Logitech Harmony or other Universal Remote?

apc

Happy new year all.

Been mulling over the transition to a universal remote such as the Harmony series by Logitech. What models do you own and prefer? What features appeal to you the most after using it for a while? My den setup only requires controlling a plasma tv, cable box, blu ray player, and av receiver.

codyc1ark

I have the older harmony, it seems they have released a new version. I love mine, but I'm starting to research something that I can use with my phone or I device to control everything instead. You would be happy with the older harmony, I'm not sure I'd be happy with the new ones button setup.

hochpt21

I really like the harmony one.

zane77

+1 on the Harmony One, I have two of these and they work great. Easy to program and once setup they control almost every function of that device.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I don't believe there's another option out there that is really like the Harmony remotes. Logitech has pretty bad QC on their remotes and they tend to fail (my parents have had lots of issues with theirs and I've had a couple minor problems), but AKIK there's nothing else really out there so I"m stuck with Logitech.

If you're interested in using a smartphone or tablet then check out the Harmony Link, that's what I'm about to do.

badchad

I have a harmony 900 that I received for Christmas. Been using it for a week or two and I like it. The interface with a PC is pretty intuitive and simple to use. You can reprogram every button on the thing to suit your needs.

The only small issue I have is setting up the directional pad within specific "Activities". I wish opening a setting or menu for a different device would automatically switch over the d-pad.

Toolfan66

Harmony 1

Conradicles

Harmony rules

dkg999

I use my tablet as the remote for my Roku and SBT. My MX-800 remote from B&K AVR was having some issues with software compatibility with Win7, so I invested in a new URC MX-900 remote. I need to get the software installed on my pc at home and go through the learning curve, however the URC remotes seem to be much better than the Logitech ones. The only gear that isn't in the URC database was my Jolida CDP and Mono-Price HDMI switcher, so I'll have to manually learn those.

specd_out

The URC remotes are nice, they have a nearly endless amount of things it can control. The harmony does not do all the extra bells and whistles but it does enough for most HT. I love the interface of the Harmony system, very easy to use, its nearly idiot proof. I started with a refurb 720. Had that for about 5 years and just upgraded to the One. Grabbed the last one at my store before they got discontinued.

I love some of the extra features on the One. Nice little touches that make my experience better.

apc

Amazon's got the One for about $180. Best price I can find unless you know otherwise. Thanks for your input!

apc

Ebay supposedly new for $160.

apc

Anyone try the "Touch" model? It's the newer model which replaces the "One". I'm trying to multi task watching my Dawgs bowl game and surfing the net for sale prices...

Syndil

No longer in production, but you can still find the Monster AVL300-S on eBay for under $100, and it comes with an RF IR repeater module. It's not the prettiest universal remote, but it is very well made (not nearly as "plasticky" as the Logitechs) and the inclusion of the RF IR repeaters make it an excellent value.

Personally I would not have a universal remote without an RF IR repeater. Without one, you have to aim your remote at your devices in order for it to work, and if you "miss" and things get out of sequence, the remote doesn't know about it until you sync it back up. With the RF IR repeater I can be across the house in a different room and send commands and never have to worry about a signal not being correctly sent to my equipment. I can be on the couch under a blanket with the remote and still operate it without having to point it at anything. You can add an RF IR repeater to some of Logitech's remotes, but by then you'll have spent nearly $300.

I've got two of the Monster remotes myself, and I've also given one to my parents, my best friend and my best friend's parents. They are all still working fine and they all love them. If you have any Z-wave lighting in your house, it can also control that too.

If you do look for one on eBay, make sure in the listing that it includes the Omnilink RF IR repeater. Some models came with a lighting dimmer control instead, and some sellers remove the Omnilink and sell it separately.

mantis

The only problem with URC remotes is that they are mostly Dealer only.Hobbyist don't have access tot he software. For me I'm a certified URC programmer and really love their products. They smoke Harmony in every single way. But for the hobbyist I think the Harmony line are nice . Everyone should have Universal control of some kind , no one likes to use multi remotes.

