Looking for a nice universal remote

[minendo]

Looking for a universal remote to power the following:

[*]Toshiba Regza 42" LCD
[*]Toshiba HD-DVD Player
[*]Cox Cable Box (Not sure of the brand on this)
[*]TiVo Series 2
[*]Onkyo TX-SR604

I've looked at the Logitech Harmony remotes at Best Buy, but am not sure how good they are so I turn to AnandTech for suggestions. I would prefer to spend less than $200 and less than $100 if possible. So what do you suggest?

 

[Rio Rebel]

Logitech Harmony. But not from Best Buy - they want retail price for these things. I think there's a thread right now in Hot Deals for a Logitech 550 from Amazon for fifty bucks.

You'll be happy with one of these. The differences between the different Harmony remotes are minor, so don't worry about finding the perfect model for your situation.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Logitech Harmony 550 for $50 shipped

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Logitech Harmony 550 for $50 shipped

That was fast. Went ahead and ordered one. Thanks guys.

 

[Schadenfroh]

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Logitech Harmony 550 for $50 shipped

While that is a good deal, be warned that the 5xx line has a poor layout, IMO. I purchased a 676 to replace my 520 due to the layout and found the 6xx line to be much better.

 

[minendo]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh

Originally posted by: Capt Caveman
Logitech Harmony 550 for $50 shipped

While that is a good deal, be warned that the 5xx line has a poor layout, IMO. I purchased a 676 to replace my 520 because it and found the 6xx line to be much better.

That was one of my concerns, but I figured for $50 I'll check it out. If need be, I can always return it and move to a different model.

 

[Reel]

I have an 880. The configuration software is quite cumbersome but once you invest the time to understand it and get it working the way you want, you will not have to use it much more after that. I really enjoy the "Activities" paradigm of remote controls and I think it makes complex systems very accessible to even those not comfortable with the equipment.

 

[Elstupido]

Just bought a Harmony 720 from Costco for $97. I really like the larger color LCD. I had problems with one of the programming functions, so I called, and they fixed it for me right over the phone through their website.

 

[Reel]

Originally posted by: Elstupido
Just bought a Harmony 720 from Costco for $97. I really like the larger color LCD. I had problems with one of the programming functions, so I called, and they fixed it for me right over the phone through their website.

Good point. Those guys have a much better interface into the codes database and an easier way to actually modify the programming on the remotes. I have been able to get them to help me in a very in-depth manner that I did not find myself able to do with the end-user interface.