RF Remote Recommendations

[aberkowitz]

I just moved and I'm planning to have all of my components wired into a closet just off the living room in my condo. I've been looking at various options for RF remotes- the Harmony 900, Harmony 1100 with the RF kit, URC 980, or the URC 450. To date I've found that Harmony remotes have more than met my needs (I only have one zone of components to handle, and even though the lights are IR capable I rarely use the remote), but I've read iffy things about their RF capabilities so I've started to think about exploring URC. My one major issue is the fact that URC won't distribute its own software to consumers (at least not without going through an installer), and I'm not much of a coder. The MX-450 looks like it might be my best bet if I went the URC route.

My questions:

1) Is the RF capability on URC that much better than Harmony?
2) Do I need a base station for URC (I'll never be more than 25-30 feet from the closet)?
3) If I go harmony, 900 or 1100?

 

[Alex2507]

and I'm not much of a coder.

I take it that means you don't like entering the codes manually?
If that is what it means I can tell you that it's pretty easy. I mean I did it.

The MX-450 looks like it might be my best bet if I went the URC route.

I know that my MX-350 can do RF but does not require the fancy software/distributor business which I find way more daunting than entering codes. The only reason I went with the MX-350 was because MDS said they were a good product and that was good enough for me. Also they are just over a hundred bucks on Amazon.

 

[highfigh]

I just moved and I'm planning to have all of my components wired into a closet just off the living room in my condo. I've been looking at various options for RF remotes- the Harmony 900, Harmony 1100 with the RF kit, URC 980, or the URC 450. To date I've found that Harmony remotes have more than met my needs (I only have one zone of components to handle, and even though the lights are IR capable I rarely use the remote), but I've read iffy things about their RF capabilities so I've started to think about exploring URC. My one major issue is the fact that URC won't distribute its own software to consumers (at least not without going through an installer), and I'm not much of a coder. The MX-450 looks like it might be my best bet if I went the URC route.

My questions:

1) Is the RF capability on URC that much better than Harmony?
2) Do I need a base station for URC (I'll never be more than 25-30 feet from the closet)?
3) If I go harmony, 900 or 1100?

As much as I think Logitech has screwed up Harmony (lack of communication with dealers, taking distribution away from established companies and requiring us to scramble for another source and bringing some models to market far before they were ready- the 1000), I definitely like the 1100. The added buttons at the right and left of the main buttons (they can be used for just about anything) are a real help (I use them for turning the 2nd zone on, off and selecting the Zone 2 sources in all screens), the RF works fine and the IR outputs are assignable- I did one house with one RF extender in the basement/one in the Den and will have a third on the 3rd floor- I may end up using another RF extender so I can share the ReQuest server with the 3rd floor system and control it without the need to turn on the House system and range has never been an issue. Also, the price is lower than the old H1000, which had some serious problems. The H1100 has none of them. The one thing I would like Harmony to change is the lack of macro commands. Lighting control would have been nice but it's not an easy thing to add.

If you want lighting control, the URC MX450 would be the most economical way to go.

 

[aberkowitz]

I take it that means you don't like entering the codes manually?
If that is what it means I can tell you that it's pretty easy. I mean I did it.

Haha- I was referring to some of the advanced programming that's required with some of the remotes that I've been researching.

 

[adk highlander]

1) Is the RF capability on URC that much better than Harmony?

I've only used the Harmony's IR but I can say that the URC gear I have easily transmits 40+ feet. All my gear is in the basement and I have a MX-880 in my bedroom.

2) Do I need a base station for URC (I'll never be more than 25-30 feet from the closet)?

You will always need some kind of base station to convert the RF from the remote to IR and attach flashers to the gear.

3) If I go harmony, 900 or 1100?

I have not owned either of these so I will let others comment.

Here is how I see it. Harmony is a great easy to use remote. It will do macro's and the wizard software will walk you through each step. URC was a big step up in how complex of a system you can have. I have to track power states for three different rooms and 4 shared sources. This would not be possible with a Harmony system and this would make for a very unhappy wife.

The URC products I use are from the complete control lineup. The software is a bit daunting a first but I was able to do it myself with a little direction from a friend. I would be glad to help you once you find a dealer to get the remotes and software.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I don't have direct knowledge of the models you mentioned, but I used to have Logitech Harmony 880 and switched to URC RFS200
What ADK said is right on the money - I'd add one thing - my URC remote, unlike Harmony is built like a tank and WILL take wife/kids abuse any day.
Harmony remotes on the other hand, have (built-in ?) issues with quality and frequently begin to develop problems after year or two of normal (and careful) use

I'm in IT but I still haven't finished programming my remote, except simple TV macros to allow wife to use the tv

 

[adk highlander]

I'd add one thing - my URC remote, unlike Harmony is built like a tank and WILL take wife/kids abuse any day.
Harmony remotes on the other hand, have (built-in ?) issues with quality and frequently begin to develop problems after year or two of normal (and careful) use

+1 on the quality issues. The 810 I had was only dropped once or twice and it died. I purchased on for my parents and it did not work out of the box. I do think there are some quality control issues with the Harmony models. Now to be fair we treat the 880 an 980 very carefully as I don't have another $400+ to replace these but the build quality and button action is much better than the Harmony.

 

[highfigh]

I've only used the Harmony's IR but I can say that the URC gear I have easily transmits 40+ feet. All my gear is in the basement and I have a MX-880 in my bedroom.

You will always need some kind of base station to convert the RF from the remote to IR and attach flashers to the gear.

I have not owned either of these so I will let others comment.

Here is how I see it. Harmony is a great easy to use remote. It will do macro's and the wizard software will walk you through each step. URC was a big step up in how complex of a system you can have. I have to track power states for three different rooms and 4 shared sources. This would not be possible with a Harmony system and this would make for a very unhappy wife.

The URC products I use are from the complete control lineup. The software is a bit daunting a first but I was able to do it myself with a little direction from a friend. I would be glad to help you once you find a dealer to get the remotes and software.

The H1100 does not do macros, as such. You can add a command or two or remove a command, but writing a macro in the usual sense can't happen with most Harmony remotes. The Fact that they call this a 'sequence' has nothing to do with anything, they just weren't designed to be programmed the same as a URC or some other brand that has a macro button.

 

[aberkowitz]

Thanks for all of the advice. As it turns out I have a friend who is getting rid of a gently-used Harmony 900 as part of his own upgrade, so he gave it to me in exchange for a couple of drinks (this could end up costing me ). Figured I'd try that out first, and if it absolutely sucks I'm not out anything... except I will be closer to my eventual liver replacement.

 

[highfigh]

Thanks for all of the advice. As it turns out I have a friend who is getting rid of a gently-used Harmony 900 as part of his own upgrade, so he gave it to me in exchange for a couple of drinks (this could end up costing me ). Figured I'd try that out first, and if it absolutely sucks I'm not out anything... except I will be closer to my eventual liver replacement.

Two snifters of Napoleon Brandy ought to cover it, eh?