$500 to spend on remote...

Grimster74

Okay, I'm currently using a Philips TSU-7000 Touchscreen remote control in my H/T. I know this is a subject thats been drug threw the dirt over and over again but I'm looking to get a hard button remote for downstairs. After 3 years of using touchscreens, just tired of looking down all the time to use a remote. What recommendations does everyone have for the best bang for the buck Hardbutton remote out there. I'm really interested in the Universal Remotes I keep seeing but it sounds like it's a giant pain in the a$$ to program. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Ricardo

One word: HARMONY
You don't need to spend more then around $100, easy to program, not too big.....I love my old 659 and could not live without it.

AsSiMiLaTeD

With your budget you could grab one of the remotes higher up in the harmony line that'll give you some extra cool functionality

Pepi28

go for the harmony 880. Great remote for the bucks.

billbillw

There are many big fans of the Universal Remote Control MX series remotes (Used to be Home Theater Master). Never used them myself though.
If I were to buy one today, it would likely be the Harmony 676. I've been using my clunky Sony RM3000 for over 3 years now. Not the easiest to program or use, but it gets the job done. At the time, it was the only thing for $100 that could do what I wanted.

Grimster74

I forgot to mention something, I'd also like to get a remote that has the ability to be recharged, with a docking station of some sort. Pepi28, I have looked into the 880 but the buttons seem to close for me, like they run together or something, if that makes any since.

billbillw

^
I personally think that is a little overated feature. Something like the Harmony 676 will last several months on a set of alkalines. My Sony (which is somewhat of a power hog due to the large backlit display) only uses about 3-4 sets of batteries per year. If you are concerned about the environment, get a set of NiMH rechargables.

unc2701

there is this:
http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/cedia-2006-handson-with-the-logitech-harmony-1000-200736.php

but no hard buttons. MY friend has a harmony & i've got a universal- personally I perfer the universal's programming. It's harder to do, but way more flexible.

Maurice

I bought a Harmony 880 but didn't like it. It never controlled all my components completely so I returned it and got a URC 200 and its great. Easy to program and works flawlessly. They are going very cheap too, around 80 bucks at CC.

wingnut4772

I have the Harmony 890 and have no problems.

MikeC78

^^ Me too!

GATOR3000

This is the one I use and it works well for me!!! No programming necessary.

Only one drawback:…………when I press the “SEX” button it doesn’t work. LOL!!!

MikeC78

Huh?? You must have a defective one, take it back!!

Mine works just fine!!!:D

Mike

Grimster74

Okay, think I'm going to try the 880 Harmony. I'm going to go and pick one up today. If I don't care for it I always have 30 days to return it.

Grimster74

Well, for just a little over a $100 more I can get this,http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3AAAQ%3AUS%3A1&viewitem=&item=270044585836&rd=1 but I'm just not sure if Universal has some sort of restrictions on unauthorized dealers as far as when you register there product. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Grimster74

Well, for $400 I ordered a brand new MX-950 from a site off of remotecentral. This guy is offering 45% off suggested retail price. He comes highly recommended from the members on the AVS forum and Outlaw Audio forum. I should receive it sometime next week.

FicmanS

Been looking at the Harmony 880 for sometime, going to have to give that one a go I think...