Looking for a Universal Remote [Text View]

orangeboy

05-19-2009, 09:44 PM

I agree about with the consensus about the Harmony. I have a 628 that keeps the "peanutty" shape and is insanely flexible relating to programming. There are 6 buttons that can be programmed for any device function, plus a "next" button that allows a new "page" of functions to be programmed for the same 6 buttons.

For example, when I press "Watch TV" (another dedicated button on the remote), my TV is turned on and tuned to the HDMI-1 interface, my S3 is brought out of Standby, my audio receiver is powered and tuned to the appropriate input, and the following functions are presented on the programmable buttons:
o Replay Advance o
o Tivo Live TV o
o PC PC Return o (Switches the TV input to RGB & HDMI-1)

When I hit the "next" button, I have these functions programmed to the 6 buttons:
o Info List o
o Clear Frame Advance o
o Thumbs Down Thumbs Up o

These functions work for me. I've been thinking about adding PIP control onto a third page, but haven't decided if it's a priority. You can create more "Activities" based on what you want to do. I have: "Watch Cable OnDemand", "Play XBox Game", "Play Wii Game", "Digital Music", "Work on Computer", "Watch Tivo SD", "Watch Tivo HD", "Watch DVD", "Listen to Radio" activities, besides the 3 dedicated activity buttons "Watch a Movie", "Watch TV" and "Listen to Music". Each Activity has it's own set of programmable buttons if you want them.

That 1 remote controls 5 devices, and is the ONLY remote in my living room. I gave my RadioShack 8-in-1/Kameleon remote away (a very nice remote itself) after getting the Harmony. It's a great remote.

twhiting9275

05-19-2009, 09:57 PM

I was looking at the Harmony 880, but I have heard mixed reviews. Does anyone have any suggestions? I also use thumbs up/down often - so would want that to work also.

Stay away from the 880, it's a bit old, it's had numerous problems syncing to the charger itself. I noticed this after a couple months, my dad (who suggested the remote to me) as well, and CNet has noticed the same.

The buttons are not placed together well, the remote feels small. It's an excellent low end "all in one", but it just doesn't cut it.

I've had all the Harmony 800 series remotes. button placement is not good. Look at the "Harmony One" if ergonomics are important to you.
The Harmony One is an excellent upgrade to the 880, which resolves all the issues that I and others have noticedwith the 800 (and earlier) series. The Harmony One is just stunning, has all the features of the 800s, and what you'd expect from an upgrade.

I'm not 100% sold on the "touchscreen" bit to the display, because I've got big fingers, BUT the thing is great. Just like its younger relative, the remote controls everything that can possibly be controlled by an IR remote.

rick4523

05-19-2009, 11:21 PM

Stay away from the 880, it's a bit old, it's had numerous problems syncing to the charger itself. I noticed this after a couple months, my dad (who suggested the remote to me) as well, and CNet has noticed the same.

The buttons are not placed together well, the remote feels small. It's an excellent low end "all in one", but it just doesn't cut it.

The Harmony One is an excellent upgrade to the 880, which resolves all the issues that I and others have noticedwith the 800 (and earlier) series. The Harmony One is just stunning, has all the features of the 800s, and what you'd expect from an upgrade.

I'm not 100% sold on the "touchscreen" bit to the display, because I've got big fingers, BUT the thing is great. Just like its younger relative, the remote controls everything that can possibly be controlled by an IR remote.

I played with the harmony one today at Fry's. It's nice, and slim, but didn't feel as good as the peanut tivo remote. Is there a remote that has buttons placed the same as, and feels as same as, the tivo remote? I wish it had lots of functions and I would use it - it just feels really good in my hand.

twhiting9275

05-19-2009, 11:33 PM

rick4523

05-19-2009, 11:36 PM

I think you'll find that's probably a patented design and you won't find any other remotes like it, much like the Logitech remotes.

Most remotes, you'll notice are rectangular, or flat. The only ones I know of that aren't, that are more designed for the hand are the Tivo remotes, and the logitech ones. Even the 880 felt "good", it just was too small and the button placement wasn't ideal for me.

