Just my $0.02. The Logitech Harmony Remotes are the shizzle!

[Golgatha]

I just bought a Logitech Harmony 890 and got done programming everything tonight. I consolidated everything down from 5 remotes (proper inputs set for OTA HDTV, U-Verse DVR/TV, PS3, XBox 360, Wii, Receiver, and HTPC) to 1. I bought the ridiculously priced Playstation 3 IR to Bluetooth add-on too. Got the Harmony 890 as a refurb for $99.99 and the PS3 add-on was $59.99. Money very well spent IMHO.

Between the Harmony remote and my Logitech DiNovo Mini, I am in HTPC and home theater Heaven. This remote is so easy to use (once programmed of course) that my 5 year old son and wife can both use it with ease. Now for the ultimate test...to see if my mother-in-law (this is a woman who just learned to turn on a computer last year) can use it when she next comes for a visit.

 

[nsafreak]

Yep I know exactly how you feel. I love my 676 and even programming it wasn't that hard really. Pretty much if the device has an infrared sensor the remote can control it.

 

[sivart]

So how does the 890 handle the U-verse DVR? I know that the IR on the U-verse box sucks (even with the included remote)! Does having the IR transmitter right in front of the receiver on the box work?

For example, if you try to change to channel 1120 you may get channel 120, channel 112 or anything but 1120....does this problem go away.

 

[RKS]

I bought the 880 for when my mother-in-law is over watching the kids.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

I own this remote as well - but I have no clue on how to program the favorites.

I downloaded a bunch of the logos and placed the into the Harmony software but I can't find them on my remote- so frustrating!

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Yup. Got the 880 for my parents. They love it.

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: sivart
So how does the 890 handle the U-verse DVR? I know that the IR on the U-verse box sucks (even with the included remote)! Does having the IR transmitter right in front of the receiver on the box work?

For example, if you try to change to channel 1120 you may get channel 120, channel 112 or anything but 1120....does this problem go away.

Oddly enough the Harmony is much better than the remote that came with the Motorola STB. Channel surfing is much more responsive. Any channel I type in and hit enter on comes up so far. My only gripe is that the button which sends you directly to your recorded programs is missing as far as I can tell. Going through the Guide menu is a minor inconvenience though to have just one remote.

My only other issue is I notice a very slight lag on the PS3 remote as well, as compared to the official Sony Bluetooth remote. I imagine this is due to the translation from IR to Bluetooth on the PS3 adapter made by Logitech. Again, not enough of a con to go back to using a separate remote though.

 

[Golgatha]

Originally posted by: sivart
So how does the 890 handle the U-verse DVR? I know that the IR on the U-verse box sucks (even with the included remote)! Does having the IR transmitter right in front of the receiver on the box work?

For example, if you try to change to channel 1120 you may get channel 120, channel 112 or anything but 1120....does this problem go away.

Oh also, I don't use the IR extender at all. I just use the Harmony remote. I think the IR emitter on the Motorola remote is just sub-par and FWIW I think the Motorola remote sucks too. I always had to point it directly at the STB and the navigation feels very clunky now that I have the Harmony (I have another STB downstairs that I still use the original remote for).

 

[sivart]

You should be able to set up a macro (I think they call it sequence) to a certain button to issue the commands to go directly to the recorded programs. I did that with the 659 and it worked 85% of the time, but then it was also having issues with the number buttons so that may be the 15% of the time it didn't work.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

My mom got me the Harmony One for Christmas. It's awesome.

GF and I love it. Went from 6 remotes to one.

 

[kalrith]

:thumbsup: from another Harmony and diNovo Mini owner.

 

[nakedfrog]

I don't think they're worth the price, but I do like mine (paid less than $50 out of pocket for a new 880).

 

[txlonghorn]

Originally posted by: kalrith
:thumbsup: from another Harmony and diNovo Mini owner.

Ditto. Like the Harmony 880 a lot. Love the diNovo Mini.

 

[Agentbolt]

BIG fan of the 550. Nothin' fancy, it just controls absolutely every electronic component I could ever need. Only 25 bucks, too.

 

[JackBurton]

I gave away my last Harmony remote to someone here at Anandtech. I can't stand them. My next remote is going to be a URC but that's a "little" more than the Harmonys. I'd say for most people though, Harmonys are ok.

 

[imported_oreca]

I do think they're pretty cool and the features complement the looks. I'm off to buy an 880 soon.

 

[Elcs]

Great feel to them.

I have the 555 (UK/EU version of the 550 I believe) and despite feeling that it was a little clunky to setup, it works great.

I have set up an Activity which controls my TV, HTIB and Set Top Box all in one. Just a dream to use and as responsive, if not more so than the bog standard remotes you get. I'd buy one for my mam and dad but my mam would get confused, she's 100% hopeless when it comes to technology.

 

[cKGunslinger]

Setup my 670 today.

 

[Rhoxed]

loving the 880

 

[50]

I wish they would make one with a MCE button. I also don't like how long it takes to turn on my stuff, everything is on and it is still sending codes to put the TV on the right input, etc.

 

[sivart]

Originally posted by: 50
I wish they would make one with a MCE button. I also don't like how long it takes to turn on my stuff, everything is on and it is still sending codes to put the TV on the right input, etc.

For MCE, I just made a few soft keys that open the application. Live TV, Watch DVD, etc....