Are you joking? Exactly what part of my posts sounded like I've developed a "head of steam"? I suppose it doesn't sound reasonable that I went in and posted at a message board (here) - after searching - while I was at work so I didn't have to waste the 30 minutes on the phone like I just did after work? I searched for "VIP 222", "Dish receivers", and a couple other items - all of which yielded nothing on IR channels. I'm sorry if this doesn't constitute "doing my homework" in your opinion.

Little touchy are we? Everyone is real friendly around here... :rolleyes:

Chris - The point is to get your problem solved. I'll validate Logitech technical support. They are so good that I can be accused of calling them instead of doing even a modicum of research on my own.....They are that good. Good luck and enjoy the remote.

I received my 880 yesterday from Amazon. Roughly 4 business days in free shipping, not too bad. Too impatient to wait to get home for setting up new remote. Loaded the software on my office desktop. Logged in, hit "change remote", and it configured the new remote with my settings from the Database. Got home, hit Watch TV and it worked. Can't believe I went 2-3 months fumbling through 3 remotes. My dog chewed on the last Harmony and it died after 4 years of awesomeness. I really like this over my old Harmony. I like when you pick it up, it knows it and turns the screen on. So far it's worked and I haven't had to hit the Help button. My old harmony I had to hit the help button at least 4-5 times a week.

Can you please tell me the voltages supported by the AC power adapter of Harmony 880? Is it 100-240V?

Thanks

Can you please tell me the voltages supported by the AC power adapter of Harmony 880? Is it 100-240V?

Thanks

I am looking at the AC adapter on mine now. It says:

Input: 100-240v~50/60hz, 0.25a

I am looking at the AC adapter on mine now. It says:

Input: 100-240v~50/60hz, 0.25a

Thanks

I am assuming that the cheap price at Amazon no longer exists. I have been checking out Amazon for this remote for about a week, and never saw a prcie below $129. Am I missing something? I want to pull the trigger on this remote, but if there is the possibility that I can get this remote for under $100 in the relatively near future, I will wait on it. Thanks for any info.

You usually have to act fast on those deals, as they will often sell out within a few hours.

I am assuming that the cheap price at Amazon no longer exists. I have been checking out Amazon for this remote for about a week, and never saw a prcie below $129. Am I missing something? I want to pull the trigger on this remote, but if there is the possibility that I can get this remote for under $100 in the relatively near future, I will wait on it. Thanks for any info.

Actually, someone correct me if I am wrong, the rebate can be received if you purchase the remote from Amazon before 8/11/2008, which means that I am off to buy it.

Link: http://slickdeals.net/?sduid=0&sdtid=871525&sdfid=9&u2=http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/00/00/02/16/19/05/216190510._V252671330_.pdf

As far as I know that is right nitt4ever. I've given the links to about 5 people here at work who are buying them. This is an awesome deal at $80.

As far as I know that is right nitt4ever. I've given the links to about 5 people here at work who are buying them. This is an awesome deal at $80.

Glad to hear. Well, mine is ordered. Can't wait to get it. Thanks.

My Harmony 880 arrived yesterday from Amazon after I ordered it last Thursday. Set up took me only 20 minutes (only TV/AVR/DVD/VCR) for basic settings and activities and it was working great right away. I'll spend some more time looking at expanding its functionality when I get more time with it this weekend.

I just got this remote from amazon. I place the remote on the charging station and it makes one beep sound and the screen saver comes up. However after more than 4 hrs charging, when I push any button to wake the remote while the remote is still in the craddle, the battery indicator would go from showing 2 bar to 3 bar and back to 2 bar and back to 3 bar and so on. But when I picked up the remote from its craddle, the battery indicator does show that it is fully charge with 3 solid bar showing. Is this a normal behavior? Do you check if it is fully charge when you pick up the remote or when it is still on the craddle? I am worried because all of the problem with charging I have read about in this thread.

I just got this remote from amazon. I place the remote on the charging station and it makes one beep sound and the screen saver comes up. However after more than 4 hrs charging, when I push any button to wake the remote while the remote is still in the craddle, the battery indicator would go from showing 2 bar to 3 bar and back to 2 bar and back to 3 bar and so on. But when I picked up the remote from its craddle, the battery indicator does show that it is fully charge with 3 solid bar showing. Is this a normal behavior? Do you check if it is fully charge when you pick up the remote or when it is still on the craddle? I am worried because all of the problem with charging I have read about in this thread.
Everything you described is normal. You do not wake up the remote by pushing buttons - you wake it up by activating the Tilt Sensor. While in the cradle and charging, you will see the charge indicator varying from two bars to 3 bars. (Or one bar to three bars???)

When you pick the remote up and activate the Tilt Sensor the number of bars will reflect the state of battery charge.

Sounds like your new Harmony is just fine. I have a six-month old Harmony 890 Pro. I periodically clean the charging contacts with a pencil eraser and have had zero charging problems.

Yes switching back and forth between 2 bars and 3 bars is how the 880 shows it is charging. This confuesd a lot of people so now the Harmony One has a very self explanatory charging screen.

Make sure that it does show the switching between 2 bars and 3 bars when you put it in the charging cradle.

With my original charging cradle, occasionly it would only show just the 2 bars and was not charging at all.

Hi All,

I just go my Harmony 880 yesterday and worked on setting it up.

My system consists of the following

Toshiba H46 Rear Projection TV
JVC D411 Receiver
Sony DVD
Directv R10 PVR
Directv H20 HD Reciever
Wii

I currently have it mapped this way to the receiver

TV - HDMI out
DVD - HDMI in
R10 - DBS in
H20 - VCR Component in


Currently everything except for the Wii goes thru the reciever. I was able to set everything up except for 2 issues.

1) For some reason the 880 software doesn't understand that the remoted for the JVC reciever has a DBS button to switch it to the Tivo. It changes it to the TV input on the reciever. I have tried setting this up several times using the wizard, and it has the correct input mapping in the wizard. Is there anything I am missing?

2) The Toshiba TV has a "pic size" button which allows you to change the size and crop of the input video. By default the 0 size (Natural) is chosen. However on some occasions when playing DVD's I want to use 4 (Full Screen). I have tried to add this step as an action item for the watching DVD's however, when it hits 4 it ends up just changing the TV input to 4 and not the pic size. I even tried to add a small delay. No go. Once again looks like it cannot recognize the PIC Size button.

#1 is far more of an issue, than #2....... anyone have any ideas? Anyone running te JVC D411 and the Harmony 880?

Thanks

SH

Using the Harmony 880 with my Panasonic Plasma (TH-50PZ85U), the volume buttons will increase or decrease in increments of two. I tried relearning the VolumeUp & VolumeDown commands. In regular learning mode, I got exactly the same result...and in RAW mode, it would change the volume in increments of one, but multiple button presses had a lot of lag in between each increment. Has anyone else had an issue like this or been able to solve it with their Harmony? I am kind of out of ideas at this point.

Mine does two at a time too but I kinda like it.

I have a pc that has xp Pro installed and I use it as HTPC. What do I need in order to use my harmony 880 to control media application in pc (windows media player, windows media player classic)?

I have a pc that has xp Pro installed and I use it as HTPC. What do I need in order to use my harmony 880 to control media application in pc (windows media player, windows media player classic)?

You will need an IR receiver for your HTPC (internal or external) in order to receive commands from the Harmony. The IR receivers generally have software to control the multimedia apps.

WOW great deal....just ordered one

I need some help setting up the delays with my TV. I have 2 activities:

- Watch TV

- PS3

The problem is the TV takes too long to power up in order to switch inputs. How can I change it so I delay the Power on command and the switch input command?

Go to your device page in the Harmony software and find your TV. Click on more options. Click on adjust delays. Increase the power on delay.

My remote is 2+ years old and now won't hold a charge. Is this about how long the battery's been lasting? Thinking about buying the $30 replacement from Logitech unless someone has a better suggestion. Thanks!

So I have an 880 and I just purchased DTV HR-21 coming from Dish DVR well anyway, I want to be able to control the volume from my 880 but it seems when I learn the keys it creates the vol up/down keys in the LCD. I don't want that, I want to be able to use the Hard buttons on the 880 but I don't see it in the Learn commands options.

If the volume keys are on the LCD you must have learned them in the Customize Buttons sections.

Even there they would not control the volume using the HR21, since AFIK the HR21 does not have a volume control at all.

You control your volume with either your TV or your amplifier. During a PVR setup, one of the questions asked is which of these you use and this is assigned to the standard Vol button on the 880. If you don't have an amplifier, you are not asked this question and it just defaults to your TV.

The only reason I can think of why vol up/down keys would be assigned on the LCD is if someone wanted to have the capability to control the volume with both the TV and LCD in the same activity.

Check whether the standard Vol button still works for you. As long as it does, you should be able to go into Customize Buttons for your activity and remove the Vol up/down controls from the LCD.

If the standard Vol button doesn't work for you, just learn it from either your TV or amplifier remote and then remove the LCD buttons.

Thanks, I think I may have explained it wrong. I went through that feature where it asks what I use to control the volume and of course I selected the TV but for some reason when I go into the learn buttons menu I have to add the Vol up/down keys because they just won't show up in that menu.

Thanks, I think I may have explained it wrong. I went through that feature where it asks what I use to control the volume and of course I selected the TV but for some reason when I go into the learn buttons menu I have to add the Vol up/down keys because they just won't show up in that menu.
Almost certainly you shouldn't have to go to the Learn Buttons section at all. The information for volume controls for your TV are probably already in the Logitech database. Setup is probably just easier than you realized.

If that doesn't work your fastest solution is probably to call Harmony tech support and they'll walk you through it.

Bernie

Almost certainly you shouldn't have to go to the Learn Buttons section at all. The information for volume controls for your TV are probably already in the Logitech database. Setup is probably just easier than you realized.

If that doesn't work your fastest solution is probably to call Harmony tech support and they'll walk you through it.

Bernie

Thanks again

I updated the firmware last nite, now my xbox and oppo thinks the remote is sending out multiple signals. I tried the troubleshoot and changed the settings from 1 to 5 but no help.

yeah, harmony has a problem and they're working on it. I was checking in to see if they have fixed it yet. it was discussed in this thread, but those posts were lost.
i think someone said harmony was working on getting it fixed for today or tomorrow.

I updated the firmware last nite, now my xbox and oppo thinks the remote is sending out multiple signals. I tried the troubleshoot and changed the settings from 1 to 5 but no help.
I had that problem Friday and I called in and they were able to fix it while on the phone; the symptoms were every key press sent two signals (all were doubled) and the device was unusable. There were issues with having to set up multiple TVs, receivers etc that couldn't be deleted but the bottom line is that they did get it working for me during the phone call.

Seems like they fixed the problem today

UPDATED August 11, 2008: Important Update for Harmony Users

Due to a recent update, an issue has been identified which causes button presses to over respond, sending the same command three times. This affects almost all Harmony users.
If you have updated your remote in the last couple of days, you may be experiencing this issue.
A fix has been released for this issue. Please update your remote to resolve the issue.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.
Best regards,
The Harmony Support Team

Seems like they fixed the problem today

UPDATED August 11, 2008: Important Update for Harmony Users

Due to a recent update, an issue has been identified which causes button presses to over respond, sending the same command three times. This affects almost all Harmony users.
If you have updated your remote in the last couple of days, you may be experiencing this issue.
A fix has been released for this issue. Please update your remote to resolve the issue.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.
Best regards,
The Harmony Support Team
Hi how do you know if you need an update? I have had mine just over a week. It's working fine should I leave well enough alone?
Paul

If it's working fine, just leave it alone.

Just as I'd hoped thanks. Paul

1. Is there a way to get a single button (or two buttons) to activate the same command on the same device no matter what mode the remote is in? Example: I want to have my volume up/down buttons raise/lower my volume on my receiver whether I'm in an activity or in devices mode.

2. Any way to reduce lag time from button input to device? I've reduced input delay to 0ms on my Dish receiver and yet it's still not nearly as responsive as my Dish remote.

Thanks for the help.

BTW the server is down at logitech... maybe its being hammered.

Use this http://members.harmonyremote.com, seems like its their internal web and works.

BTW the server is down at logitech... maybe its being hammered.

Use this http://members.harmonyremote.com, seems like its their internal web and works.

Thanks. I could never remember how to get back to the web access. Vs, using the old site. By the way, folks are pissed over on the logitech forums.
http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/board?board.id=general_remotes

1. Is there a way to get a single button (or two buttons) to activate the same command on the same device no matter what mode the remote is in? Example: I want to have my volume up/down buttons raise/lower my volume on my receiver whether I'm in an activity or in devices mode.

2. Any way to reduce lag time from button input to device? I've reduced input delay to 0ms on my Dish receiver and yet it's still not nearly as responsive as my Dish remote.

Thanks for the help.

Device mode is just that, device mode. It can only control commands sent to that device. Why are you using device mode anyway. You should set up an activity and use that mode (customize the commands / key you want) and use that.

I only use device mode if I need to do something that doesn't occur that often (I.e. adjusting color temp, contrast, etc). If I adjust it often I either program it to a soft key or a hard key.

For the delay, did you set the delay in the harmony remote software? Reducing it on the receiver should only effect the original remote.

2. Any way to reduce lag time from button input to device? I've reduced input delay to 0ms on my Dish receiver and yet it's still not nearly as responsive as my Dish remote.

You are adjusting the wrong delay. Input delay is the delay that a device needs before it can receive signals after you change inputs on that device. You want to adjust the inter-key delay, which is the delay the harmony remote inserts between any 2 IR commands. On my DirecTV receiver I have changed the inter-key delay to 0ms and it respons well.

You can also try reducing the number of repeats (number of times the Harmony remote send out the same IR code for each button press). This can be found by going to your receiver device and clicking on troubleshoot. There then should be an option something like "the device responds to some commands either too many times or only occasionally". Once you click on that you will have a choice of anywhere between 0 and 5 repeats. I have my DirecTV receiver set at 0 repeats and it works fine.

These two settings should increase the responsiveness of the remote a lot. I would also recommend you check out this thread where a few of us have tried to include our optimized delay and repeat settings to help other users out.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1016794&highlight=library

Device mode is just that, device mode. It can only control commands sent to that device. Why are you using device mode anyway. You should set up an activity and use that mode (customize the commands / key you want) and use that.

I only use device mode if I need to do something that doesn't occur that often (I.e. adjusting color temp, contrast, etc). If I adjust it often I either program it to a soft key or a hard key.

For the delay, did you set the delay in the harmony remote software? Reducing it on the receiver should only effect the original remote.

But there are obviously buttons on the remote that aren't mapped to just that device in device mode. Suffice to say I need to use it quite a bit because of the way I use my setup (PC/satellite radio/HT/game systems/etc all at once). I guess the answer is no.

