Ed Brill

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1. 1  David Leedy http://www.lotusnotebook.com | 12/27/2006 12:07:53 PM

   Ed,

   Most of the remotes that are $100+ should be able to handle the changing of the Receiver inputs via macros or so. However, the problem you can have with some equipment is if, for example, your DVD player doesn't have discrete or different signals for on and off. Some equipment use the same code for both and that makes it possible to sometimes get "out of sync." There really isn't anything a remote can do to fix that - it's just a possible annoyance that you need to plan for.

   To me the biggest thing is to get a remote that you can actually program via your computer. That makes it easier, and that remotecentral site has a database section where people have already uploaded codes for lots of equipment.

   Regarding the LCD Screens. To me they're good and bad. My dad has a Pronto remote which is almost totally touch screen. And while it's neat, and somewhat easy, the fact is for me it's a pain to use it because you have to look at it to do all but the most basic changing of volume. There's no going by FEEL on the LCD's... Some people just don't like that. My dad actually keeps the directv remote around so he can jump channels...

   A couple of years ago I bought the MX-700. { Link }

   This seemed to have the flexability of LCD but with enough hard buttons that I could jump to a channel on directv without actually having to look down at it. I got it at Tweeter and technically this is/was for "Installers Only" I think, but they sold it to me anyway. I don't know what new models are out but I'm happy with this. I don't remember what it cost... it wasn't cheap.. but I would say you don't want to necessarily skimp on the remote. Actually you're be using it ALL THE TIME... so make sure you get a good one...

   The only other thing to consider regarding the hook up... and keep in mind that I don't have a Tivo... Is I try to only use one input on my TV (73in Mits.). The component input and have a receiver that can do all the switching. That can GREATLY simplify things at the possible cost of Picture in Picture which doesn't interest me. Then you're only dealing with switching the receiver on the remote and the device control. If you're actually going to use multiple TV inputs then you really want to pay attention to your choice of remotes.

   Sorry the post is so long. I hope it helps. E-mail if I can do anything else.

   Dave

1. 2  Mike  | 12/27/2006 12:18:35 PM

   Ditto Dave on the Pronto....

   I purchased one of those a while back and it sits idle... I've found that I like the ability to 'feel' the remote and operate it without looking. I found the Pronto to be frustrating -- you've got to look at it for almost every action -- which takes a few seconds each time.

   My TiVo remote to me is the 'perfect' example of what I'm looking for in a remote - the ability to operate it by tactile feel alone. All the numbers and symbols on the buttons have worn off long ago, and everyone in the family from my 5 year old to my wife can operate it without looking at it.

   Those Logitech remotes you can program via computer look really intriguing, but to date we're satisfied with just keeping a basket of remotes on the endtable and using the oddball DVD & VCR ones as needed, as the TiVo is the workhorse and probably is in use 99.9% of the time...

1. 3  Paul Robichaux http://www.robichaux.net/blog | 12/27/2006 12:19:53 PM

   Try the Harmony line of remotes, Ed-- they're *wonderful*. I had an MX500, and it was OK, but the Harmony is much easier to program and use. My wife and kids all use it without a second thought, even the 5-year-old. Perhaps a sterner test: so does my technophobe mom. It was a simple matter to add a new button for our Christmas Wii, too :0

1. 4  John  | 12/27/2006 12:20:17 PM

   I have been very happy with the Harmony Remotes. These remotes were recently purchased by Logitech, so the URL is now: { Link }

   I personally own the Harmony 880 remote (about $250 in store, but about $160 on ebay), but I also purchased a Harmony 659 for my parents($130 in store, $70 on ebay).

   The initial setup is a little complex and requires the remote to be plugged into your computer via USB. The entire setup is performed via a web page and downloaded into your remote once complete.

   The nice thing about these remotes is once they are setup there are 'activities' such as Watch TV or Watch a DVD. These will automatically change all of the inputs and power on/off the appropriate devices. If something is not working correctly there is a 'Help' button that can be pressed. The Help button will try to resolve the issue and if it is not successful it will walk you through a quick wizard.

   I have been pleased with both of the Harmony remotes that I have used and highly suggest them.

   These work great for me, so I hope that you find something that works well for you.

   John

1. 5  Vitor Pereira  | 12/27/2006 12:22:43 PM

   Ed,

   I got the Sony RM-VL600 it is listed on the site you linked to. It costs about 25$, but no LCD screens.

   It is easy to setup and does what you need. It allows you to setup macros with whatever functions you need.

1. 6  Chris Blatnick http://interfacematters.com | 12/27/2006 12:34:48 PM

   @Ed: Dave is right on the money...any of the remotes from Universal Remote Control, Inc. are excellent. { Link } I have a home theater in my basement and have been using their MX-500 for several years. I totally agree with Dave that when you are in full on movie mode, the last thing you want to do is have to look at a screen to make a small adjustment like turning up the volume. This is why I opted for the screen/hard button combo on my remote. When I was first putting together my theater, I bought and returned about 8 different remotes before settling on the MX-500. The thing I like about the Universal Remote brand is their attention to details and usability...they obviously put a lot of thought behind their designs. I actually still prefer the MX-500 to some of their newer models and it might be possible to track one down somewhere. In any case, I recommend their brand highly. Good luck and have fun!

