Remotes... yes again...

[itschris]

This has been a really good discussion. It would be easy just to buy the top of the line remote from Pronto or URC, but there's no way I'm going to spend $750+ for a remote. My system just isn't complicated enought to warrant that. I just want to be able to turn my stuff on. I guess part of the problem is, I want a remote that does what I want it to, but I also want it to look halfway decent. Most of the URC stuff just doesn't look modern. I held one in my hand and it just feels old and clunky.

I think the one part that Harmony has right is that they now how to make things look good and have pretty easy computer based setup. I've done a bit more research and agree that the RF1000 may not be the best choice, but it'd probably be just fine for my situation because I really don't fiddle with things much. I have everything set the way I want and don't really change a lot. I just need to be able to turn things on, switch an input or two, and be able to turn things off. But at the same time, there does seem to be a lot of issues with the 1000.

I really like the higher end Pronto and URC stuff, but it's way overkill for what I need and the lower models just don't appeal to me. I like the Harmony remotes, but most here think they're junk for whatever reason. I'm kinda stuck at this point.

What about the Harmony 890? It's an RF remote, it's got hard button and touchscreen and it's about $350.

 

[Haoleb]

Good. I didn't need anything else to figure out.

figuring out the software for the first time is still way easier than programming the 350.

Basically there are two parts to doing a remote. First you need to know what you want to do, and what buttons need to be pressed in order to achieve that. For example power on/off macros. You need to think ok I want to turn this on, But i dont want to turn this other thing on yet until I select it or I want to turn everything on but keep this off. etc etc. non discrete power codes are a pain for macros. You'll probably have no trouble because if something gets out of sync you will know it. I am used to doing the remotes for people that can barely set the clock on their vcr so when you have a system with reciever and dvd, cable box,tv,etc and something doesnt happen or something is not on the correct input well... you get the idea.

And the second part is just programming the remote. with the computer software its pretty easy. Takes some getting used to of course but once you get the hang of it its super simple. You'll undoubtly have to go back and tweak things here and there and even that is easier by just plugging it to your computer and a minute later your done instead of fumbling around on the stupid remote. the 350's advantage is that it doesnt need the pc programming but in my mind thats its most fatal flaw. I personally will never reccomend or buy one because of that.

 

[itschris]

After reading what everyone has to say and reading a lot of other site and user reviews and message boards, I'm thinking the Harmony 890 with the RF box may be the best solution for me. I guy here at my office let me try his on his system which somewhat comprable to mine and it seems to work just fine. In fact it worked really well and he told me he's had zero issues. He replaced his URC remote (though I don't know the model) with the 890 I just can't justify spending a whole lot more than that. it seems like every other remote I look at is either just plain ugly and clunky looking and feeling, doesn't do what I need it, or it just too expensive when you start adding everything up. If I had a lot of components or more complicated switching or setting adjustments, then yeah, I'd spend the money, but I can't see spending that much just to effortlessly change my volume when I want.

I may hold off a bit though since it's not super crtical at the moment. I've read consisten rumors about the 890 replacement, likely an RF version of the Harmony One. Maybe I'll see what happens aroiund Thanksgiving/Christmas time when new things start hitting the shelves.

 

[itschris]

I forgot to say thanks to everyone for all the good info, suggestions, and advice.