A/V Remote advice

[MNclone]

I've had my new TV for a couple months now, and have officially exhausted all possibilites for any of my universal remotes to work with it. I need a remote with a learn function on it.
I've been looking at a Logitech Harmony 550. It seems to have some nice features. You can set a single button to change multiple settings at once.
This is quite a bit more than just a simple Sony learning remote that I could get anywhere for about $20.
Any advice here? What do people use, like, or dislike about the options out there.

 

[tim_redd]

I absolutely love my harmony remote. When you get it all set up right, and it's not that difficult, it's a thing of beauty.

 

[dmclone]

I've had a Harmony 659 for the last 4 years and I love it. It controls my projector, denon receiver, lights, Directv DVR, etc. When I hit "watch TV" it knows to turn on the lights for 30 seconds, turns on the projector, changes the Denon to the right output, and then after 30 seconds turns off my lights. Harmony remotes are not like your standard learning remote. Everything is programed through your PC and you when you add a new component it's easy.

 

[dmclone]

If I was going to get a new one I'd probably go with the 880 because it's rechargeable, has a color screen, and I like the layout. You can get them for around $150

 

[ilovetheclones]

Just bought a harmony 520 and i have managed to teach my girlfriend how to use it.

Would maybe go after the next model up just for simplicity of use with a dvr . the next model has dedicated DVR buttons.

Best buy i have made in a while cant figure out how i never had one before.

 

[isucyfan]

You cannot go wrong with a Harmony. I have a 520 and use it pretty easily with my DVR. I think if you just have a few components, the lower end Harmony models suit you just fine.

It does everything I want it to but mute my kids and keep them from walking in front of the TV.

 

[brianhos]

Harmony 880 is what you want. If the tivo remote was not such a perfect remote, I would have one of these.

 

[MNclone]

I'm looking at a Philips Prestigo, anyone ever used one of these?
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Phlilips-Prestigo-SRU8010-Universal-Control/dp/B000SAIRU2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1207520792&sr=1-2]Amazon.com: Phlilips Prestigo SRU8010 Icon Universal Remote Control: Electronics[/ame]

 

[tman24]

I got my Harmony 880 a few weeks ago and love it. I was able to get it for $100 off of amazon with a coupon. If you have time to wait keep an eye on slickdeals.net. they seem to have a good deal every few weeks.

 

[CycloneErik]

Just bought a harmony 520 and i have managed to teach my girlfriend how to use it.

quote]

Is this a good thing? I try to keep my wife and the remote separated.:yes:

 

[justincl]

If I was going to get a new one I'd probably go with the 880 because it's rechargeable, has a color screen, and I like the layout. You can get them for around $150

I've had the 880 for about a year. By far the best remote I have ever had! I would recommend to anyone.

 

[Wx4Cy]

Love our Harmony....

 

[MNclone]

This is quite the endorsement for picking up the Harmony. Does anyone here not use a Harmony remote?

 

[DougMasters]

I agree with everyone else about getting a Harmony Remote, but I disagree that the 880 is the one you want. I bought an 880 and returned it. I did not like how the buttons felt and hated the layout of everything. I ended up getting a Harmony 720 instead. It still has the color screen, but has a much better layout and better buttons. They can also be found at a cheaper price than the 880 on ebay or amazon. Bing!

 

[dmclone]

It probably depends on what you're sued to. The 880 has a similar design to what I'm used to and I get use it with my eyes closed.

 

[dmclone]

I'm happy to see that Harmony is still making good remotes even after being bought by a larger company. Their customer service used to be top notch. One time there was a button that I wanted and they emailed me back within an hour and had the button available for me the next time I logged in.

 

[dustinal]

I'm looking for a universal remote, and I remembered this thread and thought I would dig it up.

I didn't realize the thread was almost a year old, but it's actually good that it is because I can now ask those of you who have the Harmony 880: does it still work? I've read several reviews that say after a year or so certain buttons stop working and the remote stops charging on the cradle. Anybody experienced this?

I just got a new Blu-Ray player and would like something to control my TV, Blu-Ray, DirecTV HDDVR and A/V receiver, but I'm not going to pay hundreds of dollars for a remote that's going to stop working after a year.

 

[ISUFan22]

As noted, go Harmony. I don't have one, yet. But I've used them at other places and they're great. They have some under $100 or some rather elaborate models as well.

 

[CYCLONE STATE]

My 880 works great. No problems

 

[dmclone]

I made the mistake of buying a Harmony 880 a few months ago. I haven't had any problems with it but the key layout is horrible compared to my old Harmony remotes. With my old Harmony remotes the buttons stuck out so you could run them without even looking at the remote. With the 880, they are flat and you have to constantly look at the remote.

If I was to buy one again I would just replace my old 659 with the exact same remote or something like it that has raised buttons. The only benefit that I see with the 880 is a color screen (could care less) and that the 880 is rechargeable.