When watching TV, DVD's, or just listening to music in the family room, I find myself often having to use 3-4 different remote controls.

A few years ago I bought one universal remote control (MX500) which uses discrete codes to control several components. Sadly, the MX500 database of components is no longer updated and it won't control some of my newer components.

Does anyone have any experience with universal remote controls? The very expensive Logitech Harmony remotes have been getting many recommendations and I am tempted to buy one, but wondered if anyone has tried these remotes. The Harmony remotes are programmed on your own computer and are activity based (watch a movie, watch TV, etc.) instead of relying on discrete numerical codes.

 

Im no techno geek but got a harmony and love it, retail about 100

 

I am running 2 mx-850s. One in my LR and one in my theater. Discreet codes for most deices are available from remotecentral.com. You can also use the editor and convert the Philips Pronto codes.
I bought mine last one at SurfRemote.com and the price wasn't bad.

I really love the macros, it makes turning everything on very easy for my +1.

The only thing that I have heard about the Harmonys is that they are sometimes a little difficult, I am not sure if you can convert the Pronto codes for them.

 

The remote I got from my cable company works pretty good.

 

Also, if you have DirectTV the remote can easily be trained to run everything.

 

I just bought the 2 remotes in one pack from Walmart. One TV worked fine with the first code, but the second TV, none of the codes worked! I tried the code search, and after 5 minutes it worked perfectly.

AND it also worked on code search for my Xbox! I was previously told this was impossible. $15 for 2 remotes.

 

Santa brought me a Harmony One but it is still in the box. No time to set it up yet. It was HIGHLY rated. I'm selling a Marantz RC5200 on craigslist if anyone is interested.

 

When I upgraded my A/V receiver last fall, I got the Harmony I. My only gripe about it is that the buttons' tactile response took me a bit of getting used to (you train the Harmony via your computer and the Logitech web site; you train the operator by trial and error ).

Unlike all of the other (cheaper) universals I've tried, the Harmony has true programmability, almost like a scripting language -- but it's automated via the computer interface (which uses a USB connector). It has time lags built in when needed; it's quite flexible; it programs by function ("Watch TV"; "Watch a DVD" etc), meaning you push a button and it powers up what equipment is needed for that function and switches its settings appropriately.

When I first got it, it had a couple of weirdnesses; but a new software upgrade (again, automated via the Logitech web site) fixed them. It's pricey, but I've found it to be worth the cost. HPH

 

my harmony was very easy plugged it into my pc chose my components and whammo it works..... so easy my wife and Mom cn operate everything, now thats saying something

 

I've never been able to find a universal remote that would allow me to use every feature on my receiver, DVD/VHS player, or CD changer. I think I'll have a look at the Harmony.