You can patent a shape. Many of the logitech ones are shapped like that. The 600 series is close to it.

What about using the Glo remote? Doesn't it do Macros? (turn on my tv, and reciever at the same time?)

caddyroger

05-19-2009, 11:39 PM

I have the 880 remote and and thinks it great. You have to be carefull when charging you have to make it make contact before leaving it.

twhiting9275

05-19-2009, 11:42 PM

You have to be carefull when charging you have to make it make contact before leaving it.
And hope like hell the wind doesn't blow the wrong way ;)
After a year or two of serious use though, I found the 880's buttons didn't function well, stuck together so much it wasn't funny.

It's a great remote, when it works, and it MAY have the ergonomics (??) you're looking for, but I wouldn't rely on it.

The button layout is very close to the Tivo layout, though (obviously) not exactly the same.

gweempose

05-19-2009, 11:42 PM

Have you looked at URC's R50? The price is reasonable, and it offers a lot of flexibility. The only thing it's really missing is RF capability.

http://universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=158

rick4523

05-19-2009, 11:45 PM

No I haven't - I've never even heard of that brand. Are they decent?

caddyroger

05-19-2009, 11:51 PM

And hope like hell the wind doesn't blow the wrong way ;)
After a year or two of serious use though, I found the 880's buttons didn't function well, stuck together so much it wasn't funny.

It's a great remote, when it works, and it MAY have the ergonomics (??) you're looking for, but I wouldn't rely on it.

The button layout is very close to the Tivo layout, though (obviously) not exactly the same.

So far after a 11/2 years no problem with the buttons. I only have be careful when charging.
I have mind activities setup for my tv, TiVo, Comcast box and BLU-RAY player. I also use it to control a amp and lights so it get a work out every night.

orangeboy

05-20-2009, 12:34 AM

http://www.remotecentral.com/index.html

rvahoviak

05-20-2009, 01:01 AM

I use the One For All Universal remote. It has the thumbs up/down and all the other tivo functions. It only cost around $15. Very happy with it.

oneforall.co.uk/us_US/product/82/urc6131n

gweempose

05-20-2009, 01:16 AM

I've never even heard of that brand. Are they decent?Universal Remote Control (aka URC) is one of the big players in the remote control market. They've been at it a long time, and they make a quality product. The R50 is part of their consumer line of remotes, and I'm pretty sure they carry it at Best Buy. They also make a bunch of higher end models aimed at the custom install market.

As orangeboy already pointed out, Remote Central is where you want to go when researching remotes. Daniel runs a top-notch site where you'll find a wealth of useful information, product reviews, etc... There is also a forum there where people will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Incidentally, here is a link to Daniel's review of the R50:

http://www.remotecentral.com/reviews/urc_r50/index.html

fire100

05-20-2009, 06:24 AM

I have both the Harmony 880 and the one. The cool thing about the Harmony One, is you can have color labels for your favorite channels. The only neat thing is the graphic for the thumbs up and down are colored by default just like on the original remote.

SugarBowl

05-20-2009, 12:54 PM

The harmony 680 was my favorite before I replaced it with a harmony One.

I'm not sure if you can still find the 680 any more. It felt very much like the tivo peanut remote.

twhiting9275

05-20-2009, 12:57 PM

I'm not sure if you can still find the 680 any more. It felt very much like the tivo peanut remote.
You can, here (http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Universal-Remote-Control/dp/B000623HE8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1242838596&sr=8-1) , there's even a few of the earlier 600 series available for purchase still.

bubba1972

05-20-2009, 01:16 PM

The Harmony One is worth every penny. Best Buy will price match what you find at Buy.com

titsataki

05-20-2009, 01:51 PM

I have 3 harmony remotes two 890's with RF and one 880. They all work fine and make life A LOT easier. My in laws have a URC remotes and they seem to be ok as well.

cheers

Nick

rick4523

05-20-2009, 03:41 PM

So out of all of these (670, 680, 690, Harmony One, etc)

Would you go with the 880? Do you think 880 is the best of all of these? Does it "feel" like the TiVo one ?

bkdtv

05-20-2009, 03:55 PM

So out of all of these (670, 680, 690, Harmony One, etc)

Would you go with the 880? Do you think 880 is the best of all of these? Does it "feel" like the TiVo one ?I would not. The button feel / feedback on the 880/890 is not good at all. The Harmony One is superior in this regard.

