Universal Remote suggestion

[cartisdm]

Got our new apartment squared away and I'm putting together everything I need to have a great entertainment/media system. I am a prior owner of the Logitech Harmony Xbox 360 Remote but it finally crapped out on me.

Easily one of my favorite remotes but now that I'm in the market again, I figured I might as well splurge for an all-out touchscreen media control device. I've been looking for a deal on the Harmony 1100 but they all seem to be pushing $200 (refurbished) and the reviews are mixed. Are their any competitors to this style remote? So far I've loved Logitech and their software but I wouldn't mind getting something else as long as it's comparable. Thoughts?


Harmony 1100

Harmony Xbox Remote

[iCraig]

Buddy of mine has teh Harmony One and loves it. Crazy expensive, though, IMO for a remote.. I don't think he paid that much for it, so I'm sure it can be found cheaper.

http://www.logitech.com/remotes/univ...s/devices/6441

[cartisdm]

I'm liking that Logitech One more and more lately. In my head I think it'd be cool to have that big touchscreen control, but the novelty would probably wear off and I'd want one-hand-control like a traditional remote. I think the Logitech One would give a good balance.

So far I've found it on Amazon for $115 and I have a $20 gift card so it wouldn't be too bad.

[thejavaman]

I have an entry level Harmony & I like it. I agree that the touchscreen novelty would probably wear off eventually.

[cartisdm]

...and just like that, Logitech Harmony One is $99 today. Sweet! Just ordered one

http://deals.woot.com/deals/details/...te-refurbished

[TravelingJ]

I've always used remotes by Universal Remote Controls and just programmed them myself. It can be slightly stressful to get it the way I want, but when it works-it's amazing. Right now I'm using the MX850 at our house and the MX900 in our RV. Both are IR/RF remotes that go to a repeater box, so I don't even have to be in the same room as my components, to control them. Very handy at the RV-we can be outside and change the music, and adjust the volume. With the learning capabilities, I've made them learn non A/V devices, like our Infrared space heater, ceiling fans, etc.

[aquarich]

I've always used remotes by Universal Remote Controls and just programmed them myself. It can be slightly stressful to get it the way I want, but when it works-it's amazing. Right now I'm using the MX850 at our house and the MX900 in our RV. Both are IR/RF remotes that go to a repeater box, so I don't even have to be in the same room as my components, to control them. Very handy at the RV-we can be outside and change the music, and adjust the volume. With the learning capabilities, I've made them learn non A/V devices, like our Infrared space heater, ceiling fans, etc.

I have worn out my Aeros, so I will look into your suggestion.

[cartisdm]

A good repeater box is next on my list

[vivalanation734]

If you have an iPod Touch or iPhone there are some slick universal remote options out there

[Clint]

Not sure on this, so do a bit of homework if you have Time Warner Cable...

I think TWC has a remote that basically works with your iPad and/or your iPhone.

Just thought I'd toss this out as an idea

[TravelingJ]

I have worn out my Aeros, so I will look into your suggestion.

We really like the 950, but they can be about impossible to get the software for. I guess it's from the 'professional' line, and they won't give the software to consumers. I picked it up on eBay, new in box, but had a home stereo friend help me with the software. Eventually, I learned to just program it myself. I can to basic changes in minutes when we get a new component, and maybe spend a few hours to setup custom macros and the like.

If you get the repeater, it might be worth getting the higher end models. I have the basic model at our house, and it works fine there. In the RV, there is so much RF interference floating around, I had to get a stronger unit to pull in MY signals over the crap signals.

[aquarich]

We really like the 950, but they can be about impossible to get the software for. I guess it's from the 'professional' line, and they won't give the software to consumers. I picked it up on eBay, new in box, but had a home stereo friend help me with the software. Eventually, I learned to just program it myself. I can to basic changes in minutes when we get a new component, and maybe spend a few hours to setup custom macros and the like.

If you get the repeater, it might be worth getting the higher end models. I have the basic model at our house, and it works fine there. In the RV, there is so much RF interference floating around, I had to get a stronger unit to pull in MY signals over the crap signals.

Good to know. My neighbor is a professional installer and has installed most of what I have here. I will just tell him to look into the unit that you suggested and have him program this one like he did the last one.

[cartisdm]

Just wanted to report back, I received the remote the other day in the mail. It is WELL worth the $100 I paid. Since I had the old Harmony remote all I did was unbox it, plug it into my PC, press "Upgrade Remote" and within 3 minutes my new Harmony One was configured for all my devices perfectly. Stuff never works this well!

The signal strength is much stronger as well so it catches all my devices without being perfectly pointed at them (unlike before with the coffee table in the way). Great purchase!

[thejavaman]

Sweet. I like mine too. Definitely well worth the asking price for convenience alone!

[jmatkins]

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/remote...s/devices/6812

I just went for the cheaper one a while back(2 kids under 9) so I am not getting something to crazy. It works great, just plug it into the PC and it was programed in a min.
Great deal on the one you found!