In search of a new remote

[penpitt]

After a few years, it looks like my harmony 659 is finally on its last legs. I am looking to replace it. I was looking at either a new harmony, such as the 650 or the 700, or maybe getting the URC -R50. I liked the easy setup of the logitech since it's done on the computer, but that is not the main selling point for me. From reading about the URC it sounds like it may be a little more difficult to setup and I would have to program macros manually to turn on the required components to do a certain task. I don't need RF capability. So my questions are:
1)Is the URC fairly straightforward to setup? I'm not a technology guru but I am fairly competent.
2)Is Amazon an authorized dealer for URC? I couldn't find that on URC's website.

 

[njedpx3]

After a few years, it looks like my harmony 659 is finally on its last legs. I am looking to replace it. I was looking at either a new harmony, such as the 650 or the 700, or maybe getting the URC -R50. I liked the easy setup of the logitech since it's done on the computer, but that is not the main selling point for me. From reading about the URC it sounds like it may be a little more difficult to setup and I would have to program macros manually to turn on the required components to do a certain task. I don't need RF capability. So my questions are:
1)Is the URC fairly straightforward to setup? I'm not a technology guru but I am fairly competent.
2)Is Amazon an authorized dealer for URC? I couldn't find that on URC's website.

I have the URC -R20 with powerblaster ..the predecessor and it works great and was very easy to set-up ... I needed RF though ..the ole hidded wood door HT setup

Three modes -- preprogrammed ( for lots of devices you enter a code and allthe programming is already done for you), learn mode ( it can learn any remote key by key) and macro mode. --you can make volume for example consistant on all devices. The manual is very complete ..maybe a little hard to understand ..but you have friends here that will be glad to help.

Amazon has a lot of different vendors; I don't think that URC has authorized and unauthorized vendors.


Good Luck!

Forest Man

 

[sholling]

I'm spoiled by Harmonies. I just upgraded from an 880 to a One and it's great.

 

[njedpx3]

I'm spoiled by Harmonies. I just upgraded from an 880 to a One and it's great.

Sholling makes a good point the Harmonies are great. I just looked and for me the 890 Harmony does offer RF. H"mmmm

OP good luck ..I don't think can go wrong with either URC 50 or the Harmony One

Peace,

Forest Man

 

[pzaur]

Harmony One

I also like the looks of the 720. I have a Harmony 550 and love it.

-pat

 

[Kai]

I replaced my 659 nearly 2 years ago with a One and it is an awesome remote.
I've never had a problem with it and it works great.
My 659 still works great also. It has to be nearly 5 years old. I gave it to my son and he loves it.

 

[penpitt]

Thanks for the replies so far. The 659 is completely dead so now I have to use 4 different remotes. It sucks. I guess I will try and figure which one to get in the next day or 2.I just looked at the 550 and 720 and it looks like they have smaller buttons than other remotes and I have fat fingers.

 

[sholling]

I have fat fingers.

That's why Harmony came out with the One, the 700, and the 900. The button spacing is much greater, It makes for a larger remote but less likelihood of hitting the wrong button.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I have a "One" and a 659. My 659 has a rattle; like something is loose inside of it, been that way for 3 or 4 years but worked great up to about 6 months ago, now it seems like it doesn't work so well.

The "One" is really nice. For some reason, it isn't holding a charge anymore. If I leave it off the charger for 24 hours, it is almost completely dead. I hope it's just dirty contacts, as I really like the remote. The layout is 100% better than the 659.

 

[penpitt]

I like the looks of the One, but the price is a little too steep for me at this time. I have about 8 more months of being a student so income is somewhat restricted. I'm looking to spend about $100. I don't think I can hide a ~$200 purchase from my wife unless the kids go without diapers for a month.

 

[bandphan]

Look at Clint's review of the mx 450, wich is the professional version of the r50.

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/universal-mx-450-rf

Also RTI has a new line of consumer remotes that might be considered.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGt6jtodJEc, will be out soon.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Fully understand.

I got mine for around 100 bucks when Circuit City went out of business. I should have bought all they had at that price.

I like the looks of the One, but the price is a little too steep for me at this time. I have about 8 more months of being a student so income is somewhat restricted. I'm looking to spend about $100. I don't think I can hide a ~$200 purchase from my wife unless the kids go without diapers for a month.

 

[dalessandro12]

Fully understand.

I got mine for around 100 bucks when Circuit City went out of business. I should have bought all they had at that price.

Did a search from Harmony 880 and found this thread. Tigerdirect.com has the 880 for $129 with free shipping (and 10-12% rebate from Bing.com). Is this a good deal?

I was looking at the Harmony One but couldn't justify its price at this time. Today, I received the email offer from TD. Should I pull the trigger?

I am looking for something to control my basic components (TV, receiver, cable) with future components PS3 and/or 3D Blu Ray player. Will this work on my HTPC and media center?

Any insight appreciated. Apparently it is a 24 hour sale.

 

[sholling]

Any IR device not in Logitech's claimed 200,000 component database can be programmed in by pointing the controls at each other. The PS3 uses Bluetooth so you do need the optional PS3 adapter ($50) to control the PS3 but it is so much better than Sony's optional remote.

 

[Alex2507]

URC MX-350

 

[tom67]

Thats what I thought with the Harmony one, but would not take codes when I staged sex between two remotes.....

 

[dalessandro12]

Thats what I thought with the Harmony one, but would not take codes when I staged sex between two remotes.....

Ah well, I already pulled the trigger on a Harmony 880. For a little over $100, it was a good deal. I did check my components on Logitechs site and they said they were compatible so it should be fine.

Thanks all

 

[GPS]

I agree with most go with the One. It is the perfect remote. Mine just broke (not the remotes fault) and without it i don't even want to watch TV.