1. 7  Stephen hood  | 12/27/2006 12:35:39 PM

   Ed, I haven't actually used one but have a look at the Harmony line from Logitech. Logitech bought them out a couple of years ago. They were a company that took a different/fresh look at things. Instead of people having to create their own macros they had a HUGE on-line database that you connect to configure your remote. You could also string the different components together to get a one touch operation that turns on your tv, then the a/v, switches the a/v to the appropriate source etc, etc..so you don't need to program every device into your remote like so of them made you do.

   You used to be able to browse the database to see if it had your model of equipment before purchasing, not sure if Logitech allows that anymore. Hopefully they do. They had a good reputation when i was considering them, not sure what has happened since being bought out by Logitech.

   In then end I found the universal remote from my A/V surround sound processor did 90% of what I needed so it became a moot point and I haven't kept up..I'm sure others have caught up to a certain degree.

1. 8  Gary Jensen  | 12/27/2006 1:01:56 PM

   Ed,

   The Harmony remotes are the way to go. Easy to configure via PC and\or Mac. They will not become out of date because of the online database of devices.

   I have the 550 which I got at Target for about $90. I'm sure it could be puchased cheaper elsewhere. I love the fact that I can setup activities which makes it easier for the wife, parents, and guests. Just tell them to pick the activity they want and aim at the TV.

   My setup is very similar to yours as I use different inputs for all the devices on both my TV and receiver. When I switched our my cable box, I logged onto the site, made the update and downloaded to the remote. It really does get any easier.

1. 9  Colin Williams http://www.guttedgeek.com | 12/27/2006 1:56:23 PM

   I'll add my vote to the Harmony range!

1. 10  William Smith  | 12/27/2006 2:31:52 PM

   Ed,

   Most of the TiVo fans usually pick the Harmony 676.

   This thread on RemoteCentral does a good job of comparing the different models that Logitech offers:

   { Link }

1. 11  Ed Brill http://www.edbrill.com | 12/27/2006 3:09:14 PM

   Looks like the Harmony 676, or perhaps 670, will be the winner... Thanks all for the input. That made this a lot easier!

1. 12  David Singer http://readthisblog.net | 12/27/2006 3:36:08 PM

   If you want to become a remote control hobbyist, the MX-xxx remotes are a good first step (but the True Believer goes the JP1 route). If, on the other hand, you just want a remote which *works*, go with the Harmony series.

1. 13  Ryan Mitchell  | 12/27/2006 4:20:33 PM

   +1 for the Harmony.

   FWIW, back when I was making the decision, I chose the 680 over the 676 (had them both to compare side-by-side for a bit). Even though it's marketed as a "Media Center PC" remote, I preferred the button layout of 680 as well as the "LIVE" and "REC'D" buttons which map very nicely to TiVo functions. Granted, you can map those functions to any button on the remote but, the wife and kids much prefer buttons that a labeled with the actual function they perform ;-)

   Once you get the hang of the Harmony website/software (it IS a bit clunky at first), swapping components in and out of your setup couldn't be easier. I had a period where my receiver wasn't working and had to remove it. I quick run through on the web and I had the remote reconfigured. Best part was, the family didn't need to know the details... they continued to use the same "activities" they always had... no retraining required.

1. 14  Rob Novak http://www.LotusRockStar.com | 12/27/2006 4:22:12 PM

   Look at the 880 too, this is my next toy... :-)

   { Link }

1. 15  Amy Blumenfield  | 12/27/2006 4:38:20 PM

   I love my Harmony 880. And my totally technology challenged mom was able to pick it up and use it on her own. (This is a woman who was confused by her new iPod shuffle. Nuff said, eh?)

1. 16  Randy Smith  | 12/27/2006 4:54:45 PM

   I don't know much about universal remotes, but if your sales clerk looks anything like Christopher Walken, my advice would be to just walk away. :-)

1. 17  Chris Pepin http://www.chrispepin.com | 12/27/2006 5:28:57 PM

   My advise, get a Harmony 880. I agree with Amy, this is a very easy to use device. See my review here:

   { Link }

   IBM employees get a discount on Logitech products through their partner program:

   { Link }

1. 18  John Head http://www.johndavidhead.com | 12/27/2006 5:41:37 PM

   I will agree with everyone about the Logitech Harmony remote being the best, but have some different reasons:

   1) It is the closest shape and feel to the Tivo remote, which is one of the best every designed

   2) You do not have to use codes to pick your devices, you pick product brand - product name - and then product number if that doesnt narrow it down .. much easier than using the codes that many remotes use

   3) if you add a new device to your system that replaces something (like a new cd player or dvd player), the Harmony software updates every macro ... without you doing anything

   4) after you setup the remote on your computer the first time, you do a test with the remote .. if the codes it picked for a device does not work, it has others along that line that it can try .. you dont have to muck with changing anything or entering new codes

   5) if the device gets lost and replaced, upgraded to a new version, or the batteries die and the memorty gets whiped, its a simple update via plugging in to the usb port.

