Best multifunction remote?

Systems
Systems Posts: 14,873
edited June 2007 in Electronics
What is the best multifunction remote out there that under $500? I still have my old Sony RM-AV3000 that just never worked right. When I say that I mean that I could get it working well after a full day of programming but it would eventually get wipped out. I need something good. I am an extreme techy so "complexity" does not scare me. I like that Logitech unit but Im reading a lot of bad reviews.
Specifically I would like to see a remote that can download from the internet my equipment at a high success rate (without custom programming ) for most the buttons working right.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited June 2007
    The Harmony 1000 was dead simple. Logitech also has great support if you need it and you might. Being an "extreme techy" you should like the added functionality provided. So which Harmony had bad reviews?
    Michael ;)
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2007
    janmike wrote: »
    The Harmony 1000 was dead simple. Logitech also has great support if you need it and you might. Being an "extreme techy" you should like the added functionality provided. So which Harmony had bad reviews?

    http://reviews.cnet.com/remote-controls/logitech-harmony-890/4852-7900_7-31630408.html?tag=uolst
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited June 2007
    Harmony 1000
    Michael ;)
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,782
    edited June 2007
    Looks like almost all of the complaints are about the software? I find Logitechs software amazingly easy to use.

    I needed a remote that was easy for the wife to use, and picked up the Harmony 520. Does everything I need, is the best universal remote I have ever bought, and suprisingly, it's also the cheapest.

    I like it so much, I bought another one, just in case this one ever breaks. On sale at sears:

    http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?pid=05750015000&vertical=Sears&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,206
    edited June 2007
    Universal Remotes MX850 or MX900 depending on which one you like better. Universal Remotes in my opnion are the most solid remotes made. They are so good man. I have programmed hundreds of them and they have such a high reliable factor. I have owned 3 of them and I have no desire to try anything else.

    There is nothing better under 400.00
    Dan
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2007
    How do you guys like the Harmony. The problem with my old Sony is that then you programmed your specific piece of equipment (say the receiver)... It only had 25% of the buttons. You could basically only do basic things on it without major programming. And even at that, button names and such didn’t match up. Say I want to switch around my output types on my receiver from THX to DTS to DD or such.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited June 2007
    The Harmony 1000 functionality seems to be endless. I own a Proceed AVP-S and I have every command I need. Over 40. You can always customized other commands as well with the Learn IR functionality. Being an extreme techy you should enjoy this. One button does all.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited June 2007
    I really, really, really like my Harmony 1000. I have no problems recommending it to others.
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited June 2007
    I like the Harmony remotes too.
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  • jflail2
    jflail2 Posts: 2,868
    edited June 2007
    I'm also in the market for a multi remote. Birthday in a week and nothing to ask for.....this should do.

    Unfortunately, the woman would laugh if I asked for a 3-400$ remote, so I need to keep it a bit less pricey. Is the 880 the next best logitech? The 890's reviews didn't look near as good, and I've seen the 880 for around 100-120 (refurb.) Worth it?

    Hope this is helps you too Silverti...
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  • BIZILL
    BIZILL Posts: 5,432
    edited June 2007
    janmike wrote: »
    The Harmony 1000 was dead simple. Logitech also has great support if you need it and you might. Being an "extreme techy" you should like the added functionality provided. So which Harmony had bad reviews?

    hey, was just cruisin' for a bruisin' through egay for the harmony 1000 and found the seller that you bought yours from. i was researching the seller via their feedback when i saw that you left the seller your own feedback. sweet price. ;)

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  • Pepi28
    Pepi28 Posts: 248
    edited June 2007
    jflail2 wrote: »
    I'm also in the market for a multi remote. Birthday in a week and nothing to ask for.....this should do.

    Unfortunately, the woman would laugh if I asked for a 3-400$ remote, so I need to keep it a bit less pricey. Is the 880 the next best logitech? The 890's reviews didn't look near as good, and I've seen the 880 for around 100-120 (refurb.) Worth it?

    Hope this is helps you too Silverti...

    I have the 880 and it is a great remote. You wont have any problems with it.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited June 2007
    BIZILL wrote: »
    hey, was just cruisin' for a bruisin' through egay for the harmony 1000 and found the seller that you bought yours from. i was researching the seller via their feedback when i saw that you left the seller your own feedback. sweet price. ;)

    It was a good deal. Brand New. And that SOB has not left me feedback even after countless requests. That just pisses me off when people do that. Almost a month ago I purchased that.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,782
    edited June 2007
    And that SOB has not left me feedback even after countless requests.

    You request feedback? What are you buying on ebay, products or feedback?
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  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited June 2007
    100-120? You are looking at brand new 550... I have 520, and love it!

    jflail2 wrote: »
    I'm also in the market for a multi remote. Birthday in a week and nothing to ask for.....this should do.

    Unfortunately, the woman would laugh if I asked for a 3-400$ remote, so I need to keep it a bit less pricey. Is the 880 the next best logitech? The 890's reviews didn't look near as good, and I've seen the 880 for around 100-120 (refurb.) Worth it?

