Universal Remotes
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I'm considering a programmable, macro-enhanced IR remote for the various components of my home entertainment system. Right now the front runners are models from Logitech Harmony (880 or 550) and Sony (AX4000 or AV2500). I'd love a Philips Pronto but I'm too cheap. I've read tons of reviews, but I'm hoping for a better (more intelligent) perspective* from CPians. Anybody have any experience with any of these models they would like to share? * Whenever I read a generic review of a product and the reviewer complains about software I can't help wondering if the guy is a moron and couldn't figure out WinZip without a 3 day tutorial. "If the world should blow itself up, the last audible voice would be that of an expert saying it can't be done." - Peter Ustinov
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I'm considering a programmable, macro-enhanced IR remote for the various components of my home entertainment system. Right now the front runners are models from Logitech Harmony (880 or 550) and Sony (AX4000 or AV2500). I'd love a Philips Pronto but I'm too cheap. I've read tons of reviews, but I'm hoping for a better (more intelligent) perspective* from CPians. Anybody have any experience with any of these models they would like to share? * Whenever I read a generic review of a product and the reviewer complains about software I can't help wondering if the guy is a moron and couldn't figure out WinZip without a 3 day tutorial. "If the world should blow itself up, the last audible voice would be that of an expert saying it can't be done." - Peter Ustinov
I now these are not what you want but yo may like these if you have a pocketPC. http://www.codeproject.com/ce/tvremote.asp[^] http://www.codeproject.com/netcf/PocketBeamer.asp[^]
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I'm considering a programmable, macro-enhanced IR remote for the various components of my home entertainment system. Right now the front runners are models from Logitech Harmony (880 or 550) and Sony (AX4000 or AV2500). I'd love a Philips Pronto but I'm too cheap. I've read tons of reviews, but I'm hoping for a better (more intelligent) perspective* from CPians. Anybody have any experience with any of these models they would like to share? * Whenever I read a generic review of a product and the reviewer complains about software I can't help wondering if the guy is a moron and couldn't figure out WinZip without a 3 day tutorial. "If the world should blow itself up, the last audible voice would be that of an expert saying it can't be done." - Peter Ustinov
I bought a Harmony 880 a couple weeks ago and so far it's been great. The main problem I have so far is that the delay between pressing the button and the command being sent is too long. I do believe this is configurable, but I haven't gotten around to tweaking it yet. Which brings me to the other downside - configuration. Programming this remote means going to Logitech's website and telling them what components you have. You then connect the remote to your computer via USB to download the new commands. While I like this much better than inputting codes, I'd rather have a locally installed application. (You already need to install the drivers, so there'd be no added pain.) The reason is that it's unlikely you'll get everything right the first time (at least I didn't) and it seems silly to have to go over the net each time even a single parameter needs to be changed. You also need to park it in a cradle to charge it. Mine goes for 2-3 days between charges, so this isn't such a big deal to me. It's a non-issue if you can keep the cradle next to where you use the remote, of course. Now for the positives - I like that it has actual buttons (I wouldn't even consider a touchscreen remote). The color LCD screen is slick. (It shows the commands, but you press the hard buttons next to the screen to activate them.) The screen also lights up automatically when you pick the remote up, so I don't always have to press a button to see what's going on. I also very much like the activity-based nature of it. I've used component-based remotes before and I find this much easier to use. I only have to think about what component does what during set-up. I don't need to think about whether I'm watching TV or a DVD or listening to a CD when I want to adjust the volume. The remote knows which one I'm doing and knows to adjust the volumn on the TV or the receiver or whatever. All I have to do is think about the volume, not which component is "active". In summary, I dig this remote. It's not perfect, but it's the best universal remote I've used. I'd purchase it again if I had it to do over again. Recommended. Charlie if(!curlies){ return; }
