Logitech harmony universal remotes

[mikeyb]

So i wanted to get some input for these remotes. Does not matter what model you might have, though i am interested in the 890 because of the RF capabilities. or perhaps the harmony one remote. So how are they for ease of use, programming, functionality, etc. I recently have been plagued with too many friggen remotes. And some of my equipment is a pain in the a$$ because the IR beam is partially blocked. would like to cough up the dough to get one soon. Give me your opinion....good or bad.... thanks!

mike

[Jetmaker737]

I've had a harmony one for about 4 weeks now and really like it. I used to have 6 remotes to deal with. The programming was straight forward with the web-based app... just pick your devices and the remote programs itself. You can pick "activities" such as "Play CD" and it'll make it's own macro to turn on and off the necessary devices. You can also control each device separately. If you're like me you'll need to customize the touch screen menus to suit your style, but that's also quick and easy. Kind of fun to play around with. I only had to "teach" my remote one command. And that was easy too. I don't know anything about the 890 but I can recommend the H1.

[packetjones]

I have the xbox 360 harmony remote. I have had it for years and absolutely love it. At first i was not certain about it because it was hard to spend that much on a remote. But once you get it and set it up there is no going back...ever...


As mentioned before the setup is pretty easy using the pc and even allows you to still control each component separately. If there are other people in the house that use it, it is pretty easy to learn as well. My wife was very hesitant at first but once i got it setup i hid all the old remotes. She loves it now as well.

[mikeyb]

[QUOTE=packetjones;1258765]I have the xbox 360 harmony remote. I have had it for years and absolutely love it. At first i was not certain about it because it was hard to spend that much on a remote. But once you get it and set it up there is no going back...ever...


That was one of my concerns was that it would be too complicated, but if it is easy to set up as stated then seems worth while. I also love to "tinker" so i don't see that as a problem either. hahaha, ever?:)

[fatchowmein]

I've had the 880 for a few years now. Setup was easy. Custom a bit longer but not too difficult. However, it sits in a corner mostly collecting dust.

Wife doesn't care for it and I think we're both too used to our other remotes and prefer not having to look down to do something (muscle memory?). We also don't like the ergonomics and are looking at the Harmony One.

It is cool to grab one remote, hit a button, and have the right combination of equipment turned on at the correct setting.

[Sherardp]

I had the 880 and sold it for the Harmony One. If you need the RF capabilities then check out the Harmony 900. I also posted some thoughts in this thread

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86244

[wutadumsn23]

I had an 880 for about 3 years. Setup was pretty easy with the included software and walked you through it step by step. Also had options for fine tuning pretty much everything on the basic setup and that wasn't too hard to figure out either. Would recommend the 890 if you want RF though.

-Jeff

[Amherst]

Harmony remotes are OK if you do not mind giving out your personal information on a secure?/unsecure web site so logitech can accumulate a database to sell such information of what equipment you own, all for the "privilege" of being able to use the proprietary (limited) database of the product you have just purchased.

There are other fine choices.;)

Anyone else here bothered by such business practices?

[grif32]

I had the 880 and just bought the Harmony one. Harmony one is a great remote. Wife loves it, easy to use and the set-up is a breeze. It's so easy a cave man can do it. :)..

And I couldn't care less what harmony does with my equipment info.

[NotaSuv]

Harmony remotes are OK if you do not mind giving out your personal information on a secure?/unsecure web site so logitech can accumulate a database to sell such information of what equipment you own, all for the "privilege" of being able to use the proprietary (limited) database of the product you have just purchased.

There are other fine choices.;)

Anyone else here bothered by such business practices?

Nope... and I love my Harmony..owned them for years and years never a problem..what equip i own being sold to others, least of my problems, I have found their database just fine for all of the equip I have owned over the years, and then theres always the learning mode.....

[shawn474]

I have the 880 and use the ps3 remote when I need to. My wife loves the ease of use. I have had it for two years and havn't had a problem except having to use a spacer with the battery. The customer support has been good as well. Overall, I would recommend them - although I know a couple people who bought the harmony one and have since gotten rid of it.