I only set the delay in the Harmony software - my original statement was poorly worded. I don't have a delay in the actual Dish receiver.

Seems like they fixed the problem today

UPDATED August 11, 2008: Important Update for Harmony Users

Due to a recent update, an issue has been identified which causes button presses to over respond, sending the same command three times. This affects almost all Harmony users.
If you have updated your remote in the last couple of days, you may be experiencing this issue.
A fix has been released for this issue. Please update your remote to resolve the issue.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.
Best regards,
The Harmony Support Team

That did the trick. Thank God. Watching the Olympics without the benefit of my Harmony was giving me a nervous condition.

Had issues with my PS3 IR2BT and the buttons pressing but, now after the new update everything is working fine again.

I have a set of three activities... downloaded to the remote, none of them worked correct. BUT, I then when through the self help (on the remote) and it resolved all issues. I then decided to add another activity, downloaded to the remote, nothing worked again! Had to use self help to get it working again.

Question one: Does the software only push and not sync? It seems like it should adjust the activities in the software to match the remote. Otherwise I have to tweak everytime I do an upgrade or add activity. Am I doing something wrong?

Next issue...

When I go from watch DVD to watch TV (switch activities) it does not switch to the correct input on my HTIB (SA-HT740). It DOES go to the correct input if everything is off. But when switching activities, I have to hit watch TV again to have it switch the input to AUX... it goes to the wrong audio input (Music) initally. I tried removing the labels in the software, only keeping AUX and DVD, but it still goes to the wrong one when switching.

Last issue...

when I click the volume up on the HTIB, it jumps up by three numbers, rather than one at a time, what's up?

I just got the thing last night, so I haven't taken a deep dive yet. I am wondering, is there a better utility to manage the remote with other than the logitech software?

I am continuing to search this thread, but thought I would just post my issues.

Thanks!

I have a set of three activities... downloaded to the remote, none of them worked correct. BUT, I then when through the self help (on the remote) and it resolved all issues. I then decided to add another activity, downloaded to the remote, nothing worked again! Had to use self help to get it working again.

Question one: Does the software only push and not sync? It seems like it should adjust the activities in the software to match the remote. Otherwise I have to tweak everytime I do an upgrade or add activity. Am I doing something wrong?


I may have the answer to your first question. Whenever you update your remote or remove and replace the battery, the remote re-boots and expects all of your devices to be off.

AFIK, you can still manage your remote using either the software installed on your PC or on the members.harmonyremote.com WEB site.

You don't need to use just one exclusively. For some things I use the WEB site, for others I use the PC software.

Last issue...

when I click the volume up on the HTIB, it jumps up by three numbers, rather than one at a time, what's up?


Try relearning these volume buttons from your original remote. If that doesn't work, try relearning them in "RAW" mode. If you are still having issues, you may need to contact Harmony support to have them fix it for you, as their phone support is very good. My father's new plasma HDTV has the same issue, but my two suggestions didn't work well...and I haven't had a chance to call up their support while I'm at his house.

Does it help the battery life if you run the battery down a couple three times and how long should I leave the remote on the charger?

I have a set of three activities... downloaded to the remote, none of them worked correct. BUT, I then when through the self help (on the remote) and it resolved all issues. I then decided to add another activity, downloaded to the remote, nothing worked again! Had to use self help to get it working again.

Question one: Does the software only push and not sync? It seems like it should adjust the activities in the software to match the remote. Otherwise I have to tweak everytime I do an upgrade or add activity. Am I doing something wrong?

The help button doesn't actually change the way the remote is programmed. It simply figures out what the problem is and send out the right command to fix it. For example if you tell it the TV is off it sends a command to turn the TV on. If you tell it the TV is on the wrong input, it sends out a command to switch inputs. It never actually changes the programming of the rmeote.


Next issue...

When I go from watch DVD to watch TV (switch activities) it does not switch to the correct input on my HTIB (SA-HT740). It DOES go to the correct input if everything is off. But when switching activities, I have to hit watch TV again to have it switch the input to AUX... it goes to the wrong audio input (Music) initally. I tried removing the labels in the software, only keeping AUX and DVD, but it still goes to the wrong one when switching.

You must have something set up wrong with your mini system in the Harmony software. First go into your device mode and see what buttons make the unit go directly to the correct inputs. I looked in the Harmony software for your device and there are a couple different sets of input commands so you will need to figure out which ones are correct. Make sure that hitting the button multiple times doesn't cause the mini system to go back and forth between different inputs. You want a single button that will go directly to the right input. For example you want a command like InputDVD that switches directly to the DVD input and leaves it there no matter how many times you press the button. Once you have that figured out you need to go to your mini system device and change the commands it uses to go to each input.


Last issue...

when I click the volume up on the HTIB, it jumps up by three numbers, rather than one at a time, what's up?


This is most likely the repeats causing issues. Go into the software and find your mini system device. Click on troubleshoot, and then there should be a selection in there for my device responds too many times or not enough. Go in there and change the repeats from 3 (normally the default) down to 1 or 0. That will most likely cure this problem.



I just got the thing last night, so I haven't taken a deep dive yet. I am wondering, is there a better utility to manage the remote with other than the logitech software?


Not really, you have to use either the Harmony website, or the downloadable software. Once you get used to the software it is really easy. If people spent more time learning how to use it there probably wouldn't be nearly as many people badmouting Harmony remotes.

The first thing you should remember is to try the troubleshoot option in the software. It usually will guide you to the right settings. Find whatever device you are having problems with, and hit troubleshoot, then pick whatever option sounds the most like your problem.

I have a set of three activities... downloaded to the remote, none of them worked correct. BUT, I then when through the self help (on the remote) and it resolved all issues. I then decided to add another activity, downloaded to the remote, nothing worked again! Had to use self help to get it working again.

Question one: Does the software only push and not sync? It seems like it should adjust the activities in the software to match the remote. Otherwise I have to tweak everytime I do an upgrade or add activity. Am I doing something wrong?

. . .
No it does not sync. The software reloads the Harmony every time you update it.

There really would not be much point to syncing, since there is not way to change anything at the Harmony side of things. You can only change things at the software side.

I suppose you could mess up your online configuration and then not change it back and so download the wrong setup, but once you have htings setup correctly it will be rare if ever that you go back to change your online configuration. I have done it when I changed the way I had a dvice connected to the TV, and I've changed it a few times to upload different TV logos for the Media/Favorites soft buttons.

Does it help the battery life if you run the battery down a couple three times and how long should I leave the remote on the charger?

The Harmony has a lithium-ion battery, so it is generally better to keep it topped off. (Unlike Ni-Cad rechargeables)

I wouldn't worry about the batteries at all. I've had my 880 for over 2 years now and I only charge it about once a month. It gets used every night.

I wouldn't worry about the batteries at all. I've had my 880 for over 2 years now and I only charge it about once a month. It gets used every night.

Charge it once a month!? :confused::eek:
That has to be a typo, mine gets charged every 6 days or so, but a month?

I wouldn't worry about the batteries at all. I've had my 880 for over 2 years now and I only charge it about once a month. It gets used every night.

Wow Beer, I have two 890's and the charge lasts about 4 days max on either of them.

Charge it once a month!? :confused::eek:
That has to be a typo, mine gets charged every 6 days or so, but a month?

Wow Beer, I have two 890's and the charge lasts about 4 days max on either of them.
I charge mine once about every 2 - 3 weeks.

The 890's use RF so it doesn't suprise me they don't last as long, but yeah my 880 lasts about a month in between chargings, maybe only 3 weeks, not real sure as I don't pay that close of attention to it. I do know that I usually have to charge my Harmony One 2 or 3 times in between each 880 charge. To be fair the One does get used more as it is on my main system, and the 880 is in my bedroom.

Lack of use of your 880 may explain your long time between needing to charge.

I know that either my 880 or 890 need a charge about every 4 days.

Looking to get a remote to control all of my gear. I'm just wondering if a Harmony is what I should get, or if I should just get a basic learning remote.

I don't want to take advantage of "macros". I just want to program single buttons to do single tasks. Would the Harmony remotes be overkill? If not, which one would you recommend.

I'm not controlling much:

Mitsubishi 65734 DLP TV
Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K Receiver
Sony BDP-S350 Blu-ray
Toshiba A3 HD DVD
Scientific Atlanta cable box

Thanks for any input/suggestions

I would go for something cheaper. The Harmony does so much more than "single buttons to do single tasks".

i would go for something cheaper. The harmony does so much more than "single buttons to do single tasks".

rotflmao
:d

does the battery have to be totally charged before you can download your device codes?

In my experience it does not have to be fully charged. However, you do want to make sure to let it charge for a while because if it runs out of power in the middle of an update it may end up cuaing the remote to no longer work.

Looking to get a remote to control all of my gear. I'm just wondering if a Harmony is what I should get, or if I should just get a basic learning remote.

I don't want to take advantage of "macros". I just want to program single buttons to do single tasks. Would the Harmony remotes be overkill? If not, which one would you recommend.

I'm not controlling much:

Mitsubishi 65734 DLP TV
Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K Receiver
Sony BDP-S350 Blu-ray
Toshiba A3 HD DVD
Scientific Atlanta cable box

Thanks for any input/suggestions

I consider the remote to be an integral part of the system. I was as avid Pronto user until I had screen problems (3000). I had this set up based on activities. I bought the 880 as a temporary replacement and have not looked back. I only have a few macros for lighting. For around $120, the 880 is a good buy.

Thanks for the info. I took the liberty of attaching Lutron's remote light codes if any one needs them. I forgot the remote model number ,so this helped me out with picking the right remote control light code. Unfortunately for me....my remote control is not listed ,so I'll have to make the 880 learn the Lutron SP-HT light remote control.

Looking to get a remote to control all of my gear. I'm just wondering if a Harmony is what I should get, or if I should just get a basic learning remote.

I don't want to take advantage of "macros". I just want to program single buttons to do single tasks. Would the Harmony remotes be overkill? If not, which one would you recommend.

I'm not controlling much:

Mitsubishi 65734 DLP TV
Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K Receiver
Sony BDP-S350 Blu-ray
Toshiba A3 HD DVD
Scientific Atlanta cable box

Thanks for any input/suggestions
Depends on the definition of "single task". All we want to do is push one button to do a single task, where task means when I push one button "do everything necessary to let me watch TV"; when I push a different button "do everything necessary to let me watch a DVD"; etc.

is what you mean by "sin the Harmony is for you. If you mean that you want to push one button to turn on the TV, a different button to turn on the Receiver, a different button to set the receiver to the correct input, a different button to turn on or off the DVD player, a different button to turn on or off the Blu-Ray player, than the Harmony is overkill.

Yes, bernie33, that's what I would prefer. Push one button to turn on the tv, another turn on the receiver, etc. I'd prefer to have a customizeable display on the remote too, so I can actually push a button labeled Xbox360 or whatever instead of a generic named button on the remote, if that makes sense.

Yes, bernie33, that's what I would prefer. Push one button to turn on the tv, another turn on the receiver, etc. I'd prefer to have a customizeable display on the remote too, so I can actually push a button labeled Xbox360 or whatever instead of a generic named button on the remote, if that makes sense.
The Harmony can do what you want, but you'll be wasting your time and your money with a Harmony. I'd suggest you look for something that is more oriented toward what you want to do.

Bernie

I spent 5 hours messing with this thing... with inconsistent results. More power to the people who have it working well.

I have thrown in the towel...

Just listed on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=190245420199

Sorry to hear this.

Did you call Harmony and ask for help - they're terrific!

Yeah... I think it was a combination of things. But I think the root of the problem is with the HTIB I was trying to control. Every other device worked perfect.

Sometimes it wouldn't turn on, then I would fix that... then it wouldn't switch inputs, fixed that...then it wouldn't power on again. Then it would cycle inputs several times.

I am a very technical person, so I fought with this thing for a while wanting it to work. I would mess with the delays and every other conceivable tweak, all with inconsistent results. Just when I thought I had it's quarks worked out, it would act up.

I could probably figure it all out if I spent more time, but to be honest, I don't want too... It should not be that quarky.

Again, if it works for you, great!

So, if you know anyone that wants a good deal on one... buy it now price is 110... all original packaging and free shipping! :P

Yeah... I think it was a combination of things. But I think the root of the problem is with the HTIB I was trying to control. Every other device worked perfect.

Sometimes it wouldn't turn on, then I would fix that... then it wouldn't switch inputs, fixed that...then it wouldn't power on again. Then it would cycle inputs several times.

I am a very technical person, so I fought with this thing for a while wanting it to work. I would mess with the delays and every other conceivable tweak, all with inconsistent results. Just when I thought I had it's quarks worked out, it would act up.

I could probably figure it all out if I spent more time, but to be honest, I don't want too... It should not be that quarky.

Again, if it works for you, great!

So, if you know anyone that wants a good deal on one... buy it now price is 110... all original packaging and free shipping! :P

Looks like you got rid of it. Sad thing is the warranty ends with you.

All,

Are there still charging cradle issues with the Harmony? I have had mine for under a year (I hope. Need to find my receipt tomorrow) but my 890 will no longer charge. Tried cleaning the contacts and it's a dead puppy.

I miss it....Back to five remotes again..:mad:

Rick

Looks like you got rid of it. Sad thing is the warranty ends with you.

That wasn't my experience. I bought mine off eBay, registered it with Logitech, and got warranty service on the charging cradle.

Yes, bernie33, that's what I would prefer. Push one button to turn on the tv, another turn on the receiver, etc. I'd prefer to have a customizeable display on the remote too, so I can actually push a button labeled Xbox360 or whatever instead of a generic named button on the remote, if that makes sense.

I agree with the other folks, if you want to do 'manual macros' then you certainly don't need an 880, or any other programmable remote for that matter. A simple learning remote will do what you want, with the exception of the customizable display.

However, I am very curious and have to ask why you wouldn't want the convenience of pressing a single button that turns on everything that needs to be on and sets all your inputs to the correct values?

All,

Are there still charging cradle issues with the Harmony? I have had mine for under a year (I hope. Need to find my receipt tomorrow) but my 890 will no longer charge. Tried cleaning the contacts and it's a dead puppy.

I miss it....Back to five remotes again..:mad:

Rick

The newer cradle is supposed to work much better.

I have been using the old one for over 2 years now. I can still make it charge with these steps:

1. Use a q-tip
2. Moisten the q-tip
3. Use the moist end to clean the contacts on both the remote and the cradle
4. Place the remote in the cradle

I started to have charging problems within 2 weeks after I purchased it.

The above procedure was suggested to me by harmony tech support and seems to work fine for me.

That wasn't my experience. I bought mine off eBay, registered it with Logitech, and got warranty service on the charging cradle.

Was it new in box or opened and used?