My remote rankings:

(1) Harmony One
(2) URC MX-980
(3) URC MX-900
(4) URC MX-880
(4) URC Digital R50 (shop around! can be had as low as $65)
(7) Harmony 720
(8) Harmony 620 / 670
(9) Harmony 880
(10) URC R7 (as low as $25)

In terms of remote design and feel, the MX-980 is #1 by a good margin. In terms of value, I would rank the URC R7 ($25) at the top, followed closely by the URC R50 ($70) and Harmony 620 ($80-$100). If you can find the Harmony 620 for under $70, I would rate that as the top value.

In terms of ease of setup and configuration, the Harmony remotes are in a league of their own. You can fully configure the Harmony with separate activities for TiVo, a DVD / Blu-ray player, and a separate media or music player (all with discrete IR codes) in 20-30 minutes total. It takes anywhere from two to twelve hours to create a comparable setup with the URC remotes.

Setup in the Harmony software is performed by answering simple questions, such as:

"What input on your TV does the TiVo use?"
"Do you control your TiVo's volume using the TV or A/V receiver?"
"What input on your A/V receiver does the TiVo use?"

The Harmony software uses your answers to automatically setup each activity. Each activity uses discrete IR codes to turn on the appropriate device and switch to the appropriate input, so there's never a need to manually turn on devices or switch between different inputs.

orangeboy

05-20-2009, 04:45 PM

I don't know. After looking at the shapes, prices, and button layouts, I still think the Harmony 628 beat all of those. eBay has them (new) starting at $39.00, with a couple "Buy it now's" at $45.00.

rick4523

05-20-2009, 04:47 PM

I don't know. After looking at the shapes, prices, and button layouts, I still think the Harmony 628 beat all of those. eBay has them (new) starting at $39.00, with a couple "Buy it now's" at $45.00.

On that unit where is the play buttons, and what do you use for the thumb up and down.

Mr Flippant

05-20-2009, 04:54 PM

I have a 676 and an 880. I like the 676 better but I have had it a lot longer. It is a bit smaller than the tivo peanut but I can do everything on a button and it feels natural in my hand. I use the A and B buttons for :up: and :down: and it works great.

The 880 looks very nice and the cradle is a gem (no sync problem with me. The buttons are smooth and I can't quite get the touch feel of them comfortably and I dislike the volume, channel, mute an prev keys placement and feel.

If anyone has a spare H One lying around I would love to test drive it... :cool:

Stephen Tu

05-20-2009, 04:55 PM

My rankings are:
1. Harmony One (but $$$)
2. Harmony 670/620
3. Harmony 610 (limit 5 devices, 610/620 found at Target)
5. Harmony 720 (cool color LCD/rechargeable battery, but buttons are a little too small. I use 720 at home but only because it came out before 670. I prefer the 670 I programmed for my mother.)
6. URC R50 (don't like size of FF/REW keys, also major defect of not having computer programmability, which sucks if the built-in database happens to be missing discrete power or input commands for your equipment)

The other URC MX-* that bkdtv recommends are excellent but don't offer good value IMO vs. the Harmony One, being 50%+ more expensive.

bkdtv

05-20-2009, 04:56 PM

On that unit where is the play buttons, and what do you use for the thumb up and down.The 628 is the same as the Harmony's original remote design. The record, pause, play, and stop buttons are all positioned below the cursor controls. The fast forward and rewind buttons are positioned above the cursor controls.

