I Need A Universal Remote! Bad!

[Micycle]

I just broke the remote to my dvd player, and i can't do anything without it. i figured this was the perfect chance to buy a universal remote and get rid of all my other ones. i'd been looking at the iconremote from x10, but i don't know much about it, or the company. anything heard anything about it? anyone ever used it? let me know, please.

[topspeed]

I would venture to say the most popular UM here is the Harmony 880. I went from a Sony RM3000 to the 880 and it was a quantum leap in user friendliness. All functions are downloadable online and the user interface is as simple as they come. Highly recommended.

If you'd like a little more research, check out remotecentral.com. The forums there are also a good place to check out potential shortcomings with whatever you choose.

Hope this helps.

[Micycle]

I would venture to say the most popular UM here is the Harmony 880. I went from a Sony RM3000 to the 880 and it was a quantum leap in user friendliness. All functions are downloadable online and the user interface is as simple as they come. Highly recommended.

If you'd like a little more research, check out remotecentral.com. The forums there are also a good place to check out potential shortcomings with whatever you choose.

Hope this helps.

remotecentral.com, huh? I guess that makes sense. Yeah, it helps a lot, I appreciate it. I'll take a look and see if anything interesting comes up, but yeah, a lot of people have been talking about the Harmony Remotes. I think the 550 is closest to my price range. So is the iconRemote from x10. I don't know much about the Sony remotes, other than the RMAX4000, and it looks a little intimidating.

[Rich-n-Texas]

I'm giving serious consideration to the x10 remote: $129.99 http://www.x10iconremote.com/ There's a lot of x10 home automation technology on the market, so I believe it to be proven technology. Smarthome.com sells a lot of products based on x10. This particular remote has been in development and up until now it looks like, the company was only accepting pre-orders.

Having said that, I do have the Harmony 880 in my shopping cart at Amazon.com (my favorite online shopping center) for $154 w/free shipping. The major difference between the x10 unit and the 880 is that you don't need a computer to set it up. Some of the more dated reviews on the Harmony 890 complained about the buggy software, but a recent reviewer indicates that he didn't have problems with the software when setting up his 880. My CC manager at work describes himself as a spokesman for Logitech, and has three Harmony remotes, which he swears by. He says they're wife proof.

FWIW, I'm going to, for the time being struggle along with my five remotes until the dust settles.

[PeruvianSkies]

I would venture to say the most popular UM here is the Harmony 880. I went from a Sony RM3000 to the 880 and it was a quantum leap in user friendliness. All functions are downloadable online and the user interface is as simple as they come. Highly recommended.

If you'd like a little more research, check out remotecentral.com. The forums there are also a good place to check out potential shortcomings with whatever you choose.

Hope this helps.

Very popular, very easy to use.

[RoyY51]

Logitech Harmony...great remote, great price. Even my technology-challenged wife can use it!...wait...that's me...

[Micycle]

Yeah, don't get me wrong, the Harmony 880 looks great, but it also looks a little out of my price range. I don't think I've seen it anywhere for around $150. Keep in mind, I'm a poor college student. Poor because all of my money is spent on books and beer. One thing I don't like about the Harmony is that you have to get a computer involved. And, as far as I know, you have to set up an online account. For what purpose? I don't get it. I'm sure it's fine, but I tend to shy away from things that rely too heavily on computers-- I've never even bought anything off the internet before, and refuse to cash a check by way of ATM. Guess I'm just ol' school like that...

[N. Abstentia]

Wait..you're a college student and you're afraid of computers? Around here you can't even enroll unless you bring your own laptop!

[westcott]

Try an older model Harmony like the 659 or 670. Works just fine for what you probably need. Can probably still find one for under $100.