All,

Are there still charging cradle issues with the Harmony? I have had mine for under a year (I hope. Need to find my receipt tomorrow) but my 890 will no longer charge. Tried cleaning the contacts and it's a dead puppy.

I miss it....Back to five remotes again..:mad:

Rick

First, call Harmony. Mine was replaced well into its second year (read...out of warranty)
Second, it (the magnet one) has exhibited problems again and I'm cleaning it with a pencil eraser again. :(

Hoping you guys can help me here...I'm interested in the 880 and just have a few quick questions. I have all of my components in the wall behind me. I have installed an IR receiver under my screen that goes to a repeater and emitters.

My first question, will the 880 have any compatibility problems with the IR repeater?

Also, how would I go about controlling lights in the room if the switches are outside of the room? I've seen the X10 devices, but am confused how they work with the Harmony? Would I just get the IR to X10 command box and place that somewhere near my components, or would it have to be near the IR receiver if I still want to point the remote forward?

Thanks in advance.

Hoping you guys can help me here...I'm interested in the 880 and just have a few quick questions. I have all of my components in the wall behind me. I have installed an IR receiver under my screen that goes to a repeater and emitters.

My first question, will the 880 have any compatibility problems with the IR repeater?

Also, how would I go about controlling lights in the room if the switches are outside of the room? I've seen the X10 devices, but am confused how they work with the Harmony? Would I just get the IR to X10 command box and place that somewhere near my components, or would it have to be near the IR receiver if I still want to point the remote forward?

Thanks in advance.

You might want to look at the Harmony 890, it can send out IR or RF. you could put the RF receiver behind you, and it would receive the RF command, convert to IR and send to you components. It can also send Z-wave command to Z-wave switches/dimmers.

I have one, and it works great. All of my components are in a cabinet, so I use the RF(extender) to IR for them and IR to my dispaly. I'm planning to add the Z-wave lighting, but haven't had the time.

The RF extender/receiver comes with 4 cables that have 2 emmiters on each.

That would work, but wouldn't that render my newly purchased repeater worthless?

So the 890 is directly compatible with the Z-Wave?

Has anybody had an issue with buttons double pressing? Mine just started doing this last week. Everything I press once does two presses unless I do it extremely lightly.

However, I am very curious and have to ask why you wouldn't want the convenience of pressing a single button that turns on everything that needs to be on and sets all your inputs to the correct values?

A couple reasons really. The first is just because that's the way I'm used to doing things (yeah, not a good reason). Second, my receiver isn't completely line-in-sight with the other components. It's lower in the stack and sometimes I have to adjust where I'm holding the remote to hit it (coffee table in the way). So I'm just afraid with macros, it will be hit and miss whether every component receives the signal it should.

I've looked around and really don't see any other remotes that offer the customizeable labels that are any cheaper. I'd much rather hit a button that says blu-ray than a generic labeled button. I don't really mind the cost if the 550 will work my devices the way I want to with custom labelling. And maybe I'll even come around to macros. ;)

That would work, but wouldn't that render my newly purchased repeater worthless?

So the 890 is directly compatible with the Z-Wave?

yes, it would... can you return it? But its nice to not have to point the remote at the IR input.

Yes, the 890 will control Z-Wave devices. From the 890 configurator (is that a word) you can add Z-wave devices.

A couple reasons really. The first is just because that's the way I'm used to doing things (yeah, not a good reason). Second, my receiver isn't completely line-in-sight with the other components. It's lower in the stack and sometimes I have to adjust where I'm holding the remote to hit it (coffee table in the way). So I'm just afraid with macros, it will be hit and miss whether every component receives the signal it should.

I've looked around and really don't see any other remotes that offer the customizeable labels that are any cheaper. I'd much rather hit a button that says blu-ray than a generic labeled button. I don't really mind the cost if the 550 will work my devices the way I want to with custom labelling. And maybe I'll even come around to macros. ;)
On the 880 you can push the button labeled Device and the LCD will then let you pick from your devices. I don't recall if it lets you pick the names of the devices. Once you select the device the buttons all control that device. The eight soft buttons control the functions on your device that don't have hard buttons on the 880. There are multiple pages of soft buttons for the device. You can rearrange the layout of buttons on the LCD and which page they are on.

The IR beam on the 880 seems to be broader and stronger than on most remotes. That is why people report here that they don't have to aim the 880 at the device, and generally can even aim it opposite to the device and have it work (the bounce works).

A couple reasons really. The first is just because that's the way I'm used to doing things (yeah, not a good reason). Second, my receiver isn't completely line-in-sight with the other components. It's lower in the stack and sometimes I have to adjust where I'm holding the remote to hit it (coffee table in the way). So I'm just afraid with macros, it will be hit and miss whether every component receives the signal it should.

One of the things I do with my activities is add commands for toggling the power on each device in the activity. I also add a command for setting the inputs on all the devices. I've done this for the exact reason you describe - so I can quickly get to the commands to fix what the macros didn't or couldn't do because of how the remote was held or because the equipment was not in the state the remote expected. This works really for me because I can use the remote in one-push mode most of the time but enables me to fix it when it doesn't work.

Hope that helps.
David

One of the things I do with my activities is add commands for toggling the power on each device in the activity. I also add a command for setting the inputs on all the devices. I've done this for the exact reason you describe - so I can quickly get to the commands to fix what the macros didn't or couldn't do because of how the remote was held or because the equipment was not in the state the remote expected. This works really for me because I can use the remote in one-push mode most of the time but enables me to fix it when it doesn't work.

Hope that helps.
David
Of course the Help button on the remote fixes most things and that is one of the things that most families love about it. But like you, I do have a Next Input button setup for some of the devices for added convenience.

Thanks guys. I'll give the 550 a try. Maybe I'll warm up to macros.

Was it new in box or opened and used?

It was an open box, exactly like the one that is being offered in the auction under discussion.

Thanks guys. I'll give the 550 a try. Maybe I'll warm up to macros.
When you first started this discussion you didn't mention which model you were considering. All of my replies have been with reference to the 880. Those responses would also apply to the 890, and perhaps to the One and the 1000. But they don't all apply to the 550. Just don't want you to be surprised and disappointed.

The later models have a rechargeable battery and charger; bigger LCD screen with more options; color LCD screen; more comfortable design. There may be other differences. The Logitech website will let you compare. Amazon tends to have good prices.

When you first started this discussion you didn't mention which model you were considering. All of my replies have been with reference to the 880. Those responses would also apply to the 890, and perhaps to the One and the 1000. But they don't all apply to the 550. Just don't want you to be surprised and disappointed.

The later models have a rechargeable battery and charger; bigger LCD screen with more options; color LCD screen; more comfortable design. There may be other differences. The Logitech website will let you compare. Amazon tends to have good prices.

From what I've been reading, maybe I'm wrong, Vader is NOT going to be happy with any Harmony. I'd prolly recommend an entry level Home Theater Master MX series. Much more device oriented. I had the 500 back before Harmony and was quite happy until I saw the light. Vader needs to learn too. A 550 will be a waste of time and money.

When you first started this discussion you didn't mention which model you were considering.

Sorry about that. I looked at all the models and I actually like the look of the 550 better than the peanut shaped ones. I also would rather not have the charging cradle.

I'd prolly recommend an entry level Home Theater Master MX series.

I did look at those, but frankly, I think they're kinda ugly. :)

I did order the 550 and it's on its way. This may sound stupid, but is it possible to set up an activity so nothing happens? What I mean, is can I set up "Watch Blu-ray" and when I press that activity button, the remote does nothing-- no power on or off, no input changes or anything. But then have the LCD soft buttons available to do those tasks manually. I know, I know... but humor me. ;)

I just purchased the Harmony 880, I'm using this with a Samsung HLR-6168W, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, DirectTV HR21-100 & Xbox 360. When the Xbox 360 is set to the PC input and I click Watch DirectTV, the TV doesn't move to the HDMI2 input. Has anyone found a work around for this with the HLR-6168W?

Steve

This may sound stupid, but is it possible to set up an activity so nothing happens? What I mean, is can I set up "Watch Blu-ray" and when I press that activity button, the remote does nothing-- no power on or off, no input changes or anything. But then have the LCD soft buttons available to do those tasks manually. I know, I know... but humor me. ;)

Well I suppose you could change the power codes to learn codes that do something else and then learn the real power codes in soft buttons. You would then have your remote ready for the Wacked Out Remote Hall of Fame.

you would then have your remote ready for the wacked out remote hall of fame.

:)

I just purchased the Harmony 880, I'm using this with a Samsung HLR-6168W, HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, DirectTV HR21-100 & Xbox 360. When the Xbox 360 is set to the PC input and I click Watch DirectTV, the TV doesn't move to the HDMI2 input. Has anyone found a work around for this with the HLR-6168W?

Steve

I have a Samsung HLT, and I believe that a discrete command for one of the inputs was mislabeled in the Harmony database. The problem is that the discrete commands weren't on the remote. I think that someone eventually called their tech support and fixed the mislabeled input. You might want to try switching to device mode and testing all the discreet input commands to see if they are correct, and if they are not, you may need to call tech support. Or you may also be able to choose the non-discrete command method (configured via the wizard when it asks how your device changes inputs)...but it may take a few seconds longer.

Sorry about that. I looked at all the models and I actually like the look of the 550 better than the peanut shaped ones. I also would rather not have the charging cradle.



I did look at those, but frankly, I think they're kinda ugly. :)

I did order the 550 and it's on its way. This may sound stupid, but is it possible to set up an activity so nothing happens? What I mean, is can I set up "Watch Blu-ray" and when I press that activity button, the remote does nothing-- no power on or off, no input changes or anything. But then have the LCD soft buttons available to do those tasks manually. I know, I know... but humor me. ;)

Remotes don't have to be pretty, if you want pretty why didn't you get the One? Tell a Harmony to do nothing is a waste of your time and effort. Get a grip. Get the right remote, you need to do more research. Harmony is not for you. Cancel the 550 or refuse delivery. It's obviously wrong for you and it's not even Harmony's best, so you start at a disadvantage. Why are you here? Why aren't you saying, I want a Harmony remote and I want to learn how to make it work as well as I can? You are in the wrong forum too, this is the 880 forum, the 550 is supported in a different forum.
Again, from someone who has had his fair share of different remotes, look at HTM. You DON'T have to instruct them to do nothing, they do that from the get go. They are device and macro oriented. Also don't go too high in their hierarchy as they start doing too much to satisfy your needs.

Remotes don't have to be pretty, if you want pretty why didn't you get the One?

I know they don't have to be pretty, but I want it to be. As for the Harmony One... I don't mind dropping the coin on a Harmony 550 to try out, but I don't really want to spend $200+ if I'm not sure I'm going to like it.

Get a grip. Get the right remote, you need to do more research.

I looked at a lot of remotes. The Harmony had the form and function-- even though it can do much more-- it looks like it will atleast do what I want it to do.

Again, from someone who has had his fair share of different remotes, look at HTM.

I appreciate the nod towards the HTM remotes, but I've looked at them. I just don't like how they look. That may not be important to some, but I want the remote to do what I want AND look good.

Why are you here? Why aren't you saying, I want a Harmony remote and I want to learn how to make it work as well as I can?

Why am I here? Mainly because most everyone seems to rave about the Harmony. I don't see that much enthusiasm for other remotes so I figured there must be something to these. As for "making it work as well as I can", I certainly don't rule out using the Harmony the way it was designed. I said as much earlier that I may end up realizing how good that concept is. But right now I'm kind of "old school" on this and it's very difficult to think outside that box. But once it's in my hands and I get a chance to see what "activities" can do for me, I may sing a different tune. We'll see. I've certainly read enough on here to realize that it's a very popular concept. I'm just not there yet. I'm wading in and I feel like some people are yelling "jump!" :)

You are in the wrong forum too, this is the 880 forum, the 550 is supported in a different forum.

I searched for an active "official 550" thread and I didn't find one. There were a bunch of 550 threads that had a handful of posts but nothing like this thread. This thread seemed to have the most activity and therefore I figured the most knowledgable people who would be willing to share that knowledge. But whatever...

I searched for an active "official 550" thread and I didn't find one. There were a bunch of 550 threads that had a handful of posts but nothing like this thread. This thread seemed to have the most activity and therefore I figured the most knowledgable people who would be willing to share that knowledge. But whatever...

So now that you have settled on something other than the 880 you are off-topic. These forums are moderated.

I searched for an active "official 550" thread and I didn't find one. There were a bunch of 550 threads that had a handful of posts but nothing like this thread. This thread seemed to have the most activity and therefore I figured the most knowledgable people who would be willing to share that knowledge. But whatever...

You are correct. There isn't one that I can find but many scattered topics. So, I suggest you START one. That way you can congregate the scattered masses and focus them and yourself as you learn your new toy. I started "One" before I owned it, now I have two and two 880's. Yes that's too many remotes but what the hey. They work.

Thanks, Joe. I'll do that.

Is anybody bored enough to change their wallpaper on their remote yet. If you want to here's the steps.

1. remote settings on-line
2. set back ground
3. use custom
4. browse your 128x160 160kb image ( cell phone wall paper)
5. save and download

I just received a 880 as a gift from the GF (she knows I have been having trouble with my 550). Is this a large step up? I have been having to use the help button a lot for various problems and was wondering if the 880 is going to be the same story. Also, can I use my existing Harmony software that has been installed on my computer to set up the new 880?

Not sure if this is posted in the HUGE thread. Tried search with no luck. When I hit watch TV everything works great until the end. The remote finishes and ends with the device on TV. I need it to end with the remote on PVR so I can control my Dish VIP-722. I tried creating a custom activity but it ends on no device even though my last step is a PVR function (hit select button). Any Ideas?
Thanks
Toby

Not sure if this is posted in the HUGE thread. Tried search with no luck. When I hit watch TV everything works great until the end. The remote finishes and ends with the device on TV. I need it to end with the remote on PVR so I can control my Dish VIP-722. I tried creating a custom activity but it ends on no device even though my last step is a PVR function (hit select button). Any Ideas?
Thanks
Toby
In the setup for the activity, there is a question that asked which device controls the channel and which device controls the volume. Sounds like you've told it that the TV controls the channel )or at least that ou didn't tell it that the Dish box controls the channel) on that Activity.

Thanks for the help. I never got the "which device controls the channel" question. However I just figured it out. I set up everything in the Customize buttons area.
Thanks Again
Toby

Just thought I'd pop in and say I'm liking "activities" now.

Hi everyone, I just have one light that I want to be able to turn on with my Harmony 880.

Will this work? Can I control this with my 880?

http://www.amazon.com/Smarthome-Insteon-Lamplinc-V2-3-PIN/dp/B000AAJT9S/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&m=ACP6JMVRXLHJ5&s=electronics&qid=1219470211&sr=1-13

Hi everyone, I just have one light that I want to be able to turn on with my Harmony 880.

