How to set up Harmony Remote and USB-UIRT for SageTV

[jamesnw]

I have spent the last 4 hours straight searching Google, every forum, and various Logitech websites and I am quickly losing hope. I have a Panasonic PT-AE900U projector connected to my HTPC via DVI/HDMI, SageTV running on the HTPC with a USB-UIRT transceiver, and a Pioneer VSX-816 connected to the HTPC via S/PDIF.

Here are the ultimate questions which I can NOT find the answer to on the entire Internet:

1) Which device should be chosen from the Logitech Harmony database in order to allow every button on the remote to be assigned to a unique IR code WITHOUT requiring an old remote control to manually program buttons?

2) When this device is added, how do I create activities such as "Play DVD" using this device? (When I have tried with PVR devices it says I have no devices that support DVD playback.)

My problem is the configuration interface for the Harmony is WAY too simplified and does not allow me to manually pick devices for each activity... at least I have not been able to. For example, when I added a PlayStation 2 it would FORCE that device to be my DVD player for the DVD activity and it would not let me remove it! This is driving me mad . I have read almost everything there is so far about this remote control and everyone else seems to have no problem getting this to work so I doubt I am that far off.

[lovingHDTV]

I assume you want to play the DVD using SageTV? The way I do this is to just use my watchSageTV activity then use the remote to navigate inside Sage to play the DVD.

Another way is to add a DVD player to your list of equipment and set it up to run SageTV also. Then on the power on sequence for this DVD player you can go directly to the DVD menu within Sage. I've found that most DVD players allow access to the largest number of buttons.

[delgross]

1) Which device should be chosen from the Logitech Harmony database in order to allow every button on the remote to be assigned to a unique IR code WITHOUT requiring an old remote control to manually program buttons?

I apologize if this is a bit obtuse as I am not in front of my setup. I chose Sage as my pvr. Then you are given the opportunity to reprogram some of the keys. All of the main keys already have IR codes associted with them (at least when I did it) Depening upon the remote ( I have an 890) There is a screen to which you can assign more keys. You assign a key and then choose one of the available keys to map to it. They provide several unused keys which have IR codes associated with them.

2) When this device is added, how do I create activities such as "Play DVD" using this device? (When I have tried with PVR devices it says I have no devices that support DVD playback.)

As per my confusion above you can assign a DVD function to one of the soft keys. Or you can pick anykey on the remote. Just go into Sage under detailed setup.... assign keystrokes or something like that. Find the sage command that will jump to the dvd menu.... and teach sage that key on the remote.

[jamesnw]

Thanks guys. I think I understand what I have to do now. If I still have problems I will try to respond in a more civilized manner

[Polypro]

The new Harmony v7 software *is* a little confusing...I liked the old version better, but maybe I was used to it. You gotta play around a bit, but you'll get the hang of it. I'm not in front of the software right now, so I can't help just yet.

P

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by delgross

1) Which device should be chosen from the Logitech Harmony database in order to allow every button on the remote to be assigned to a unique IR code WITHOUT requiring an old remote control to manually program buttons?

What did you come up with for this? I tried a Harmony several months ago but couldn't get it to a point where I was happy with it*.

I see you said you have an 890, I'm planning on adding some remote controlled lighting to my HT (pondering IR, Z-Wave, or maybe a Grafik Eye) and I see the 890 supports Z-Wave so I was considering that since I've already got too many remotes:
Streamzap (PC)
AVM 20
Xbox 360
IN76
Lights (soon)

*I liked the functionality of the Harmony (Mine was a 360) but I never really liked how it worked with the PC, which was kind of flaky, and wasn't really happy with the feel of the remote. So I'm curious how your setup is working for PC control, and then also if the 890 feels different than the 360 version.

[bcjenkins]

Just setup Harmony 890 with zwave lights (1 for now) and am using mce remote interface. I was thinking that I should pick up the hauppauge IR interface assuming that is what Sage is coded to in Logitech's software.

To the OP - Have you tried telling USBUIRT you are using Hauppauge remote? I am interested in this as well.

If anyone is interested.. I liked the Vizia line from Leviton for the ZWave. Since Leviton has not released yet directly, I bought Monster (Leviton OEM) and a color change kit for the look I wanted. Color change kit is Leviton Vizia line. Why anyone would want a white light switch in a home theater is beyond me!

B

[stanger89]

Where'd you get the Zwave switches?

[bcjenkins]

Originally Posted by stanger89

Where'd you get the Zwave switches?

smarthome

http://www.smarthome.com/8500sd.html

Check out http://www.onestopbuy.com for color change kits. Vizia models

B

[rlb2]

Stanger, I bought mine at www.homeseer.com (set up 140+ switches - My wife hates me)

It also works GREAT with Bohica's plugin to bridge to HAL 2000.

Rob