It appears that my 880 is turning on my TV first, then my DVR, and then my home theater system. Normally this is fine. As long as all we do is watch things from the DVR everything works well.

However, my TV rotates through inputs that are connected to the TV. If we watch a DVD, it appears that the TV is not seeing the HDMI connected DVD player. I think this is because the DVD player is not putting out a signal yet when the TV comes on. When I had things connected via components the TV knew about everything that was connected whether they were powered on or not. But with HDMI connections it appears that the DVD player must actually be powered on or the TV doesn't seem to know it exists.

I think the problem would be solved it the home theater system were always turned on first, but I don't know how to have the Harmony do that.

Bernie


You could try setting the Power On Delay for the HT to be longer than the TV's, but the only 100% reliable way is to call tech support and get them to make the change for you...they have access to functions we don't.

You could try setting the Power On Delay for the HT to be longer than the TV's, but the only 100% reliable way is to call tech support and get them to make the change for you...they have access to functions we don't.

Had the same problem with an SA8300 box and my TV working better when the box was already on when the TV powered up. HDMI just worked as it should in that configuration, the other way had the TV cycling through inputs before settling down.

Anyway, tech support on their end set that up and it worked perfectly afterwards.

hmmnn...i took the remote into a pitch black room tonight, and i cannot see the keys illuminated whatsover, even 1 foot from my face. the LCD lights up just fine. i guess i've got a defective unit? :confused:

i don't know if this is a dealbreaker or not for me, but i would hate to have to return it after spending a few hours getting it the way i wanted.

If you've set up an account your settings are "stored" online, so swapping a new unit should not involve anything more than downloading your stored activities into the new unit. Meaning that the tweaks you've made should not be lost.

John

If you've set up an account your settings are "stored" online, so swapping a new unit should not involve anything more than downloading your stored activities into the new unit. Meaning that the tweaks you've made should not be lost.

John

that's good to know...thanks. :cool:

Had the same problem with an SA8300 box and my TV working better when the box was already on when the TV powered up. HDMI just worked as it should in that configuration, the other way had the TV cycling through inputs before settling down.

Anyway, tech support on their end set that up and it worked perfectly afterwards.

Thank you both. Tech support did correct the situation, although this was the third person I've ever spoken to at Harmony and the first that wasn't friendly.

We also found a bug in their software. I wanted to add "Antenna" to just the "watch VCR" activity to let me switch the antenna input on the TV when in that activity. Turns out we can add it to every activity, or to none. The rep said "that is just how the software works."

Reduce the Inter-Device delay as well
Thanks CZZER, that did the trick. Now when I select a channel from Favorites, the channel numbers are entered quickly by the Haromony remote. Thanks again for your help. JEFF

A side note in the owners manual I have that came with the 880 it shows the full batery as being solid green not 3 green bars but I have never seen it solid green and I had it on the charger for a week or more when I was gone

I was wondering about this as well. I have never seen the icon as solid green. I have seen it with three bars, but not solid green. Is there something wrong with the remote or the charger? :confused:

Has anyone else here seen it with solid green?

The FAQs in the Harmony software state that when the remote is fully charged, one should see 3 green bars. Not one big solid bar, just the 3 bars. So it would seem that the picture in the owner's manual is incorrect (or misleading). Can anyone confirm?

I own two Harmony 880's and have friends that own two more. The charge meter is separated into three bars. A fully charged remote will not show one solid bar.

the harmony doesn't work that way. Device modes are used to replicate features of the original device remote. Macros do not exist in the typical sense.

Setting up an activity allows you to create a sequence of commands as it starts and ends that set up an environment.

eg. TV activity allows you to enter all the command sequences necessary to watch TV, and then the remote displays all the button associated with watching TV while you are in that activity.

All operation of the remote should take place 90% of the time in an activity, only switching to device modes temporarily for quick fixes and temporary operation of a specific device.

Does this mean that the only way to create a macro with a Harmony is to create an "Activity" (name it macro1?) which will perform the "menu, down, down, select" operation you want to do? Is there no way at all to map a macro to a device key?

I am having an odd problem with my 880. I set up the favorite channels in the program with icons and such, but when i select the activity "Watch TV", there are no pictures of stations like I uploaded. The only options it gives me on that screen are "Aspect" and "Fav". Clicking Fav does absolutely nothing which really confuses me. Am I doing something wrong?