Will this work? Can I control this with my 880?

http://www.amazon.com/Smarthome-Insteon-Lamplinc-V2-3-PIN/dp/B000AAJT9S/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&m=ACP6JMVRXLHJ5&s=electronics&qid=1219470211&sr=1-13 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSmarthome-Insteon-Lamplinc-V2-3-PIN%2Fdp%2FB000AAJT9S%2Fref%3Dsr_1_13%3Fie%3DUTF8%26amp%3Bm% 3DACP6JMVRXLHJ5%26amp%3Bs%3Delectronics%26amp%3Bqid%3D121947 0211%26amp%3Bsr%3D1-13&tag=avsforum-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325)

No, it's not an X-10 remote.
If there's an IR to X-10 conversion device then you could rig it. Is there?


http://rover.ebay.com/ar/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?mpt=%5BCacheBuster%5D&adtype=1&size=1x1&type=1&campid=5336055023&toolid=10001&customid=

Hi everyone, I just have one light that I want to be able to turn on with my Harmony 880.

Will this work? Can I control this with my 880?

http://www.amazon.com/Smarthome-Insteon-Lamplinc-V2-3-PIN/dp/B000AAJT9S/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&m=ACP6JMVRXLHJ5&s=electronics&qid=1219470211&sr=1-13
The 880 is an infrared, line of sight transmitter. The Insteon devices are RF devices. So no.

The 890 is an RF device that works with zwave light controllers though, http://www.zwaveproducts.com/

Hi I own a Harmony 880 that I had for 3 years and the play button has fallen out of the remote. If i put it back and push on it stays on for a while and then falls out again. Is it easy to fix this ? Other then this problem I love this remote. I never had such a good experience with a universal remote. thanks in advance.

Hi everyone, I just have one light that I want to be able to turn on with my Harmony 880.

Will this work? Can I control this with my 880?

http://www.amazon.com/Smarthome-Insteon-Lamplinc-V2-3-PIN/dp/B000AAJT9S/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&m=ACP6JMVRXLHJ5&s=electronics&qid=1219470211&sr=1-13

I have an IR X-10 receiver that I bought several years ago from Radio Shack. Works like a charm for all X-10 functions. X-10 commands are in the Logitech database.

I don't know if Radio shack still sells the receiver. If they don't, you might try SmartHome.

Cheers,

Burt

Have anyone tried to program their 880 to start a movie and turn off the lights by hitting the play or ok button on their remote?

Have anyone tried to program their 880 to start a movie and turn off the lights by hitting the play or ok button on their remote?

Yes, several people here have done that. If you have the Lutron light controllers you can set up your 880 so that when you push "Play" the lights go out and when you hit "Pause" the lights come up either all the way or to a low level (Scene 1).

My wife loves this particular feature.

Does anybody here have an 880 paired with a Samsung LN650A TV?

Through quite a bit of trial and error, I've finally found the best way to change inputs during an "activity" event (ignore the wizard page option that prompts you to check the radio button for Samsung TV, and tell it that you have separate buttons on the remote for inputs). My problem is, I can't tell how long the TV has to "warm up" before it can accept input info. Trial and error is taking forever, and doesn't seem to be consistent. Anybody have a good number to use for the "warm up" on this TV? Is there a better order (should TV be turned on before the other devices, or last?)

Thanks much.

Hi I have the 880 and so far it's great. I would like to be able to change the format of the pvr or the tv with out going to the devise and then back to activities again can I do that? I'm a rookie at this stuff so any help would be great. Thanks Paul

Hi I have the 880 and so far it's great. I would like to be able to change the format of the pvr or the tv with out going to the devise and then back to activities again can I do that? I'm a rookie at this stuff so any help would be great. Thanks Paul

It will depend a bit on your equipment, but if it's like mine (a Panasonic Plasma):
1) go to the activity where you want to see the "Format" button
2) click "customize"
3.) click "change behavior of buttons"
4.) click "additional buttons"

At this point, you'll be able to customize the buttons that appear on the LCD while an activity is running. Pick a blank button, type in a label ("Format"), select the appropriate device ("TV"), and select the format change command ("Format").

Thanks I'll try that tomorrow if I get the time. Paul

Forgive me if this has been answered; did not see it as a thread or entry..

Anyone else pairing a Pioneer Elite vsx 94 A/V with a Harmony 880?

Whenever I switch between activities, the input section of the Pioneer never changes. I have to either cycle the Pioneer remote's input button or spin the dial on the reciever's front panel to select the correct input.

I have the following:

All signals feed a Mitsu 65631 via HDMI

All signals route through the Pioneer Elite tsx 94 A/V.

Dish ViP622 tuner/DVR via TV/SAT using component in
Panasonic DMP-BD50K via HDMI#2
Toshiba XA-2 via HDMI#1

All connections are set through the autosetup and verified.

When I choose say WATCH a BLU-RAY movie, the setup claims to turn on the Panasonic, turn on the Pioneer, turn on the Mitsu, set the inputs as noted, etc.

HOWEVER: The Pioneer never shifts inputs to the desired setting. This happens whether I want to watch TV (TV/SAT) or Blu-Ray, or HD-DVD..If I am watching a movie, and then switch to TV, all other items switch correctly, EXCEPT that the Pioneer remains connected to the last input.

Ideas? Maybe this is not a Harmony 880 problem?

Forgive me if this has been answered; did not see it as a thread or entry..

Anyone else pairing a Pioneer Elite vsx 94 A/V with a Harmony 880?

Whenever I switch between activities, the input section of the Pioneer never changes. I have to either cycle the Pioneer remote's input button or spin the dial on the reciever's front panel to select the correct input.

I have the following:

All signals feed a Mitsu 65631 via HDMI

All signals route through the Pioneer Elite tsx 94 A/V.

Dish ViP622 tuner/DVR via TV/SAT using component in
Panasonic DMP-BD50K via HDMI#2
Toshiba XA-2 via HDMI#1

All connections are set through the autosetup and verified.

When I choose say WATCH a BLU-RAY movie, the setup claims to turn on the Panasonic, turn on the Pioneer, turn on the Mitsu, set the inputs as noted, etc.

HOWEVER: The Pioneer never shifts inputs to the desired setting. This happens whether I want to watch TV (TV/SAT) or Blu-Ray, or HD-DVD..If I am watching a movie, and then switch to TV, all other items switch correctly, EXCEPT that the Pioneer remains connected to the last input.

Ideas? Maybe this is not a Harmony 880 problem?

I have a VSX-41 and it responds perfectly?? Though it only controls audio, all my video goes direct. :confused:

Forgive me if this has been answered; did not see it as a thread or entry..

Anyone else pairing a Pioneer Elite vsx 94 A/V with a Harmony 880?

Whenever I switch between activities, the input section of the Pioneer never changes. I have to either cycle the Pioneer remote's input button or spin the dial on the reciever's front panel to select the correct input.


You have something set up wrong. Does using the help button fix the problem?

If not, then you are using the wrong command to try to change inputs on the receiver.

If it does then you need to mess with your delay or repeat settings to see which one is causing the command to not register.

You have something set up wrong. Does using the help button fix the problem?

.

Help button does not fix the problem.

I may have to mess around with timing.

The Pioneer remote uses a toggle to switch through each input:

DVD, TV/SAT, HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, etc...it does not have a way to directly invoke HDMI 2 or TV/SAT..

Thanks for the suggestions...

Help button does not fix the problem.

I may have to mess around with timing.

The Pioneer remote uses a toggle to switch through each input:

DVD, TV/SAT, HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, etc...it does not have a way to directly invoke HDMI 2 or TV/SAT..

Thanks for the suggestions...

Are you sure about this? I find it very hard to believe that Pioneer's top of the line receiver does not have discreet input commands. Most entry level receivers have this function now.

Go into your device mode for the receiver and try all of the input commands to make sure that there aren't some that work.

Are you sure about this? I find it very hard to believe that Pioneer's top of the line receiver does not have discreet input commands. Most entry level receivers have this function now.

Beerstalker is right....just because you don't see these discrete commands on your Pioneer remote, does not mean they are not available. I believe that every one of my devices has these discrete commands that are not on the original remotes. Hopefully they already show up in the Harmony database...otherwise you would have to call Harmony tech support and inquire about it. Some folks here or over at RemoteCentral.com might happen to have the code for these commands specific to your receiver (used in other high end remotes), which you could then pass on to Harmony tech support for them to add into their database.

Help button does not fix the problem.

I may have to mess around with timing.

The Pioneer remote uses a toggle to switch through each input:

DVD, TV/SAT, HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, etc...it does not have a way to directly invoke HDMI 2 or TV/SAT..

Thanks for the suggestions...

I am using this combo and it works fine with the default 880 settings. The 94 does have discrete settings for the inputs and they should be selected by the 880 when you change activities.

You might try deleting everything from your 880 and starting over with default settings.

Seeing that the 880 has a defined device for the Xantech IR-X10 module, I purchased the Xantech unit to control lights in my viewing room. I set up the whole system and programmed the IR-X10 device into the 880. However, I can't quite figure out how to set up that device so that I know what x-10 signals are being sent. In fact, although I get the light-back acknowledgment from the IR receiver, no x-10 codes are being sent by the Xantech unit. Any ideas?

The Xantech comes with software for programming universal remotes, but doesn't recognize the Harmony.

I am using this combo and it works fine with the default 880 settings. The 94 does have discrete settings for the inputs and they should be selected by the 880 when you change activities.

You might try deleting everything from your 880 and starting over with default settings.

Deleting everything is EXACTLY what worked! (there may have been some residual settings that I overlooked before...)

I also downloaded and installed the latest software for the 880. Upon rebooting and doing a clean setup, I discovered that Harmony 880 insisted upon assigning 'DVD/LD' inputs for the HD-DVD and BluRay. I then just reset each to the appropriate HDMI input, and voila! It all works properly now.

Thanks to all that commented

Glad it worked out for you.

for those with slow clocks on the Harmony 880, here's a quote from customer service
"Thank you for your recent inquiry about your Harmony Remote
We are sorry to hear that you are having a problem with the clock on the Harmony 880 remote. Unfortunately, this is an issue that we are aware of and we are working on getting the problem fixed. As of yet, we do not have an ETA for a solution, but we are hoping that it will come shortly. We apologize for the inconvenience."

Yea, my clock has always been a little slow. Every few months I will notice that it's behind by 5 minutes or so...and it only takes me about 30 seconds to fix manually, so I'm not too worried about it.

Is the clock used for anything other than a scheduled turn on/off event? I can't think of any time I've ever needed the clock. Don't know where it is, or how to set it even!

I don't know about the scheduled event thing you're asking about, but I believe the clock is automatically set when syncing with the harmony software/website...or you can set it manually from the system options on the remote.

Yes, the clock resets when you update your remote via a computer.

But, one would think and expect a simple thing such as a clock, telling the time of day should be somewhat accurate.

Logitech/Harmony has been aware of this problem for a while and we still wait for a fix.

...
But, one would think and expect a simple thing such as a clock, telling the time of day should be somewhat accurate.
...
I've never had occasion to look at the clock and it serves no control purpose of which I am aware. :confused:

That was the basis of my question... why do we even NEED a clock in the thing? Does somebody actually use the remote to tell time? I guess that's a possibility since my wife never knows the time unless her phone is with her.

That was the basis of my question... why do we even NEED a clock in the thing? ...
Exactly. I don't see why anyone would be "still waiting for a fix." Maybe they could get some faster Cesium. :cool:

Does somebody actually use the remote to tell time?

Since I prefer not to have a clock in my home theater I use it to tell the time if that's ok.

Since I prefer not to have a clock in my home theater I use it to tell the time if that's ok.
Sure, it's OK. lol

Is it OK if it is a couple of minutes off? :rolleyes:

No!

Since I prefer not to have a clock in my home theater I use it to tell the time if that's ok.
Yeah, I think I can let you slide this time. Whatever floats your boat. :-)

Sheesh, tough crowd. I *was* simply asking if anybody used it. Wasn't making a judgement call on you clock adequacy! I'm glad there's a use for it! That way it wasn't a waste of Logitech's time.

For the record, I don't have a clock on my home theater either. Not sure I've ever seen one, in fact. But between my watch, my cell phone, my atomic wall clock and the clocks on the appliances in the next room, I'm pretty well covered.

Besides, it doesn't seem to matter what type of DVR you use, almost all of them display the current time when you bring up the guide.

I certainly don't pay any attention to the clock on my harmony. If nothing else, the time displayed via my DVR's is in a much larger font and easier to read.

In many well designed HTs equipment is in the rear or not even in the room.

I certainly don't pay any attention to the clock on my harmony. If nothing else, the time displayed via my DVR's is in a much larger font and easier to read.

Indeed. And the DVR's stays accurate as it is updated at least once per day.

I'm kind of annoyed by the poor clock on the 880 as well. It's nice to have a clock available at a quick glance, and when I'm watching a Blu Ray, DVD, HD-DVD, or playing a game, I don't really want to have to switch to the DirecTV input to check the time. Luckily I have a clock on my VCR that I can still see. I've also moved the 880 into my bedroom since I bought a Harmony One, so I can just look at my alarm clock in there. Strangely enough the clock on the Harmony One seems to keep time fairly accurate.

Hey Guys,

I have a bit of a problem. I have recently purchased a harmony 880 remote (second hand). Works fine for all but one purpose:

I have a Sony KDL46XBR3 and a Sony STR-KL600 receiver. I have the TV's optical output plugged into the SAT input on the receiver (video2 is the only other optical input and im using that for my ps3). The harmony remote does not have a SAT input configured for the receiver. In fact the harmony does not have a great deal of buttons for the receiver at all. I can select most of the inputs but none of the other features available on the original remote (sound modes per input etc etc).

The original remote was a RM-AAU013 and is no longer in working order. I have a link to the url so you can view the button inputs but as I am a new member I can not yet post URL's.

So I guess I'm asking how can I get the SAT input option on the harmony?

Additional features not available which I mentioned above are the "2 ch" "Movie" and "Music" options etc etc.

These would just be a bonus. Really just after the SAT option.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Will the remote work with the HR 20-100 and if so how do you program it to make it work. I have everything else working with the remote. I just got the cable box and I cannot seem to get it to work

Thanks for the Help.

Hi guys, I've setup my Pioneer 111 Kuro with my Harmony, also have a cable box, PS3, Xbox360, Wii, and a DVD player. When turning on the TV and input for the first time, changing the input on the TV never works. Not sure if this is a timing issue (which I've played with) or what. If the TV is on and I change to another source, the input changes fine. But from a cold start (TV off), the input never changes correctly. Does anyone else have a similar issue and a fix? I saw an earlier post where someone just erased the entire remote and started from scratch and that fixed his issue, I'll try that tonite when I get home. Other than that I've tried everything I can think of in the controls in the software and nothing works. Any suggestions?