[ryanjoachim]

Harmony remotes are OK if you do not mind giving out your personal information on a secure?/unsecure web site so logitech can accumulate a database to sell such information of what equipment you own, all for the "privilege" of being able to use the proprietary (limited) database of the product you have just purchased.

There are other fine choices.;)

Anyone else here bothered by such business practices?

Well, since 90% of equipment bought is done with a combination of online/credit cards...all that information is already out there for any company to see.

The fact that they store all my information for me, in case I need to completely start over with the remote, is something I consider a nice "feature" and not a "shady" business practice.

[bigaudiofanatic]

I love mine but as a side note my dynex tv when you hit the input button to change to another input the first time you hit the button it only brings up the inputs than after that the other times will change the actual input. The harmony remote does not understand that and I have to change the input manually because it thinks it is on the right one or hit help every time. Other than that I love it and think I will be able to fix the problem if I played around with it a bit.

My neighbor use to use the all in one remotes but I have changed him over to the harmony remotes as well. His only problem is having 2 receivers and other tvs in other rooms and having a zone 2 out on the patio.

[jflail2]

I've got a harmony one and the PS3 adaptor, so it literally controls my entire entertainment system. Macros are cake to build, and the icons for your favorite channels are a nice touch (look for the harmony forums, they have links there for channel icons for each remote.)

All in all I love it. 1 touch usage for anything now.

[Amherst]

Well, since 90% of equipment bought is done with a combination of online/credit cards...all that information is already out there for any company to see.

The fact that they store all my information for me, in case I need to completely start over with the remote, is something I consider a nice "feature" and not a "shady" business practice.

I fully realize I am in the minority on this subject with logitech fanboys, but if you are OK with the unnecessary control they place on their product that's on you. I remember before ligitech bought out harmony and it was a wonderful product you could do anything you wanted with those remotes(open database).
And they were a hell of a lot cheaper, soon after the buyout their prices skyrocketed with less features. Then they went to the web based only configuration.

What is wrong with offering the database on CD with the product and also offering the web based interface for those who want big brother, sorry, I mean it?

Also the issues bigaudiofanatic points out are all too common with their remotes and were not an issue with the advanced configuration utility of old,
which were taken away because of corporate greed. The current utility is strictly novice level.

As I stated earlier there are many fine alternatives.

[Jetmaker737]

As I stated earlier there are many fine alternatives.

Sweet... let's hear 'em.

[mikeyb]

So when you talk about entering your info online into a database is this to gather the proper code to operate your equipment, which then is programmed into the remote via USB? Forgive me but I am unfamiliar with them so it would help if someone explained. And i would also like to know what other alternatives there are that would be comparable to the Logitech remotes. I had an opportunity to get an 880 for 70 bucks, but i really wanted the 890 for RF capabilities. So then my understanding is the Harmony one doesn't have RF capabilities? I like the looks of the harmony one better than the 890. But the 890 refurbed is wayyy cheaper. I am glad to hear everyone seems to like theirs. I have gotten quite used to reading my remotes by brail in the dark. But i always love another gadget! :) And It has been lingering in my brain for a while to get one.

[wutadumsn23]

It is true that the Harmony One doesn't have RF, so if you need/want RF you will have to go with the 890. Like I said, I owned an 880 and it never let me down, until it broke, lol. I intend on getting another Harmony remote when funds allow, until then I am back to my 6 remotes on my coffee table, which my wife loves, lol.

-Jeff

[Amherst]

So when you talk about entering your info online into a database is this to gather the proper code to operate your equipment, which then is programmed into the remote via USB?

Yes, this "allows" you access to the configuration utility which is web based. And of coarse you must install their bloatware on your machine before you even start.

And i would also like to know what other alternatives there are that would be comparable to the Logitech remotes. I had an opportunity to get an 880 for 70 bucks, but i really wanted the 890 for RF capabilities. So then my understanding is the Harmony one doesn't have RF capabilities? I like the looks of the harmony one better than the 890. But the 890 refurbed is wayyy cheaper.

