Since getting my HK receiver (and now my projector) with discreet on/off buttons, I've decided it was time to trade in my AIO remote for something better.

After much searching, I had settled on the URC RF30, which seemed to be perfect and far-better than anything else I'd found... until I ran into a dealbreaker: no separate chapter/seek forward/backward buttons. There's only one set of forward/back buttons, so you can either fast-forward or chapter-skip, but not both.

Epic fail. :mad:

So now what? Everyone on here seems in-love with the Harmony remotes, but from researching them I can't say I'm a fan. They're more-expensive, have lots of glitz I don't care about, and I'm not keen on a remote I have to hook to a computer (note that my main PC does not run Windows) just to program. Granted, one would hope that once I programmed it once I'd be done, but even with my AIO I was finding myself periodically making little "tweaks".

The touchscreen LCD of the RF30 also seems more versatile than the Harmony. I don't care about color or graphics. Every photo of the Harmony One I've seen only shows 3 "buttons", while the RF30 allows for numerous device-specific functions which I'd definitely make use of.

One thing that could sway me to Harmony I suppose would be if the online code database had codes above and beyond what was on my existing remotes. In particular, the ability to choose a specific aspect ratio on my Mitsubishi projector (versus cycling through all the "Aspect" options, of which there are many but only 2 I care about).

However, maybe RF30 owners have a solution for the lack of forward/back chapter buttons...?

I want to stay under $100. Any suggestions?

This is an harmony forum, if you want to have URC answer go to

http://www.remotecentral.com/index.html

AVS forums are great but for the remote area, I suggest Remote Central.
Hope this help.

Thanks for the tip, but... where does it say this is a Harmony-only forum? The forum is called "Remote Control Area" and I see no sticky stating otherwise, and I see numerous non-Harmony threads.

Under 100$ for an IR/RF remote and a base station?
With your budget you could find some nice IR remotes but if you need RF you're going to be a little short.
Harmony's wizzard programming is going to give you headaches (for is limitation) but it's almost idiot proof.
About your skip +/- or <</>> issue I can't help you unless you sacrifice some buttons and learn them that command. (if that's possible, I'm not familiar with this remote)
BTW why you don't want a PC programmable remote?

Thanks for the tip, but... where does it say this is a Harmony-only forum? The forum is called "Remote Control Area" and I see no sticky stating otherwise, and I see numerous non-Harmony threads.

This is an "unofficial" harmony forum, because most harmony user are posting on this forum and URC fans go to RC. (It's not an harmony only forum, but if you can read, you figure it out)
If I had an harmony I would use this forum.
Hope this help.

I don't need RF, IR-only is fine.

I don't want a remote I have to program on a PC since my PC doesn't run Windows. Plus I'm perfectly-content programming a remote via the remote. I don't need anything fancy.

However, if a Harmony remote can let me program specific features for my devices not already on my OEM remotes (specifically, the aspect as mentioned above) then I might reconsider. They're considerably more-expensive, though.

I've duplicated my post over at RC Forums but I'm still interested in what response I get here. Thanks

I don't need RF, IR-only is fine.

I don't want a remote I have to program on a PC since my PC doesn't run Windows. Plus I'm perfectly-content programming a remote via the remote. I don't need anything fancy.

However, if a Harmony remote can let me program specific features for my devices not already on my OEM remotes (specifically, the aspect as mentioned above) then I might reconsider. They're considerably more-expensive, though.

I've duplicated my post over at RC Forums but I'm still interested in what response I get here. Thanks

Harmony remote are PC programmable.

I know the Harmony is programmed by PC. Sorry if I didn't make that clear already.

I don't own an RF30 yet and part of my question is whether there is some other remote other than Harmony One or RF30 that I should consider.

I already searched the RC forums for topics on the RF30 and didn't find an answer to my question already posted.

Can't find your thread on RC, where did you post it? (should be in the "complete control by URC" section)

where does it say this is a Harmony-only forum? The forum is called "Remote Control Area" and I see no sticky stating otherwise, and I see numerous non-Harmony threads.
He is semi-joking (I think :)), and only commenting on the de facto state of this forum. You probably would have gotten a lot of "get a Harmony so-and-so" replies.

no separate chapter/seek forward/backward buttons. There's only one set of forward/back buttons, so you can either fast-forward or chapter-skip, but not both.
Couldn't you put one set on the touch screen? Granted, that would mean an additional button press you wouldn't need if it was on a set of physical buttons.

One thing that could sway me to Harmony I suppose would be if the online code database had codes above and beyond what was on my existing remotes. In particular, the ability to choose a specific aspect ratio on my Mitsubishi projector (versus cycling through all the "Aspect" options, of which there are many but only 2 I care about).
Harmony probably does have a better code database since it is online and is updated as opposed to the one on the RF30 is set in the remote. However, unless your device has discrete codes for the functions you want, you won't be able to add new commands if they don't exist. Harmony has state variable capability, but I don't know if it can be used for aspect functions.

