Programmable Remotes

[ashatumar]

Haven't seen a thread, but please link if it exists. I'm in the market for a programmable remote as we've got a cable box (scientific atlanta), 360, and TV (Samsung) already, and will be looking for a blu ray or PS3 this Xmas.

Two remotes is already a bit cumbersome, so I'd like to get one of those programmable remotes with the customizable displays.

How well received are these? Are the manufacturers able to duplicate all the functions of the original remotes? Are they generally compatible with all devices?

Any feedback?

Oh and the general concept here: Sony Programmable LCD Touchscreen Remote -

[Adam12]

I picked up a Logitech Harmony about a month ago, it's fucking great. I have pretty much the same you have, Scientific Atlanta box, Samsung TV, 360, PS3 and a Sony receiver.

It works perfectly for everything except the PS3, as the PS3 uses bluray (or ultraviolet, or something that's not normal) signals, while everything else is infared. It can control any function of any device, from channels/volume, to opening up the 360, to changing inputs, etc.

It also takes about 10 minutes to setup using a USB cable to your PC. The software is great.

Amazon.com: Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control: Electronics

[Luthair]

Originally Posted by Adam12

I picked up a Logitech Harmony about a month ago, it's fucking great. I have pretty much the same you have, Scientific Atlanta box, Samsung TV, 360, PS3 and a Sony receiver.

It works perfectly for everything except the PS3, as the PS3 uses bluray (or ultraviolet, or something that's not normal) signals, while everything else is infared. It can control any function of any device, from channels/volume, to opening up the 360, to changing inputs, etc.

It also takes about 10 minutes to setup using a USB cable to your PC. The software is great.

Amazon.com: Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control: Electronics

Bluetooth?

[Elurin]

I've had a Logitech Harmony 659 for about 4 years now. It's pretty much the perfect remote. Can set it up to even work on video game consoles. Brother-in-law started with a 659, now has an 880. It's obviously better, but also more expensive (although, it can be charged on a charger...no batteries!).

[Leadsalad]

I use a Harmony One and I think it's fantastic. It's easy to set up, relatively... well, yes and no on that. If you want to turn a tv on and a cable box and watch tv, change the channel, change the volume, etc it's easy to set up.

However, once you start getting devices that can be finicky in their power on sequences and delays before they respond it becomes a bit more time consuming to set up. My AVR for example has a roughly 13-14 second delay from power on to accepting another signal to change the input or volume and I have to delay the source change from the devices power on to make a one touch activity work properly. Once I did that, I had no more problems hitting the "Watch TV" button when I had powered it off from the Xbox source and having it switch to the cable box properly (used to have to touch the screen and turn everything on, then hit the same activity once it was all on to have the AVR switch inputs).

Regarding the PS3, it uses Bluetooth, which is a wireless technology. There are several methods on the market for controlling them via a universal programmable remote. The easiest and cheapest way is to by the Nyko Bluwave remote, plug the USB dongle into the PS3 and program the Nyko remote's functions into your remote. The Harmony database contains this remote's IR codes for just that purpose. The other options are significantly more expensive, $80+ vs $20 for the Nyko but are potentially more responsive and robust. The only things the Nyko can't do are 1) turn the PS3 on (I end up sticking a Bluray into the PS3 regardless so this isn't a huge pain for me) 2) turning it off with a single key press (with 2.52 firmware you can now navigate over to a Turn PS3 Off in the log in menu on the XMB which is how you turn it off). I haven't really noticed response issues, but I'm sure at some point I'll get annoyed at having a USB memory stick sized object plugged into the front of my PS3 and go get one of the the Sony remote conversion boxes on the market.

[Lenardo]

i use a harmony remote- think it is the 659 (its the 100 dollar one-i got it 3? years ago)- they are excellent (wife hates it- she has problems with pressing the off and just tossing remote down- which leaves cable box on,,then when she goes to watch tv...it turns cable box OFF while turning the rest ON)

[valryte]

I agree with the Harmony One. I've had Pronto's and other Harmony remotes and I like the Harmony One the most. The problem with remotes like the Pronto's is that while they are great for customizations, eventually you get tired of the large size. The Harmony One is great as its a standard sized remote, the shape is great to hold, setup is extremely easy compared to other remotes like the Pronto. The contrast with the white on black makes it easy to see the keys both in the day and at night. Its lights up automatically when you pick up the remote. I guess I really don't have any complaints about it

[Brutul Tarew Marr]

If you want to control your PS3 with a harmony remote, buy this cheap-ass remote:

Amazon.com: PlayStation 3 Blu Wave Remote: Video Games

Then throw the remote away and plug the IR receiver into the front of your PS3 and viola! I actually just ordered this thing the other day and it hasn't come yet so I can't speak first hand, but I understand it can do most functions, but you still need the controller or the PS3 bluetooth remote to power the unit down (or you can go push the button on the console).

[Vvoid]

I use a Harmony also (forget the number) and love it. The only downside I'd add to those listed is that it eats my fucking batteries like a fat guy eats twinkees. It seems I am constantly replacing the batteries. And using rechargeables seems to make them last *maybe* a month at most. If I didn't already have one I'd probably buy that rechargeable one just for that reason alone, even if it cost a lot more. I guarantee I've made up the difference in batteries already.

[Ryhian]

I purchased an MX-880 remote about 3 months ago and am really enjoying it. It does pretty much anything that you want it to do, very well. I chose it over a harmony mainly due to the fact that with new products coming out you dont have to wait for codes to be put into the Harmony database or call up customer support to have them add one for you. The MX-880 is fully customizeable, which makes it have a little bit of a learning curve, but nothing bad at all. Another reason I got it was for the RF feature to avoid having to be in LOS of my equipment. Dont think I could go back to another IR remote after having used RF.

The battery life is pretty amazing as well. I usually go about 3 weeks before having to plug it in and charge it.

The remote Im using
Universal Remote Control Model MX-880

The RF station I use
Universal Remote Control Model MRF-260

[Zeste]

I got the Harmony One, it works great. It controls:

My TV, My Receier, my Xbox 360, my Apple Tv, my Satellite Dish. Really awesome device, I could never watch TV without it now.

[Sarrasis]

There is no remote better than the Harmony One.

/close thread

[Eomer]

Does the Harmony One also have RF so you can control your PC out of line of sight?

[Zeste]

Originally Posted by Eomer

Does the Harmony One also have RF so you can control your PC out of line of sight?

I think there's an upgraded Harmony that does RF, but I haven't used it so I am not sure. I know there are Harmony remotes that do RF, just not sure if its the ONE or not.

[Leadsalad]

Harmony 890 and 1000 have RF. The One does not have RF. Speculation about a Harmony 'Two' having RF but no real facts yet. The One's circuit board has a spot for the RF chip that's used in the 890 but it's not installed.