Need new remote--suggestions please!

[JUC]

Okay, I need a new remote that can control my MVP, TV and receiver. I don't want to get a real expensive ($200) remote. Any thoughts? I was thinking of getting one that has true 'learning' capabilities--where i can point my old remotes at the new one and it will learn each individual buttons (as opposed to upgrading the software in the remote ala JP1 style. Can the Harmony's learn the codes by just pointing the device at them? I understand I might have to manually press each key but whatever. I have also had problems locating a correct code for my receiver so that feature would be helpful if none of the codes work.
Thanks
JUC

[kpsmith]

I've been pretty happy with the low end sony learning remotes as I do not like LCD touchscreen remotes. Check out the Sony RM-VL710 review at remotecentral.com. Theres a bunch of others you can look through as well.

I've have the RM-VL700 and VL900. Both have been real good to me except for the button labels coming off after a few years of heavy use. Supposedly this has been fixed for the VL710.

http://www.remotecentral.com/vl710/index.html

[pjwerdna]

I'd definitely reccommend a logitech Harmony (see signature)

The only thing about them I dont like is that the configuration is internet based. But thats only required for initial setup of changes so I can live with it.

Logitech did have details of my Scan DVD player and Panasonic TV , which was a nice supprise. I've a 6in1 (OK, but limited buttons) and an original Cameleon (designer crap, eats batteries) and neither knew about the DVD player or the TV.

The 'Watch DVD" and "Play Mudisc" etc buttons are very nice. One button to turn on the DVD player, set the scart to the DVD input, turn on the surround sound amp and switch the TV to the SCART input is hard to beat

[dbfresh23]

I just got a Harmony 688 for a system i'm putting together for a friend. I am very very impressed with it already. It was a breeze to setup and actually works like it should so far. Not all Harmony models are able to learn, though this one is. I really like the fact that I push the "watch tv" button and it does all the background work like turn on tv, set to correct input on tv and receiver. I guess it's a bit early for me to be recommending it since i litterally just got it today, but as far as first impressions go this thing is looking really nice.

[gplasky]

I have the Logitech Harmony 520. $99. It also learns and works really well. It is task oriented so pushing 1 button will turn on everything it needs to and sets it to the correct input.

Gerry

[JUC]

thanks all, i think i am going to go with the harmony. I was able to verify they have the codes for my components on their website so that is nice. Not sure which one yet. Any preferences between the 659, 680, and 676

i don't see too many difference so any input on those would be great.
Thanks
JUC


edit: one more question--how does the harmony determine which component is active? Say i have it set up to turn on my TV, switch my receiver input to X, and turn on my MVP all by pressing the TV button. Once i do that--will it know that I want all my buttons to control the MVP at that time? Are there dedicated buttons for each device?
Thankss

[dbfresh23]

They have something they call "Smart State Technology" - They remember the changes they REMOTE has made, if you do something manually it will not know that you did it. I would say just go with the one that has a button layout that you like most, though if you need the learning function the only one of those three that clearly states that it has it is the 659.

[JUC]

i noticed that about the learning functions--but i wouldn't think that upgraded models would trip this feature from the product. I think due to price i am leaning towards the 659 anyway.
JUC

[gplasky]

Check out the buttons on them. The 659 doesn't have skip forward/backward buttons. They have FFW and REW. The other models have all the media buttons. That's why I went with the 520. $99, all the buttons you need and actually fits better in everyone's hand. You're not missing anything from the other models either.

Gerry

[dkardatzke]

I'll throw my two sense in hear as well. I use the Home Theater Master remotes throughout my house. The MX-500 is a great universal remote and the MX-850 is great if you are looking for a RF solution. They also have a few others as well depending on how many components you need to control.

[Kanati]

I've had 10 dollar remotes... and I've had 700 dollar remotes... What am I using for my sage box right now?

My Tivo series 2 remote. It's still one of the nicest remotes to use day in and day out of any I've owned.

Kanati

[starvoise]

Just to let everybody know that the Hrmony 520 is on sale AR for $79 at Sears.com.

[dbfresh23]

Actually that's $74.99 - but ends Saturday!

[Jesse]

Home Theater Master MX-700. True learning remote. PC progamable with MANY popular components already in the software database. Not cheap but still a bargain at $159.00 at http://www.surfremotecontrol.com/store/mx-700.html.

This baby is the true secret to high waf.

Jesse

[dvd_maniac]

I would like to replace my Hauppauge 45 button remotes on my clients, just to eliminate the need for the USB2 device and the need for my TV/Cable remote. The problem is that I like the Hauppauge's ability to control any application. I have it setup to control Sage, Zoomplayer, ShowTime and Winamp.
Can the Harmony remotes operate other applications and be totally customizable in doing it? IE: utilize any hotkey the Application might have?

[gplasky]

The Harmony can use the Hauppauge remote codes so as far as your PC is concerned it IS a Hauppauge 45 button remote. But it is just a remote. No receiver. It uses your existing receiver whatever it is. I'm not sure what USB2 device you're trying to eliminate.

Gerry

[stanger89]

Harmony setup question for ya. I'm looking at getting a harmony (probably the 360 version) I've gone through the "Test Drive" on the website. Have any of you done that, and how closely does it match what I'd see if/when I actually get a Harmony? Is there anything disabled? How do you assign individual buttons?

It looks promising overall, but for the price of the remotes, I want more configurability than what the Test Drive shows.

[ben_95sl1]

I've been extremely pleased with my cheap old school radio shack 15-2116 remote...it has learning, backlight, but its the JP1 that makes it great. I don't know if they still sell it though. Its big with decent sized buttons so you can easily find buttons by feel without looking at it, which is what I hate about my smaller one-for-all remote. I thought touchscreens would be the future, but finding physical buttons without looking at it is far better, IMHO....even though its not as cool.