I don't want a remote I have to program on a PC since my PC doesn't run Windows. Plus I'm perfectly-content programming a remote via the remote. I don't need anything fancy.
While I'm not suggesting getting Harmony (I don't have one, so I can't say either way), but it is Mac-compatible.

EDIT: sorry, for some reason, when you said no Windows, I assumed Mac, but I guess you could have a Linux machine, in which case it would be a problem.

>>> Every photo of the Harmony One I've seen only shows 3 "buttons"

On the LCD screen it's just one page, but you do have skip +/- and fast forward/rewind hard keys


>>> if a Harmony remote can let me program specific features for my devices not already on my OEM remotes

If your device is in the database you can program it without learning from your oem remote and it may have some function that you never had before.
Otherwise (if not in database) you have to learn from your original remote.


>>> there is some other remote other than Harmony One or RF30 that I should consider.

Asolututely, there's thousands of remote you can consider depending on what you want to do, possibilities are endless depending on your budget. If you don't want anything fancy in the 100$ range, forget the harmony one (MSRP 250$) but if your willing to step up, URC have great stuff. (most are not wizzard programmed)


>>> I don't want a remote I have to program on a PC since my PC doesn't run Windows.

Why?
Macintosh?
Most remotes need you to have an internet connection and run windows to program it. (windows XP still the best)

Hope this helps,
Gui.

You probably would have gotten a lot of "get a Harmony so-and-so" replies.Well, I'm not entirely against Harmony. They are just expensive (2x or more than RF30), got issues (requires a PC), and so not my ideal choice.

Couldn't you put one set on the touch screen?Perhaps? I don't know. I don't own one. :D I figured someone with one might be able to comment on how they work around this, as it can't be a unique nuisance.

However, unless your device has discrete codes for the functions you want, you won't be able to add new commands if they don't exist.Maybe someone with a Harmony would be willing to look up and see if there are discreet aspect-ratio mode codes for the Mitsubishi HC1500 projector...? If I could hit buttons to go straight to 16:9 and 4:3, that'd be a huge plus for Harmony. I might be more-willing to splurge and spend the extra cash.

While I'm not suggesting getting Harmony (I don't have one, so I can't say either way), but it is Mac-compatible.I don't have a Mac either. ;) It'd be easier for me to drag a Windows laptop home once in a while.

If your device is in the database you can program it without learning from your oem remote and it may have some function that you never had before.Is it possible to run the Harmony software without having a Harmony remote, in order to explore the database?

Otherwise (if not in database) you have to learn from your original remote.I'm fine with that, it's what I'm used to. I have all my original remotes.

if your willing to step up, URC have great stuff. (most are not wizzard programmed)The top of the line URC product in their consumer line is the RF30. I like how this remote is set up, and it's the only one with the touchscreen LCD. Its sole flaw is the lack of chapter forward/back buttons. If I can program them to one of the "soft" LCD keys, then that might be a suitable workaround, then +1 for the RF30. There's nothing better available from URC without going to their "Pro" line which requires turning to your dealer anytime you want to change the programming (like there's a dealer within 200 miles of me anyway).

If the Harmony One can let me program direct aspect buttons for my projector, +10 for the Harmony.

Most remotes need you to have an internet connection and run windows to program it. (windows XP still the best)I've owned many universal remotes, and none have required a PC. I'm only willing to deal with Windows software to program my remote if there is extensive additional functionality I can program into the remote above and beyond what I can learn from my existing remotes.

My equipment includes:


Panasonic RP82 DVD player
Dish Network 311 receiver (probably to be upgraded to 722 DVR soon)
Harman/Kardon AVR-247 receiver
Mitsubishi HC1500 projector
Samsung VCR

>>> Is it possible to run the Harmony software without having a Harmony remote, in order to explore the database?

You can if you have it but where to find it, I don't know if you can download it somewhere.

>>> from URC without going to their "Pro" line which requires turning to your dealer anytime you want to change the programming (like there's a dealer within 200 miles of me anyway).

You can buy one remote of the "pro line" online from an authorized dealer and he should provide the software. For a basic setup like yours, you could program it yourself. If your stepping up to the MX line it is more expensive than harmony's line but way more reliable. Otherwise you can download the software for most of URC's model directly on their site thru some registration process. (except the 600$ MX-980)


>>> I've owned many universal remotes, and none have required a PC. I'm only willing to deal with Windows software to program my remote if there is extensive additional functionality I can program into the remote above and beyond what I can learn from my existing remotes.

I meant that because I think PC programable remote are way easier to program and most of them got an updatable database.