Hi guys, I've setup my Pioneer 111 Kuro with my Harmony, also have a cable box, PS3, Xbox360, Wii, and a DVD player. When turning on the TV and input for the first time, changing the input on the TV never works. Not sure if this is a timing issue (which I've played with) or what. If the TV is on and I change to another source, the input changes fine. But from a cold start (TV off), the input never changes correctly. Does anyone else have a similar issue and a fix? I saw an earlier post where someone just erased the entire remote and started from scratch and that fixed his issue, I'll try that tonite when I get home. Other than that I've tried everything I can think of in the controls in the software and nothing works. Any suggestions?
Sounds like a timing issue. Easiest solution is to call Logitech and have them assist you. They are very good.

Bernie

Will the remote work with the HR 20-100 and if so how do you program it to make it work. I have everything else working with the remote. I just got the cable box and I cannot seem to get it to work

Thanks for the Help.

Yes it works with the HR20-100, the codes are in the database & it works fine for me.

Sounds like a timing issue. Easiest solution is to call Logitech and have them assist you. They are very good.

Bernie



Hey Bernie, I changed the power on delay on the Kuro to 17000 and that seems to work fine now with changing the correct inputs on initial power on. Never had that issue with my older Pioneer plasma but that wasn't a Kuro.

Will the remote work with the HR 20-100 and if so how do you program it to make it work. I have everything else working with the remote. I just got the cable box and I cannot seem to get it to work

Thanks for the Help.

I am not sure about the HR20-100, but AFIK all the newer DirecTV dvr's use the same remote control codes.

I had a HR20-700, which I was using with no problems. I recently got a HR21-100 as well.

As soon as I plugged it in, the 890 controlled both boxes with no changes. I later changed the HR21-100 to use a different control set so the 890 would not be sending commands to both boxes at the same time.

After I got the RC34 DirecTV remote to control the HR21 with the new control set, I just added it as a seperate device and had the 890 learn a few commands. Everything worked fine then.

If you want to control two of the DirecTV dvr's with different control sets, don't follow the instructions that are shown on the screen for setting the second box to a new control set. The instructions that are shown say to choose control set 00002 for the second box, but the boxes only recognize control sets 00001 and 00003.

Thanks for the help. I never got the "which device controls the channel" question. However I just figured it out. I set up everything in the Customize buttons area.
Toby,

You should not need to customize buttons except to customize one or two buttons. (Like DVR, # = Search, and * = 722 Aspect.)
What you need in addition to Watch TV is Watch 722 or similar. When you set this up the software must be told what device changes channel, what device controls audio volume, what input to TV is used, etc.

If I am not mistaken, when you opted for Watch TV as the name, in assumed the channel is selected by the TV and did not ask you which device controls the channel.

I have a 622 with my 890 PRO. Previously I had a 942 with an earlier Harmony. Works great!

I apologize in advance - I'm sure this is covered somewhere, but I tried searching and it's tought to find.

I have an 890 pro. My issue is that in my activities, when I use my Watch DVR command (I have two D* DVR's - and H20 and an H21), the power up function is hit or miss. Ditto on powering down. In fact, when I press the all off button on top, it does not turn off my DVR's, and when I go through the help screens, it doesn't even ask me if the DVR's are on or off (in my settings I say I want these off when not in use). When I go into device control mode, and I use the power toggle function, it works fine - both units turn on or off with a simple button press. But from my activity screen, I often have to go through the help screen. The other unit I have hit or miss issues with is my Shinybow component A/V switcher - I often have to send the command to swithch inputs again through the help screen. So my questions are:

1) How can I solve the power functions? Is it just a matter of setting the timing for the commands? How long should I put the command for (I believe right now I have it set at 3000 ms). Same question for the A/V swith - do I just need to jack up the time? How high would it get before it became too slow?

2) Why doesn't my power down button turn off my DVR's?

3) Is there a setting to allow me to keep my DVR's on when I leave an activity, but turn my TV's off, and still have the power down button turn everything off when I press it? If I go to the options screen and tell it to leave things on when I leave the activity, that means it will also leave the TV on. My DVR's share multiple rooms, and there are times I just want to turn off the TV, but not the DVR.

Thanks for indulging me on this one.

tjk,

Go back through the Activity setup wizard and you should find an option that will allow you to leave a device on all the time. I am assuming that this is what's happening. It could be that the power off command is not working for these devices, but you should be able to find the command in device mode and try it manually. As for your #3 question, I think you will have to setup your devices so that the DVR's never turn off, if it's causing problems for people watching in other rooms.

tjk,

Go back through the Activity setup wizard and you should find an option that will allow you to leave a device on all the time. I am assuming that this is what's happening. It could be that the power off command is not working for these devices, but you should be able to find the command in device mode and try it manually. As for your #3 question, I think you will have to setup your devices so that the DVR's never turn off, if it's causing problems for people watching in other rooms.

Thanks for the help - I actually have it set up now to turn the device off when not in use - so it should turn on when the activity starts, but powering on when the activity starts is really hit or miss. In device mode, it works fine - it powers on and off with the power toggle function. If I do what you suggest regarding # 3 above, however, it won't really matter, because the DVR will always be on.

I suppose if the only thing I have to turn off manually (in device mode) is the DVR, that's not too bad, but I would like to be able to shut down the whole system without going down to the basement where everything is located.

In your case tjk I would just leave the DVRs on all the time. There isn't really much of a difference in shutting them off as all it does is shut off the lights on the front, and the video outputs (I have read it's like 2watts difference). The tuners are still decoding the channels and saving the live buffer to the hard drive while it is "off".

If you want to shut them off I highly suggest using the discreet power commands instead of the PowerToggle command. They are much less likely to fail.

You also may be having problems with power on, power off with your directv boxes, since in my experience they seem to need a stronger signal for the power functions than for any others.

In my case I use both an 880 and 890 to control my HR21-100. Since I don't have direct line of sight, I normally point the remote at my side wall, which bounces the IR signal to the box.

This works find for every function except power on. For that to work, I need to move to a part of the room that has direct line of sight.

You might just need to try different positions for your IR emitters. Also, if the 890 pro uses the same IR emitters as the 890, don't expect them to stay in place with just the adhesive that came with them.

All of the ones I used came loose within six months. I find that I have much better success just using scotch tape to keep the emitters in place.

Thanks for the suggestions. I may just wind up leaving them on as suggested if they're not using much power. Trying to go green, but...

I know my emitters are getting the signal because I can see them flashing, and like I said in device mode there is no problem turning on and off. I'll give the discrete codes a shot too - I was having problems updating the remote because I was getting an error message about not recognizing the power on function. I changed the power on and off to the one-button toggle, but still got the error. Harmony tech support fixed it for me but I never went back to the discrete codes.

OK, help! Much bigger problem before I get back to my power up issues.

I have an HR-20 and an HR-21 in the same closet. Despite the fact that I have one set up to be controlled out of port A, and the other out of port B, and the units are on different shelves, both units are picking up the commands of the other, a assume from the ir blasters i have stuck to each unit. I'm not sure how that's possible, but that's what's happening. Is there a work around for this? I can't be the only person with multiple pieces of the same equipment in the same place.

Thanks!!

Todd

Regarding my power up issues, nothing is working in my activities or by pressing the all off button. I have an Onkyo receiver I'm using as a multi-room distribution amp for a whole-house music system. I have a "Listen to TV" activity that is supposed to turn on the reeceiver and the HR20. Not only does nothing turn on, but when I go through the help menu, it asks me if the DVR is on. When I say no, it turns it on (actually, turns on both as noted above), but it doesn't even ask me if the Onkyo receiver is on (only that it's on the right input).

If I manually turn on the Onkyo receiver, then hit the all off button, nothing turns off - I have to go through the help menu, it asks if the DVR is off, I say no and it turns both off, then it asks if the Onkyo receiver is off, and when I say no that turns off.

Is there a way to adjust the settings to help here? I'm lost!!!

Regarding my power up issues, nothing is working in my activities or by pressing the all off button. I have an Onkyo receiver I'm using as a multi-room distribution amp for a whole-house music system. I have a "Listen to TV" activity that is supposed to turn on the reeceiver and the HR20. Not only does nothing turn on, but when I go through the help menu, it asks me if the DVR is on. When I say no, it turns it on (actually, turns on both as noted above), but it doesn't even ask me if the Onkyo receiver is on (only that it's on the right input).

If I manually turn on the Onkyo receiver, then hit the all off button, nothing turns off - I have to go through the help menu, it asks if the DVR is off, I say no and it turns both off, then it asks if the Onkyo receiver is off, and when I say no that turns off.

Is there a way to adjust the settings to help here? I'm lost!!!
Clearly your frustration level is rising, understandably. If tinkering with technology is fun for you then you may want to simply start all over in the setup of your 890. But a less frustrating approach will probably be to call Logitech and have them assist you. Their telephone support is excellent.

You have a complicated and unusual setup so expect to be on the phone for a while to get it all working as desired. (In other words, fo to the washroom before placing the call.)

Bernie

Clearly your frustration level is rising, understandably. If tinkering with technology is fun for you then you may want to simply start all over in the setup of your 890. But a less frustrating approach will probably be to call Logitech and have them assist you. Their telephone support is excellent.

You have a complicated and unusual setup so expect to be on the phone for a while to get it all working as desired. (In other words, fo to the washroom before placing the call.)

Bernie

Honestly, I wouldn't mind setting up the activities all over again. The issue with not being able to control each DVR separately is what's really bothering me right now. Doesn't do much good to have an equipment closet if you can't control your devices independently.

Honestly, I wouldn't mind setting up the activities all over again. The issue with not being able to control each DVR separately is what's really bothering me right now. Doesn't do much good to have an equipment closet if you can't control your devices independently.

First read page 76 of the manual that came with your HR20 or HR21.

This describes the steps necessary to bring up the on-screen instructions to program your directv remote so that it will control one of your receivers when the slider is in the left most position and the other one when the slider is in the AV1 position.

Just do not follow the suggestion shown on the screen to choose 00002 as your alternate command codes. The directv dvr's only recognize control codes 00001 and 00003.

After you have your directv remote correctly set so that it controls only the receiver associated with the position of the slider, you can then use the harmony software to learn the commands for the second receiver.

I have my HR20 using the default command codes 00001 and my HR21 using command codes 00003.

If I remember correctly, after I got the directv remote correctly, I followed these steps using the harmony software:

1. Create a seperate device for each receiver
2. Create a seperate activity for each receiver
3. Learn a few commands for the device that is now using the 00003 command set

I do not remember whether I had to learn the commands for the second device when I created it or whether it was during the creation of the activity.

If you are having problems getting your harmony to learn commands from the directv remote, harmony support can probably set the one you want to use control codes 00003.

You may also be having problems learning commands just because you have the remotes either too close or too far apart. While learning commands from my various other remotes, I found that sometimes the remotes needed to be 1/2 inch apart, while other times they needed to be almost 2 inches apart.

Experiment with different distances and see whether you can then learn commands.

OK, with some further testing, I think I've determined that the HR21 is picking up the commands of the HR20, but not the other way around. It appears that although the HR21 is set to be controlled by an emitter out of one of the ports of the RF extender, it is still picking up commands from the extender itself, which I assume still blasts commands even if you set it up to be controlled by an emmitter?

I unplugged the emitter controlling the HR20, and the HR21 still accepted commands sent to the HR20, I'm assuming from the RF extender. I tried moving the RF extender around - even held it behind the equipment, and the HR21 still accepted commands sent to the HR20. Speaks well to the IR receiver of the HR21, but not so useful when you don't want to control it.

Anyone have any idea what I might be able to do? Would duct tape over the IR receiver section of the HR21 do anything?

tjk,

You might want to try a few layers of black electrical tape (or duct tape) over the IR blasters, assuming that they are the type that you place directly over the IR receivers on the devices.

tjk,

You might want to try a few layers of black electrical tape (or duct tape) over the IR blasters, assuming that they are the type that you place directly over the IR receivers on the devices.

They are, and that's my project for tonight. FWIW, the blasters I have on the HR20 are the single emitter type that come with a Xantech repeater (they flash when engaged to show they picked up a signal), and the one on my HR21 is a dual emitter, the square type that does not provide any feedback. I do know that it is not the emitter causing a problem, because even when I disconnect the emitter covering the HR20, the HR21 still responds to commands from the Harmony, I presume from the RF extender.

Hi all,

I bought the 880 to integrate the equipment in my first HT and have just started to program it. Right away I ran into a problem that I thought someone here might have some knowledge about and/or a fix for.

When I first got the Dish 612 receiver/DVR, there was a problem with the "Info" screen popping up randomly. Dish tech support had me change the IR "channel" for the Dish remote from "1" to "5" and that solved the problem. No more annoying pop-ups.

However....when I started to set up the Logitech it wouldn't turn on the Dish 612. Logitech support said that the 880 requires the 612 IR channel be set to "1"--or the FIRST available channel. Sure enough, when I changed it to "1" the Logitech started communicating with the 612...but the annoying "Info" pop-up problem returned! :(

Dish knows about the problem with the "1" setting and the Info pop-up, but there standard fix is to just change the remote's IR channel. However they also state that it doesn't happen with all units, so they are sending someone out with a replacement receiver tomorrow. Hopefully that will be the end of it, but I'm wondering if anyone else knows about this problem and/or has any kind of workaround for it. Is there ANY way to get the 880 to use another channel? If there isn't then I'm going to have to bank on Dish getting me hardware that will function on channel 1! Or not have a functioning all-in-one remote... arghhhh.... :rolleyes:

TIA for any info.

They are, and that's my project for tonight. FWIW, the blasters I have on the HR20 are the single emitter type that come with a Xantech repeater (they flash when engaged to show they picked up a signal), and the one on my HR21 is a dual emitter, the square type that does not provide any feedback. I do know that it is not the emitter causing a problem, because even when I disconnect the emitter covering the HR20, the HR21 still responds to commands from the Harmony, I presume from the RF extender.

tjk,

It seems like I also remember some people that had problems with emitters (I can't remember which thread here), but they had to also put a layer or two of something like tan masking tape between the emitter and the IR receiver on the device (which wouldn't be as opaque as black masking tape). Something about the IR receiver being too sensitive. So keep that in mind if you continue to have issues after taping everything off.

...
However....when I started to set up the Logitech it wouldn't turn on the Dish 612. Logitech support said that the 880 requires the 612 IR channel be set to "1"--or the FIRST available channel. Sure enough, when I changed it to "1" the Logitech started communicating with the 612...but the annoying "Info" pop-up problem returned! :( ...
I used to have two Dish 508 Receivers in my setup. They were each set to a different IR channel. During setup of the remote, the software had me push buttons on the OEM remote in "Learning Mode" while it determined what IR channel each receiver was on. It also has been reported that Customer Service could change the channel for you.