   Get the Harmony, and just decide how much you want to spend. With all electronics, the more you spend, the longer and better it will last.

1. 19  Vitor Pereira  | 12/27/2006 6:21:04 PM

   I thought you were "just looking to unify those five devices" and didn't "need a super-high end one".

   I guess the remote control enthusiasts just got to you. ;-)

1. 20  Dave Madison  | 12/27/2006 7:17:54 PM

   I agree with my buddy Mr. Robichaux...another vote for the Harmony. Brain dead to set up and maintain.

1. 21  Bob Balfe http://balfes.net/blog | 12/27/2006 8:47:57 PM

   I blogged about this remote (Harmony 550 - XBox version) I got a few weeks back. It does EVERYTHING and you can get it from Circuit City for $93.

   { Link }

   It is made to look like the XBOX 360 and can even control one but it does everything. I also convinced my father to get one and he also claims his quality of life is much better since owning this.

1. 22  Ed Brill http://www.edbrill.com | 12/27/2006 8:53:35 PM

   @19 I stopped in Best Buy at some point today...some of the basic universal remotes scared me in terms of the number of buttons... I liked the "so easy my grandma/5-year-old could use it" endorsements of the Harmony line...

1. 23  Ed Brill http://www.edbrill.com | 12/27/2006 9:12:06 PM

   @17 Chris -- THANK YOU for letting me know about the employee discount. I had to search W3 a bit but found it. And after seeing the 880 at Best Buy tonight, there was no question.

   It's been ordered, and as they say, "such a deal!"

1. 24  Henry Ferlauto http://www.geniusinside.com | 12/27/2006 9:18:01 PM

   I would agree with most of the crowd here and recommend the Logitech, but I would go better than 550 in your shoes.

   Walking up the line, here are the highlights of each model over and above the 550, stopping at the 890. You decide what's important to you.

   670

   Having read your requirements, I would not go lower than the 670. The 670 (and higher models) are designed to work with PVRs and they in fact mention the TiVO by name.

   880

   It's rechargeable.

   Color screen that puts everything in English.

   If you allow other, not-so-technically-adept people to use your system. Since you have a little one, this might be quite appealing to you. (or scare the crap out of you) :)

   890

   RF - as in radio frequency (in additional IR - infrared).

   This means you do not have to have a line of sight between the remote control and the devices. If your components are tucked away (or have a desire to tuck them away), then you need this model.

1. 25  Howard Shevitz  | 12/28/2006 7:13:50 AM

   Ed,

   I use a Harmony and give it the thumbs up!

   HS

1. 26  Adam Fenstermaker  | 12/28/2006 7:33:15 AM

   For my money the MX-500 is "the hammer" of remote controls - it feels solid and just works. In my experience - Harmony remotes have are flashy - but you can't really get them to do what you want. They also feel flimsy and unbalanced. In a cage-match with the MX-500, the Harmony wouldn't stand a chance!!!

   I've had the MX-500 for a little over a year. It's easy to program multiple devices and do macros. Best of all it passes the wife test - she isn't intimidated by it.

   And it's only $78 - about a third of the overpriced Harmony remotes. You can't go wrong.

   { Link }

1. 27  Kevin Hansen http://www.dominokeys.com | 12/28/2006 8:14:22 AM

   Consider me jumping on the Harmony bandwagon. It really fits your criteria well! I've also used Cestron and RTI devices (which are in the $600-$3000 range) at work and I continue to be amazed at how well the Harmony stuff does the same exact things.

1. 28  Simon Barratt http://apps.fmc.com/blog.nsf | 12/28/2006 10:46:58 AM

   Ed, I've been using the Kameleon remote for a few years now { Link }

   It has worked very well for me. It has a master power button (big macro button really) to power on/off all you devices in one go.

   It also has other macro buttons. I have one programmed to flip me into DVD mode and the other to flip me into TV/Satellite mode. My needs are simple and it suits them.

   Battery life is a challenge though. Usually get 1 weeks out of 4 AAAs. So two sets of four rechargable are a must!

   Have fun.

1. 29  Ed Brill http://www.edbrill.com | 12/28/2006 10:55:36 AM

   @28 interesting device. That battery life is a real deal killer, though! High maintenance!

1. 30  Art Thomas  | 12/28/2006 12:16:56 PM

   Another thumbs up for the Harmony line. I've had one for a year or so now and it's worked great. My only gripe would be the small size of the buttons, making them tougher to push - I often have to use a finger nail. But perhaps they've addressed that issue since I bought mine because there were complaints about that back then.