    Hope this is helps you too Silverti...
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited June 2007
    WilliamM2 wrote: »
    You request feedback? What are you buying on ebay, products or feedback?

    I have the product. When you buy something in a store does it mean anything to you when people say Thank You. That is commonly termed MANNERS. Somewhat uncommon today!
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,782
    edited June 2007
    When you buy something in a store does it mean anything to you when people say Thank You. That is commonly termed MANNERS. Somewhat uncommon today!

    I agree with that, but if they do not say thank you, I won't ask them to.

    I just think you should be careful, as there are sellers that when repeatedly bothered for feedback, will leave it for you. But it won't be the feedback you want, especially if you have already left them a positive, and can't retaliate.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,815
    edited June 2007
    WilliamM2 wrote: »
    I find Logitechs software amazingly easy to use.

    I needed a remote that was easy for the wife to use, and picked up the Harmony 520. Does everything I need, is the best universal remote I have ever bought, and suprisingly, it's also the cheapest.

    Talk about subjective. Did you conduct any blind A/B tests? Do you have specs to prove what you claim or are we just suppose to take your word for it?
    Political Correctness'.........defined

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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited June 2007
    WilliamM2 wrote: »
    I agree with that, but if they do not say thank you, I won't ask them to.

    I just think you should be careful, as there are sellers that when repeatedly bothered for feedback, will leave it for you. But it won't be the feedback you want, especially if you have already left them a positive, and can't retaliate.

    Your probably right, but I can withdraw the +FB.

    And I once dated a female with a Master degree in Mathematics. I wonder if she would have trouble with the logic.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2007
    Good god, I’m sitting here at my desk looking at literally 10 remotes on my desk:

    I need one BAD.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2007
    Shelby/Janmike - I'm seriously thinking about the Harmony 1000 or 890....did you own a 880 or 890 prior? I may have the model numbers wrong, but the more traditional handhelds in other words.

    Anyone else, feel free to comment, just noticed that they had a 1000.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2007
    Alright, I just bought a Harmony 1000 on ebay for $315 total. I watched Logitech’s little movie on it and it looks great. Cant wait to hide all these remotes. I already know that I’m going to have to keep one, my Play stations 3 Blue tooth remote. Pretty sure it’s not gonna work on the Harmony.
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  • MSALLA
    MSALLA Posts: 1,602
    edited June 2007
    I swaped out my Pronto 3000 remote for the Harmony 880.
    The pronto dose more but you need a Phd to program it. Tha Harmony is dead simple to use and program. The computer program makes it easy.
    Michael


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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited June 2007
    Mark - The Harmony 1000 is the only universal remote that I have ever owned. It is dead simple to use, extremely versatile and will do more than I would ever want. Besides, it looks great.

    The reason I selected the 1000 over the 880 and the 890 was my wife liked the look. Look at Logitech's web site to see the additional functionality that you may or may not use.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2007
    Msalla - I agree on the Pronto comment. It was absolutely tedious to setup. I had a TSU5000 and just sold it, instead of trying to understand it. F it.

    Jan - Ok, thanks. I definetly dig the look. What's the battery life on it for you?
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,094
    edited June 2007
    The remote that came with my NAD T773 receiver is all I'll ever need. Handles 8 devices, super easy to program & works like a charm. There's no need for me to even consider another remote. Now, if I ever sell the T773... well let's not worry about that just yet.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited June 2007
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Msalla - I agree on the Pronto comment. It was absolutely tedious to setup. I had a TSU5000 and just sold it, instead of trying to understand it. F it.

    Jan - Ok, thanks. I definetly dig the look. What's the battery life on it for you?

    Not sure Mark. The longest I have ever left it out of the charger is one day and no problem. I did read on a forum that one guy had a day and after a firmware upgrade it was good for a week.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited June 2007
    dorokusai wrote: »
    Shelby/Janmike - I'm seriously thinking about the Harmony 1000 or 890....did you own a 880 or 890 prior? I may have the model numbers wrong, but the more traditional handhelds in other words.

    Anyone else, feel free to comment, just noticed that they had a 1000.

    My bro-in-law has the 880. Its the same as the 890, but the 890 has RF output ability. So, I saw his and used his before I bought the 1000. It essentially has the same functionality as the 880 and 890, but I believe with the RF output eventually its going to be able to control Zwave home automation products.
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited June 2007
    Silverti wrote: »
    I already know that I’m going to have to keep one, my Play stations 3 Blue tooth remote. Pretty sure it’s not gonna work on the Harmony.

    You are correct.
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited June 2007
    janmike wrote: »
    Not sure Mark. The longest I have ever left it out of the charger is one day and no problem. I did read on a forum that one guy had a day and after a firmware upgrade it was good for a week.

    Same here. It comes with a nifty cradle to store it on. I just put it on that every night. So, I know I can use it for at least two days straight without recharging it and it works fine.
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