Need a good remote

[ivseenbetter]

I don’t see an obvious section for posting remote questions so I am throwing it out here in the general forum.

Anyway, I am looking to pick up a good remote to use in my theater room. I have my equipment set up in a closet behind me so I need something that either works well with an IR repeater or is pretty capable RF wise. I use a Logitech Harmony remote in my living room and really like the idea of the “activity” based setup so that would be a plus too. Right now I am considering the Harmony 890 but I really don’t want to spend 200 bucks on a remote. Are there any cheaper solutions I could look into?

 

[randy98ss]

I just bought a Harmony One from buterflyphoto.com for 185 shipped. I am not sure what price range the 890's are. I got my price from seaching nextag.com. I am happy with the ONE, my only complaint would be it does not control my ps3 which is bluetooth, but that was my fault for not researching that issue.

 

[bilgirami]

I use a harmony 890, paid $103 on eBay for it. Works great for me, and yeah I love the idea of 'activity' as well.

 

[bandphan]

my thoughts on remotes are you get what you pay for....IMO URC has the best remotes for what your looking for, with the least problems. If you can pick up a good one at the right price, then add the msc400 , the level of control would be more than most could max out.

 

[jcPanny]

URC remote

You can get one of the URC remotes w/ RF basestation for <$100.
http://www.amazon.com/RFS200-PowerPak-Bundle-MasterControl-PowerBlaster/dp/B000FL9E6U/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1218212735&sr=8-1
Only the high end Harmony models offer RF. My URC is similar to the RF30 model and it works great. Depending on the programming you can make it an activity type remote. From the main menu, when I select a device, it turns on the receiver, changes the source, powers on the device, etc. with a macro.

The disadvantage to an entry level URC is you will have to manullay learn most of the commands. The higher end models and all of the Harmony remotes have a web programming interface.

 

[ivseenbetter]

You can get one of the URC remotes w/ RF basestation for <$100.
http://www.amazon.com/RFS200-PowerPak-Bundle-MasterControl-PowerBlaster/dp/B000FL9E6U/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1218212735&sr=8-1
Only the high end Harmony models offer RF. My URC is similar to the RF30 model and it works great. Depending on the programming you can make it an activity type remote. From the main menu, when I select a device, it turns on the receiver, changes the source, powers on the device, etc. with a macro.

The disadvantage to an entry level URC is you will have to manullay learn most of the commands. The higher end models and all of the Harmony remotes have a web programming interface.

Which URC remote has the web interface?

 

[j_garcia]

I've tried both and I have to say I prefer the URCs, especially on the lower end. Just on the ease of use and overall design of the remote itself, the URCs feel more sturdy and just work well. Yes, you have to spend the time to teach them, but you get it configured exactly the way you want too.

 

[bandphan]

Which URC remote has the web interface?

they are software based

 

[yettitheman]

I have a Harmony 550.. and with all the old junk I have, it works pretty decent.

 

[ivseenbetter]

I guess I will just try to get a good deal on a Harmony 890. I need the RF capability to get to my closet and I want the web-based remote update. It's too convenient to give up.

 

[bandphan]

http://www.lcdtvs.com/product.html?postId=1101870&cm_mmc=Froogle-_-DODM-_-Television+Accessories-_-UNKMX950&zmam=8564958&zmas=4&zmac=68&zmap=UNKMX950 for fifty dollars more, and level of control is more consistant and greater Is your pc xp?

 

[ivseenbetter]

It is showing that remote at 399. I can get the 890 for 200 shipped...maybe even 190. I don't think I can sweet talk the wife into letting me spend that kind of money on a remote.

Yes, my computer is still XP...I refuse to update it.

 

[bandphan]

i understand, its just the rf control with the right base station/s give you tons of flexibilty. You can assign each base station an independent address for complete control as you grow, your more than welcome to pm me with any wife concerns. These remotes, imo, are as good as it gets without going to the next level(rti, crestron, amx...btw crestron uses some rebranded versions) Ive programmed pronto (and crestron) as well, and in the day the were good(with the exception of program dropouts). Harmony makes a very conveinant product and in alot of cases more than ample, im just shouting off what i think would be a justifiable step up. Please dont take this like im jamming down your throat, just trying to lay out reasons for it, id even be willing to throw some programming your way..

scott

 

[ivseenbetter]

i understand, its just the rf control with the right base station/s give you tons of flexibilty. You can assign each base station an independent address for complete control as you grow, your more than welcome to pm me with any wife concerns. These remotes, imo, are as good as it gets without going to the next level(rti, crestron, amx...btw crestron uses some rebranded versions) Ive programmed pronto (and crestron) as well, and in the day the were good(with the exception of program dropouts). Harmony makes a very conveinant product and in alot of cases more than ample, im just shouting off what i think would be a justifiable step up. Please dont take this like im jamming down your throat, just trying to lay out reasons for it, id even be willing to throw some programming your way..

scott

I understand where you are coming from and I appreciate th advice. I just can't spend more than 200 for the complete solution though. I appreciate the info and I really wish I could go with this remote but I can't afford it. I don't think I would be able to sway the wife on the price point. I tried looking for a used version of the remote to see if I could somehow get it to come in at my price point that way and couldn't find anything. I'm just outta luck on this it appears.