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Jul 05
OK, I’ve chanced across an Amazon gift certificate I forgot I had. Yay! So I’m seriously thinking about the universal remote for my new home theater.
Right now, I’m leaning towards the Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote, pictured at right.
But I know they also have a Harmony 880 remote, that’s slightly more expensive, but has a better screen.
There’s also a Harmony 670 model and other brands, all together. I know we’ve talked about a couple of these in the past, but which ones have you all had experience with?
I have to use a TiVo, a cable DVR, a DVD player, and the TV, itself. In the future, there’ll be a surround sound system, as well.
What would you do? I’m trying to keep this under $100, which I know the 550 model is. But I’m willing to look at something completely different, if you have a strong recommendation.
Jul 05, 2007 @ 12:55:26
I have the Remote Commander by Sony. Was initially happy with it, but not so much anymore.
I have heard nothing but good reviews of the last several iterations of the the Harmony. Plus, it’s net-updatable. That makes it more friendly than the sony. I’ve actually gone back to using multiple remotes over the commander.
Jul 05, 2007 @ 14:07:31
My brother also has the Remote Commander by Sony and can’t stand it, especially when he comes over and uses my Harmony 659. I wouldn’t recommend the 659 now, though since the 880 has a rechargeable docking station (vs. batteries for the 659), plus it’s color lcd screen is a nice touch. Not sure of the 550…last year the 880 could be had for as little as $110 after rebate. A quick check today shows $125 (plus S&H) or $144 via Amazon (which probably isn’t bad after deducting your gift cert).
Before I ripped all my cd’s to mp3, I loved the Harmony’s ability to control my cd jukebox. The media button allowed me to search on group then on album title, hit the button and that disc would play, much nicer than trying to remember which disc was in which slot.
I have yet to find a device that my Harmony couldn’t master, although I think all universal remotes have problems with equipment that doesn’t have discrete on/off or input selectors (i.e., tv’s that force you to scroll through the inputs to get to HDMI vs. component input 3 vs. cable input). Luckily Sony (at least 3 years ago) has discrete input selection.
Jul 05, 2007 @ 19:05:11
I have no complaints at all about this:
http://tinyurl.com/2aj5w6
Inexpensive, easy to use, controls for 10 components and 20 special functions per component (”special” meaning aside from “play,” “stop,” “left,” “right,” “enter,” etc., since those functions are on the main body), easily programmable (either through codes or through the learning function), optional backlighting (as opposed to ever-on backlighting), rewritable display screen.
Whatever you do, get a remote with a rewritable display screen. You want to be able to type in “TiVo” for your “TiVo” button, and not have to remember which preset button you’ve assigned “TiVo” to.
Jul 06, 2007 @ 01:57:14
I have the Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote and it couldn’t be better. If you have a 360, you should get the one with the extra “360″ buttons though. I can’t stand the look of the 880 or 670. Its supposed to be ergonomic, but it just looks uncomfortable and odd. Give me a nice rectangular remote anyday.
Jul 10, 2007 @ 08:19:20
Augie, I recently upgraded from a Harmony 676 to a a 880 ($129.99 brand new on eBay with free shipping) and couldn’t be more pleased. The color screen is a nice touch. The remote has a nice tilt sensor feature so whenever you pick up the remote, the screen automatically comes to life. The buttons have a nice satifying “click” to them. I know it is a little higher than what you are looking for, but I definitely think it is well worth it. The rechargable battery and docking station is also a definite plus. After having a Harmony for a few years, I could never buy another brand remote. One button truly does it all! And if you do not get the 880, the 550 should be a good choice.
The Harmony is programmed through a special website or downloadable program (which connects to the same database the website connects to). Almost all the codes for devices are already in their database, but if something isn’t there, it is very easy to learn the function from your old remote. Also, the controls are customizable and you can change the labels on the LCD very easily.
Jul 10, 2007 @ 08:23:33
Oh, one more thing Augie. The Harmony software works VERY well on Mac. When I was programming both of my parents Harmony remotes, I used their Mac and had no problems whatsoever. I did find that using the software was a little easier than just using the website on the Mac, but overall the process was painless!
Jul 10, 2007 @ 16:39:01
Thanks, Josh, that’s all very helpful. I’ll definitely keep the 880 in mind, too, if the Amazon points add up quickly enough. It’d be nice not to have to worry about stocking up on more batteries. And that web programmability, in either case, is a big draw for me. Glad to hear it plays nice with the Mac.