How much should you pay for remote programming

[Sherm]

I love my UR MX-980. I had a custom installer install 2 systems in my house last year. The company has since gone out of business.

Now, I want to buy a new Oppo blu ray. What would be a reasonable price to pay for a compnay to send a tech out and program the Oppo?

I'm just curious if any of you guys have gone through this?

[Jbald87]

I would look into doing it your self. The remote should do all the stuff on the remote. You should have software with the remote or something or it might be on the web site who makes it.

Now if you had a system like Control 4 I would suggest in paying for someone to do the hard work.

[drago3451]

$0.00. I will always do it myself. I guess if you have a multi-room, multi-system setup then it may be worth it. I do not think I will ever be in a situation that I would need someone to do it for me.

[solarrdadd]

not a dime! you should be doing this yourself! I have the harmony one and it took me 20 minutes to get my programming down pat! if that remote is any good, then is should have come with software and an interface that helps you along with programming it! take that money you were thinking of spending on paying for programming and go and buy yourself some new blu's!

[ZIPPO]

found on: http://www.universalremote.com/pro/

Consumers and End-Users Seeking Software
Please contact your place of purchase to obtain programming support, software and manuals. If your dealer is unable to help you, you may download the appropriate programming software here. Note: that you will be required to register your serial number and place of purchase.

Try downloading the programming software & doing it yourself. If you have any problems contact Universal Remotes support line, they should be able to help. If that doesn't work, then you'll have to find another dealer to do it for you.

[Sherm]

I realize I should do it myself.

But I'm not.

Universal Remote sells 2 types of remotes: consumer products and a professional installers line. The MX-980 is the Prof line. Since my installer went out of business UR sent me the programming software.

This programming software would take me hours to learn how to operate and I simply do not and will not take the time to do it. Thanks for your answers but I will call around and get prices, I hope I can get a company that will work by the hour.

The MX-980 is a great remote but the programming is really complicated.

[ZIPPO]

Originally Posted by Sherm

This programming software would take me hours to learn how to operate and I simply do not and will not take the time to do it. Thanks for your answers but I will call around and get prices, I hope I can get a company that will work by the hour.

The MX-980 is a great remote but the programming is really complicated.

If that doesn't workout for you, it might be cheaper to get a Harmony remote( VERY EASY TO PROGRAM ).

[Sherm]

Zippo, Is it relatively easy to get the Macro's programmed on the Harmony?

even though I really like the MX-980, I wish I wasn't dependent on someone else to program it every time i want to add or change out a new source

[Hammie]

I've had two harmony remote and they were both extremely easy to program. It is actually all the same interface, so no matter what harmony you have , it is pretty much the same.

You add your devices. Plug them into pre-named activities or create your own activities. I have my activities named by the "main" device, i.e., DirecTV, Playstation, Wii. I think the only one I have as a default name is 'Watch Movie' for my Oppo BD Player.

Depending on the number of devices, it may take you anywhere from 20 -60 minutes to add the devices and set up activities.

The only thing you may need to do is tweak the delays of the commands but that is pretty easy with the Harmony software.

[Al Bundy]

I will do it for free. Just give me Remote Access to your PC. PM me if want it done. Nothing more easier.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by louhamilton

I've had two harmony remote and they were both extremely easy to program. It is actually all the same interface, so no matter what harmony you have , it is pretty much the same.

You add your devices. Plug them into pre-named activities or create your own activities. I have my activities named by the "main" device, i.e., DirecTV, Playstation, Wii. I think the only one I have as a default name is 'Watch Movie' for my Oppo BD Player.

Depending on the number of devices, it may take you anywhere from 20 -60 minutes to add the devices and set up activities.

The only thing you may need to do is tweak the delays of the commands but that is pretty easy with the Harmony software.

+1 on what lou stated, as I am another satisfied Harmony owner here. The software is very user friendly and the catalogue of devices is really up to date and huge.

[fatediesel]

The OP doesn't have a Harmony remote. It is a much more complex remote than Harmony. He's not looking into buying a new remote, he wants to program the one he has.

[ZIPPO]

The Harmony remotes are easy. You don't have to set up macros, it's automatically done for you. Universal Remote has a Logitech Harmony clone( http://www.universalremote.com/produ....php?model=158 ). Here's its review ( http://www.remotecentral.com/reviews/urc_r50/index.html ). I use a Logitech Harmony One( http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/re.../3898&cl=us,en ). It can be purchased for under $200 online. Logitech Harmony remotes( http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/re...otes/&cl=us,en ).


" Once your Harmony remote is set up, it can control your entire home theater system with one button!

Simply install the software from the included CD, create a member login for your Harmony remote, then follow the step-by-step instructions. Our online set up wizard will guide you through the process of getting the Harmony to work with your system—just pick your components from the list of more than 5,000+ manufacturers and 175,000+ devices, and Harmony will do the rest. Your preferences will automatically be saved online, then transfered to your remote via the included USB cable.

Online Set Up
Simply connect your Harmony remote to your computer, and the set up wizard will walk you through the step-by-step process.

Enter the model numbers for your components, answer a few easy questions about how you “Watch TV” or “Watch a DVD,” and Harmony does the rest.