ZLTFUL

Hamony One for the main system and an older Harmony for the bedroom here.
But I always keep my other remotes stored nearby in case the of chance I need some functionality I forgot to add or can't find on either of the Harmonys.

My local shop uses URC products and I completely agree with Dan. They keep having to search me every time I leave the shop! lol

billbillw

Its no secret I love Harmony remotes. I have 3 older Harmony 676 and a newer Harmony 700. Just decide how many devices you need to control (plan on a few extra), then choose a Harmony that can meet those needs. I have yet to find a device that isn't in the Harmony database. Also, don't be afraid to order one of the 'refurbished' models on sale. My 700 was a refurb and it looked like brand new when it arrived (sealed box, no refurb stickers, etc)

jaritta

Mantis,

Urc mx 450 with a base station, fairly easy to program and ultra reliable.

I also am a urc installer and completly agree with you about urc, I love their product especially with the ability to control lighting for cheap.

I think a good alternitave would be the mx 450 with the mrf260. The end user can program the 450 with a little learning and have good results. Although the mx450 isnt as pretty as the harmony the reliability is crazy for the money.

AsSiMiLaTeD

On the comment that an RF device is needed, that's not necessarily true with the Harmony remotes. It is true that IR requires line of sight and if you don't point it at a device while it's working you can get things out of sync, but the Harmony remotes have a feature that syncs that back up for you. There's a help button that you press if something isn't working right and it walks you through a series of questions until things get back on track, the questions are intelligently ordered and you're usually back up in a couple seconds. If you have alot of obstacles or have your gear in cabinets though you'll want to get an RF remote, and the Harmony 900 would do the trick.

Do the URC remotes have an interface like the Harmony for programming, where you just plug in your device info and set up activities and macros? What about the Monster remote Syndil mentioned?

I actually find everything on the software side good with the Harmony remote, and the functionality is perfect for me. I"m not controlling lighting or home automation, but can't imagine something in terms of functionality that another remote can do that I can't do with te Harmony, at least when it comes to controlling my AV gear. As is par for the course with their other products as well, my only issues with Logitech are on the hardware side and their general reliability.

I"m not saying the One is a bad remote, and mine has been fine so far, but I'd gladly pay an extra $100 to have a 'premium' version with maybe an aluminum or magnesium body with more sturdy buttons.

AsSiMiLaTeD

$180 is basically normal price for the One these days, if you're patient I see them pop up on Amazon all the time for around $130

dkg999

mantis wrote: »

The only problem with URC remotes is that they are mostly Dealer only.Hobbyist don't have access tot he software. For me I'm a certified URC programmer and really love their products. They smoke Harmony in every single way. But for the hobbyist I think the Harmony line are nice . Everyone should have Universal control of some kind , no one likes to use multi remotes.

Dan - all of the stores I deal with package the URC software up with the remote so you can make changes, etc. URC will also let the consumer download the software for your specific remote as long as you can provide the serial# and proof of purchase from an authorized reseller. It's good to know we have some members with expertise with the software in case I need some advice!

gce

I've had a Harmony One for 2 years or so with no problems. It's programed everything I've thrown at it.

MADGSF

I have had a Harmony One for many years and it has not given me a lick of trouble. However if I were to do it again and could get the software for it I would get a URC MX-900. The Harmony is good but I cannot do that last five percent of customization to make it perfect. Unfortunately I don't think URC has programming software available for end users to setup their remote.

jaritta

The urc software is fairly complicated to use, they have online training for their dealers. The mx 450 is all programed from the remote with no pc programing, It is a little limiting when it comes to icons and pictures for some devices however if you are looking for a non fancy remote that is just plain reliable than that is what i would recoment, and if you are really ambitious you could add urc light switches and set lighting scenes within the macro string to make lighting levels respond to button pushes.