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I'm considering a programmable, macro-enhanced IR remote for the various components of my home entertainment system. Right now the front runners are models from Logitech Harmony (880 or 550) and Sony (AX4000 or AV2500). I'd love a Philips Pronto but I'm too cheap. I've read tons of reviews, but I'm hoping for a better (more intelligent) perspective* from CPians. Anybody have any experience with any of these models they would like to share? * Whenever I read a generic review of a product and the reviewer complains about software I can't help wondering if the guy is a moron and couldn't figure out WinZip without a 3 day tutorial. "If the world should blow itself up, the last audible voice would be that of an expert saying it can't be done." - Peter Ustinov
I have a Harmony 880 and I love it. I used to have a Pronto (the orginal version TS1001 or something) and it was fun for a while, but the lack of tactile buttons got on my nerves. The Harmony remote's ability to remember the state of your components is really nice and my wife likes the fact that it has a "Help" button that can walk you through fixing any component that is not on or not on the right input. I also like how the programming of the remote is done online (I can forsee some drawbacks to this later) and how the macros are created automatically with no need to "learn" codes from the old remotes. I did, however, just have to get my remote replaced due a thick black line suddenly appearing across the lcd screen. But I called the Harmony support line, talked to the lady for 5 minutes, and I had my new remote a few days later. Then the new remote has a faded/burned screen :rolleyes: I called the support line again, talked to the same lady again for a few minutes, and now a have another new remote on the way. :cool: I recommend the Harmony remotes, personally. :-D -J
Think of a computer program. Somewhere, there is one key instruction, and everything else is just functions calling themselves, or brackets billowing out endlessly through an infinite address space. What happens when the brackets collapse? Where's the final 'end if'? Is any of this making sense? -Ford Prefect
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I bought a Harmony 880 a couple weeks ago and so far it's been great. The main problem I have so far is that the delay between pressing the button and the command being sent is too long. I do believe this is configurable, but I haven't gotten around to tweaking it yet. Which brings me to the other downside - configuration. Programming this remote means going to Logitech's website and telling them what components you have. You then connect the remote to your computer via USB to download the new commands. While I like this much better than inputting codes, I'd rather have a locally installed application. (You already need to install the drivers, so there'd be no added pain.) The reason is that it's unlikely you'll get everything right the first time (at least I didn't) and it seems silly to have to go over the net each time even a single parameter needs to be changed. You also need to park it in a cradle to charge it. Mine goes for 2-3 days between charges, so this isn't such a big deal to me. It's a non-issue if you can keep the cradle next to where you use the remote, of course. Now for the positives - I like that it has actual buttons (I wouldn't even consider a touchscreen remote). The color LCD screen is slick. (It shows the commands, but you press the hard buttons next to the screen to activate them.) The screen also lights up automatically when you pick the remote up, so I don't always have to press a button to see what's going on. I also very much like the activity-based nature of it. I've used component-based remotes before and I find this much easier to use. I only have to think about what component does what during set-up. I don't need to think about whether I'm watching TV or a DVD or listening to a CD when I want to adjust the volume. The remote knows which one I'm doing and knows to adjust the volumn on the TV or the receiver or whatever. All I have to do is think about the volume, not which component is "active". In summary, I dig this remote. It's not perfect, but it's the best universal remote I've used. I'd purchase it again if I had it to do over again. Recommended. Charlie if(!curlies){ return; }
Charlie Williams wrote:
I do believe this is configurable, but I haven't gotten around to tweaking it yet.
It is, I had to shorten the delay as well. I could probably shorten it more, but I haven't gone back to mess with it.
Charlie Williams wrote:
it seems silly to have to go over the net each time even a single parameter needs to be changed.
I completely agree with you on this, but I do have to say that is was fun to be able to tweak my remote settings at work and just download them into the remote once I got home. :cool:
Charlie Williams wrote:
In summary, I dig this remote. It's not perfect, but it's the best universal remote I've used. I'd purchase it again if I had it to do over again.
