Universal Remotes - which way to go?? Recommendations?

[KASR]

Ok, so I'm not faced with the task of selecting a universal remote, so I can stop using the 4-5 that I have right now!!!

I am looking at the Sony 16-device universal remote:

Or the Philips Prestigo 9600:

Has anyone here had experience with either one of these (good and bad) and what other types/brands can you recommend???
Thanks in advance!

 

[GlocksRock]

Take a good look at the Harmony One... I just picked one up and I absolutely love it, it's very customizeable and I love the color touch screen.

 

[ivseenbetter]

Are you going to need RF capability? If so, then I would go URC. However, if you want ease of use then go with Harmony. It really just depends on how complex your setup is and what kind of control you want. bandphan is a member here who knows a lot about these remotes.

I'm not familiar with either of the remotes you mentioned but unless you can get an outstanding deal on either of them I think Harmony would be a better choice. I've used a couple of their remotes and they are VERY easy to use.

 

[EJ1]

Any Harmony.

 

[bandphan]

What type of control are you looking for? Will macros be required? What is your budget?

 

[Rico]

Hi,

I have the Prestigo 9600 and after 8 mos, I'm looking for a replacement. It works fine but dealing with my DVR on its touch screen is a PIT@, lacks on some advanced keys too. I'll be moving it to my bedroom where things are simple (TV, DVD, Stereo(so far)). I'm looking for another one so I'll keep my eye on this thread

BTW, if I could get one that controls my new PS3 would be great.

 

[GlocksRock]

BTW, if I could get one that controls my new PS3 would be great.

They Harmony One (possibly other harmony remotes) can control the PS3 if you use the IR receiver from the Nyko Blu Wave PS3 remote... instead of adding the PS3 as a device, add the Nyko Blu Wave... the only thing it can't do is turn the PS3 on and eject a disc, and you can turn it off from the XMB, so that makes it that much better.

 

[ivseenbetter]

Hi,

I have the Prestigo 9600 and after 8 mos, I'm looking for a replacement. It works fine but dealing with my DVR on its touch screen is a PIT@, lacks on some advanced keys too. I'll be moving it to my bedroom where things are simple (TV, DVD, Stereo(so far)). I'm looking for another one so I'll keep my eye on this thread

BTW, if I could get one that controls my new PS3 would be great.

You won't be able to find a universal controller that handles the PS3. It works off of Blutooth and all the universals are IR or RF. What you need to get is a USB IR adapter for your PS3 and then any universal IR remote will be able to control your PS3.

Just notice Glocks beat me to the punch with this post! LOL. My post is basically a "ditto" of his.

 

[jostenmeat]

Well, I just put in the URC RF-20 + blaster. I think its $75 new right now for the combo. First time RF for me = no going back.

Its the entry URC, so I don't think it can handle multiple base-stations/HT's, and I don't think you can program to have certain commands as IR vs RF as you might with superior models.

But heck, its RF for $75! from URC! Keep over $100 in the pocket, and enjoy more reliable control.

 

[EJ1]

They Harmony One (possibly other harmony remotes) can control the PS3 if you use the IR receiver from the Nyko Blu Wave PS3 remote... instead of adding the PS3 as a device, add the Nyko Blu Wave... the only thing it can't do is turn the PS3 on and eject a disc, and you can turn it off from the XMB, so that makes it that much better.

I believe this does everything: http://ir2bt.com/

 

[GlocksRock]

I believe this does everything: http://ir2bt.com/

Yeah, but it's expensive compared to the Blu Wave remote, and the IR2BT got hosed with a recent firmware update... I would hope they get that fixed soon... maybe they already have, I don't know.

Also, if RF is needed, the Harmony 890 does that too.

 

[ivseenbetter]

Well, I just put in the URC RF-20 + blaster. I think its $75 new right now for the combo. First time RF for me = no going back.

Its the entry URC, so I don't think it can handle multiple base-stations/HT's, and I don't think you can program to have certain commands as IR vs RF as you might with superior models.

But heck, its RF for $75! from URC! Keep over $100 in the pocket, and enjoy more reliable control.

Yep! I agree. I would have gone that route too if I hadn't gotten an outstanding deal on the MX-900. For a majority of folks the URC RF-20 is the way to go.

 

[KASR]

To answer a few of the question - my needs are pretty basic - take alook at my hardware in my sig: TV, Receiver, DVD player, and then my DVR Cable box...that's about it.

 

[rnatalli]

Harmony remotes have my vote.

 

[jostenmeat]

To answer a few of the question - my needs are pretty basic - take alook at my hardware in my sig: TV, Receiver, DVD player, and then my DVR Cable box...that's about it.

The URC is more than enough. Here is my audioholic review.

Only $78.38 (price is always fluctuating +/- $3).

 

[ivseenbetter]

To answer a few of the question - my needs are pretty basic - take alook at my hardware in my sig: TV, Receiver, DVD player, and then my DVR Cable box...that's about it.

One of the cheaper Harmony's will work good for you if you do want something that is super simple to program.

If you ever think about hiding your equipment behind a cabinet or in a closet then get the solution that Jostenmeat suggests.

 

[randy98ss]

I have the Harmony One, and love it, its does every component that I have excpet the PS3, which is blue tooth. THe setup was super easy. At first I thought I would be overwhelmed with the setup, but all you do is throw in the disk into your PC, it asked a few questions and BAM...your done. Maybe 15 minutes your first time through.

I believe Harmony has several models that do all the basic things, the ONE has a color touch screen which is nice and it comes with rechargable batteries and a recharging docking station. Wow, this is starting to sound like a commercial, so I will stop now. I will say that I do not have any experience with any other brand of remotes, so I can not attest to how well the Harmony performs over the others.

 

[KASR]

I have the Harmony One, and love it, its does every component that I have excpet the PS3, which is blue tooth. THe setup was super easy. At first I thought I would be overwhelmed with the setup, but all you do is throw in the disk into your PC, it asked a few questions and BAM...your done. Maybe 15 minutes your first time through.

I believe Harmony has several models that do all the basic things, the ONE has a color touch screen which is nice and it comes with rechargable batteries and a recharging docking station. Wow, this is starting to sound like a commercial, so I will stop now. I will say that I do not have any experience with any other brand of remotes, so I can not attest to how well the Harmony performs over the others.

The Harmony mentioned above sounds like it's right up my alley! So begins the research! THanks all!

 

[jostenmeat]

I have a question to ask of those who prefer Harmony.

How many of you have either owned, used, or programmed a URC, and still preferred Harmony? No offense is meant, I am just curious for your thoughts on exactly why.

Thank you.

I've owned both brands, and have programmed multiple Harmony's. For me, URC is a no brainer. JMO. I find the URC is easier to program, cheaper, and better built.

 

[rsd22]

I have a question to ask of those who prefer Harmony.

How many of you have either owned, used, or programmed a URC, and still preferred Harmony? No offense is meant, I am just curious for your thoughts on exactly why.

Thank you.

I've owned both brands, and have programmed multiple Harmony's. For me, URC is a no brainer. JMO. I find the URC is easier to program, cheaper, and better built.

I was thinking of trading in my 4 remotes for a Harmony One soon. What/who is URC?