whoopazz Posted January 5, 2010 Share Posted January 5, 2010 So, finally picked up some new A/V stuff. HD tv, blu ray player, surround system, cable converter box, Netflix streaming, etc. The sound and picture is of course awesome. But now we have 3 remotes for all this chit and the wifey is a bigger techno-dunce than I am. For those in the know, is there an affordable universal remote that will simplify use of this equipment to the level of a child? The TV and DVD are both LG brand. TIA, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tosberg34 Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 So, finally picked up some new A/V stuff. HD tv, blu ray player, surround system, cable converter box, Netflix streaming, etc. The sound and picture is of course awesome. But now we have 3 remotes for all this chit and the wifey is a bigger techno-dunce than I am. For those in the know, is there an affordable universal remote that will simplify use of this equipment to the level of a child? The TV and DVD are both LG brand. TIA, How much is "affordable" in your eyes? I use the Harmony One Remote and swear by it. I also have a Harmony 670 Remote as well but Logitech has a whole line of Harmony remotes (not just those two). The Harmony one will set you back about $160 bones and the 670 about $60-80. Each remote is programmable thru your computer and hooks into the massive Logitech database so your devices will be in the system. Any other remote that isn't a "smart" remote is worthless. I probably went thru 6 Universal remotes that worked for squat before I finally bit the bullet and forked over some serious money for a serious remote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Furd Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 +1 for the Harmony One Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Irish Doggy Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 I have a Logitech remote (about 3 yrs old now) as well. I can't live without it! cnet.com has a nice list of reviews on universal remotes that is worth your while to look into. These guys have tested a lot of remotes over the years. You can see an in depth review of the Harmony One recommended above as well as others and decide for yourself. I agree with Tosberg that the 20-30 dollar remotes are worthless - more frustrating than helpful IMO. The package might say it is compatible with a lot of systems, but that's a bunch of bull. Don't believe it for one second. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azazello1313 Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 I got the URC digital R50 for xmas, and the initial setup was pretty easy. seems pretty slick and will do what I need to do. it won't do the ps3 though, because that's bluetooth and not IR. so I am waiting on delivery of this thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evil_gop_liars Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Wiegie has one and swears by it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montster Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 another vote for logitech harmony. i had the harmony 880 and loved it. you might suffer some sticker shock, but the harmony remotes are very well designed, and set-up is fairly intuitive. there are also refurbished units for cheaper. my mom is a complete technophobe and she was able to work the harmony remote just fine. I got the URC digital R50 for xmas, and the initial setup was pretty easy. seems pretty slick and will do what I need to do. it won't do the ps3 though, because that's bluetooth and not IR. so I am waiting on delivery of this thing. i picked this up at gamestop for $20. it works great. i also have a URC remote, and i believe the codes for the Nyko PS3 remote are in URC's database. it does everything but turn the PS3 on/off, but inserting the disc automatically turns it on anyway, and you can turn it off from the main menu of the PS3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 The Harmony is a great remote. I needed that little something more and have a Phillips Pronto touch screen but that is definitely not in the affordable range ($300+) The thing about remotes though is that they are only as good as the programming/customization. I went this route because I can idiot proof the system. I have it ask questions like, What do you want to do? With answers like Watch TV, Watch a movie, Listen to a CD, etc. You can sorta do this with a Harmony via the macros where if you push a button it turns on all the appropriate pieces of equipment and sets the correct inputs, etc. Get a Harmony and take the time to customize it correctly and you life will be filled with joy. Check out Remote Central for all the info you need about programming your remote and remotes in general. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cdrudge Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 The only gripe I have with my Harmony remote is it's attempt to try to track whether the device is powered on or off to send the correct signal. Sometimes my kids will turn off or on the TV manually and then the remote is out of sync. Or the TV or receiver didn't catch the off command so one or the other is left on. Pushing off again doesn't repeat the signal as the remote thinks it's already off...or sends the signal again and turns on one device but turns off the other. If your devices have discrete on/off codes some of this can be avoided. Othertimes, I just wish there was a hard button that was just power for that device and if it didn't pick it up once...you just press it again. I don't want to have to press 3 or 4 buttons to get it back into the correct mode to find the soft button for power. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whoopazz Posted January 6, 2010 Author Share Posted January 6, 2010 So Harmony it is. More than I wanted to spend but that is definitely what we need. Thanks folks, I'll look around this weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursa Majoris Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 (edited) So........I now have seven remotes and it's all getting a tad silly. DVD, BluRay, TV, receiver, CD-R, VCR and DVR. Anyone found anything better than the Harmony One? Edited April 15, 2011 by Ursa Majoris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursa Majoris Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Found this Harmony One touch screen remote at Amazon. Down from $250 to $164. Looks like it would fit the bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Cid Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Found this Harmony One touch screen remote at Amazon. Down from $250 to $164. Looks like it would fit the bill. That right there is a great deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikesVikes Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 My cable box came with a remote that I use for most everything. I don't use the Blue Ray with it yet. The kids like to play throw and catch with the remotes, more throwing than catching, so there's no way that I'd pay too much for a remote that gets thrown all over the room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursa Majoris Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 That right there is a great deal. I thought it likely was so I ordered it, along with a digital audio cable to attach my new BluRay to my older receiver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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