So Who Makes a Great Universal Remote Control?

[BroonsBane]

I'm tired of having remotes littering the coffee table and have decided to start looking for a really good while still affordable universal remote.
I would like this remote to operate all functions of our TV, satellite receiver and HT receiver. What's out there that won't break the bank? What do you guys use?

[emoxley]

I use a Harmony. They are so user friendly, you won't believe it. You program it over the internet. On their site, you type in model numbers of your equipment, and download the info to your remote via usb.

With everything off, if you push the "Watch Movie" button, it turns on the tv and puts it on the right input, it turns on the dvd player, and it turns on the A/V receiver and puts it in dvd mode. After the movie, press the "Watch TV" button, and it turns off the dvd player, puts A/V receiver in TV mode, puts TV on right input, turns on satellite receiver. Everything also turns off with one button.

They are extremely wife friendly too. :D
You can find a deal on some Harmony models, sometimes, at Amazon.com.
Good luck with whatever you get.

[BroonsBane]

Thanks. I was aware of Harmony, they seem to have quite a few models available. Any other companies to look at?

[idohaz2003]

I went to party Saturday night and met a neighbor up the street whom I had never met. He left an said he needed to check on his son. A little later he showed bearing gifts for the 3 couples. He gave me Harmony's newest universal called the Harmony One. He is the CEO of Logitech.

This thing is awesome, takes 30 minutes online to program. Hey I gained an end table that was full of remotes.

[BroonsBane]

I went to party Saturday night and met a neighbor up the street whom I had never met. He left an said he needed to check on his son. A little later he showed bearing gifts for the 3 couples. He gave me Harmony's newest universal called the Harmony One. He is the CEO of Logitech.

This thing is awesome, takes 30 minutes online to program. Hey I gained an end table that was full of remotes.

Welcome to AK and thanks kindly for the recommendation :thmbsp:

[MAXZ28]

My F-I-L has a harmony.....he loves it.

[Aage]

Nobody to talk about the Marantz remotes? They've been around a while, no good, good..?

[Aage]

Wow, sounds like a great remote, but I think I'll wait for the CEO to move into our neighbourhood first. $250?

Sounds interesting, though:

"So, for example, if you plug in the Harmony One to your PC via USB, you can input the model numbers of each of those devices to send the correct infrared-code information. About 5,000 manufacturers and 175,000 devices are supported, according to Logitech.

The Harmony 880's LCD touchscreen is also nice and vibrant, which is really the best visual aspect of this thing. It also displays virtual buttons that wouldn't otherwise physically be on the remote. For instance, you could see the same PVR buttons that you would see on your Bell ExpressVu remote displayed on the 880's screen.

It's a pricey proposition, however, at $250 US (Canadian pricing has yet to be confirmed), and the slick piano-black finish is very prone to fingerprints and smudges. It might also take time for some people get used to pressing the right button on the touchscreen without having to look at it - there's something to be said for being able to find physical buttons on a regular remote by feel."

[BroonsBane]

Just came home with the Harmony 890, haven't taken it out of the box yet.
I was going to go for the One but I needed a remote to do my satellite receiver as well.

[uofmtiger]

Just came home with the Harmony 890, haven't taken it out of the box yet.
I was going to go for the One but I needed a remote to do my satellite receiver as well.
Good choice. I have an 880 and I am very happy with it. I have had a Pronto and I still own the well regarded Home Theater MX-700. I prefer remotes with buttons and I have never had any problems using the Harmony once I got used to the smaller buttons.

One cool thing about the 880 is that it remembers when stuff is on or off. This is very helpful when you have components without discreet codes. I also like the way it lights up when you pick it up. Most remotes have a button that you need to push to turn on the backlight.

[BroonsBane]

Good choice. I have an 880 and I am very happy with it. I have had a Pronto and I still own the well regarded Home Theater MX-700. I prefer remotes with buttons and I have never had any problems using the Harmony once I got used to the smaller buttons.

One cool thing about the 880 is that it remembers when stuff is on or off. This is very helpful when you have components without discreet codes. I also like the way it lights up when you pick it up. Most remotes have a button that you need to push to turn on the backlight.

Well, so far so good. Only one call to Tech Support but that got my problem sorted out quickly. I was hoping to be able to program my preamp but unfortunately that doesn't seem possible. I like it though, feels good in the hand but like you it will take me a bit to get used to the small buttons.

[Aage]

Looked at the site, and have a question: can either of you (Broons, UofM) tell me what the differences are between the 880 and the 890?

