- The Harmony can be set up automagically using their web interface by simply telling it what components you have. This is nothing more than the standard 'pre-programmed' remotes but rather than entering setup codes, the web interface does it for you.
It can be found on Logitech's website, but I believe they have ten's of thousand's of devices in their database. Even an 11 year old VCR, and an older CD player that I own were in their database, and all components in my system were also included in Logitech's database. I did have to manually learn on average 1-2 commands for each device. And, providing binary (??, not sure, I'm not a programmer) codes I obtained from Denon, Logitech converted them to IR and added 0dB, -20dB, and -40dB to the available codes for the Denon AVR3805. I use the -40dB in all activities so I don't turn-on my system and get "blown away" because I had the volume high in my last acitivity (i.e., "DVDA", used for listening to audio DVD's).
- Except for the higher end (and higher priced) HT Master models (MX-850), the HT Masters have to be programmed manually; ie you have to learn every command from the original remotes. I actually prefer that approach as you can put the command on any button you want in any mode.
When an activity is created, Logitech does suggest default settings for the behavior of commonly-used commands. For example, 'volume down' is passed through the 'volume down' button on the 880. However, I think that button is too small, and control my volume in all activities via the up/down arrows right in the middle. They are larger, and easier to get to. Any IR code can be passed through to any tactile button one wishes, and of course, you can create your own customized buttons for display in the LCD screen.
You can also change the programming from in front of the tv without having to connect the remote to your computer.
True. I will say that with my notebook on my home's wireless network, I tweak my 880 while sitting in front of my TV. But I do need to connect it to my notebook via USB.
- The Harmony's 'macros' are limited. Some people like the idea that 'watch dvd' will turn off all components other than the dvd player and then setup the recevier for dvd viewing, but what if you don't want to turn off the cable box?
I never turned off my cable box when I had one. You simply go into "devices", choose the cable box's power options, and select the 3rd radio button, stating your cable box has no power off/on controls. It will then never be turned off/on automatically. I do this for my DVD player and monitor, as I wish to control precisely when they power on (i.e., I enter x seconds pause before "power on".). I then throw in the commands "power off" for each device upon exiting (powering off) the activity.
The button layout of the HTM is easier IMO than the Harmony which to me has far too many tiny little buttons spaced too closely together.
Agreed! Though I do get used to them, and have the advantage of smallish fingers. However, it's proving very difficult for my mom in-law, whose fingers are very large.
So which do you prefer - Easy web setup that may not be exactly what you want or the ability to customize the remote how you see fit (with a bit more effort of course).
I've put significant effort into the manner in which my activities are entered, and exited, and they behave exactly as I wish. I'm sure most people don't program the 880 to the extreme I do, but the options are there if one wishes. I'm certain I've tweaked my 880 literally hundreds of time, but I'm an obsessive perfectionist!
The 'smart state' of the Harmony is for novices and offers no value in my opinion. All it does is maintain one bit for each component to track the on/off state and its help feature asks you 'is component x on or off' so it can change its internal state - great for the tech challenged babysitter but worthless for anyone else.
When I leave the activity "TiVo HD", for example, to watch a DVD, while in the middle of a TiVo'd program, I simply hit "activities", to see all activities available on my 880, then "DVD-V", and like magic, all the correct components are on/off. But the smart state feature is bypassed when telling the 880 a device has no power off/on buttons, as I have for half my components. I believe the only component I allow the 880 to automatically turn off/on via smart state is my AVR. All other components I control by telling the 880 the device has no power off/on button.