[pixelthis]

TOO bad you're afraid of computers or you could get a pronto.
I love mine, an old black and white model, its more fun setting the screens up on my computer than actually using it sometimes.
AND it has a limitless number of whats called "macros", a string of commands, for instance a button turns everything on in my system,
one button labeled "hbo" will take me to hbo.
BUT at least you are getting a universal, without one any system is just a disjointed collection of parts, no matter how expensive, while even simple systems can be a lot easier to use with one

[N. Abstentia]

pixelthis..if the simple macros of the Pronto get you excited, I'd love to watch you use a Harmony remote

[DEVO]

I have touched about every remote out their...pronto's, sony's, even harmony's. With your budget I would suggest the URC MX350. Very customable, and you can do it w/ out a computer.

http://universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=40

[pixelthis]

pixelthis..if the simple macros of the Pronto get you excited, I'd love to watch you use a Harmony remote

Yeah, REAL simple, some involving 4 to five devices and twenty steps,
and the steps are unlimited, and some devices have several dozen
screens, all customizable on a computer via USB.
can you have a background screen of anjolina jolie on your harmony?
An unlimited number of devices?
If I do upgrade mine it will be to a color model, they sell harmonies
at wallmart, all I need to know about em

[N. Abstentia]

Yep, you can do all that and more with a Harmony....plus a Harmony does not require the contant use of both hands and an advanced degree in Hyperbolic Topology just to use it. That's why most everybody that had a Pronto back in the 90's now has a Harmony. I suggest you go to Walmart and get one.

[natronforever]

I have owned a Harmony 880 for almost 1 1/2 years now and I love it. It's a fantastic remote, plus it's much smaller, faster, and easier to use than the Pronto remotes. My parents have a pronto remote, and I can't hardly figure the danged thing out. The harmony is just better, plus it's a lot cheaper.

[Micycle]

you guys know your stuff. Yeah, I'm a college student-- I'm not afraid of computers, I just don't have much experience using them for anything other than typing papers, e-mail, and looking up internet porn. Just not a computer guy I guess. Thanks for all the input.

[Thomas Ratcliffe Esquire]

you mentioned the iconremote earlier. check it out. i've had mine for about 2 weeks now and its been working perfectly so far. no computer necessary.

[pixelthis]

Yep, you can do all that and more with a Harmony....plus a Harmony does not require the contant use of both hands and an advanced degree in Hyperbolic Topology just to use it. That's why most everybody that had a Pronto back in the 90's now has a Harmony. I suggest you go to Walmart and get one.

IF a pronto is too difficult for you to use then you are in the wrong hobby (and I use my pronto one handed thankuverymuch)
A "harmony" is still a structured remote, less choices than a pronto,
with an info screen a size of a postage stamp to tell you whats going on.
You can have it

[westcott]

[QUOTE=pixelthis]with an info screen a size of a postage stamp to tell you whats going on.
QUOTE]

Then you have not seen the Harmony 1000 with touch screen.

[L.J.]

The 880 seems to be very popular but what about the 890. I'm curious because they have a couple at Compusa on discount. If it gets down to the 50% mark I may pick one up. I only saw that and a couple of 659's. Does anyone have any personal experience with the 890?

[Rich-n-Texas]

The 880 seems to be very popular but what about the 890. I'm curious because they have a couple at Compusa on discount. If it gets down to the 50% mark I may pick one up. I only saw that and a couple of 659's. Does anyone have any personal experience with the 890?

From what I've read so far, the 890 lets you control things like lighting and ceiling fans. IOW, more home appliances are integrated, which the 880 doesn't. Setup is still the same though.

I'd love to be able to just sit in my King's chair and tap the screen to control my system with the Harmony 1000, but not at that price!

[N. Abstentia]

I think the 890 is simply just an 880 that adds RF control.

[natronforever]

I think the 890 is simply just an 880 that adds RF control.

True, and I don't think the 890 comes with the RF kit. It's just RF capable. You have to buy a separate kit to get the RF signal to the components you want to control. Worth it, if the location of the system mandates it.

[AmpItUP]

Harmony 880 is indeed a good choice. However, I think that you should research online, and see reviews made by people who bought them



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[Rich-n-Texas]

True, and I don't think the 890 comes with the RF kit. It's just RF capable. You have to buy a separate kit to get the RF signal to the components you want to control. Worth it, if the location of the system mandates it.

According to the "Package Contents" section @ Amazon, the wireless AV receiver is included. This line is included in the "Product Description" paragraph:

With a wireless range of up to 100 feet, the Harmony 890 remote sends RF commands to a wireless receiver, which then blasts infrared signals to the components.

-Rich