If customer service can't help, I suggest setting it up with two 612's - let it set up one 612 on IR Ch 1, go off and change the OEM remote to a new channel and come back and let the remote learn the IR Ch for that 612. (Set up two activities - "Watch 612A" and "Watch 612B". When done remove the Device and Activity associated with the CH1 612.)

PS The Channels I had set up my 508's on were CH1 and CH 5.

Hi all,

I bought the 880 to integrate the equipment in my first HT and have just started to program it. Right away I ran into a problem that I thought someone here might have some knowledge about and/or a fix for.

When I first got the Dish 612 receiver/DVR, there was a problem with the "Info" screen popping up randomly. Dish tech support had me change the IR "channel" for the Dish remote from "1" to "5" and that solved the problem. No more annoying pop-ups.

However....when I started to set up the Logitech it wouldn't turn on the Dish 612. Logitech support said that the 880 requires the 612 IR channel be set to "1"--or the FIRST available channel. Sure enough, when I changed it to "1" the Logitech started communicating with the 612...but the annoying "Info" pop-up problem returned! :(

Dish knows about the problem with the "1" setting and the Info pop-up, but there standard fix is to just change the remote's IR channel. However they also state that it doesn't happen with all units, so they are sending someone out with a replacement receiver tomorrow. Hopefully that will be the end of it, but I'm wondering if anyone else knows about this problem and/or has any kind of workaround for it. Is there ANY way to get the 880 to use another channel? If there isn't then I'm going to have to bank on Dish getting me hardware that will function on channel 1! Or not have a functioning all-in-one remote... arghhhh.... :rolleyes:

TIA for any info.

Am I getting the run around? I have the DISH DVR VIP612 and could not get the 880 to control it. I was told by the Dish tech rep that I could not use my harmony 880 with the 612 since the 612 was RF. Do you think the one I got is RF only or the tech was not as diligent in troubleshooting as he should have been? I'd sure like to uncradle my 880 again and start using it.

Honestly, I wouldn't mind setting up the activities all over again. The issue with not being able to control each DVR separately is what's really bothering me right now. Doesn't do much good to have an equipment closet if you can't control your devices independently.

see this link for controlling 2 HR* receivers to change the command set post # 3 http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=382843 after you add the second receiver with the new command set you will have to just confirm the IR codes from the remote with the new command set

Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote - 966187-0403 buy.com has this for $92.27 with a rebate. is it worth the cost

Am I getting the run around? I have the DISH DVR VIP612 and could not get the 880 to control it. I was told by the Dish tech rep that I could not use my harmony 880 with the 612 since the 612 was RF. Do you think the one I got is RF only or the tech was not as diligent in troubleshooting as he should have been? I'd sure like to uncradle my 880 again and start using it.

Probably not the "run around," more likely just poor product knowledge. My understanding is that the VIP612 can be set to be either UHF (RF) or IR. Mine came set up as IR, so I haven't had to figure out how to change it to UHF, nor will I, hopefully. I can attest to the fact that when my 612 is on IR channel 1, the Harmony 880 will control it.

See Saltidog's post above for a clue on how to get the Logitech to recognize a different remote channel. I have to try that out, although if the Dish tech gives me a new receiver and/or remote that works on Channel 5, I'll probably just be satisfied with that.

I'll post whatever I find out from Dish today.

Best regards,
Stephen Porter

I used to have two Dish 508 Receivers in my setup. They were each set to a different IR channel. During setup of the remote, the software had me push buttons on the OEM remote in "Learning Mode" while it determined what IR channel each receiver was on. It also has been reported that Customer Service could change the channel for you.

If customer service can't help, I suggest setting it up with two 612's - let it set up one 612 on IR Ch 1, go off and change the OEM remote to a new channel and come back and let the remote learn the IR Ch for that 612. (Set up two activities - "Watch 612A" and "Watch 612B". When done remove the Device and Activity associated with the CH1 612.)

PS The Channels I had set up my 508's on were CH1 and CH 5.

Thanks Salti. Hopefully either the new equipment from Dish will help OR Logitech's "2nd Level" support can change the Harmony channel. I actually do have TWO 612's--the other one is downstairs and doesn't see much use and I hadn't planned on using the Logitech with that since it is just a TV, but it might turn out to be handy if it gets to the point where I need to teach the Logitech.

stp

... but it might turn out to be handy if it gets to the point where I need to teach the Logitech.

Hope it works for you. As an aside I would point out that someone with only one E* receiver could tell the Harmony software that you have two receivers and set one on CH 1 and "learn" the IR channel for 612A. Goto the 612 and change the IR Channel to whatever new Ch you desire. Take the OEM remote back to your PC and "learn" the IR Channel for 612B.
I still think customer service can set this up for you. :)

Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote - 966187-0403 buy.com has this for $92.27 with a rebate. is it worth the cost

I love my 880 and want another for the basement. I'm waiting for them to hit about $75 to buy another. I will say that it's for sure worth the $100 I paid for it. I didn't need RF features like the 890. Also, my wife loves the remote. I can do any amount of tinkering with devices I want, as long as she hits "watch tv" and it works, she doesn't care. That's easily worth a few hundred in my book! :)

First read page 76 of the manual that came with your HR20 or HR21.

This describes the steps necessary to bring up the on-screen instructions to program your directv remote so that it will control one of your receivers when the slider is in the left most position and the other one when the slider is in the AV1 position.

Just do not follow the suggestion shown on the screen to choose 00002 as your alternate command codes. The directv dvr's only recognize control codes 00001 and 00003.

After you have your directv remote correctly set so that it controls only the receiver associated with the position of the slider, you can then use the harmony software to learn the commands for the second receiver.

I have my HR20 using the default command codes 00001 and my HR21 using command codes 00003.

If I remember correctly, after I got the directv remote correctly, I followed these steps using the harmony software:

1. Create a seperate device for each receiver
2. Create a seperate activity for each receiver
3. Learn a few commands for the device that is now using the 00003 command set

I do not remember whether I had to learn the commands for the second device when I created it or whether it was during the creation of the activity.

If you are having problems getting your harmony to learn commands from the directv remote, harmony support can probably set the one you want to use control codes 00003.

You may also be having problems learning commands just because you have the remotes either too close or too far apart. While learning commands from my various other remotes, I found that sometimes the remotes needed to be 1/2 inch apart, while other times they needed to be almost 2 inches apart.

Experiment with different distances and see whether you can then learn commands.

Bruce -

Somehow I missed this yesterday. Thank you.

Let me see if I understand (I had previously read pg. 76, but it didn't look like it would accomplish what I wanted)...If I program my HR20 remote to control the HR21 in AV1 mode, does that mean it will STOP controlling it in the left most position? Or is the easiest (and correct) thing to do, just leave the HR20 remote in AV1 position all the time, and program it to control the HR20? Then it (the HR20 remote) would only control the HR20, and I could have the Harmony learn the commands from the AV1 mode. Another positive of this is I would be able to apply an IR blaster from my Xantech system in my family room to my HR21, so that the original D* remotes will control the HR21 discreetly (sometimes it's just easier to use the D* remotes than the Harmony, especially with the raised buttons).

Since both of my DVR's are in the same location, should I unplug one while I'm programming the remote?

When I asked the D* tech on Sunday when I activated my HR21, if there was a way I could set up the remote to only control the HR21, he said no. Go figure.

Your solution (and thank you for the link rehaz - that's my next stop) seems great - do you know how many commands I'll have to go through before the receivers will be discreet with my Harmony? I had no problem getting the Harmony to recognize the power toggle, but that's the only one I had it learn in the device mode. Thanks.

Am I getting the run around? I have the DISH DVR VIP612 and could not get the 880 to control it. I was told by the Dish tech rep that I could not use my harmony 880 with the 612 since the 612 was RF. Do you think the one I got is RF only or the tech was not as diligent in troubleshooting as he should have been? I'd sure like to uncradle my 880 again and start using it.

In my experience with the Dish 501's, VIP 622's....they transmit both IR & RF at the same time....so as long as you plan on using the Harmony 880 within the same room, it should be fine.

In my experience with the Dish 501's, VIP 622's....they transmit both IR & RF at the same time....so as long as you plan on using the Harmony 880 within the same room, it should be fine.
blaze,

For different reasons, neither the 501 nor the 622 has a remote that transmits IR and RF simultaneously.

Probably not the "run around," more likely just poor product knowledge. My understanding is that the VIP612 can be set to be either UHF (RF) or IR. Mine came set up as IR, so I haven't had to figure out how to change it to UHF, nor will I, hopefully. I can attest to the fact that when my 612 is on IR channel 1, the Harmony 880 will control it.

See Saltidog's post above for a clue on how to get the Logitech to recognize a different remote channel. I have to try that out, although if the Dish tech gives me a new receiver and/or remote that works on Channel 5, I'll probably just be satisfied with that.

I'll post whatever I find out from Dish today.

Best regards,
Stephen Porter

I just spoke to Dish and they said the remote I have is IR/RF, but they have to send me a green key (free of charge) to replace the current UFH key in the remote. This will allow the remote to transmit only IR Vs only RF. Hope this is correct. Is there a code for the 612 that I can use in my 880 instead of learning the IR commands? The Dish rep said he did not have it.

Hope it works for you. As an aside I would point out that someone with only one E* receiver could tell the Harmony software that you have two receivers and set one on CH 1 and "learn" the IR channel for 612A. Goto the 612 and change the IR Channel to whatever new Ch you desire. Take the OEM remote back to your PC and "learn" the IR Channel for 612B.
I still think customer service can set this up for you. :)

Dish just came by with a new receiver at the same time I had Logitech 2nd-level tech support on the line, so things got pretty confusing for a bit... Long story short: Dish receiver is now set to "IR address" (more correct than "channel" I learned) 5 and Logitech reprogrammed the 880 to communicate on 5 also, so it works! Logitech support said that they can set the IR channel for the 880 to whatever it needs to be but they have to do it from their end and then when you "Update Remote" the new settings are written in. Works for me!

FWIW, it seems like the new receiver handled the "Info popup window" problem also, so the default 880 setting of IR address "1" would work now also.

So far I'm pretty impressed with both Logitech's support and Dish Network's customer service. With Dish, I've had some real problems with the marketing guys and some of the installation techs so far, but when I've reached the right person in customer service, they really have done some amazing things--like delivering the new 612 today within 2 hours of my asking the first tech who showed up (and told me "nothing could be done about it") to leave; and adjusting all the charges for promised-but-not-delivered items on my account.

Thanks for the pointers here too. Hope this helps someone else.

Newbie to this forum.

I just bought a pioneer bd 05 that I will be switching between digital out (sd dvd, cd's, non hi res audio bd) and analog out (hi res audio bd). Does anyone know if I can program my harmony to switch between analog and digital out when I hit an activity button (i.e. watch dvd- power on devices, appropriate input, select digital out in player menu versus watch blu ray- power on devices, appropriate input, select analog in player menu). I thought I would ask here before attempting to call support as I don't want to wait on-hold unecessarily.
Thanks

blaze,

For different reasons, neither the 501 nor the 622 has a remote that transmits IR and RF simultaneously.

I know for sure that my original 501 remote always transmitted both IR & RF simultaneously, but since I had the Harmony 880 when I got the VIP622...I did not actually test with that unit.

Newbie to this forum.

I just bought a pioneer bd 05 that I will be switching between digital out (sd dvd, cd's, non hi res audio bd) and analog out (hi res audio bd). Does anyone know if I can program my harmony to switch between analog and digital out when I hit an activity button (i.e. watch dvd- power on devices, appropriate input, select digital out in player menu versus watch blu ray- power on devices, appropriate input, select analog in player menu). I thought I would ask here before attempting to call support as I don't want to wait on-hold unecessarily.
Thanks
If you can make those adjustments with the remotes that come with the devices then you can do it within Activities with the Harmony.

If you can make those adjustments with the remotes that come with the devices then you can do it within Activities with the Harmony.

So this remains true in light of the fact that it takes approx 30 secs for my blu ray player to power up before being able to enter the player menu. (ie. the remote would either take this into account or I could set a delay before that command is sent in the command chain--> power on, input, (30 sec delay), select analog).

So this remains true in light of the fact that it takes approx 30 secs for my blu ray player to power up before being able to enter the player menu. (ie. the remote would either take this into account or I could set a delay before that command is sent in the command chain--> power on, input, (30 sec delay), select analog).
I don't know what the limits are on the length of a delay. Someone else in this group probably does and will respond.

... Dish receiver is now set to "IR address" (more correct than "channel" I learned) 5 and Logitech reprogrammed the 880 to communicate on 5 also, so it works! ...
And of course this is absolutely correct - my bad. :cool:

I don't know what the limits are on the length of a delay. Someone else in this group probably does and will respond.

You can definitely set the Power On delay to be 30000 ms. I have had to do the same for my TV.

You can definitely set the Power On delay to be 30000 ms. I have had to do the same for my TV.

So delays follow commands or precede them? I had always imagined that a delay occured prior to the command (i.e. in your situation wait 30000 ms before performing the power command). What I hear you saying is that it actually falls between the power on command and the following command- correct?

What is 30000 ms converted to seconds anyway?

So delays follow commands or precede them? I had always imagined that a delay occured prior to the command (i.e. in your situation wait 30000 ms before performing the power command). What I hear you saying is that it actually falls between the power on command and the following command- correct?

What is 30000 ms converted to seconds anyway?

30000 ms = 30 sec. With a 30 sec power on delay once the device is powered on it waits 30 sec before it sends any additional commands for that device

Newbie to this forum.

I just bought a pioneer bd 05 that I will be switching between digital out (sd dvd, cd's, non hi res audio bd) and analog out (hi res audio bd). Does anyone know if I can program my harmony to switch between analog and digital out when I hit an activity button (i.e. watch dvd- power on devices, appropriate input, select digital out in player menu versus watch blu ray- power on devices, appropriate input, select analog in player menu). I thought I would ask here before attempting to call support as I don't want to wait on-hold unnecessarily.
Thanks

If your original remote(s) can accomplish this either directly (there's a button) or indirectly (a bunch of buttons) the short answer to a long response is, yes.

30000 ms = 30 sec. With a 30 sec power on delay once the device is powered on it waits 30 sec before it sends any additional commands for that device

Just in case it's still not working, you could add a command to the activity, i.e. at the end of the watch blu-ray activity, you can send the "analog" command at the end - and you can keep sending it multiple times so that the blu-ray player eventually gets it. If the blu-ray takes the longest to power on, put it at the beginning of the power-up sequence.

If your original remote(s) can accomplish this either directly (there's a button) or indirectly (a bunch of buttons) the short answer to a long response is, yes.