The Harmony 628 does not have buttons for menu, replay, 30sec skip, or thumbs +/-. It was never intended as a DVR remote. Now, you can add those buttons to the monochrome LCD, but those buttons require you to look down at the remote and use a second hand.

rick4523

05-20-2009, 04:59 PM

I see so many people like the harmony one, but I just don't like the fit, it doesn't feel like the tivo remote at all to me. Not sure why everyone likes it so much. (although it does look cool)

CuriousMark

05-20-2009, 05:12 PM

I have a Harmony 670 and like it. It is my first universal remote, so I can't offer any kind of comparison, but it does the job, the button layout is fine for DVR use, it has ^ and v buttons that function fine as thumbs up and thumbs down. The placement and feel are not the same as a TiVo remote, but it is closer than many others I have seen picture of. I like the shape and feel better than any other remote I have with the exception of the TiVo remote. I think the buttons are a bit small and crowded, but not so much that it I would avoid using it.

bkdtv

05-20-2009, 05:18 PM

I see so many people like the harmony one, but I just don't like the fit, it doesn't feel like the tivo remote at all to me. Not sure why everyone likes it so much. (although it does look cool)If you decide that you want fast+easy setup with discrete IR codes, then Harmony remotes are your only option. The Harmony One isn't perfect, but it's easily the best of their available choices. Why?

Buttons are as large as you'll find on a Harmony remote; other Harmony remotes feature smaller buttons that are difficult to find and use by feel. Try more Harmony remotes and you'll see what I mean.

Button feedback may not be as good as the Harmony 670/676, but it's much, much better than the Harmony 880/890. Try those Harmony remotes and you'll see what I mean.

It has buttons for replay and 30sec skip. Some Harmony remotes like the 628 do not.

It has separate up/down buttons that can be used for Thumbs +/-. Many Harmony remotes do not.

Many here have used multiple Harmony remotes before settling on the One.

In the ideal world, Harmony would offer their own version of the MX-980 for less than $200. However, until that happens, the Harmony One is the best of the available choices when you take all of the above into account.

If you don't want to spend $180 on a remote, then take a look at the Harmony 620 / 670. The buttons on this model are smaller and more difficult to locate without looking down, but they have a much better feel than the Harmony 880/890.

gbrown

05-20-2009, 05:25 PM

I have always used Universal remotes. BUT, I decided to try the Harmony One after seeing one at a friends house.

The downside of the Universal is programming. One needs to really understand what they are doing to get all the sequences correct. It took me a long time two years ago to get the remote to work. There were a lot of issues with the Sony codes for toggling vs. the codes for single ops like "on" and "off".

The downside of the Harmony One is price. The upside was ease of setup. I recently switched to the Harmony One and was amazed! Everything was setup and customized within 24 hours. They got it right.

What is your time worth?

Sy-

05-20-2009, 05:56 PM

I have a "One" in my loft that I use for simple tv watching. I have to use a 890 in my main living room where the actual home theater is because I need the RF/Z-Wave functionality to turn on and off the power to my subs. In a perfect world the Harmony One would have z-wave functionality. Till it does i'm stuck with the POS 890.

trussrules

05-20-2009, 08:55 PM

I have the Harmony 670 and I hate it! At least for me, the vital buttons for the TiVo (Play/Pause, Fast Forward, Rewind) are too small and awkwardly positioned. Even after almost two years I have to look down at the remote to know what I am pushing. I actually a couple of weeks ago decided I'd had enough and bought the TiVo Glo remote. It is the best remote for the TiVo. I still use the Harmony for my DVD player and my Apple TV, but you really can't beat the TiVo remote layout.

tombonneau

05-20-2009, 09:01 PM

I see so many people like the harmony one, but I just don't like the fit, it doesn't feel like the tivo remote at all to me. Not sure why everyone likes it so much. (although it does look cool)

We like it because it is the best remote you can buy. :)

Honestly, you asked what remote you should get, and an overwhelming number of people are steering you to the Harmony One. What does that tell you?

Hey, if you don't like the shape, you don't like the shape. Personally, I think it fits perfectly in my hand. I was skeptical spending that much on a remote, but it has made me happier than any other gadget I have bought in a long time.

