I have a question about UNIVERSAL remote controls

[Soul Reputation]

I'm about ready to purchase my first universal remote control.

I know a URC is compatible with TV's. But I'm wondering if a URC will allow me to control the volume on my Logitech speakers. My speakers are hooked up to the sound card on my computer.

I like to watch YouTube music videos on my computer monitor. Will I be able to control the volume with the URC?

I should point out that my Logitech sound system (the Z5500's) came with a remote control, but the darn thing became dysfunctional not long after I purchased it. (Yes, Logitech will replace it for free, but it's a major hassle due to a policy they have in place, a freakin' hassle, actually,...so it's time for a URC).

I'm looking at different URC's made by Phillips, Sony, One for All, Universal Remote Controls, all costing around 15-$20 and receiving good reviews at Amazon and Newegg.

 

[Elcs]

Personally, I would take a look at the Harmony 520 or Harmony 550 by Logitech.

BestBuy.com 550 for $49.99

I used the Logitech "Will the Harmony work with my X piece of equipment?" checker located here.

Putting in Amplifier -> AV Receiver, Logitech and Z-5500, it appears that the control pod for the Z-5500's you own is in Logitech's Harmony database so you could download the control codes and stuff straight onto the URC itself.

I have my Logitech 555 (Europe/UK version of the 550) arriving tomorrow based upon what I found on the recent URC thread, internet and customer reviews plus trawling through the Logitech site to nail down what I wanted.

I struggled to wrap my head around paying money for a remote control but being able to plug it into my PC, download new device codes and customise my buttons via a PC interface swayed me. Logitech has 225,000 devices in its database now.... reading some reviews from 2006 and 2007, this has grown massively over the years which leads me to believe that it has quite a bit of longevity.

If you do not wish to spend such money on an URC, then I understand your decision but as a recent URc purchaser, I thought I would provide my thoughts and feelings on the situation.

BTW - I paid the equivilent of about $70-75 inclusive of taxes and delivery charges for my 555 (born, bred and living in the UK).

 

[The Boston Dangler]

the "Will the Harmony work with my X piece of equipment?" site won't work for anyone but you, Elcs.

i also recommend a logitech remote, especially after the recent improvements.

 

[Shawn]

If it's infrared a Harmony will work.

 

[MichaelD]

I have had my Harmony 880 for about a year now. It is by far the best damned thing since sliced bread. It's one of those things that after you're using it for just a few days you'll say "Why the heck didn't I buy this sooner?" It's replacing five remotes. FIVE. And about 100 different button pressing combinations. To just press a button that says "Watch DVD" and have it turn on three different components in an order so that the TV doesn't time out from no input, set all the inputs/outputs, etc is just amazing.

As has been said, Logitech's remote database is astouding. They even had my way-off-brand satellite STB receiver. Zero probs.

Get one today.

 

[Elcs]

Originally posted by: The Boston Dangler
the "Will the Harmony work with my X piece of equipment?" site won't work for anyone but you, Elcs.

i also recommend a logitech remote, especially after the recent improvements.

Doh! Well, at least I covered the relevant points in my post and if the TC wants to check out the Logitech website, they have sort of an idea where to head if they want to check compatibility.