Why are good remotes so expensive?

[QueBert]

I was remote shopping for a remote for my HTPC I'm working on. For SNG I was looking at the Prontos, the 9400 & 9600 are EXPENSIVE. I could buy an iPad that can do anything the 9600 can minus the physical buttons. For half the price. And the Pronto does nothing outside of control AV equipment. While the remote is pretty bad ass, what makes it close to worth 1k? The 9400 was also very expensive. I'm either seeing $20 POS's or $150+ Harmony's. I'm only looking to control my HTPC so I don't need it to do everything in the world. But the less expensive simple remotes all seem to have very cheap feeling buttons and built quality. Is there a basic remote in the $50'ish range that doesn't feel like a toy and has back lit keys?

 

[Soundmanred]

quantity

 

[nsafreak]

Maybe it's just me but my Harmony 676 has always felt like a well built remote and has performed just fine for me. Nice firm buttons that respond well. And yes it is backlit.

 

[Cheesetogo]

Take a look at the lower end harmony remotes. Some of them are pretty close to $50 I think.

 

[pontifex]

Maybe it's just me but my Harmony 676 has always felt like a well built remote and has performed just fine for me. Nice firm buttons that respond well. And yes it is backlit.

I must have got a dud because the buttons feel cheap on mine, and one or two come off/out easily.

 

[kalrith]

I paid $73 for my Harmony 688, and it's been great. The 520 (I think) goes on sale for $50 frequently, and I've seen some models as low as $30. If you want more fit and finish, then an 880 for about $90-100 would be a good choice. All of these require waiting for a good deal, but I see them pretty frequently.

 

[bruceb]

In some cases, you get much better quality of build. Maybe a lot more features, like backlit buttons, more ergonomic, more memory or it can recognize more types of devices. Maybe color lcd display instead of black & white. And it comes down to what people are willing to pay. If too many decide it is not worth $300 (or whatever) then makers will be forced to reduce prices.

 

[ericlp]

can get a harmony 300 for 40 bucks at target. Not bad for having a remote you can plug into your computer and virtually d/l any device you got to it.

 

[Modelworks]

They cost that because the market will pay it. There is nothing in a logitech harmony remote that dictates that kind of pricing. Total cost to make one at 1qty pricing for the internal parts is about $60 . Now imagine what someone like logitech who can make them in qty pays per remote.


It is the same thing with pc cases. All they are is sheet metal that takes a machine about 30 seconds to fold and stamp out. There is nothing in them but sheet metal and plastic, yet some sell for $300. It is ridiculous.

Or look at aquarium supplies. An overflow box for a tank that uses about a half sheet of plexiglass sells for over $100. It is just a piece of plastic.
http://www.marinedepot.com/CPR_CS10...or_Aquariums-CPR-CR1511-FIOFEB-CR1515-vi.html

 

[bruceb]

You are neglecting to consider the cost to setup the machines to make all the parts.
Dies, molds, special tools and computer programming of the tools do not come cheap.

 

[kalrith]

They cost that because the market will pay it.

It is the same thing with almost everything.

Fixed.

Ever wonder how much a bottle of cologne costs to make? I think it's less than $1, and they sell many of them for over $50.

If Logitech could charge $1,000 for its cheapest remote and be more profitable, then it would. The only time manufacturing costs really apply is when the price point between supply and demand is lower than the manufacturing cost. Otherwise, companies will charge the price that will help their bottom line the most.

But, I agree with bruceb. There's more overhead to the Logitech remotes than just the material costs. You have R&D, programming, support, etc.

 

[mikeford]

Remotes at the high end are not priced by the parts cost, almost no quality product is, the selling price is based on what people are willing to pay for what it does.

 

[Patranus]

Totally worth the money.

Once I got a Logitech 890 a few years ago I can never go back to an IR remote.

 

[ericlp]

Actually I think having EVERY device out there on line ready to be programmed into the remote is PRICELESS.

