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Universal Remote Advice

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Howard_Casto:
Ok I've been asked (read forced) to idiot proof our home theater setup due to the fact that I have a device hooked up on every input plus a cable box and surround sound system.  These old-school universal remotes aren't gonna cut it anymore so it's time to go for a more hi-tech solution.  I was looking at the logitech mid-range smart remotes, particularly for the 360, like this one:
http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/14/logitech-harmony-universal-remote-for-xbox-360/

At first glance it's perfect as you can set macros to do complicated tasks and the macros are "smart" (meaning if you press "watch tv" when everything is off it turns on the tv and calbe box, but if you press "watch tv" while you are watching a dvd it turns off the dvd player, and sets the video mode back to the cable box instead of just toggling the tv again) The problem is the remote itself.  I went to walmart to check one of these out and to say that the buttons are small would be the understatment of the century.  They are TINY  like smaller than a tic-tac tiny.  There's no way those are gonna fly.  On top of that the layout, as you can see, is ratehr stupid.  The vcr buttons, which you seldom use are on the top.  The navigation ring, which is used often, is at the bottom and see that sliver of a U-shaped array around the navigation ring?  Those aren't accessory buttons, those are the frikkin channel and volume buttons!

Here is what my cable box remote looks and I think it's laid out pretty well:

http://www.urcsupport.com/index.php?mso_id=232

I'm sure most of your cable remotes are something similar. 


So here's the question..... I need a remote that works like the logitech smart remote but is laid out more like my cable remote.  I'm not paying more than 100 bucks either. 

Any suggestions?  (Please don't link me to "dumb" universal remotes... as I said a smart one that'll do smart macros is required)

somunny:

--- Quote from: Howard_Casto on January 10, 2008, 06:52:05 pm --- I was looking at the logitech mid-range smart remotes, particularly for the 360, like this one:
http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/14/logitech-harmony-universal-remote-for-xbox-360/

At first glance it's perfect as you can set macros to do complicated tasks and the macros are "smart" (meaning if you press "watch tv" when everything is off it turns on the tv and calbe box, but if you press "watch tv" while you are watching a dvd it turns off the dvd player, and sets the video mode back to the cable box instead of just toggling the tv again) The problem is the remote itself.  I went to walmart to check one of these out and to say that the buttons are small would be the understatment of the century.  They are TINY  like smaller than a tic-tac tiny.  There's no way those are gonna fly.  On top of that the layout, as you can see, is ratehr stupid.  The vcr buttons, which you seldom use are on the top.  The navigation ring, which is used often, is at the bottom and see that sliver of a U-shaped array around the navigation ring?  Those aren't accessory buttons, those are the frikkin channel and volume buttons!


--- End quote ---

I have that same remote and while I agree with all of your observations, you'll get used to the layout and feel of it.   I was hesitant to buy it because of the size of the buttons, as well but after a few days it wasn't an issue.  The only gripe I have is it tends to lose its memory for certain tasks once in a while and I have to reload the custom program.  Still, I'd recommend it.

ahofle:

--- Quote from: Howard_Casto on January 10, 2008, 06:52:05 pm ---At first glance it's perfect as you can set macros to do complicated tasks and the macros are "smart" (meaning if you press "watch tv" when everything is off it turns on the tv and calbe box, but if you press "watch tv" while you are watching a dvd it turns off the dvd player, and sets the video mode back to the cable box instead of just toggling the tv again) The problem is the remote itself. 

--- End quote ---

I'm on my 4th remote now (and still unhappy).  I'm not sure about the Harmony you linked, but IMO what you really want to look for is a remote that supports 'discrete codes', not just macros.  Meaning, for example, it will allow you to program a separate on and off code (not just a single power toggle).  These codes usually need to be entered, not learned from the source remote.  A lot also depends on your equipment (whether it even supports the discrete codes you need).  As an example, my crappy TV requires you to press the input button several times to go from HDMI to component to switch from TV to DVD.  The macros end up being longer than they need to be because you have these series of repeated button presses.  Also if you happen to have low batteries or someone steps in front of the equipment in the middle of your sequence, you are stuck in some wrong input or crazy state that only you know how to fix.  This may not be an issue for you, but it sucks royally when you have family over that want to watch TV or a DVD when you're not around. LOL
You should also check out avsforum.com if you haven't already.

EDIT: I think this is the one I have (very similar anyways)
http://www.remotecentral.com/ureview/84.htm
Other than the lack of discrete codes, it's great.  I think it was on clearance for $100 or so.

patrickl:
I have a Logitech Harmony 720. Works great. Macro's work well too. Don't have a problem with the button size.

Zero_Hour:
The Harmony 659, comes a bit closer to your current remote layout, and is programmable via PC. I've had one for some time now and love it. Not too fancy, quite functional, and can be had for under $100

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