Seconded. -J
Think of a computer program. Somewhere, there is one key instruction, and everything else is just functions calling themselves, or brackets billowing out endlessly through an infinite address space. What happens when the brackets collapse? Where's the final 'end if'? Is any of this making sense? -Ford Prefect
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I bought a Harmony 880 a couple weeks ago and so far it's been great. The main problem I have so far is that the delay between pressing the button and the command being sent is too long. I do believe this is configurable, but I haven't gotten around to tweaking it yet. Which brings me to the other downside - configuration. Programming this remote means going to Logitech's website and telling them what components you have. You then connect the remote to your computer via USB to download the new commands. While I like this much better than inputting codes, I'd rather have a locally installed application. (You already need to install the drivers, so there'd be no added pain.) The reason is that it's unlikely you'll get everything right the first time (at least I didn't) and it seems silly to have to go over the net each time even a single parameter needs to be changed. You also need to park it in a cradle to charge it. Mine goes for 2-3 days between charges, so this isn't such a big deal to me. It's a non-issue if you can keep the cradle next to where you use the remote, of course. Now for the positives - I like that it has actual buttons (I wouldn't even consider a touchscreen remote). The color LCD screen is slick. (It shows the commands, but you press the hard buttons next to the screen to activate them.) The screen also lights up automatically when you pick the remote up, so I don't always have to press a button to see what's going on. I also very much like the activity-based nature of it. I've used component-based remotes before and I find this much easier to use. I only have to think about what component does what during set-up. I don't need to think about whether I'm watching TV or a DVD or listening to a CD when I want to adjust the volume. The remote knows which one I'm doing and knows to adjust the volumn on the TV or the receiver or whatever. All I have to do is think about the volume, not which component is "active". In summary, I dig this remote. It's not perfect, but it's the best universal remote I've used. I'd purchase it again if I had it to do over again. Recommended. Charlie if(!curlies){ return; }
another harmony user here.... _________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb)
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I'm considering a programmable, macro-enhanced IR remote for the various components of my home entertainment system. Right now the front runners are models from Logitech Harmony (880 or 550) and Sony (AX4000 or AV2500). I'd love a Philips Pronto but I'm too cheap. I've read tons of reviews, but I'm hoping for a better (more intelligent) perspective* from CPians. Anybody have any experience with any of these models they would like to share? * Whenever I read a generic review of a product and the reviewer complains about software I can't help wondering if the guy is a moron and couldn't figure out WinZip without a 3 day tutorial. "If the world should blow itself up, the last audible voice would be that of an expert saying it can't be done." - Peter Ustinov
Wow - somebody is on a 1-vote vendetta today! I also have the Harmony 880 - I like it a lot. For all the extra setup necessary (installing a USB-driven windows application and configuration through their web site) the actual process of "teaching" the remote about your devices is very straight-forward and simple. Using the remote is simple too; the remote's use of "activities" as a theme for encapsulating macros potentially involving multiple devices is very intuitive. My activities currently involve:
- Watching TiVo (I have one of the original Phillips 14-hour devices... upgraded of course :) )
- Watching TV direct (I use a splitter to send a cable source to both the TiVo and directly to a Sony TV... TiVo goes through my JVC AV receiver, but the "Direct TV" connection doesn't. The Harmony remote does a good job of turning off the AV receiver in this case and controlling volume from the Sony)
- Digital Music (on an old HP de100c, through the AV receiver but still using the TV for a visual interface
- DVD
- Radio (plain radio reception from the AV receiver)
- Video Game (a simple VTech unit, using a secondary input direct to the TV and not using the AV receiver
The remote handles all this stuff very well, and needed only minor configuration additions from me, beyond telling their web site what components I had. It really does setup easily.