Syndil

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

I"m not saying the One is a bad remote, and mine has been fine so far, but I'd gladly pay an extra $100 to have a 'premium' version with maybe an aluminum or magnesium body with more sturdy buttons.

The Monster remote has a low-resolution screen on it which doesn't look nearly as nice as a Harmony's, and it is not a touchscreen either. You press physical buttons next to the labels on the screen. But under the hood I think it basically is a Harmony. On the back of the remote there is a logo printed on it that actually says "Harmony Technology." It does have the same Help button on it you mentioned for syncing it up if it gets out of sync, that asks you a few Yes and No questions as it does things.

But IMO, once you get used to not having to pick up the remote and aim it to get it to work, and not having to ever worry about a command being missed... it's just soo much better that way. Just being able to leave it lying wherever it may be and press the buttons on it without having to actually pick it up to point it is something that I would miss if I didn't have the Omnilink repeater. Especially handy if I'm eating.

As far as build quality goes, it's certainly the best remote I've had when it comes to looking sturdy and feeling solid. The underside of the remote and the buttons are matte plastic with a fine-textured, almost rubbery feel to it, and the front of the remote is covered with a black brushed-aluminum fascia. So it doesn't feel like it's made from plastic at all, and it doesn't creak or anything when you press buttons, which also feel very sturdy. If you can get passed the screen looking like it came off a '90s era cell phone, the rest of the remote is quite excellent.

So it's not 100% perfect, but I've yet to see the perfect remote yet. If build quality and feel is what's important to you, I think you'll find it much better than the Harmony. I really, intensely dislike shiny plastic myself. Nothing shouts cheap and chintzy louder than shiny plastic IMO.

Here's an eBay listing with some hi-res pics:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Monster-MCC-AVL300-S-Home-Theater-and-Lighting-Remote-Controller-w-Omnilink-/261133872428

The screen is simulated in those pics--it doesn't look that good in reality. :P

MADGSF

Not sure about the general public but I program PBX phone systems for a living and would have zero problems setting up a URC remote. If only URC would let me have the software when I purchse the remote they would have a new customer.

pearsall001

I bought a GE learning remote in Home Depot for a cool $15.00. It can control 8 devices, I only need it to control 4. It took me about 45 min to program all the functions I needed. Now my TV, cable, blu-ray, avr are a snap to control. Unless you need a ton of control options I can't see spending the kind of money the Harmony & others command. It's the best $15.00 I ever spent for my audio/video system..

apc

pearsall001 wrote: »

I bought a GE learning remote in Home Depot for a cool $15.00. It can control 8 devices, I only need it to control 4. It took me about 45 min to program all the functions I needed. Now my TV, cable, blu-ray, avr are a snap to control. Unless you need a ton of control options I can't see spending the kind of money the Harmony & others command. It's the best $15.00 I ever spent for my audio/video system..

Excellent, but does it allow one button setup for events such as 'watch a movie' or 'listen to radio'? That's a big driver for me as some members of my family are tech-challenged and cannot figure out how to setup for a movie. If I'm not home, it's an issue.

AsSiMiLaTeD

Yeah, I really can't imagine life in my house without an activity based remote.

dkg999

MADGSF wrote: »

Not sure about the general public but I program PBX phone systems for a living and would have zero problems setting up a URC remote. If only URC would let me have the software when I purchse the remote they would have a new customer.

I checked into this prior to buying the URC MX-900 remote. All of the audio/HT dealers that I have bought from here in the midwest will burn a copy of the editor software for your specific URC remote and provide that to you. My dealer of choice even took my list of gear and did the basic configuration of my remote and software for me. I called URC, and if you have the editor software from your dealer it will do automatic updating and get to the most recent database. If you have a URC remote and have the serial# and copy of your purchase receipt then they will let you download a copy of the editor software. Initial impression is that the editor software will take some time to get proficient with, however it's not overly complicated.

Syndil

I got curious and looked up URC... Do they make any remotes that aren't huge and/or hideous?