After getting a HT as a xmas present to myself and staring at the 4 remotes on my table here. I came looking for an all in one solution. My question is the Harmony 880 for me or would a lower model suffice? I'll be using:

HDTV
SA8300HD DVR
DVD Player
HT

thanks

I am having an odd problem with my 880. I set up the favorite channels in the program with icons and such, but when i select the activity "Watch TV", there are no pictures of stations like I uploaded. The only options it gives me on that screen are "Aspect" and "Fav". Clicking Fav does absolutely nothing which really confuses me. Am I doing something wrong?
Select the media button

After getting a HT as a xmas present to myself and staring at the 4 remotes on my table here. I came looking for an all in one solution. My question is the Harmony 880 for me or would a lower model suffice? I'll be using:

HDTV
SA8300HD DVR
DVD Player
HT

thanks

The 880 will do pretty much everything you can think of. I would put out there that you also look at the 670, it's more "DVR Friendly".

What I don't like about the 880 are that the buttons are flush with the top of the chassis, and they make a click noise when you press them. And the buttons are not laid out as well as they could be for DVR operation, IMHO.

Does this mean that the only way to create a macro with a Harmony is to create an "Activity" (name it macro1?) which will perform the "menu, down, down, select" operation you want to do? Is there no way at all to map a macro to a device key?


basically activities are the only macros you get. And you can only execute a macro at the beginning and end of the activity. You are supposed to program the activity to execute every command necessary in order to watch or listen to a specific thing. High def for example. As in switch on TV/receiver/STB, set to appropriate inputs, color/audio settings, channel etc. After it's executed that macro, the remote is in a permanent state of single button presses until you select another activity then it will run through another sequence to set up your equipment for that.

Device modes are not intended for constant operation, just to copy the original remotes. Activity modes are there for that reason as they are supposed to combine all the buttons necessary to the audio/video experience, from all devices, in one setting.

The 880 will do pretty much everything you can think of. I would put out there that you also look at the 670, it's more "DVR Friendly".

What I don't like about the 880 are that the buttons are flush with the top of the chassis, and they make a click noise when you press them. And the buttons are not laid out as well as they could be for DVR operation, IMHO.

Thanks. I use my DVR more than anything so that would be important to me. Functionality is more important to me than looks.

...........
Device modes are not intended for constant operation, just to copy the original remotes. Activity modes are there for that reason as they are supposed to combine all the buttons necessary to the audio/video experience, from all devices, in one setting.

True, but the remote for my DCT-3416 allows me to create macro's on just about any key. Will the Harmony learn the correct code (in the raw learn mode) for a 3416 key that has a macro assigned? I'll try this out when I have some time.

It's a shame that Logitech dosen't provide this capability (macro generation) on the Harmony remotes. After all, an operation like "menu, down, down, select" is akin to an activity within an activity.

While I haven't tried it, I see no reason why, as I suggested in my earlier post, I couldn't create an activity for "menu, down, down, select". The remote would automatically assign this to one of the "soft" keys along with my other "activities", making it available for use if I hit the "activities" button. Too bad it couldn't be assigned to one of the soft keys that are on the screen within an activity.

True, but the remote for my DCT-3416 allows me to create macro's on just about any key. Will the Harmony learn the correct code (in the raw learn mode) for a 3416 key that has a macro assigned? I'll try this out when I have some time.

It's a shame that Logitech dosen't provide this capability (macro generation) on the Harmony remotes. After all, an operation like "menu, down, down, select" is akin to an activity within an activity.

While I haven't tried it, I see no reason why, as I suggested in my earlier post, I couldn't create an activity for "menu, down, down, select". The remote would automatically assign this to one of the "soft" keys along with my other "activities", making it available for use if I hit the "activities" button. Too bad it couldn't be assigned to one of the soft keys that are on the screen within an activity.


If you have a macro already programmed it might work in raw mode which you could save as a custom button. I've never tried it so I suppose it would depend on how sensitive the Harmony is when learning and if it will stay awake for the entire command.

The problem with making an activity solely a macro is that the remote expects you to stay in that environment, so it would automatically execute the usual commands of input switching etc. that it does for every activity and assign all the button commands as well. It might not only cause problems with getting it to operate as you expect but the macro would take longer than you would expect just because it sticks in all the other commands for the devices you are using.