TIA

[Lady Ayeka]

i use a PIONEER CU-AV200 (1989). i don't use a programmable remote because i have a problem with a coffee table of remotes, or anything; in fact, i still use my OEM remotes, and a collection of them is something to be proud of! i just happen to like vintage programmable remotes as they are large, sophisticated, and actually look like something a human designed!! (Lady Ayeka+Ergonomic Remote Controls=:mad::grumpy::cry::tears::boring:)

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll310/shaorin-chan/CU-AV20019.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll310/shaorin-chan/CU-AV200192.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll310/shaorin-chan/CU-AV2008.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll310/shaorin-chan/CU-AV2009.jpg
http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll310/shaorin-chan/MissAyekaSIZE2007-Current1.jpg

[Satch]

I used a Philips Pronto, pretty good with good learning capacity. Drawback is it uses a lot of power, so I had to re-charge every 3 weeks (or I should spend less time listening to music or watching movies and get a life ;) ). Also upgradeble through a pc, but when I got a preamp that couldn't be operated by remote, I sold the Philips.

[gyusher]

I've seen my big old Marantz remote on SciFi movies where they use it as a weapon. . .

I think a Harmony remote is in my future. I've never been able to get it all on one remote. . . Hopefully this will change soon with the new one.

[Aage]

Well, so far so good. Only one call to Tech Support but that got my problem sorted out quickly. I was hoping to be able to program my preamp but unfortunately that doesn't seem possible. I like it though, feels good in the hand but like you it will take me a bit to get used to the small buttons.

The Harmony 880 and 890 appear to have a "learn from your old remote" function. Did this not work to add your preamp remote?

[BroonsBane]

The Harmony 880 and 890 appear to have a "learn from your old remote" function. Did this not work to add your preamp remote?

Actually I suppose I could do it that way, for basic functions at least like volume. When you access the web to program the remote there is no section for preamps, just amps, A/V receivers etc.

[Aage]

Thanks. Also, you mentioned before that you needed to get the 890 in order to use your satellite. What is there about the 880 that is missing in this regard?

ps: when you say satellite, I have BEV. Is that what you mean or is it one of the systems with the large 8' antennas?

[BroonsBane]

Thanks. Also, you mentioned before that you needed to get the 890 in order to use your satellite. What is there about the 880 that is missing in this regard?

ps: when you say satellite, I have BEV. Is that what you mean or is it one of the systems with the large 8' antennas?

Using Logitech's "Check for Compatibility" feature on their website did not show our sat receiver in the database (Starchoice HD) so opted for the model up.

[Aage]

Using Logitech's "Check for Compatibility" feature on their website did not show our sat receiver in the database (Starchoice HD) so opted for the model up.

Wow, so the database varies by model of remote? I never imagined that could be the case. Sounds like Marketing is using the database to push the upscale models!

OTOH, why am I surprised?

[BroonsBane]

Wow, so the database varies by model of remote? I never imagined that could be the case. Sounds like Marketing is using the database to push the upscale models!

OTOH, why am I surprised?

The database varies by manufacturer and model #'s of other components.

[emoxley]

I think the 890 is also RF, instead of infrared, so your equipment could be in another room, and the remote will still work..........

[BroonsBane]

I think the 890 is also RF, instead of infrared, so your equipment could be in another room, and the remote will still work..........

Yup. It's both actually.

[Vintageman1]

My eyes are so bad a remote is out of the question. Have cable only and will actually get out of the chair and change the station on the television itself. God, I am getting old..............Dave

[BroonsBane]

My eyes are so bad a remote is out of the question. Have cable only and will actually get out of the chair and change the station on the television itself. God, I am getting old..............Dave

Yeah but all of that exercise should keep you young and trim ;)

[uofmtiger]

Using Logitech's "Check for Compatibility" feature on their website did not show our sat receiver in the database (Starchoice HD) so opted for the model up.
Stange. I have some obscure stuff (JVC high def VCR, Neuros Mpeg recorder, IO Data Linkplayer, etc..) and it works with everything. It may have an occasional command missing that I want, but I just let it learn those from the original remote. The amp/preamp thing may just be an issue with where they put it. Occasionally, they have stuff put where you wouldn't expect it. I am pretty sure I have had to hunt around to find a couple of things that I own.

[BroonsBane]

Stange. I have some obscure stuff (JVC high def VCR, Neuros Mpeg recorder, IO Data Linkplayer, etc..) and it works with everything. It may have an occasional command missing that I want, but I just let it learn those from the original remote. The amp/preamp thing may just be an issue with where they put it. Occasionally, they have stuff put where you wouldn't expect it. I am pretty sure I have had to hunt around to find a couple of things that I own.

As it turns out it works my preamp anyway with the remote set to operate my Yamaha A/V Receiver. I don't really need it to change sources, I was pretty much just after volume control. the remote that came with my RX-V1400 kinda sucked anyways, especially the volume control.

Can I configure this remote to operate volume control of the Yammie regardless of what it is set to? That would be handy.

[Mark B]

Very nice Mike. The Logitech Harmony 890 is one uptown remote!