Even if there is not a button for this command specifically per se? Currently it requires me to push the player menu button, scroll down to audio (arrow down), scroll through to analog (right arrow), push okay and then exit. My doubt is rooted in the scrolling menus- if there was just a button (analog) that would be easy but how can the remote know what the audio is currently set at for example (i.e. if the player was already set to analog, wouldn't a command chain like this just make the player select the next audio option (HDMI for example and not analog) by sending another right arrow command)?

Bruce -

Somehow I missed this yesterday. Thank you.

Let me see if I understand (I had previously read pg. 76, but it didn't look like it would accomplish what I wanted)...If I program my HR20 remote to control the HR21 in AV1 mode, does that mean it will STOP controlling it in the left most position? Or is the easiest (and correct) thing to do, just leave the HR20 remote in AV1 position all the time, and program it to control the HR20? Then it (the HR20 remote) would only control the HR20, and I could have the Harmony learn the commands from the AV1 mode. Another positive of this is I would be able to apply an IR blaster from my Xantech system in my family room to my HR21, so that the original D* remotes will control the HR21 discreetly (sometimes it's just easier to use the D* remotes than the Harmony, especially with the raised buttons).

Since both of my DVR's are in the same location, should I unplug one while I'm programming the remote?

When I asked the D* tech on Sunday when I activated my HR21, if there was a way I could set up the remote to only control the HR21, he said no. Go figure.

Your solution (and thank you for the link rehaz - that's my next stop) seems great - do you know how many commands I'll have to go through before the receivers will be discreet with my Harmony? I had no problem getting the Harmony to recognize the power toggle, but that's the only one I had it learn in the device mode. Thanks.

If you set the remote to use 00003 in the AV1 position, it should only control the HR21 in the AV1 position and only the HR20 in the DirecTV position.

Yes it is easier to unplug the HR20 while you set the remote to use 00003 for the HR21. To unplug the HR20 you should go through Setup, Restart to make it shutdown and restart and unplug the power cord when it starts to boot. I am not sure this is necessary, but it is safer.

After programming the DirecTV remote I tested it to make sure it controls only one of the boxes in the DirecTV position and just the other box in the DirecTV position before I tried to do the programming of the harmony remote.

After you have programmed the DirecTV this way and programmed the Harmony remote with a device for the HR20, a seperate device for the HR21, an activity for the HR20 and a seperate activity for the HR21, each of those activites will only control the box that you have it set up to use it.

I made sure that everything worked fine using the harmony this way next while it was just set to use IR and then changed it to use RF.

After that the only time I need to use the DirecTV remote is if I want to download a CE to the HR21.

If you want to do this, check out the instructions on dbstalk.com.
To make the HR21 does the download, you need to make it start the restart with it set to AV1 and then move it to DirecTV before you enter the 02468.

Even if there is not a button for this command specifically per se? Currently it requires me to push the player menu button, scroll down to audio (arrow down), scroll through to analog (right arrow), push okay and then exit. My doubt is rooted in the scrolling menus- if there was just a button (analog) that would be easy but how can the remote know what the audio is currently set at for example (i.e. if the player was already set to analog, wouldn't a command chain like this just make the player select the next audio option (HDMI for example and not analog) by sending another right arrow command)?
Even though the remote that came with the device may not have a button to do something directly, in many cases Logitech has a code in their database that will do it. When setting up your remote, you will have the opportunity to see if such a feature already is in the database for your device.

To answer your second question, the Harmony remembers the state that it thinks your devices are in. Sometimes, in situations like you describe, it can get out of sync with reality. When that happens, usually the Help button will brings things back into sync. That is a reason that family members love it so much. If Help doesn't work then you will need to go into Device mode to make the adjustment. If that happens with any regularity you'll come to recognize the device button that you use to fix the situation and you may want to add that button to your Activity so that you or your family can make the adjustment directly from the Activity screen without having to go into Device mode.

Bernie

Even though the remote that came with the device may not have a button to do something directly, in many cases Logitech has a code in their database that will do it. When setting up your remote, you will have the opportunity to see if such a feature already is in the database for your device.

To answer your second question, the Harmony remembers the state that it thinks your devices are in. Sometimes, in situations like you describe, it can get out of sync with reality. When that happens, usually the Help button will brings things back into sync. That is a reason that family members love it so much. If Help doesn't work then you will need to go into Device mode to make the adjustment. If that happens with any regularity you'll come to recognize the device button that you use to fix the situation and you may want to add that button to your Activity so that you or your family can make the adjustment directly from the Activity screen without having to go into Device mode.

Bernie

Thanks Bernie- this is all beginning to make more sense.

Even though the remote that came with the device may not have a button to do something directly, in many cases Logitech has a code in their database that will do it. When setting up your remote, you will have the opportunity to see if such a feature already is in the database for your device.

To answer your second question, the Harmony remembers the state that it thinks your devices are in. Sometimes, in situations like you describe, it can get out of sync with reality. When that happens, usually the Help button will brings things back into sync. That is a reason that family members love it so much. If Help doesn't work then you will need to go into Device mode to make the adjustment. If that happens with any regularity you'll come to recognize the device button that you use to fix the situation and you may want to add that button to your Activity so that you or your family can make the adjustment directly from the Activity screen without having to go into Device mode.

Bernie

It doesn't ALWAYS work out - but there are work-arounds. For example, I have a Denon 3910 DVD player hooked up to one TV via HDMI and another via component. For one activity, the output is HDMI, but for the other it is component. The Denon remote has an "HDMI select" toggle that switches from HDMI to DVI to Component. Unfortunately, there do not appear to be discrete codes to allow me to select an output. So, the work around would be to "nest" the DVD player in HDMI. When I want to watch on the TV that needs component, I add a command to hit the HDMI select button three times to get it to the component output. Upon leaving the activity, I add a command to hit the HDMI select button once, to nest the player back into HDMI mode.

You could do something similar in your situation.

After that the only time I need to use the DirecTV remote is if I want to download a CE to the HR21.

If you want to do this, check out the instructions on dbstalk.com.

To make the HR21 does the download, you need to make it start the restart with it set to AV1 and then move it to DirecTV before you enter the 02468.

You lost me there - what is a CE, and the 02468 you refer to above is related to that?

....Never mind. I just joined dbstalk.com and checked it out, now I know what you mean. I am appreciative of all the folks doing that stuff to make our products better.

Even if there is not a button for this command specifically per se? Currently it requires me to push the player menu button, scroll down to audio (arrow down), scroll through to analog (right arrow), push okay and then exit. My doubt is rooted in the scrolling menus- if there was just a button (analog) that would be easy but how can the remote know what the audio is currently set at for example (i.e. if the player was already set to analog, wouldn't a command chain like this just make the player select the next audio option (HDMI for example and not analog) by sending another right arrow command)?

It would be good to know if the Harmony has a "discrete code" for the command you want. Maybe a search of the forum for the device in question or Remote Central or even calling Logi pre-sale to find out for sure?

After getting my 880 and the Dish 612 speaking, I thought all would be well, but another snag has come up. The 880 will now turn on all my equipment: Yamaha, TV and the Dish 612. However, when I bring up the Guide on the 880, I (often) can't navigate at all--no response when I push the 880's buttons. Too make it more frustrating, last night it seemed to start working when I picked it up and tried it after using the Dish remote for about 1/2 hour. Tonight everything turned on again, but 880 won't navigate in the guide. Any pointers? It's too late to call LT support, but I will do so at first opportunity.

TIA.

After getting my 880 and the Dish 612 speaking, I thought all would be well, but another snag has come up. The 880 will now turn on all my equipment: Yamaha, TV and the Dish 612. However, when I bring up the Guide on the 880, I (often) can't navigate at all--no response when I push the 880's buttons. Too make it more frustrating, last night it seemed to start working when I picked it up and tried it after using the Dish remote for about 1/2 hour. Tonight everything turned on again, but 880 won't navigate in the guide. Any pointers? It's too late to call LT support, but I will do so at first opportunity.

TIA.

Just came upstairs after dinner and the 880 is now working correctly. Same as last night--after some time the ability to navigate the guide (and other functions on the 612) kicks in.... There must be some kind of delay built in??? Funny, it wasn't like that when I first got it working, but it seems to be the case now. Will continue to look for clues.

Just do not follow the suggestion shown on the screen to choose 00002 as your alternate command codes. The directv dvr's only recognize control codes 00001 and 00003.


Thank you for pointing that out. Obviously no way I would have known without your help - indeed, the only onscreen choice was 00002, but I typed in 00003 and the functionality was fine. Now it's time to program the Harmony.

...The 880 will now turn on all my equipment: Yamaha, TV and the Dish 612. ...
It won't solve the problem you are identifying, but I would suggest that you set up the Harmony so as to not turn the Dish receiver ON and OFF - leave it on all the time. Turning it on and off does not effect functionality, has no measurable effect on power consumption, and can only result in problems.

It doesn't ALWAYS work out - but there are work-arounds. For example, I have a Denon 3910 DVD player hooked up to one TV via HDMI and another via component. For one activity, the output is HDMI, but for the other it is component. The Denon remote has an "HDMI select" toggle that switches from HDMI to DVI to Component. Unfortunately, there do not appear to be discrete codes to allow me to select an output. So, the work around would be to "nest" the DVD player in HDMI. When I want to watch on the TV that needs component, I add a command to hit the HDMI select button three times to get it to the component output. Upon leaving the activity, I add a command to hit the HDMI select button once, to nest the player back into HDMI mode.

You could do something similar in your situation.

Can you 'nest' commands when switching activities or just when you turn that activity off.

Can you 'nest' commands when switching activities or just when you turn that activity off.

your "nesting" is essentially a default state. When you leave an activity, you program the remote to go back to the default state.

For example, in my case which I noted above, the default state of my DVD player is to have the HDMI select in the HDMI output position. When the activity "watch DVD" in my family room is selected, the remote sends the HDMI select command to the 3910 4 times, to get it to "OFF." When I leave the activity (essentially, when I go to any other activity or turn everything off), it sends the HDMI select command to the 3910 twice, which gets it back to the default state.

Hope I'm being clear.

MizzouTiger,

I have the same TV and the Harmony 880. I followed czzer, but I can't get it to work.
The activities does not work when I turn the TV for the first time (everytime) using the Watch TV activity, after I press help and the correct input is displayed the Remote works just fine.

Thanks

MizzouTiger,

I have the same TV and the Harmony 880. I followed czzer, but I can't get it to work.
The activities does not work when I turn the TV for the first time (everytime) using the Watch TV activity, after I press help and the correct input is displayed the Remote works just fine.

Thanks

You need to increase the power on delay setting for your TV.

Can anyone share their timing settings on your 880 that you use for a Samsung DLP HLS5087W and/or Harman Kardon AVR635 receiver? I can't seem to get mine setup correctly...either I need to set it up really slow (1 minute to get everything turned on) or it will miss some functions and I need to use help to fix it.

Thanks!

Can anyone share their timing settings on your 880 that you use for a Samsung DLP HLS5087W and/or Harman Kardon AVR635 receiver? I can't seem to get mine setup correctly...either I need to set it up really slow (1 minute to get everything turned on) or it will miss some functions and I need to use help to fix it.

Thanks!

If you don't get a response from people with experience with those devices, give Logitech phone support a try. Rarely much of a wait and the support folks are really well trained.

Can anyone share their timing settings on your 880 that you use for a Samsung DLP HLS5087W and/or Harman Kardon AVR635 receiver? I can't seem to get mine setup correctly...either I need to set it up really slow (1 minute to get everything turned on) or it will miss some functions and I need to use help to fix it.

Thanks!

I have an HLP-5677, I have never changed the settings from default and it works fine. I use my 890 to control it (via IR). I never have a problem with the HLP - I have receivers that are more problematic. First thing you might want to try is to send an extra power on command to your receiver (assuming power on is a discrete command) during the activity start up. You can do that from the power settings menu.

I just spoke to Dish and they said the remote I have is IR/RF, but they have to send me a green key (free of charge) to replace the current UFH key in the remote. This will allow the remote to transmit only IR Vs only RF. Hope this is correct. Is there a code for the 612 that I can use in my 880 instead of learning the IR commands? The Dish rep said he did not have it.

Well, Dish did send my parts. A small bag with four remote control inserts (3 green and 1 silver). I called tech support and they walked me thru changing the 612VIP to IR from RF. (Hold Sat button until all top buttons blink, then push 7, # and push "record" 3x). My 880 can now control the Dish 612 DVR.

But, the saga continues. I now get an error message when trying to update my remote. I read elsewhere that this may be a Java problem so have updated that and reinstalled the Harmony S/W, but still get an error about the page not being able to be displayed (or something like that).

Well, Dish did send my parts. A small bag with four remote control inserts (3 green and 1 silver). I called tech support and they walked me thru changing the 612VIP to IR from RF. (Hold Sat button until all top buttons blink, then push 7, # and push "record" 3x). My 880 can now control the Dish 612 DVR.

But, the saga continues. I now get an error message when trying to update my remote. I read elsewhere that this may be a Java problem so have updated that and reinstalled the Harmony S/W, but still get an error about the page not being able to be displayed (or something like that).
Call Logitech. They're very good.

Call Logitech. They're very good.

You are right. Tier 1 support had me delete the "browser-logitech" folder from Documents and Settings of the primary user and relaunch the app. No luck. They referred me to Tier 2 and they did their magic and got me going. He also waited online while I checked to see if all was in order, made one more tweek and left me a happy camper.:)

You'll have to forgive me, I have not been able to read all the pages in this thread since I'm at work and not much time at home to do it either, but I have a hopefully simple issue with my new 880.

My son likes to turn everything off by hand. It's going to take some time to break him of this habit. Well, the remote obviously doesn't know this is happening. But, it should be easy enough to synch back up by simply pressing the "OFF" button. In theory this was a good idea. In reality when I press the "OFF" button it turns my TV and Sat receiver back on. There are discrete commands for both the TV and SAT, but I can not seem to figure out how to get the OFF button to use the OFF discrete commands instead of the power toggle command. Can anyone tell me how to do this?? I apologize I know this has likely been covered in the past 157 pages. I do appreciate any help, though.

You'll have to forgive me, I have not been able to read all the pages in this thread since I'm at work and not much time at home to do it either, but I have a hopefully simple issue with my new 880.

My son likes to turn everything off by hand. It's going to take some time to break him of this habit. Well, the remote obviously doesn't know this is happening. But, it should be easy enough to synch back up by simply pressing the "OFF" button. In theory this was a good idea. In reality when I press the "OFF" button it turns my TV and Sat receiver back on. There are discrete commands for both the TV and SAT, but I can not seem to figure out how to get the OFF button to use the OFF discrete commands instead of the power toggle command. Can anyone tell me how to do this?? I apologize I know this has likely been covered in the past 157 pages. I do appreciate any help, though.
In the Harmony setup for your devices there should be questions about whether your devices have discrete on/off buttons or whether they're toggles.

