Recommend a Remote - Blu-ray Forum

quest88 · 11-12-2009, 10:41 PM

Hey guys didn't know where to put this so if its in the wrong spot please move it.

Well I just setup part of my old Onkyo sp908 for my parents and I would like to get them a universal remote that will control their Vizio TV and the 605 receiver. They have a PS3 and are use to having to deal with Two remotes. I was looking for something Under 50 bucks so please give me some recommendations. Keep in mind they are in their early 60's. Thanks guys !

blujacket · 11-13-2009, 02:01 PM

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...2086&CatId=358

Steve · 11-13-2009, 02:10 PM

I would recommend pretty much any Harmony model you can pick up in the desired price range.

quest88 · 11-13-2009, 05:57 PM

Thanks guys I was actually staying away from the Harmony line due to the whole activities deal but I think that's going to be the best thing.

Thanks for the link blujacket

Uniquely · 11-13-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quest88

Thanks guys I was actually staying away from the Harmony line due to the whole activities deal but I think that's going to be the best thing.

Thanks for the link blujacket

The activities thing is actually what makes it so easy for less technological people to use it. Once you set it up.... all they have to do is choose what they want to do. I even set up two tv activities for my parents. One says "watch tv" and the other says "tv w/stereo" so they can choose whether to use tv speakers or the old HTiB I gave them.

gps1975 · 11-14-2009, 12:27 PM

Best buy is going to have the Harmony 510 for $39.99 on Black Friday. (That is of course if you are going there for anything else)

solarrdadd · 11-14-2009, 01:21 PM

Harmony One, I love it can't/won't do with out it! I saw your budget, so, i recommend that you save! Don't settle for something cheap, trust me you don't want to live with regret in the name of cost savings, take your time and save!

blujacket · 11-14-2009, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quest88

Thanks guys I was actually staying away from the Harmony line due to the whole activities deal but I think that's going to be the best thing.

Thanks for the link blujacket

You're welcome. Harmony is for sure the way to go. After having my One, I will always have a Harmony remote.

Steve · 11-15-2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quest88

Thanks guys I was actually staying away from the Harmony line due to the whole activities deal but I think that's going to be the best thing.

Thanks for the link blujacket

As robinandtami said above, the activities feature of the Harmony remotes are what make them so great. It may seem a little intimidating at first to get everything set up right, but after a few minutes you'll get the hang of the software and it's a piece of cake. And you can always go back any time you want to and tweak to your liking.

rkolinski · 11-15-2009, 01:48 PM

I own a Harmony One and I think it is the easiest and most fantastic remote that I've ever owned (and I own a Pronto which just isn't as capable nor is it as easy to program as Harmony remotes). One thing I LOVE is that I have separate functions where I can, with one press of the touch screen, listen to my ipod or DAT or XM receiver and it will not turn on any other components other than my Onkyo receiver switched to the correct input. And I have separate touch screen functions to watch either PS3, Panasonic blu player for bitstream HD audio, Oppo DVD, SVHS, Beta and Laser Disc players. What I'm trying to say is that @ least the Harmony One would be capable enough memory wise to permit you to use ONE REMOTE for all of your various HD TV's and other components (if you want it to)!

Hammie · 11-15-2009, 01:55 PM

Remember, if you want the remote to control the PS3, you will need to add an adapter. Harmony has one and it works with any of their remotes. Since you only have a few devices that need to be controlled, I think a lower end Harmony will do your parents very well. Probably Watch TV and Watch Movie will be the only two activities they will need.

I vote for the Harmony. Once it is setup, it is wonderful. The Help button usually always fixes things.

Zman2k2 · 11-15-2009, 03:27 PM

I also vote for the Harmony remote. I gave an older one to my parents a while ago as a gift, and they both love it. Initially they were using two remotes to watch TV, and I programmed it down to the one Harmony remote. They love the activities listings, as it makes it easier for them to figure out what they want to do. And that deal posted by blujacket is fantastic. I would recommend jumping on that ASAP.

quest88 · 11-15-2009, 08:37 PM

Thanks guys I have an 880 I purchased from Costco a few weeks back so I am familiar enough with the harmony line. I am just wondering how my parents will interact with a new remote. I'm sure They will get the hang of it or at least I will get some calls on how or why the remote it flipping out.

Zman2k2 · 11-15-2009, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quest88

Thanks guys I have an 880 I purchased from Costco a few weeks back so I am familiar enough with the harmony line. I am just wondering how my parents will interact with a new remote. I'm sure They will get the hang of it or at least I will get some calls on how or why the remote it flipping out.

Of that you can be sure.

But if you remember how you programmed it, you should be able to correct any problems over the phone. I know I had to for the first week, but after that, smooth sailing.

jbute2k2 · 11-18-2009, 12:27 AM

Been in the market for a remote for myself and another as an Xmas gift for the parents. Where is the best/cheapest place to get the harmony one ( I need to buy 2)

rkolinski · 11-18-2009, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbute2k2

Been in the market for a remote for myself and another as an Xmas gift for the parents. Where is the best/cheapest place to get the harmony one ( I need to buy 2)

I always use TheFind.com to check prices and this site has it for the lowest price but this is without shipping cost of course so you might want to check further! http://www.digitalmegastore.com/Product/?11350267. And I own one of these and think it is one of the BEST remotes on the market!

Drogon · 11-24-2009, 03:51 PM

I have one of the older Harmonys and I like it, but I was always frustrated with the "slow" response of the buttons, ie when changing channels or working the BD player.

Does the Harmony One function "fast," as in, as fast as the devices' original remote?

