Need to simplify sound management for my kids (and wife)

[Onesikpup]

I recently set up my system (thanks Seth) and now have the dilemma of 4 remote controls. It doesn't bother me much other than my kids and wife struggle with the juggle. What i need to do is make it so that basic tv operation is on one remote. To be more specific, I would prefer sound operation on the direct tv remote.

Here's the set-up

DirectTV Genie(preferred method of remote sound control for the kids/wife)
Yamaha HTR3067
Sharp aquos 60LE640U
Sony BDPS6500

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

What i need to do is make it so that basic tv operation is on one remote. To be more specific, I would prefer sound operation on the direct tv remote.

Sorry, but that ain’t going to happen. This is an age-old problem; you need a universal programmable remote, such as a URC or Harmony. A good example of the type will not only be able to control all the functions of all the components, but also run “macro” commands that will turn the whole system off and on with the push of a single button.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[KenM10759]

Agreed. One caution is to shop carefully and look for the model Logitech Harmony that suits your needs now, with a little "headroom" should you add more pieces to the puzzle. My son had bought me one (a 350) and found that he really should have gotten at least the 650 because with my multiple devices he just couldn't get the macros he needed.

I have remotes for the Samsung TV, Cisco cable box, Sony BD player, Sony CD changer, and NAD receiver. There's a couple of hang-ups in switching between watching cable TV with or without the NAD receiver on, and the 350 just couldn't do it all.

 

[fmw]

I've been using Harmony remotes for a decade and I've owned many models. Oddly, my favorite current model is the least expensive - The Harmony 650. You can find it on amazon for around $60. The higher models with touch screens were fussy and too full of features for my wife to handle.

The best one was the Harmony One which is basically a 650 with a rechargeable battery and charging cradle. It had a touch screen but a very simple one. If you can find one new old stock, that remote is also a dandy. I use a Harmony One in the bedroom, the 650 in the home theater and my fancy expensive Harmony is in the desk drawer resting in hopes that I will use it again one day.

 

[Mark of Cenla]

I recently bought a Philips universal remote for our living room system. It controls the DISH receiver, Sony TV, and SONY Blu-ray player. The only function it can control on my Yamaha AVR is to turn it off. So I have narrowed it down to two remotes. This all came about because the Sony TV remote on/off button no longer works. We solved the problem for $18, purchased at Walmart. Peace and goodwill.

 

[Onesikpup]

I was afraid you would say that.

how about this scenario... since hooking all this up, my TV speakers no longer produce sound. Is there a way to make them work again independently of the surround sound?

 

[KenM10759]

Shut the receiver off? Works for me.

 

[Onesikpup]

everything goes through the receiver, so if its off, no tv picture or sound

 

[KenM10759]

Your receiver may be dated beyond when just about all HDMI connections would pass signal through (without processing, obviously) when off. I could be wrong though, perhaps it's that my TV is on the ARC input channel because when I turn my receiver off the sound reverts to coming from the TV.