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I have a Harmony 880 and I love it. I used to have a Pronto (the orginal version TS1001 or something) and it was fun for a while, but the lack of tactile buttons got on my nerves. The Harmony remote's ability to remember the state of your components is really nice and my wife likes the fact that it has a "Help" button that can walk you through fixing any component that is not on or not on the right input. I also like how the programming of the remote is done online (I can forsee some drawbacks to this later) and how the macros are created automatically with no need to "learn" codes from the old remotes. I did, however, just have to get my remote replaced due a thick black line suddenly appearing across the lcd screen. But I called the Harmony support line, talked to the lady for 5 minutes, and I had my new remote a few days later. Then the new remote has a faded/burned screen :rolleyes: I called the support line again, talked to the same lady again for a few minutes, and now a have another new remote on the way. :cool: I recommend the Harmony remotes, personally. :-D -J
Think of a computer program. Somewhere, there is one key instruction, and everything else is just functions calling themselves, or brackets billowing out endlessly through an infinite address space. What happens when the brackets collapse? Where's the final 'end if'? Is any of this making sense? -Ford Prefect
Definitely another vote for the Harmony.
jasontg wrote:
with no need to "learn" codes from the old remotes
Just to be clear though, the Harmony still has the ability to learn from old remotes should your device not be in their extensive database. "We need less government, not more. The idea that we can become a better society by having a bigger rule book is ridiculous, regardless of who is trying to change the rules" - Doug Goulden
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Definitely another vote for the Harmony.
jasontg wrote:
with no need to "learn" codes from the old remotes
Just to be clear though, the Harmony still has the ability to learn from old remotes should your device not be in their extensive database. "We need less government, not more. The idea that we can become a better society by having a bigger rule book is ridiculous, regardless of who is trying to change the rules" - Doug Goulden
David Patrick wrote:
the Harmony still has the ability to learn from old remotes should your device not be in their extensive database.
:-O Oops, sorry, I didn't mean to imply that it didn't. -J
Think of a computer program. Somewhere, there is one key instruction, and everything else is just functions calling themselves, or brackets billowing out endlessly through an infinite address space. What happens when the brackets collapse? Where's the final 'end if'? Is any of this making sense? -Ford Prefect
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Wow - somebody is on a 1-vote vendetta today! I also have the Harmony 880 - I like it a lot. For all the extra setup necessary (installing a USB-driven windows application and configuration through their web site) the actual process of "teaching" the remote about your devices is very straight-forward and simple. Using the remote is simple too; the remote's use of "activities" as a theme for encapsulating macros potentially involving multiple devices is very intuitive. My activities currently involve:
- Watching TiVo (I have one of the original Phillips 14-hour devices... upgraded of course :) )
- Watching TV direct (I use a splitter to send a cable source to both the TiVo and directly to a Sony TV... TiVo goes through my JVC AV receiver, but the "Direct TV" connection doesn't. The Harmony remote does a good job of turning off the AV receiver in this case and controlling volume from the Sony)
- Digital Music (on an old HP de100c, through the AV receiver but still using the TV for a visual interface
- DVD
- Radio (plain radio reception from the AV receiver)
- Video Game (a simple VTech unit, using a secondary input direct to the TV and not using the AV receiver
The remote handles all this stuff very well, and needed only minor configuration additions from me, beyond telling their web site what components I had. It really does setup easily.
I've read a bunch of complaints about the 880 concerning crappy connections on the batteries/charger causing issues. Other issues about constant rebooting. On Harmony remotes in general I've read issues about bad firmware and the online setup software losing the config and having to start over. Ever experience any of these? I hate reading support forums for these things cuz' ya never know about the person complaining? :suss: "If the world should blow itself up, the last audible voice would be that of an expert saying it can't be done." - Peter Ustinov
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I've read a bunch of complaints about the 880 concerning crappy connections on the batteries/charger causing issues. Other issues about constant rebooting. On Harmony remotes in general I've read issues about bad firmware and the online setup software losing the config and having to start over. Ever experience any of these? I hate reading support forums for these things cuz' ya never know about the person complaining? :suss: "If the world should blow itself up, the last audible voice would be that of an expert saying it can't be done." - Peter Ustinov
Ouch - knock on wood, no. I hope I don't too because I've gotten used to the thing and would hate to be without it now!