Thanks!

mroe3469 · 11-24-2009, 04:14 PM

Some Harmaony remote deals at Best Buy
Harmony 1 150.00
Harmaony 510 39.99

I know bunch of you have Harmony 1 remotes and like them. Not sure how well the 510 works but I thouhgt I would post it.

supersix4 · 11-24-2009, 04:36 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Remo...9084141&sr=8-1

We have the mx980 from Universal, its a hard set up but once its done right I have yet to find a better remote.

Oh it can also dim the lights

11-12-2009, 10:41 PM	#1
quest88 Expert Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:San Diego CA Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:537	Recommend a Remote Hey guys didn't know where to put this so if its in the wrong spot please move it. Well I just setup part of my old Onkyo sp908 for my parents and I would like to get them a universal remote that will control their Vizio TV and the 605 receiver. They have a PS3 and are use to having to deal with Two remotes. I was looking for something Under 50 bucks so please give me some recommendations. Keep in mind they are in their early 60's. Thanks guys !

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11-13-2009, 02:01 PM	#2
blujacket Blu-ray Guru Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Dayton,Ohio 4K collection:70 Blu-ray collection:658	http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...2086&CatId=358

11-13-2009, 02:10 PM	#3
Steve Blu-ray Knight Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Location:Anna, TX 4K collection:128 Blu-ray collection:416 Trading Score:41	I would recommend pretty much any Harmony model you can pick up in the desired price range.

11-13-2009, 05:57 PM	#4
quest88 Expert Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:San Diego CA Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:537	Thanks guys I was actually staying away from the Harmony line due to the whole activities deal but I think that's going to be the best thing. Thanks for the link blujacket

11-14-2009, 12:27 PM	#6
gps1975 Junior Member Member since:Nov 2009 Location:West MI Blu-ray collection:44	Best buy is going to have the Harmony 510 for $39.99 on Black Friday. (That is of course if you are going there for anything else)

11-14-2009, 01:21 PM	#7
solarrdadd Blu-ray Prince Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Virginia Home Theater Gallery:255 4K collection:209 Blu-ray collection:1344 DVD collection:4 Blu-ray reviews: 42 Trading Score:316	Harmony One, I love it can't/won't do with out it! I saw your budget, so, i recommend that you save! Don't settle for something cheap, trust me you don't want to live with regret in the name of cost savings, take your time and save!

11-15-2009, 01:48 PM	#10
rkolinski Blu-ray Baron Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Home Theater Gallery:184 4K collection:76 Blu-ray collection:3078 Blu-ray reviews: 17	I own a Harmony One and I think it is the easiest and most fantastic remote that I've ever owned (and I own a Pronto which just isn't as capable nor is it as easy to program as Harmony remotes). One thing I LOVE is that I have separate functions where I can, with one press of the touch screen, listen to my ipod or DAT or XM receiver and it will not turn on any other components other than my Onkyo receiver switched to the correct input. And I have separate touch screen functions to watch either PS3, Panasonic blu player for bitstream HD audio, Oppo DVD, SVHS, Beta and Laser Disc players. What I'm trying to say is that @ least the Harmony One would be capable enough memory wise to permit you to use ONE REMOTE for all of your various HD TV's and other components (if you want it to)!

11-15-2009, 01:55 PM	#11
Hammie Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Location:Washington, DC Metro Home Theater Gallery:53 Blu-ray collection:545 DVD collection:12 Trading Score:12	Remember, if you want the remote to control the PS3, you will need to add an adapter. Harmony has one and it works with any of their remotes. Since you only have a few devices that need to be controlled, I think a lower end Harmony will do your parents very well. Probably Watch TV and Watch Movie will be the only two activities they will need. I vote for the Harmony. Once it is setup, it is wonderful. The Help button usually always fixes things.

11-15-2009, 03:27 PM	#12
Zman2k2 Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Calgary, Canada Home Theater Gallery:5 Blu-ray collection:136 Trading Score:54	I also vote for the Harmony remote. I gave an older one to my parents a while ago as a gift, and they both love it. Initially they were using two remotes to watch TV, and I programmed it down to the one Harmony remote. They love the activities listings, as it makes it easier for them to figure out what they want to do. And that deal posted by blujacket is fantastic. I would recommend jumping on that ASAP.

11-15-2009, 08:37 PM	#13
quest88 Expert Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:San Diego CA Home Theater Gallery:19 Blu-ray collection:537	Thanks guys I have an 880 I purchased from Costco a few weeks back so I am familiar enough with the harmony line. I am just wondering how my parents will interact with a new remote. I'm sure They will get the hang of it or at least I will get some calls on how or why the remote it flipping out.

11-18-2009, 12:27 AM	#15
jbute2k2 Expert Member Member since:Aug 2008 Location:Chicago Blu-ray collection:337 DVD collection:128 Trading Score:206	Been in the market for a remote for myself and another as an Xmas gift for the parents. Where is the best/cheapest place to get the harmony one ( I need to buy 2)

11-24-2009, 03:51 PM	#17
Drogon Member Member since:Jul 2007	I have one of the older Harmonys and I like it, but I was always frustrated with the "slow" response of the buttons, ie when changing channels or working the BD player. Does the Harmony One function "fast," as in, as fast as the devices' original remote? Thanks!

11-24-2009, 04:14 PM	#18
mroe3469 Active Member Member since:Aug 2009 Location:Bay Area, Ca.	Some Harmaony remote deals at Best Buy Harmony 1 150.00 Harmaony 510 39.99 I know bunch of you have Harmony 1 remotes and like them. Not sure how well the 510 works but I thouhgt I would post it.

11-24-2009, 04:36 PM	#19
supersix4 Blu-ray Archduke Top contributor Member since:Mar 2007 Blu-ray collection:572 Blu-ray reviews: 53 Trading Score:3	http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Remo...9084141&sr=8-1 We have the mx980 from Universal, its a hard set up but once its done right I have yet to find a better remote. Oh it can also dim the lights

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