Beats trying to type in stupid codes and clapping three times standing on your head trying to get a device to turn and off. I'd love to see a 20 dollar remote have the code for my projector or FTA box or even a popcorn hour. I'd pay 20 more the ease of programming 4 devices into a all in one remote.

So..... It's not just the box and the quality batteries that you get with it, it's the layout and all the programming that goes far beyond it. Is it worth it? I think so.

 

[Modelworks]

A
Beats trying to type in stupid codes and clapping three times standing on your head trying to get a device to turn and off. I'd love to see a 20 dollar remote have the code for my projector or FTA box or even a popcorn hour. I'd pay 20 more the ease of programming 4 devices into a all in one remote.

Not $20 , but I can do it for $18
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-RM-VL600-...9627540&sr=8-1

Have yet to find anything it cannot control.

 

[Modelworks]

But, I agree with bruceb. There's more overhead to the Logitech remotes than just the material costs. You have R&D, programming, support, etc.

Yes there is, but not enough to justify the price. They could do it in years past because they had features no other remotes had, but not anymore which is why they keep releasing cheaper and cheaper versions.

 

[borisvodofsky]

Because most people don't give a shit.

So they're forced to charge a high premium.

To cater to the retards who do give a shit.

 

[Patranus]

To cater to the retards who do give a shit.

Being able to control any device/collection of devices with a remote and not have to point the remote at the device or even be in the same room is amazing. I would hardly call someone with an expensive remote a "retard".

 

[ericlp]

Holy shit, that sony rmvl600 sucks have fun programming that!

 

[roguerower]

What's the easiest way to control an HTPC? My case doesn't have an IR/RF module and last time I looked none of the harmonys come with one. Solution?

 

[ericlp]

Good question. Load up XBMC and use a wireless game controller? Good thing they are RF controllers not IR. I found that the xbox controller was great for switching songs and volume sitting out on the deck with the bbq!

 

[Modelworks]

Holy shit, that sony rmvl600 sucks have fun programming that!

Point two remotes at each other, press button on sony remote you want to use for function, press button on device remote you want button on sony to be. What is so hard ?

There are plenty of other learning remotes. As long as you have the original you don't need codes and can make any button on the new remote function as the old remote button.

No codes involved

 

[Modelworks]

What's the easiest way to control an HTPC? My case doesn't have an IR/RF module and last time I looked none of the harmonys come with one. Solution?

Easiest is to get a compatible receiver for the pc. The cheapest one that works great is this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-003-_-Product

Needs no drivers on windows vista and up but winxp is not supported.
Linux also detects it on startup fine.

You can use their remote or some of the newer universal remotes with MCE codes.


If you want to go RF then the easiest way is this item:
http://www.amazon.com/Next-Generatio...9798126&sr=8-2

Converts just about any remote to RF by replacing the battery with a RF transmitter. How it works is 99% of all remotes use a clock crystal running at 300-400Khz. When you press a button that crystal modulates RF with the code and the special battery included with the device picks up on this and sends it to the receiver.

You can actually test a remote by placing it near an AM radio and pressing a button, you will hear the code. Doesn't matter what frequency the radio is set to. AM radios use 400Khz in the IF part in the tuner so they also pick up on the signal.

 

[roguerower]

The IR mod seems to be the best bet since I'll be trying to get a universal to control receiver, HTPC, xbox, tv and hopefully the cable box.

Was thinking one of the logitech remotes. Really wanted a 1100 but it's a little pricey.

 

[Patranus]

The IR mod seems to be the best bet since I'll be trying to get a universal to control receiver, HTPC, xbox, tv and hopefully the cable box.

Was thinking one of the logitech remotes. Really wanted a 1100 but it's a little pricey.

The last Logitech RF remote I added to my collection was found at Best Buy and was a brand new open box return. The only problem? It was missing the battery. I got it for $150 off and then went on ebay and got a battery for $15.

Just keep your eyes open. You might be able to get the 1100 for less than you think.