[BroonsBane]

Very nice Mike. The Logitech Harmony 890 is one uptown remote!

Thanks Mark. I'm really enjoying it so far. I've actually put away 7 remotes that used to live on the coffee table. This is the first universal remote (out of a few that I've had over the years) that I actually like. It can do a lot and I'm still learning.

[Aage]

My eyes are so bad a remote is out of the question. Have cable only and will actually get out of the chair and change the station on the television itself. God, I am getting old..............Dave

Hah, I am so old that I can remember when the "getting out of the chair" method was the only one. Some of the best channels were on a separate tuner within the TV (UHF 14-83). That one tuned like a radio.

[uofmtiger]

As it turns out it works my preamp anyway with the remote set to operate my Yamaha A/V Receiver. I don't really need it to change sources, I was pretty much just after volume control. the remote that came with my RX-V1400 kinda sucked anyways, especially the volume control.

Can I configure this remote to operate volume control of the Yammie regardless of what it is set to? That would be handy.

Yes. I have not set one up in a while, but if I remember correctly it does ask you what you want to use for volume for each activity. This has made it possible for me to have one "Activity" for "Tivo" (volume controlled on TV) and "Tivo HT" (volume controlled with receiver).

[BroonsBane]

Yes. I have not set one up in a while, but if I remember correctly it does ask you what you want to use for volume for each activity. This has made it possible for me to have one "Activity" for "Tivo" (volume controlled on TV) and "Tivo HT" (volume controlled with receiver).

Hmmm...I use the HT receiver for TV audio as well as computer, gaming etc. What I want to be able to do is to adjust the volume regardless of what device the remote is set to control. As it is now, if the remote is set to control the TV I have to switch the remote to the HT Receiver and then adjust the volume. Having to flip around all the time is annoying. There must be a "pass through" feature with this remote, at least I hope there is.

[Aage]

I have to switch the remote to the HT Receiver and then adjust the volume. Having to flip around all the time is annoying. There must be a "pass through" feature with this remote, at least I hope there is.

There is, for me at least, the main objection to the many into one remote. I am hoping that as you learn more about the Harmony, you will let us know how it deals with that question.

I thought I saw in one ad that it would assign a series of button presses to one key, that showed up with the proper icon in its little screen. Sort of "learn this process". Have you found any evidence of that in the book?

[BroonsBane]

Part of the problem here is that there is NO book. It comes with a cd but it is not nearly as intuitive as a book would be. I'd prefer something a little more straight forward as I'm far from a wizard at setting this thing up...still liking it though :thmbsp:

[uofmtiger]

Part of the problem here is that there is NO book. It comes with a cd but it is not nearly as intuitive as a book would be. I'd prefer something a little more straight forward as I'm far from a wizard at setting this thing up...still liking it though :thmbsp:

First you need to add the Yamaha to the devices. Next, assuming the 890 is similar to the 880, you can use the Yamaha volume for everything. When you setup an activity manually, you get a choice like:

"To Play CD, which device do you use to control the volume?"

At this point, you just choose the Yamaha from the menu.

Also, on the home page after you sign in, there is a "Support Center" link on the top of the page. If you click it, in the reference section, you can download the manual.
What I want to be able to do is to adjust the volume regardless of what device the remote is set to control. As a side note, this is one of the most important features of any universal and the Harmonys have a way to do it.

[BroonsBane]

First you need to add the Yamaha to the devices. Next, assuming the 890 is similar to the 880, you can use the Yamaha volume for everything. When you setup an activity manually, you get a choice like:

"To Play CD, which device do you use to control the volume?"

At this point, you just choose the Yamaha from the menu.

Also, on the home page after you sign in, there is a "Support Center" link on the top of the page. If you click it, in the reference section, you can download the manual.
As a side note, this is one of the most important features of any universal and the Harmonys have a way to do it.


The Yamaha does control audio for all of my audio sources that are connected to it. It's the last part that I want but haven't figured out how to do yet. I'd also like to be able to flip between between Input Sources without having to put the remote to TV to do it all the time, that is a pain as well.
Thanks for the tip on the location of the manual, that will really really help.

[uofmtiger]

The Yamaha does control audio for all of my audio sources that are connected to it. It's the last part that I want but haven't figured out how to do yet. I'd also like to be able to flip between between Input Sources without having to put the remote to TV to do it all the time, that is a pain as well.
Thanks for the tip on the location of the manual, that will really really help.
I am sure you will figure it out. Once you set up a couple of "activities", it will become easier. Also, if you do not have everything you need when you set up the "activity", you can click on the customize button on the home menu next to the activity and then fine tune the setup manually.


BTW Believe it or not, this remote is tons easier to setup than the Pronto and the MX-700 I mentioned above. The Pronto setup can be so time consuming that it becomes more of a hobby than a task.