This would depend on a bunch of factors. Your budget, your learning curve and desire to work a configuration utility, rf or no rf, back lighting, hard keys/touchscreen, also how the unit feels in hand, what are you going to control. And you mention looks, which is another consideration.

Do you desire to spend some time to figure out a complicated utility?

Some are worse than others. Hence ligitech's "a caveman can do it" config.
Remote control code can turn into a complicated mess, but with some effort and understanding come rewards (exact control).

I am glad to hear everyone seems to like theirs. I have gotten quite used to reading my remotes by brail in the dark. But i always love another gadget! :) And It has been lingering in my brain for a while to get one.

Personally I use a Pronto TSU-9200, it does exactly what I want, when I want. Is this a perfect remote? NO! I do not believe there is one.
Do I recommend it? Yes, but it's not for joe average, set-up takes work.

There are other manufacturers to recommend, Universal Remote Controls(URC) for one, and others. I actually have a URC coming tomorrow and would be happy to post an opinion after I get to work with this model a day or two.

More on your particular requirements noted above are needed to narrow things down.

Ligitech are a popular mass marketed tool, even though they are over priced. They suit most users needs and are generally well built.

I failed to mention in prior post, there are reports on other forums of failure to charge with some of these models recently. I would do some searching if considering a purchase.

[LessisNevermore]

Sweet... let's hear 'em.

There have been several remote threads over the last couple years here. Harmony remotes are fine if you have a few components, and are ok with having your hand held the entire way. When you have a lot of gear to control, the programming starts going south quick.

The Harmony(s) also feel very light and fragile compared to other, albeit more expensive remotes. Personally, I like the URC line. There are a couple hoops to jump through to get one of the custom line models, but they are entirely worth it. The programming options are very flexible at this level of remote.

There are the Prontos, and I've heard very positive things about the RTI brand. Check out the remotecentral.com board for answers.

[WilliamM2]

Harmony remotes are OK if you do not mind giving out your personal information on a secure?/unsecure web site so logitech can accumulate a database to sell such information of what equipment you own, all for the "privilege" of being able to use the proprietary (limited) database of the product you have just purchased.

What personal information? All I needed was a valid email address, I used my Yahoo account.

As far as them knowing what equipment I own, so what? They don't know who I am, or where I live. How is that valuable information they can sell?

[MADGSF]

If I had it to do over again I would get a MX-850 instead.

I have had a Harmony One for about two years. I have never had a problem with it and it does work but there is a limit as far as customizing. I need to enter descrete codes but can't so you have to pay Logitech to add them. My new Blue Ray does not have descrete on/off codes. I know what the hex value is that will work but cannot enter it. There is another Panasonic device with the descrete code and while I can add that device I cannot select the on/off code for that device for an activity using a different player. With the MX-850 I could enter the hex code and add it the macro for that activity and be done with it.

[Amherst]

If I had it to do over again I would get a MX-850 instead.

I have had a Harmony One for about two years. I have never had a problem with it and it does work but there is a limit as far as customizing. I need to enter descrete codes but can't so you have to pay Logitech to add them. My new Blue Ray does not have descrete on/off codes. I know what the hex value is that will work but cannot enter it. There is another Panasonic device with the descrete code and while I can add that device I cannot select the on/off code for that device for an activity using a different player. With the MX-850 I could enter the hex code and add it the macro for that activity and be done with it.

Exactly!

[Amherst]

What personal information? All I needed was a valid email address, I used my Yahoo account.

Check That. The last time I had to log someone into a new account, they required name and complete address. Maybe they have since been bitched on and gave up that ratty practice, don't know, and will avoid having to find out. Not to mention they have your ip addy too!