>>> My equipment includes:

Panasonic RP82 DVD player
Dish Network 311 receiver (probably to be upgraded to 722 DVR soon)
Harman/Kardon AVR-247 receiver
Mitsubishi HC1500 projector
Samsung VCR

That's a really simple setup you should'nt have any problem with any remote for your skip +/- and rew/ff issue, as for the aspect ratio I think you would need a PC programable remote. (of course their more expensive, you'll have to ask some owners if the buttons you need are in the pre-programmed database)

The choice is yours but;

If you want to go cheap a 15-20$ remote can work and you will be able to skip and rew/ff.

If you're willing to spend more, do your homework and you will get what you need, unless you are going for the harmony line stay here. (AVS) If you want to explore others remote check out at remote central.

AVS = Great site for everything about A/V components.
RC = The dedicated "remote only" forum

Hope this help,
Gui.

Well I already found the Harmony software so as long as it doesn't require the remote to actually poke around, I'll eval it and see what I think. It'll have to be pretty impressive though to make it worth the +$100 over the RF30.

While the RC forum might be dedicated to remotes, 2 people have responded to me here at AVS and 0 over at RC. ;)

Those wizzards programs get me crazy, maybe it will work for you.

However, maybe RF30 owners have a solution for the lack of forward/back chapter buttons...?


Learn the chapter skip buttons into the channel up and channel down buttons. When the remote is in dvd mode you're not using those hard buttons to change channels on your cable/sat box so why not put them to use.

Bose shares channel +/- with the channel changing buttons and I've encountered a few people who have no problems doing this. Also I've seen some remotes come pre-programmed that way. The back/forward buttons in the area with play/stop/pause buttons are usually a ff/search type and the channels +/- are the actual track skip.

Have you seen the RF10? the middle remote in this photo:

http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/tivoburkee/img_0232.jpg

In addition to the 8 rocker type buttons at the bottom of the remote, it also has SHIFT function to put addtional command on any key. its good for hiding commands used in macros. I abandon my urc300/ RF30 remotes for the RF10. I like them alot.

I like the idea of using the channel button. That's the sort of real-world user idea I was looking for, thanks!

I saw the cheaper UMC models like the RF10, but I really like the idea of the touchscreen LCD which you can program the button names. This saves me (and especially, visitors) from having to remember special unlabeled "shift" combos.

For me, the lack of hard skip buttons would be a deal breaker, but that's a personal preference. I've also used channel buttons in the past for skip functions with older remotes (I currently have a Harmony with skip buttons). As long as you're okay with the pressing buttons that aren't labeled with the functionality they are performing (and you don't have someone else in the house to answer to about such things) and you are okay with the location of the buttons whether it be the channel buttons or some other unused buttons, that should be fine. If you have a pc with Media Center, you're probably not going to want to use the channel buttons since they perform the page up/down functions (as well as angle changes when watching videos).

I’m sorry this has been so difficult....

I own the RF-30 remote (the older version, actually). Virtually any hard button or any LCD screen button can “learn” any command from any remote. I personally use the “ENT” and the “+10" buttons at the bottom of the remote for the “page up” and “page down” functions for the Cable Guide or for Chapter skips on DVDs. If you decide to use LCD buttons, you can change the text displayed on the buttons to match the new command. Basically, you can completely customize the ten button layout of the LCD screens with the functions you want and the text you want. Every device has several LCD “pages”that can be customized in the same way. Any button can also be programmed to execute a macro, which really opens up the programming options.

This is an extremely flexible remote for the money. It’s functionally very similar to URCs pro line. It is not that difficult to program and IMO it has more programming potential than the low end Harmonies. It has tons of memory for macro routines and for learned buttons. You will likely never run out of devices, or LCD pages, or memory.

This thing is also RF capable when paired with the very reasonably priced RF base/flasher.

I just wanted to say that my RF30 arrived today. I've gone through setting everything up and I have to say that I'm extremely happy. There was a lot of attention to detail on this remote and I've found zero stupid annoyances. It's been able to easily do everything I wanted and needed it to do, and do it well. The favorite channels page is particularly slick.

Thanks to everyone who helped me ease my concerns and make a wise decision. I got a good deal on a used one for under $50 and I'm thrilled to go from like 6 remotes to 1 that works perfectly!

Panasonic RP82 DVD player
Dish Network 311 receiver (probably to be upgraded to 722 DVR soon)
Harman/Kardon AVR-247 receiver
Mitsubishi HC1500 projector
Samsung VCR


I'm thrilled to go from like 6 remotes to 1 that works perfectly!

5 components, 6 remotes?

5 components, 6 remotes?I had another universal remote that I had been trying to use, but it was limited, so I still had the other individual remotes for certain functions. :)

Speaking of the RF30 flaws, lets see how long it will take for your keys to stop working, the labels will rub off well before then though. :(

I have a RF30, and I use the channel up/down as described above for chapter skip... works great!

I use the ch+/- for chapter up/down on my mx-700. no complaints.