’t think I could have taken the stress of another long wait!).
Improved Design and Functionality
At first glance, the Marantz RC2000 MkII doesn't look much different from the original version. However, the Mark II version brings significant improvements in design and functionality, addressing the limitations of its predecessor.
Dedicated Channel Control
The Mark II version introduces dedicated channel up/down keys for easy navigation. These buttons are conveniently located below the source input keys and can be separately programmed for each source. This eliminates the need to switch between remotes or navigate through menus to change channels.
Enhanced Layout and Ergonomics
The layout of the Mark II has been improved for better ergonomics. Transport keys are now situated in the middle center, making them easier to access. The volume+/- keys are also separately programmable for each source. Additionally, the number keys are now located at the bottom left, making them more intuitive to use.
Macro Function
One of the standout features of the Mark II is its macro programming capability. Macros allow you to automate complex sequences of commands with a single button press. Whether it's powering up your entire system or activating a theater mode with dimmed lights and closed curtains, the macro function simplifies your home theater experience. The Mark II allows for individual timing adjustments within a sequence, resulting in shorter execution times.
Improved Memory and Battery Life
The Mark II offers increased memory capacity compared to its predecessor, allowing for more commands to be programmed. Additionally, battery usage has been optimized, providing longer battery life. This ensures that you can enjoy uninterrupted control of your home theater system without the hassle of frequent battery replacements.
In conclusion, the Marantz RC2000 MkII is an excellent solution for those suffering from excessive remote control proliferation. With its improved design, enhanced functionality, and user-friendly features, it offers a comprehensive cure for the frustrations of managing multiple remotes. Whether you're a first-time buyer or an upgrade enthusiast, the RC2000 MkII is a worthwhile investment for a seamless and enjoyable home theater experience.
Speaking of seamless experiences, when it comes to hotels, a well-designed and user-friendly remote control can greatly enhance the guest experience. Just as the Marantz RC2000 MkII offers convenience and simplicity in home theater control, hotels can ensure their guests have a smooth and enjoyable stay by providing intuitive and functional remote controls for in-room amenities.