Finished my HT - now I need a universal remote!

[victimsofadown]

I know NOTHING about them (other than the fact that Harmony seems to be the most popular), but I feel like I am in a situation where I REALLY need one.

Here's what I need it to control...
-Panasonic 50" G10 Television
-Comcast HD DVR Cable Box (made by Motorolla, can find specifics if necessary)
-Pioneer VSX-819h-k receiver
-Sony Playstation 3 (I have the really nice Sony BR remote right now)
-Microsoft Xbox 360 (not important, but would be nice)

Here's what I need it to do...
-Have FULL functionality for each component. THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR ME, I could go out and buy a $10 univ remote for power & volume, but I need one remote to be able to change my display settings/inputs on my TV, access my comcast cable DVR, set recordings, etc, change the inputs/change the speaker settings/change the volume of my receiver, you get the idea
-Be able to turn multiple things on/off with 1 button (not needed, but would be nice to turn everything off at once)
-Be as cheap as possible. I don't need a ton of frills, as long as it can control the devices I need it to control.


Like I said I'm clueless on this one. I spent SOOOO much energy researching my TV & Receiver that I'm ready to just take some suggestions about the remote!
Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Found the Logitech Harmony 510 for around $40. Is this remote worthwhile? ALL INPUT APPRECIATED!!!

[repete66211]

I recommend the Harmony One (naturally ). It's not cheap, but it does what you need it to do and it looks/feels great. Your only issue is PS3 compatibility. You can buy the Nyko remote or you can go with Logitech's adapter. It's a bit expensive as well, but it offers the full solution. You can add, delete, rearrange buttons to it. I knew nothing about remotes either until I got mine and, even considering the price, I have been very impressed with it.

[Deadset]

Originally Posted by repete66211

I recommend the Harmony One (naturally ). It's not cheap, but it does what you need it to do and it looks/feels great. Your only issue is PS3 compatibility. You can buy the Nyko remote or you can go with Logitech's adapter. It's a bit expensive as well, but it offers the full solution. You can add, delete, rearrange buttons to it. I knew nothing about remotes either until I got mine and, even considering the price, I have been very impressed with it.

So the Harmony One won't work with the PS3? I'd be curious too as I'm going to need an "all in one" solution. However I want to keep it under 150

[drago3451]

Yes the Harmony Line of remotes are the best IMO here is a link.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/re...otes/&cl=us,en

I have two 550's and they control everything including my projection screen. Very customizable. I only paid $50.00 for each of mine through PC Richards online.

[repete66211]

Originally Posted by Deads3t

So the Harmony One won't work with the PS3? I'd be curious too as I'm going to need an "all in one" solution. However I want to keep it under 150

The PS3 works with Bluetooth. The Harmony One (and pretty much every other device) uses IR. So an adapter of some sort is needed. There are a few different solutions. The Nyko Blue Wave is something like $15, but it doesn't offer full compatibility. It works well if you're on a tight budget though. The Logitech PS3 adapter allows your Harmony to work just like the PS3 remote, but it's $60.

If you want to keep it under $150, get the Nyko* and a refurbished Harmony. Check the Hot Deals forum here. I think Amazon was having a deal on them.

*If you lived near me I'd just give you mine.

[DavidAg02]

Anything from the Harmony line will meet your needs. The higher up the line you go, the more bells and whistles you will get. However, their functionality is all very similar.

What makes the Harmony remotes such a great value, is how easy they are to program. Every model uses the same software/interface to program the remote.

To get full remote control for the PS3 you will need to buy an addon Infrared to Bluetooth adapter.

I own and recommend the PS3 Toothfairy. www.ps3toothfairy.com
I have met the guy who invented and sells them, and I can honestly say that he is very dedicated to his product. The toothfairy works perfectly, and customer service is second to none.

More mainstream options for controlling the PS3 are becoming available like the new controller from Logitech. From what I've heard, it also works perfectly.

[blarneyrubble]

Sears has the Harmony 540 on sale for $59.99. I have the Harmony XBOX version which is almost the same and it works great. You should pick up an IR dimmer switch too. I have programed mine to Play/Lights Off, Pause/Lights On. Home depot $39.99.

[Travis]

I found everyone on this site, and in ever thread about remotes, sings the praises of Harmony. What about Sony or Marantz, has anone used these?

My Marantz remote died, and I was looking at going with a Marantz learning remote, since other than the PS3 the AVR is the one remote I use the most. Every now and again, I get the urge to adjust channel levels, LFE, distances, etc. I have to have a remote that gives me access to everything not just on and off and volume. I also don't want to spend 700 dollars. The Sony RM-VL600 is appealing because of the price tag.

[Anthony P]

Originally Posted by Travis

I found everyone on this site, and in ever thread about remotes, sings the praises of Harmony. What about Sony or Marantz, has anone used these?

I am not a fan of the Sony remotes. But if you like Marantz then the RC9001 is incredibly good (but expensive) but so are the RC3001 and RC2001.

This is how I would characterize remotes

1) One for all (brand): extremely cheap, lacking in many features but extremely capable but lacking in features.

2) Harmony: nice remotes, simple to set-up, good set of features.

3) Philips Pronto, Marantz RC9001, RC2001, RC3001, Home theatre master remotes... high cost, but man are they worth it in what you can do with them. The coulour touch screen remotes are expensive, the button remotes with small screen are closer in price to Harmonies.

4) Crestron, AMX: well now we are not talking remotes any more, these are full blown home control systems

if we make a car analogy,
1 = used Honda Civic, does the job, is cheap but does not get the babes
2 = Honda Accord, more expensive good features, better all around and acclaimed by the masses
3 = Ferrari (though some of the HTMs are a bit less expensive with less features) . Luxury and high price, you need to know what you are doing and can easily overwhelm someone that has no idea what he is doing
4 = F1 car, it is really for the pro’s if you have the $$$$ get them but get them installed.

[onehothemi]

Harmony One all the way!

[tilapiah6]

Originally Posted by onehothemi

Harmony One all the way!

Agreed! It's very stylish, capable, has a touch screen, and feels great to hold. It looks great in any home theater. It can be had for under 200 dollars any day.