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I'm considering a programmable, macro-enhanced IR remote for the various components of my home entertainment system. Right now the front runners are models from Logitech Harmony (880 or 550) and Sony (AX4000 or AV2500). I'd love a Philips Pronto but I'm too cheap. I've read tons of reviews, but I'm hoping for a better (more intelligent) perspective* from CPians. Anybody have any experience with any of these models they would like to share? * Whenever I read a generic review of a product and the reviewer complains about software I can't help wondering if the guy is a moron and couldn't figure out WinZip without a 3 day tutorial. "If the world should blow itself up, the last audible voice would be that of an expert saying it can't be done." - Peter Ustinov
I´m sure you already knew but, just in case, this site has lot´s of information about remote controls. http://www.remotecentral.com[^] Personally, I have a Sony VL700 and I´m very happy with it.
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Wow - somebody is on a 1-vote vendetta today! I also have the Harmony 880 - I like it a lot. For all the extra setup necessary (installing a USB-driven windows application and configuration through their web site) the actual process of "teaching" the remote about your devices is very straight-forward and simple. Using the remote is simple too; the remote's use of "activities" as a theme for encapsulating macros potentially involving multiple devices is very intuitive. My activities currently involve:
- Watching TiVo (I have one of the original Phillips 14-hour devices... upgraded of course :) )
- Watching TV direct (I use a splitter to send a cable source to both the TiVo and directly to a Sony TV... TiVo goes through my JVC AV receiver, but the "Direct TV" connection doesn't. The Harmony remote does a good job of turning off the AV receiver in this case and controlling volume from the Sony)
- Digital Music (on an old HP de100c, through the AV receiver but still using the TV for a visual interface
- DVD
- Radio (plain radio reception from the AV receiver)
- Video Game (a simple VTech unit, using a secondary input direct to the TV and not using the AV receiver
The remote handles all this stuff very well, and needed only minor configuration additions from me, beyond telling their web site what components I had. It really does setup easily.
Mike Ellison wrote:
Wow - somebody is on a 1-vote vendetta today!
Maybe someone doesn't like the price.... Or wants to try to break people of buying Harmony remotes. or just hates logitech.... I don't know.... I tried the $20.00 walmart all-4-one remotes for a long while. They work great, for what is available "then." Then I go and buy a new DVD player, and *poof* no code, no use.... So I got the learning version... fine, but it had problems with a couple of the codes it learned, and liked to "forget" once in a while (it could learn the up volume, but not the down).... so moved up to a phyllips learning remote (not a pronto)... worked really good, until I bought a new TV, seemed like phyllips had far less JVC TV codes than most remotes do hmmmm... I decided I was essentially "renting" remotes, for the desire to get new equipment. As much as a Harmony remote would cost, I was hoping that it would save me in that it would be "future compatible." So far it has. I gave away my DVD player and replaced it with one with Optical audio, got a receiver finally, and integrated all the components into the receiver rather than into the big screen TV. The harmony reconfigured and adapted well, the receiver was easily integrated and the macro component on/off reconfigured for the Receiver at the center rather than the TV aux inputs. I don't know if I will ever save more than I did "renting" multi-remotes.... but I have saved a lot of my time in that the reconfigures have been rapid and easy. Assuming my time is worth my equivalent hourly rate, I have already paid for the remote without considering my previous twice a year multi-remote purchase. If it lasts a few years, I'll pay for it from the other accounting method too. or you can just keep a dozen remotes for all your equipment and save the $$. ;) _________________________ Asu no koto o ieba, tenjo de nezumi ga warau. Talk about things of tomorrow and the mice in the ceiling laugh. (Japanese Proverb) -- modified at 18:02 Tuesday 14th March, 2006