My only criticism is that the USB cover on mine comes loose occasionally. But I love the remote so much that I'm able to overlook it as an endearing character flaw.

oddlycalm

05-20-2009, 09:45 PM

I see so many people like the harmony one, but I just don't like the fit, it doesn't feel like the tivo remote at all to me. (although it does look cool)
I felt the same way at first but after nearly a year with the Harmony One I actually find that I like it better than the TiVo remote. Not as much of a stretch to the TiVo central button. I made a few edits from that standard H1 layout that suited me better along the way.

Programming the H1 is reasonably easy and I currently have five sources. One of the things I like is that the device library is so big. I have Linn audio components which are rare in North America yet I was able to find a template for the H1 and edited from there.

The H1 is also wife and daughter approved which is a first for any universal remote that I've bought. We've had a home theater since 1990 so we've seen a few come and go.

oc

webstertduck

05-20-2009, 10:18 PM

I have the Harmony 670 and love it.

orangeboy

05-20-2009, 10:31 PM

The Harmony 628 does not have buttons for menu, replay, 30sec skip, or thumbs +/-. It was never intended as a DVR remote. Now, you can add those buttons to the monochrome LCD, but those buttons require you to look down at the remote and use a second hand.

It may never have been intended to be a DVR remote, but it certainly performs all of the functions of one! And actually it does have buttons for info, menu, replay, 30 second skip, and thumbs up/down - they're just not programmed yet ;)

You may need to look down when first getting used to the remote, but you will never need a second hand to use it. I would very well imagine that you may need to look down using the One as well. I never look down anymore unless I'm doing something with an alternate device.

Here's a side-by-side of the 628 & 670:
http://www.bigpicturebigsound.com/artman2/uploads/1/h_new_old.jpg,

some of the other models (which I don't think I'd like because of button layout):
http://rocketslc.mindphone.org/tc/harmony_6XX_comparison.jpg,

and the One (never used, cannot opine):
http://img.hexus.net/v2/internationalevents/ces2008/nick/harm_large_1.jpg.

How does the One handle thumbs up/down?

bkdtv

05-20-2009, 10:46 PM

How does the One handle thumbs up/down?For thumbs up/down, you can use the up/down button between menu|exit and info|guide. Alternatively, you can add the thumbs up/down buttons to the LCD, as seen in the screenshots below.

I put the Now Playing list on the MENU button, because that is what I use 90% of the time. I stick the TiVo button on the LCD since I don't use that often. If you don't know how to do that, see the Using TiVo link in my signature.

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm314/ilovehdtv/Other/Harmony/harmonytivo2.jpg

Here's an older screenshot:

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm314/ilovehdtv/Other/Harmony/3.jpg

JimboG

05-20-2009, 10:55 PM

I love my Harmony One remote! Sure, for the price it ought to include RF controls in addition to IR.

Truth be told, I think the ergonomics on the TiVo Glo remote actually are better than the Harmony One. However, I can't control my Oppo-83 Blu-Ray player, Epson 1080 front projector, Sony outboard FM / HD radio tuner, XBox 360 and other devices with my TiVo remote.

The Harmony One controls all of the devices in my home theater and is sufficiently customizable. I can set up activity based single button macros that are simple enough that my in-laws can use my home theater when they are visiting and I'm at work. More importantly, even at the list price of $250, the Harmony is far cheaper than an hour or two of a divorce lawyer's time! The Harmony One remote might be the best "marital aid" ever invented, if you want to use the term in a non-euphamistic sense.:D

cherry ghost

05-21-2009, 12:00 AM

I'm sure some have these already, but you can get great icons for the Harmony One here

http://www.iconharmony.com/icons/watchtv?category=harmonyOne

gweempose

05-21-2009, 01:25 AM

I'm going to go against the grain here and say that I don't particularly care for any of the Harmony remotes. It's not that I think they're bad per se, they're just not my cup of tea. I'm one of those people who likes to tweak every aspect of my remote configuration, and the Harmony's wizard style programming just doesn't offer me enough flexibility. That's why I tend to gravitate towards URC's Complete Control Series (http://universalremote.com/pro/products.php). Yes, it takes way more time to program these remotes, but I don't mind. In fact, I find the whole process to be quite a fun challenge. And the bottom line is that once you have it all configured, you're good to go for a long time. It's not as if you have to re-program the thing every week.