[mikeyb]

Okay.....so it seems I have some choices to make. And as far as learning curve, I learn very quickly and am very mechanical minded, and I like to tinker with things, I also can read instructions :). As for components I have a flatscreen, AVR, bluray player, x box 360, and PVR. So it seems this may not be as many components as some have. But i am interested in investigating on the MX-850, and others on the website provided by Lessisnevermore. thanks! not really sure I like the idea of having to pay logitech for more descrete codes. Of course they have talked up these remotes sooo much. I even read they can control up to 225,000 devices? any who thanks again everyone for your input. Amherst let me know what you think of the URC when you have it all figured out, I will factor that onto my list.

[Amherst]

Amherst let me know what you think of the URC when you have it all figured out, I will factor that onto my list.

The URC are good. The review would lean toward looks, functionality and tactile feel. Also check the RTI line-up, the new sony's, and don't leave out the Pronto 9200 which can control anything. ;)

As Lessisnevermore stated remote central is your friend on this one.

[Grimster74]

Okay, being I'm a person that's owned many different remotes, many of which have been listed here, I love my Harmony One. Some of the major brands I've owned are the Pronto TSU 2000 as well as the 9500. Loved these remotes but didn't like having to look down at the remotes every time I selected a command but the coolness factor of the 9500 with it's color display gave me some bragging rights when all my friends and family came over. Programming was fairly easy with these remotes as long as you stayed with the pre-programmed graphics. I owned the URC 950 which in my opinion is probably the king of flexibility. To me, I loved the feel of this remotes in my hand as well as the sheer weight of the unit but to me, was a PITA to program if you changed or added new gear as often as I do (or did). Since owning my Harmony One, I haven't yet found any task that the One can't do compared to the other remotes I've owned. Add or change a new piece of gear you simply log on to the website, enter in your new gear, answer a few questions, download and your done.

[LessisNevermore]

.......Add or change a new piece of gear you simply log on to the website, enter in your new gear, answer a few questions, download and your done.

And that's how it's supposed to work, as long as you follow Logitech's conventions for doing things.

As soon as you start thinking of other (more efficient) ways of doing things, you'll find yourself having to "trick" the Harmony to do what you want it to do, or as is usually the case, having to rely on a Logitech employee to eventually reply to your email, and perform the fix FOR you. The latter will be your experience after the free phone support runs out after 60 days, and if that tweak didn't work....lather, rinse, repeat, until your remote works the way you want, or your patience runs out.

I started out with a URC, then tried a Harmony. After a couple months, I gave the Harmony to my FIL, who has 3 components to control, and it works great...for him. I bought a URC MX-880, and love it.

[polkatese]

Okay, being I'm a person that's owned many different remotes, many of which have been listed here, I love my Harmony One. Some of the major brands I've owned are the Pronto TSU 2000 as well as the 9500. Loved these remotes but didn't like having to look down at the remotes every time I selected a command but the coolness factor of the 9500 with it's color display gave me some bragging rights when all my friends and family came over. Programming was fairly easy with these remotes as long as you stayed with the pre-programmed graphics. I owned the URC 950 which in my opinion is probably the king of flexibility. To me, I loved the feel of this remotes in my hand as well as the sheer weight of the unit but to me, was a PITA to program if you changed or added new gear as often as I do (or did). Since owning my Harmony One, I haven't yet found any task that the One can't do compared to the other remotes I've owned. Add or change a new piece of gear you simply log on to the website, enter in your new gear, answer a few questions, download and your done.

Glad you like your ONE, I just got mine this week, still tweaking it as I typed. Is there a rule-of-thumb in adjusting the delay? So far so good but I have this nagging feeling that it could be better. I wish there is a database of sort of all the gears and its best settings to adjust those three components of delay setting.

[del44]

I've had my Harmony One about a month now. I've never owned a universal remote before this one. I used to have about 6 or 7 remotes on the arm of my chair because I was always intimidated about getting a all-in-one remote. I figured setting one up would be a pita. But, I really like the flexibility I have with the Harmony. And it's pretty easy to program. I'm running 9 devices with 10 different activities. I like to be able to go on the computer and change different things and fine tune. I'm sure there's better out there. But I'm happy with what I got.