Harmony/URC - Help me decide?

cambir
cambir Posts: 1,046
edited February 2008 in Electronics
I am trying to decide which universal to buy. I have a main HT/music room plus a zone 2 set-up for 2-channel. All components are in the main room, so I would like RF control. I have been considering the Harmony 890 and a couple of the URC remotes (including the ones in the flea market).

Is there any difference in how Harmony acheives the RF control vs how URC does it? Does one perform better than the other through walls?

Do all RF remotes have a "converter" box with sensors to convert between IR and RF?

Any other brands or issues I should consider?

Any information/opinions to help me decide is appreciated!
Post edited by cambir on
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Comments

  • peffy03
    peffy03 Posts: 50
    edited January 2008
    i have a sony remote commander with the touchscreen. The range/learning capabilities make it work well for any component. im not sure if they have an rf version but they may at this point.
    -Jeff

    My System:
    Onkyo Sr604
    Carver 125x2
    Polk Rti 10 (biamped)
    Polk Monitor 30
    Polk psw10bk
    Polk Rti6
    polk CSi3
    Monster ripoff wire
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  • cambir
    cambir Posts: 1,046
    edited January 2008
    thanks Kex, I'll check out the One for All.

    I have heard that the Harmony remotes have a higher rate of problems (also a short warranty period), but that Harmony will take care of problems even beyond warranty period. Anyone have any experience with out-of-warranty service/replacement?
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  • fireshoes
    fireshoes Posts: 3,167
    edited January 2008
    I own a URC MX600 and Harmony 890. For my uses, I'd take the Harmony in a second.
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  • cambir
    cambir Posts: 1,046
    edited February 2008
    Ok, leaning toward the URCs...the Harmony 890 is too expensive for me.

    Anybody have experience with the URC RF20 or RF10 remote?

    How about the adhesive sensors (from Harmony or URC)? I can't seem to get a store to help me out by showing me the parts and explaining.
    Are they permanent?
    How ugly are they when installed?
    If I change out a component that had on installed, will I need to order more sensors for the new component?
    If I quit using the remote someday, will I have to burn all my equipment because the sensors are permanently affixed? :(:D

    Give this remote noob some help, so I can make an informed decision. As soon as I find a job, I'll be pulling the trigger!
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  • cambir
    cambir Posts: 1,046
    edited February 2008
    Nobody has experience with these, huh?

    Guess I'll be the first:
    http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Univeral-Remote-MasterControl-PowerPak-Combo-RFS200/sem/rpsm/context/outlet/oid/148430/catOid/-12890/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
    ...got one of these on its way!

    FYI - they also have the Harmony 880 for $150 if anyone needs an extra.
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  • avguytx
    avguytx Posts: 1,628
    edited February 2008
    If you like the Harmony 880 and want RF, use something like this. We sell these at the company I work for and the dealers/installers LOVE them. I use a single Harmony remote that will work my HT system PLUS is programmed to work my older Carver CT-17 preamp and TL-3300 CD player. Pretty cool...
    Richard? Who's your favorite Little Rascal? Alfalfa? Or is it........................Spanky?.................................Sinner.
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  • cambir
    cambir Posts: 1,046
    edited February 2008
    I thought about trying an extender, but I saw too many poor reviews about them (many said they only work if you are within 6 feet of the unit). I wanted the Harm 890, but too expensive. The URC I ordered for $70 will do quite nicely, I'm sure...and it only cost a little more than an extender.

    Now, maybe I'll find a cheap Harmony for the HT and use the URC in the zone 2 room.
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