You'll be controlling even the most complex system within 20 minutes, without the hassle of elaborate programming.

One-touch Operation
With the Harmony remote, all you need to know is what entertainment you want to enjoy.

Just press one of the Activity buttons, such as “Watch TV” or “Listen to Music,” and your Harmony remote automatically sets up your entertainment system.

No sound? No picture? No problem! There's even a handy "HELP" button to guide you through simple troubleshooting and get you back in control.

Full Function Control
With the Harmony remote, you can control both the standard and advanced functions of your devices.

Harmony controls your entire entertainment system by creating activities that control groups of devices together.

Harmony is the world's only remote with Smart State Technology®, a patented technology which allows Harmony to track the state of each of your components.

Online Update
The Harmony remote device database includes 5,000+ manufacturers and 175,000+ devices, everything from HDTVs to DVRs, VCRs to lighting controls. It's constantly updated with new components and fine-tuned settings, so your remote will never be out-of-date. Simply connect it to your computer using its USB interface, and your remote is updated— automatically!

Life is really much easier with a Harmony remote. "

[Phil Taylor]

I'm a happy Harmony owner too - so to answer the OP question. I wouldn't pay a programmer more than it costs to get a nice basic Harmony - which is around $100.

[TotalControl]

I have to say, I am pretty shocked that you have a bunch of people who are telling you to downgrade your remote from an MX-980 (which is a fantastic remote) to a ...Harmony. Harmony make a nice beginner product, but like a first car and first home, it's very easy to grow out of. I would never tell a client of mine to downgrade his remote from an MX-980 to a Harmony under an circumstances. They are just not that good in the department of customization which is what makes this industry tick.

I'm not biased - I sell Harmony as well, but I am shocked that people would tell you to dipatch a superior remote like the MX-980 for a Harmony simply because you made an equipment change. NUTS. And about not paying programmers, your going to buy a Plasma/Projector/LCD with a Receiver/Preamp/Amp along with a Bluray/DVD/Media Manager as well as audio equipoment and your going to complement that with a 100 dollar remote? So your quipment is worth about 10K (and it's probably more) but let's just be conservative. Your control investment (the only link between you and your equipment) is worth about 1% of the total investment?

That's the problem...

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by fatediesel

The OP doesn't have a Harmony remote. It is a much more complex remote than Harmony. He's not looking into buying a new remote, he wants to program the one he has.

agree, these posts make no sense what so ever.

guy #1, what is the cost of insurance for a Ferrari
guy #2, I have a Civic, I am happy with my car, get a Civic and insurance will be cheaper.

Harmony and the MX-980 are in completely different leagues, the guy already has the remote, he just can’t be bothered to set it up. So obviously the respond that makes sense to some is buy a different remote.

[igotcabada]

Originally Posted by Sherm

Zippo, Is it relatively easy to get the Macro's programmed on the Harmony?

even though I really like the MX-980, I wish I wasn't dependent on someone else to program it every time i want to add or change out a new source

Originally Posted by fatediesel

The OP doesn't have a Harmony remote. It is a much more complex remote than Harmony. He's not looking into buying a new remote, he wants to program the one he has.

Originally Posted by Anthony P

agree, these posts make no sense what so ever.

guy #1, what is the cost of insurance for a Ferrari
guy #2, I have a Civic, I am happy with my car, get a Civic and insurance will be cheaper.

Harmony and the MX-980 are in completely different leagues, the guy already has the remote, he just can’t be bothered to set it up. So obviously the respond that makes sense to some is buy a different remote.

In fairness to the other posters, he did show some interest in one once it was mentioned..

[drago3451]

Originally Posted by TotalControl

I have to say, I am pretty shocked that you have a bunch of people who are telling you to downgrade your remote from an MX-980 (which is a fantastic remote) to a ...Harmony. Harmony make a nice beginner product, but like a first car and first home, it's very easy to grow out of. I would never tell a client of mine to downgrade his remote from an MX-980 to a Harmony under an circumstances. They are just not that good in the department of customization which is what makes this industry tick.

I'm not biased - I sell Harmony as well, but I am shocked that people would tell you to dipatch a superior remote like the MX-980 for a Harmony simply because you made an equipment change. NUTS. And about not paying programmers, your going to buy a Plasma/Projector/LCD with a Receiver/Preamp/Amp along with a Bluray/DVD/Media Manager as well as audio equipoment and your going to complement that with a 100 dollar remote? So your quipment is worth about 10K (and it's probably more) but let's just be conservative. Your control investment (the only link between you and your equipment) is worth about 1% of the total investment?

That's the problem...

I guess it would depend on what you use your remote for. If you only need to use it with your HT gear then why pay for a remote that can run your whole house? I see it as buying a Sports car to drive around NY city. You will most likely never use its full potential. I see this as an HDMI type argument. One cable $5.00 one $200.00 same performance.

[js666]

Originally Posted by Sherm

The MX-980 is a great remote but the programming is really complicated.

No it's not. I have one and it wasn't hard at all. This is what this hobby is all about .

[drago3451]

On a side note this discussion just made me pick up a Harmony One to replace my Harmony 550. It is on sale right now at Best Buy for $199.99. I had a $5.00 reward so 194.99. The 550 is going into my bedroom. This site has cost me more money!!!