I am setting up my new HT. In an attempt to keep it simple - The receiver for the HT will also control the sound system in the basement (2 additional zones). The cable box will also have a splitter serving 2 additional LCD HD TVs on other rooms. Here are some of the criteria:
1. Graphical interface
2. I want to be able to do the programming (I am between good and very good with computers and I hate relying on others when things get screwed up)
3. Don’t want to spend a small fortune
4. Not sure Harmony is the way to go
Any ideas/advice on what remote best suits the set-up and requirements?

Thanks

1. Do you want a GUI on the remote? i.e. Touchscreen? or a GUI on the programming software?

Nevo remotes and the Philips Pronto's would provide both as well as the other criteria you mentioned. Harmony has a great programming software but only the 1100 has the customizable touch screen if you're looking for that.

2. You don't even have to be that good to do the programming. As long as you have patience and are willing to take the time to program the remote properly any good remote will have everything you need. Your biggest concern here should be WHERE to buy the remote. If you're going to do it on your own you want to buy it from someone who has the approval of the manufacturer to distribute the software and who is trained and qualified to provide support if needed (cough, cough - insert commercial break here ;-).

3. A fortune to some is a pittance to others. Be more specific and you'll get better feedback and more specific recommendations. There are both Nevo and Pronto (Q50 or Pronto 9300) remotes that are comparable in price to the Harmony 1100 if that's the comparison you're doing.

4. Harmony remotes are great for their ease of set-up and use. If you are looking to possible expand to RS232 serial control, home automation or other advanced features than Harmony is limited.

I intentionally did not mention URC because the consumer products don't have the programming software GUI mentioned in point 1 and the Complete Control products are not available to DIYers as mentioned in pt 2. Otherwise... they make awesome remotes too.

Thanks for the response. Great information!

Funny enough you "did not mention URC". I was looking at the MX-980. It initially looked like that was the remote I was looking for.

1. psuedo-GUI
2. Programable
3. RF Capable
4. Around $500 (little pricey but it appered to hit most of my hot spots)


But... info on the product and programming seemed hard to come by. Didn't know if I was not looking in the right places or thats the way the manufacturer wants it. Seemed strange.

I will have not looked into the Nevo or Prontos. Thanks for the info!

Check out the Complete Control forum on remotecentral.com for more information on the MX-980. There's a lot of confusion on URC remote sales as URC does not state their policies clearly in their advertising or on their website. Authorized dealers can sell directly to end users with or without programming and provide them with the software, but that's not URC's prime business model for this remote as it's viewed as a custom installation piece. Since in most cases the dealer/installer is programming the remote for the customer, URC will not provide software or answer programming questions from end users.

I would go with the Harmony "One" or even a higher model if your looking in the $500 range, but then again I am a bit of a Harmony fanboy, lol. Good luck in your hunting...

Thanks! Something tells me I will go back and forth several times before I make up my mind. Still got a couple of months before I finish the basement and HT. Then I start buying the equipment! Hopefully something new will be out by then that hits my sweet spot.

The MX-980 is a good choice. Paul K on here has a lot of knowledge on this specific remote.

He is listed under SBSmarthomes here.

Thanks for the info!

Harmony line is for people who are between not good and ok with computers. Takes the work out of it but also much less customizable. If you want max options to customize and huge base of knowledgeable people who can help you go Pronto all day long. It might be a stretch for $500 but if you buy smart can have something for a little more.

I am setting up my new HT. In an attempt to keep it simple - The receiver for the HT will also control the sound system in the basement (2 additional zones). The cable box will also have a splitter serving 2 additional LCD HD TVs on other rooms. Here are some of the criteria:
1. Graphical interface
2. I want to be able to do the programming (I am between good and very good with computers and I hate relying on others when things get screwed up)
3. Don’t want to spend a small fortune
4. Not sure Harmony is the way to go
Any ideas/advice on what remote best suits the set-up and requirements?

Thanks

You can get a Pronto for $500?

Also, I thought Pronto was like URC in that you have to have a pro do the progarmming? If not, how hard is it to program.

Thanks

Brand new TSU9400's go for $400 on ebay. RFX9400's go for $250ish. I just bought RFX9600 for $250. So a little over $500 but not much. Programming is not that hard if you have ever used Powerpoint -there are basic stock layouts you can adapt. The codes are mostly there you just have to add codes to buttons. It helps if you are computer literate. It will probably take 5-10 hours to get it the way you like. If you don't want to devote that much time go back to Harmony line as it is easier but less customizable.

You can get a Pronto for $500?

Also, I thought Pronto was like URC in that you have to have a pro do the progarmming? If not, how hard is it to program.

Thanks