But, rather than use the Off button on the Harmony to try to get things synced, just use the Help button. It will take care of your problem until your son gets retrained, and once he is retrained the problem will be gone anyway.

Bernie

ah ha! Ok, those 2 products were set up saying to use 1 button for on/off. I've changed that to use separate buttons. So, makes sense this will then send out a discrete off command when the off button is pressed. I've made the changes and will update the remote and test tonight.

Good point on the help button, also.

Thanks for the quick reply, I think I'm all fixed up!

Dell is selling the 880 for $100 and the "One" for $150.
http://www.slickdeals.net (http://www.slickdeals.net/)
Roll down to Friday and check out the details.
Look for "Expired" to see if deal is alive or not.

Updat: Dead deal.

i have my 880 but it's wrapped up until Christmas, i suckered my sister into paying for it as a Christmas gift. Why does it only have a 1 year warranty but their computer blue tooth mouse has 3 years. Just wondering if this can be programed to turn on devices in order how long do you need to point the thing at the devices. It seams if you have a strict instruction order it would take time to switch on tv, vcr or dvd, dvr, sound system, set volume, and so on. You could be pointing the remote at the devices for 30 seconds.

With the Harmony 880, it takes all of my equipment about 10-12 seconds to turn on. It shuts it all down in about 4 seconds. It will all depend on your equipment, and any delays needed, etc.

i have my 880 but it's wrapped up until Christmas, i suckered my sister into paying for it as a Christmas gift. Why does it only have a 1 year warranty but their computer blue tooth mouse has 3 years. Just wondering if this can be programed to turn on devices in order how long do you need to point the thing at the devices. It seams if you have a strict instruction order it would take time to switch on tv, vcr or dvd, dvr, sound system, set volume, and so on. You could be pointing the remote at the devices for 30 seconds.

As far as your warranty goes, it will start the first time you open an account with Logitech and plug in your remote to program it

With the Harmony 880, it takes all of my equipment about 10-12 seconds to turn on. It shuts it all down in about 4 seconds. It will all depend on your equipment, and any delays needed, etc.

so you need to keep the remote aimed at the devices for 10 - 20 seconds before putting it down, intresting. What is this delay stuff, why would you need that? Does it change channels

Because many devices need time before they can accept additional commands.

so you need to keep the remote aimed at the devices for 10 - 20 seconds before putting it down

There's nothing saying you have to hold on to it. I usually hit the activity button I want and immediately set the remote down on the coffee table (with the IR emitting end pointed at the equipment) while it runs the activity start-up script/macro/commands/whatever-you-want-to-call-it.

Is the Harmony website down? I haven't been able to log onto via the desktop interface since late last week. Not sure if's it's them or me (i.e. my firewall) but I've re-installed Zonealarm and it still isn't working...

I'm in the UK (if that's relevant).

John

I updated 4 Harmony remotes yesterday with no problems. I haven't checked today.

I updated 4 Harmony remotes yesterday with no problems. I haven't checked today.

Great. God knows what it is then...

Great. God knows what it is then...

It isn't just you. I just tried and I'm having trouble too.

I updated 4 Harmony remotes yesterday with no problems. I haven't checked today.

I'm not the only one with four of them (not counting the dead 676 in the drawer!) :D

I'm not the only one with four of them (not counting the dead 676 in the drawer!) :D

I've owned four if that counts. But only one of them charges properly.

You aren't the only one with charging problems.

At this point, I use an old 880, which still charges correctly, and an 890, which I use to control my electronics.

Whenever the charge runs out on the 890, I just switch the charged battery from the 880 to the 890 and then put the drained one into the 880 to charge.

I have tried everything to get the 890 to charge on it's own. I have been sent three different charging cradles and even exchanged it for a complete new unit once. None of those combinations seemed to work, but exchanging the batteries does.

This is still the older model 890, which doesn't have the magnetic lock to the cradle, but as long as I have found a method which works, I figure Logitech has lost enough money on me.

It isn't just you. I just tried and I'm having trouble too.

I've re-installed both the Harmony software and my Zone Alarm internet security and it STILL isn't working.

Any luck at your end?

Anyone else with problems?

I've owned four if that counts. But only one of them charges properly.

Their charging issues are not limited to Harmony 880/890's, in addition to having an 880 that won't charge, I also have a Logitech wireless mouse that takes at least 5 attempts to balance it the cradle before it charges. How is it possible to design something this poorly? The person that signs off on these designs should be fired. I also bought a Logitech wireless bluetooth keyboard -- the slickest I've seen by far, but it just didn't work (had to return it). It is a strange company, they have some of the most elegantly design products but they fail on details in execution.

This is still the older model 890, which doesn't have the magnetic lock to the cradle,

Magnetic lock to the cradle? That's a good idea. Hadn't heard of it. Astonishing that the millions of cordless home phones out there have never even considered having the problem. How hard could this be? You'd think that recharging bases were a pretty mature technology!

Mine currently DOES seem to be fixed after three new charging bases, and finally one complete new package. The newest one only has two contacts. Everything that came before had three contacts for whatever reason.

Magnetic lock to the cradle? That's a good idea. Hadn't heard of it. Astonishing that the millions of cordless home phones out there have never even considered having the problem. How hard could this be? You'd think that recharging bases were a pretty mature technology!

Mine currently DOES seem to be fixed after three new charging bases, and finally one complete new package. The newest one only has two contacts. Everything that came before had three contacts for whatever reason.

That thing between the two brass posts is a magnet.

I've re-installed both the Harmony software and my Zone Alarm internet security and it STILL isn't working.

Any luck at your end?

Anyone else with problems?
I was able to get in yesterday.
Their charging issues are not limited to Harmony 880/890's, in addition to having an 880 that won't charge, I also have a Logitech wireless mouse that takes at least 5 attempts to balance it the cradle before it charges. How is it possible to design something this poorly? The person that signs off on these designs should be fired. I also bought a Logitech wireless bluetooth keyboard -- the slickest I've seen by far, but it just didn't work (had to return it). It is a strange company, they have some of the most elegantly design products but they fail on details in execution.

I have a hard time getting my 880 to charge sometimes as well. My remote didn't develop the charging issue until it was about 2 years old. I'm assuming they wouldn't provide the updated cradle under warranty for a 3+ year old remote even though it is a known design issue. :)

I was able to get in yesterday.


I have a hard time getting my 880 to charge sometimes as well. My remote didn't develop the charging issue until it was about 2 years old. I'm assuming they wouldn't provide the updated cradle under warranty for a 3+ year old remote even though it is a known design issue. :)

When I was talking to a logitech support person about another problem, I mentioned trying to use a damp Q-tip to clean all the contacts on the remote as well as the ones in the base before putting the remote in the base to charge.

This seems to improve charging for me.

When I was talking to a logitech support person about another problem, I mentioned trying to use a damp Q-tip to clean all the contacts on the remote as well as the ones in the base before putting the remote in the base to charge.

This seems to improve charging for me.

Thanks for the tip. I haven't tried that one yet but I have used the eraser method before. I didn't notice any real improvement in the charging after that though. I'll have to give the Q-tip method a try the next time I have trouble charging.

I was able to get in yesterday.

Hurrah, mine's working again too - PHEW!!

That thing between the two brass posts is a magnet.
No way! Well, look at that. I learn something every day. And now I'm done. ;)


I have a hard time getting my 880 to charge sometimes as well. My remote didn't develop the charging issue until it was about 2 years old. I'm assuming they wouldn't provide the updated cradle under warranty for a 3+ year old remote even though it is a known design issue. :)
Mine was at least 2+ years out of warranty When it was completely replaced. They didn't even bat an eye. At the point I wrote in, I had nothing to lose. I was about to throw it through my TV.

When I was talking to a logitech support person about another problem, I mentioned trying to use a damp Q-tip to clean all the contacts on the remote as well as the ones in the base before putting the remote in the base to charge.

This seems to improve charging for me.
I hope it continues to work. I had tried EVERYTHING, and on three different charging stand/remote combos. I polished the contacts. Put the best conductive grease on there that money can buy. What ended up working best - but only temporarily - was using spit! Licking my finger and wiping across the contacts would allow it to at least charge for 30 minutes or so. I even sanded off the metalic coating on the contacts and replaced it with solder in various configurations. This is not a physical contact problem. It can't be!

Anyway... my new one *with* the magnet is still working after three months.

Anyway... my new one *with* the magnet is still working after three months.

My 2 year old 880 WAS replaced by Logitech and it's recently been failing to connect. The flaw is fatal, it just can be bandaged until you get a One. Baring unforseen errors of design in that one. It never fails to charge, but never is a long time. What ever the age call Logitech if it's your first 880 and it's not charging. I dread having to call again after they replaced it way out of warranty.
:(

One of my 880's has started to have "issues" and I wondered if any of you folks had seen this one..........?

About 3 or 4 times an evening the 880 will go through a spontaneous reboot. Sometimes it is when I am going to press a button, other times the remote is just sitting on the table and I see it going through its "testing" screen, other times I am trying to forward through a commercial just to find that the remote is back at its base Activities screen as though it had never been used.

About 3 or 4 times an evening the 880 will go through a spontaneous reboot.

It sounds like you might have the old loose battery problem, which I haven't seen reported in awhile. I believe people usually fixed it by adding some electrical tape around the battery to make it fit more snug in its compartment. You can probably search this thread and find several posts with solutions.

Thanks for the suggestion..... did not realize it was a "known" issue.

Basic question... Does a Harmony 880 do better than a cheap universal remote for keeping components in sync?

This is the main problem I would want to solve with a remote. It's especially important because my AVR doesn't do HDMI so it will do audio source switching while my TV will be doing video source switching. These must remain in sync. My wife always gets them out of sync with the universal remote we have because she doesn't point it at the system long enough to complete the macros.

Magnetic lock to the cradle? That's a good idea. Hadn't heard of it. Astonishing that the millions of cordless home phones out there have never even considered having the problem. How hard could this be? You'd think that recharging bases were a pretty mature technology!

Mine currently DOES seem to be fixed after three new charging bases, and finally one complete new package. The newest one only has two contacts. Everything that came before had three contacts for whatever reason.

I did a sort of personal hack solution after going through two cradles. I dropped bits of solder on the brass contacts so they protruded a bit higher in the cradle. Now the contact with the remote is made every time.

Basic question... Does a Harmony 880 do better than a cheap universal remote for keeping components in sync?

This is the main problem I would want to solve with a remote. It's especially important because my AVR doesn't do HDMI so it will do audio source switching while my TV will be doing video source switching. These must remain in sync. My wife always gets them out of sync with the universal remote we have because she doesn't point it at the system long enough to complete the macros.

The sad truth is it won't if your wife insists on not letting the Harmony complete it's command sequence. It will perform no better than any other remote.

Basic question... Does a Harmony 880 do better than a cheap universal remote for keeping components in sync?

This is the main problem I would want to solve with a remote. It's especially important because my AVR doesn't do HDMI so it will do audio source switching while my TV will be doing video source switching. These must remain in sync. My wife always gets them out of sync with the universal remote we have because she doesn't point it at the system long enough to complete the macros.

Yes, absolutely. Things may still get out of sync at your hose, but the Help button on the 880 will get things back in sync for anyone in your household. Someone asked a very similar question just a couple of weeks ago and there are comprehensive answers and discussions there if you just go back a ways in this forum. (you may be able to just search on my id to get you in the ballpark.)

Bernie

I have read on the Samsung 650 thread that the 650s have discrete on/off codes as well as the power toggle. Someone in the thread claimed that they were trying to set up the activities to use the on/off instead of the toggle, but were unable to do it. The following is the last quote by them:

"If you go into device customize settings, you will be able to see options for power on, power off and toggle. The power on switch works correctly - for some reason, the activities tab uses toggle instead of power on. And the 880 does not allow you to change that."

They also claimed that they called Logitech, and Logitech said that it can't be done. Is this correct or is there some way to get the 880 to use the on/off instead of the toggle for the activities?

I have read on the Samsung 650 thread that the 650s have discrete on/off codes as well as the power toggle. Someone in the thread claimed that they were trying to set up the activities to use the on/off instead of the toggle, but were unable to do it. The following is the last quote by them:

"If you go into device customize settings, you will be able to see options for power on, power off and toggle. The power on switch works correctly - for some reason, the activities tab uses toggle instead of power on. And the 880 does not allow you to change that."

They also claimed that they called Logitech, and Logitech said that it can't be done. Is this correct or is there some way to get the 880 to use the on/off instead of the toggle for the activities?
If in Device mode for your Harmony remote, you have descrete power on and power off commands and you have tested that they work as they should and that they are not power toggle commands, then change the power settings for your device. Click on the Device tab in the software and select your Device, Click on Settings, click on Adjust power settings, Next, Next, click on A button on the remote for On, and a different button for Off, click Next, click on I don't have the original remote, but I know the command that is used: from the drop down list select your command for power on, Click Next, click I don't have the original remote, but I know the command that is used: from the drop down list select your command for power off click Next, keep selecting Next until you get to Done finally update your remote

If in Device mode for your Harmony remote, you have descrete power on and power off commands and you have tested that they work as they should and that they are not power toggle commands, then change the power settings for your device. Click on the Device tab in the software and select your Device, Click on Settings, click on Adjust power settings, Next, Next, click on A button on the remote for On, and a different button for Off, click Next, click on I don't have the original remote, but I know the command that is used: from the drop down list select your command for power on, Click Next, click I don't have the original remote, but I know the command that is used: from the drop down list select your command for power off click Next, keep selecting Next until you get to Done finally update your remote

This will cause the Power On (instead of Power Toggle) to be used for the TV when you select the activity and cause the Power Off (instead of Power Toggle) to be used for the TV when you press the 880's top middle button (is it the Off button? -> don't have the remote with me)?

Why would I need to map a button on the remote for the Power On and Power Off? I mainly want the ability I described in my first paragraph. I am fine with just the toggle button for non-activity situations.

Thanks for the help

This will cause the Power On (instead of Power Toggle) to be used for the TV when you select the activity and cause the Power Off (instead of Power Toggle) to be used for the TV when you press the 880's top middle button (is it the Off button? -> don't have the remote with me)?

Why would I need to map a button on the remote for the Power On and Power Off? I mainly want the ability I described in my first paragraph. I am fine with just the toggle button for non-activity situations.

Thanks for the help
Correct. If you specify that your device uses discrete commands then it should work as you expect. The Logitech people are usually very good, so they may know that your TV does not really have discrete commands (or they may have been mistaken). The best way to test would be to go to Device mode on your 880 and see if the power on and power off softkeys actually do work, or if they are only toggles.

Bernie