It's also very important to me that a remote have good ergonomics. The buttons should be reasonably large, logically grouped, and differently shaped so that they are easy to access by feel. This is another area where I feel URC remotes excel. In my opinion, the best remote I have ever used from an ergonomic standpoint is URC's MX-880:

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/1082/mx880.jpg (http://img30.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mx880.jpg)

What I love about this remote is how well laid out it is. The buttons also have a nice tactile feel, and the thing just feels great in your hand. Incidentally, if you happen to like the layout of the MX-880 but are looking for something with wizard style programming, URC makes the MX-810 (http://universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=128).

Given all the praise I have just heaped upon the MX-880, you would assume that it's my favorite remote. Actually, it's not. That honor goes to URC's phenomenal MX-980:

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/5166/mx980.jpg (http://img33.imageshack.us/my.php?image=mx980.jpg)

The thing is a bitch to program, but it offers an unbelievable amount of flexibility for controlling complex setups. With a remote such as this, you are basically only limited by your imagination. That being said, I still think the MX-880 has superior ergonomics. :)

bkdtv

05-21-2009, 01:49 AM

No question the MX-980/MX-900/MX-880 are the best ergonomic designs available.

It's unfortunate that URC can't seem to come up with setup software comparable to what Harmony offers. I had the MX-810 briefly before I got the Harmony One, and while the design was superior, its "wizard" software was bug-ridden and not comparable at all to the Harmony software in usability or simplicity. Perhaps it has matured since then, but from what I last read over on the Remote Central boards, they've still got a ways to go before they can compete with Harmony in ease of setup.

twhiting9275

05-21-2009, 04:22 AM

I'm one of those people who likes to tweak every aspect of my remote configuration, and the Harmony's wizard style programming just doesn't offer me enough flexibility.
If you like "tweaking" your remote's configuration, nothing in a "wizard" will do that for you at all. A wizard is for a quick setup of the remote, to get functionality in, nothing more.

The Harmony One remote can do a LOT of tweaking configuration, very very easily. I actually spend a few minutes when I setup new apps for the remote (watch tv, etc) to customize them how I like them, and it has never, ever let me down.

Chris Gerhard

05-21-2009, 04:54 AM

I have the Harmony One and it is the only Harmony remote I have ever owned. It is too expensive but it works great and if it lasts for ten years, I will be happy with the purchase. I use it for my secondary system but as I have for years, I use an inexpensive UEI remote for my main system programmed by JP1. I am using a UEI Radio Shack 15-2104 for the main system, purchased about 6 years ago at a closeout price of $10 and it controls everything, is durable and powerful. Almost any of the UEI One-For-All JP1 programmable remote controls are as good as or better than this one. Programming using JP1 isn't nearly as easy as the Harmony system but I like the price and plan to just stay with UEI remote controls.

I purchased the Harmony One to see if it was so good that I would give up using inexpensive remote controls and the answer is I won't, although the Harmony One is even better than I thought it would be. I have several back up UEI JP1 remotes purchased at great prices and I expect I will continue to use UEI remotes for many more years. If someone is on a tight budget for their remote but wants to be able to control everything, I am sure UEI makes a remote that can be configured by the JP1 process to do the job.

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/

Chris

gweempose

05-21-2009, 12:01 PM

Logitech could easily get me to abandon URC. All they would have to do is build a Harmony with built-in Squeezebox control. I have Squeezeboxes all over my house, and it would be great not to have to use a separate remotes to control them.

mmcgown

05-25-2009, 09:36 PM

I've read most of this thread and can only tell you about the 880, which I've used for several years. It does feel very close to the TiVo peanut, and that's why I like it.

It has all the flaws people have mentioned--but every remote I've ever used has had flaws. The biggest obstacle for me was the awful website design for programming it--but that would be true of all the Harmony products.

The battery contact problem, if you experience it, can be solved with a small heavy object placed on the screen--I know it sounds stupid to buy something and then have to repair it, but for $89, it's a good deal. I paid close to $200 when it was new. I don't know where you'll buy it, but I'm a firm believer in 30-day return privileges.