Harmony Remotes- its clear I need one

[Warpdrv]

You could also take a look at the lower line of pronto... TSU-9200

Its in your price range as well...

I just really like the Pronto line, and they are pretty simple to program...
The more expensive ones are harder, but not impossible, once you get the hang of them, they are incredible...

Just throwing out another choice...

 

[MDS]

If I got a universal remote such as something in the harmony line, would I be able to easily use the harmony, what I mean is how will the remote know what input the tv is already on, it won't know wether it needs to change tv inputs or not right? I don't want it to run a macro to change tv inputs when it's not needed.

The remote won't know what input the TV or receiver is on and it doesn't need to. The remote just sends remote control codes when you press a button. So if you don't press any buttons, nothing happens.

Switching between TV inputs is an ideal use for a macro. I have one macro that switches to DVD and another macro that gets me back to Cable (from any other state). System On and System Off is another ideal use for macros. I press one button to turn everything on and two to turn everything off (have to press 'Main' button to get back to the main page before I can use the system off button).

I like the press-and-hold feature of the MX (Home Theater Master) series remotes from Universal Remote. You can set a delay of any amount of time you want and when you hold the button with the macro on it for that amount of time, it executes the macro. If you just press and release, it simply changes to the page of commands for that device. So in my case, a short press of the Cable button just changes to the page where I have all the Cable commands; press and hold the Cable button for one second and the macro changes the receiver input to Video 2 (where the cable box is connected) and then goes to the cable page.

Also are those remotes able to allow me to do the functions of the remote my receiver came with? I've considered getting a nice universal remote in the past, but just didn't figure it would be worth the money.

A good universal remote can control every piece of equipment you have. I use one and only one remote for my system (it even controls the dimmer for the spotlight over my fireplace). A universal remote is probably the best thing you can purchase for a HT system.

 

[bandphan]

Problem is, I just don't see any decent looking remotes for under $250. I'm wondering if a lot of the issues are based around more complex setups. I mean for $200 street price, the HarmonyOne seems to be a good choice. Granted, I much rather have an RTI or Universal Remote, but I just don't feel $500 is warranted for my needs.

trust me they are worth it. Think amx and crestron would cost $1000's,spending the 400-500 on a good urc sysem(if you can) is well worth it, heck id be willing to throw some programming your way its a sound investment

 

[GlocksRock]

I take it these harmony remotes can also control the xbox 360? I think at this point the main thing preventing me from getting a universal remote is that since I returned my HD DVD player that I was using for sd dvds as well, I use my PS3 for all my movie watching, and I won't be able to use a harmony remote with that. I know there are some solutions, but I want something that works 100% with it, and that can turn the system on and off, and I don't want to have to plug a dongle into the PS3, I only have 2 USB inputs on it and one is taken with the guitar hero 3 wireless receiver.

 

[Warpdrv]

Sorry to sound like jerk, but why does sony insist on creating devices that aren't the norm... Bluetooth only... ??

I respect all the things that the PS3 can do, but no infrared..? that is just rediculus to say the least IMO.

Other then that, a good universal remote is the only way I could make my system work the way it does with all my equipment in the basement... Couldn't live without one... Pronto-TSU9600, I am lucky to have the ablilty to get almost everything I get at wholesale cost from friends... (and no I can't get anyone else these deals, so don't ask)

 

[itschris]

Okay... what about this Pronto... the TSU9200... good lookin remote, seems to do what I need it to, and it's a Pronto not a Harmony. I've seen prices ranging from $250 to over $500 which is kinda weird.

http://www.fotoconnection.com/p85685-philips-tsu9200-pronto-pro-ecosystem-remote-control.html

 

[bandphan]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000BVIV0O/themusic_1026_17639-20

non color version of the mx980. The only downside to this remote is it can not be programmed with vista os.

 

[itschris]

You could also take a look at the lower line of pronto... TSU-9200

Its in your price range as well...

I just really like the Pronto line, and they are pretty simple to program...
The more expensive ones are harder, but not impossible, once you get the hang of them, they are incredible...

Just throwing out another choice...

I really do like this remote. I'm assuming it's superior to the Harmony One and it's about the same price. Anything in particular that I should know about this one? I thought the Harmony was a no brainer until about 2 pages ago, so I just want to be sure.

 

[Warpdrv]

Sorry itschris...


Head on over to the remote central and see what more info you can find on this stuff.... you can read tons of threads over there regarding that remote, if you haven't already gotten that far....

Thats where I got all my research from on my expensive pronto, and they helped me figure out programming... at first I didn't get it, but the i just kinda woke up and figured it all out, it was just easy as pie then...

I am not familiar with that remote, but others are over there... best place for you buddy...

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-pronto/list.cgi