Universal Remote

[bit_pit]

Ok, looking at the 5 remotes sitting on the coffee table, I decided to venture back into the single universal stable again.
I've done it a couple of times before to varying degrees of success, but never to my satisfaction (so I have a drawer full of various failures)
The last i tried was a "Sunwave" with LCD display , but I didn't like it.

I have been looking at the Logitech Harmony series, and wondered if anyone had any opinions re these (or similar units).

Requirements:
Traditional single handed profile (no PDA or desktop units)

6 devices (easy)

At least 6 buttons to control funtions "Watch TV, Watch SAT" etc that will run macros to switch on all required units and set correct inputs etc.
These buttons need to be soft labels on an LCD, so other family members can figure it out easily

Other buttons need to be programmable to be able to call up EPG or Info etc. (if it is not already there)

Learning is a must

I've been looking at the Harmony 785 . Its a bit hard to see the actual button labels on any of the sites I've found, and the actual info on the Logitech site is a bit thin.

Anyone with any real experience or suggestions?

[admin]

Slightly off topic but Blue has a couple of cheap Harmony remotes in the BST forum which may be of interest.

[bit_pit]

thanks Sanity, but they only have 4 contol buttons around the screen , I need at least 6 (that can be tagged with labels).
Looks like they are gone anyway, no wonder, they were as cheap as chips..

[direwolf]

If you want to save a bit of money, go for the Harmony 520. You can pick them up for $80-$100 on ebay.

I have one and I have 6 functions setup on it. The software allows you to train the remote from your standard ones if need be.

Not as flash as the LCD one but my wife can work it so it's pretty easy.

[mandc]

Harmony 525
Has 4 extra buttons for teletext over the 520.
The 4 buttons around the screen are not a problem as you can have more than one "page" ie you can have 8 or so programs put into it and you can tag each one....watch austar, watch tv etc...each label you can re-name if required.
I have 2 and they are great.....last one cost $99 from dick smith when on special.

[bit_pit]

Ok thanks all, I guess I'll only really know when I get my hands on one and see if they do what I want.
for $100 bucks or so I'll get one and see how it goes..

[acejas]

I had a 688...nice unit but now have the 785
I paid $230 which is a lot of money but I wouldnt look back. All harmony's have the same features and work the same but some have added features. The main reason I bought a 785 is the recharging, icon display of fta and sat channels. Once its all setup its a breeze to operate - even my mum can use it and she doesnt know how to operate an ATM :P. If you have any other q's feel free to ask

[mal]

Have a box full of learning remotes almost gave up but decided to try the Harmony 525 once you get your head around the programing what a joy it is to use and for a $100 at office works (they are on special now) value for $

[cwispy]

I have the Harmony 785 remote and its a great remote. I havnt found anything yet which it doesnt have codes for and once setup it is so simple to use.

[roguefan99]

Okay My set up.

Panasonic 68cm CRT TV
Sony 5 CD 5.1 system (casette, Tuner, LP, CD)
Mediastar SD PVR
Digitrex DIVX/DVD player

I run this with a Harmony 525 remote. Easy set up, literally plugged it in, put the brands/models in and the controls for each system was set up to go. Ran though the activities (Watch PVR, Watch DVD, Listen to Radio, Listen to CD) and apart from having to teach it a couple of buttons (which is easy) for the Mediastar (PIP stuff mainly) it was all setup within an hour.

The 4 buttons around the screen can be switched to different buttons. My PVR has 3 pages, one for normal use (No 1), one for PIP stuff (2) and one for the crazy stuff I never use (3).

I've even added a new activity which I "designed" which says "Watch Cricket" that tunes the ABC radio to be on with the Channel 9 images. Rather useful when the cricket gets slow and I start doing something else as the radio coverage is about 3 seconds ahead of the TV.

If you are looking at a Universal remote I can highly recommend the Logitech one as they are easy to use and work really well. I was pleasently suprised when I found out how well they worked. I paid $100 for mine. Best $100 spent. I got mine via ebay.

[bit_pit]

Thanks all, I went and had a look at a couple of Harmony units and decided that the 785 was for me..
I liked the charging cradle and the colour display. Probably a gimmick but I allways was a sucker for a bit of makeup and lippy.

30 minutes or so on the programming and it does all I want.
I'm happy..