I have two activities set up for TV, my HD version includes a "menu down, down, down, left etc" to execute at the start of the activity to switch the audio outputs on my STB. But that's only necessary to fire at the beginning and end of the activity so I stay largely in the environment created by the activity. I don't switch from one TV activity to the other rapidly. I can't, because it takes a long time for the Harmony to execute the full series of commands.

Is the Harmony 880 available in IR/RF? If not, are there any Universal Remotes that are capable being radio frequency controlled?

Thanks,

Bill

Is the Harmony 880 available in IR/RF? If not, are there any Universal Remotes that are capable being radio frequency controlled?
The Harmony 890 has IR & RF and is similar to the 880. There are a few other Harmony models with RF, as well as other brands such as URC.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/features/harmony/US/EN,CRID=2078
http://www.universalremote.com

It's a shame that Logitech dosen't provide this capability (macro generation) on the Harmony remotes. After all, an operation like "menu, down, down, select" is akin to an activity within an activity.
Dave,

Coming from a long line of "traditional" macro-oriented universal remotes before the Harmony, I understand your concerns. I shared most of them before getting the Harmony. While you can create macros by way of Activities, that's not really the design philosophy Harmony had in mind. I tried "forcing" the Harmony into my pre-conceived notions of Univeral Remote-hood initially, creating an activity for "PiP" that would switch the appropriate inputs and such. It worked OK.

The thing is, once I accepted the way the Harmony does things I was much happier. By embracing the "Harmony way", I eliminated most of the confusion and all of the manual programming of traditional remotes. Most importantly, my wife and friends can operate the Harmony without a problem.

In summary, the difference is focusing on what commands you need available for a given activity, rather than automation. This makes the Harmony very friendly and convenient for most people. If you want single-touch control of every aspect of your system, the Harmony may not be the best choice. The best thing is probably to try the Harmony for yourself. Buy it from a local retailer with a good return policy. You can always return it even if you like it and buy from a cheaper retailer later. The nice thing is your programming is all online, so it's simple to move your programming to a new remote. :)

True, but the remote for my DCT-3416 allows me to create macro's on just about any key. Will the Harmony learn the correct code (in the raw learn mode) for a 3416 key that has a macro assigned? I'll try this out when I have some time.

It's a shame that Logitech dosen't provide this capability (macro generation) on the Harmony remotes. After all, an operation like "menu, down, down, select" is akin to an activity within an activity.

While I haven't tried it, I see no reason why, as I suggested in my earlier post, I couldn't create an activity for "menu, down, down, select". The remote would automatically assign this to one of the "soft" keys along with my other "activities", making it available for use if I hit the "activities" button. Too bad it couldn't be assigned to one of the soft keys that are on the screen within an activity.

I was going to suggest something similar to what was said more eloquently in post 1520. The only thing I would add is that you haven't said what it is that you're trying to accomplish with a macro. If you care to share that someone may have a suggestion on an approach that takes advantage of the Harmony's capabilities.

Dave,

Coming from a long line of "traditional" macro-oriented universal remotes before the Harmony, I understand your concerns. I shared most of them before getting the Harmony. While you can create macros by way of Activities, that's not really the design philosophy Harmony had in mind. I tried "forcing" the Harmony into my pre-conceived notions of Univeral Remote-hood initially, creating an activity for "PiP" that would switch the appropriate inputs and such. It worked OK.
.............. :)

True, understanding the "Activity" concept is important to being able to keep things in "Harmony". Once I accepted this, and learned some of the undocumented (or poorly documented) tricks by reading most of the ~1500 posts in this thread, I have things under control.

Still, it's discouraging that I must find and hit two or three buttons to do what I previously did with a single button macro. The ability to map macros to device keys would only make the Harmony more desirable. For those who didn't want to use them, they wouldn't have to, but they would be available for those who did.

I was going to suggest something similar to what was said more eloquently in post 1520. The only thing I would add is that you haven't said what it is that you're trying to accomplish with a macro. If you care to share that someone may have a suggestion on an approach that takes advantage of the Harmony's capabilities.

Bernie, awhile back Heineken77 asked: "Hi guys, First off, Merry Christmas!!! I just got one of these babies for Christmas and I'm wondering if anyone anyone can tell me if it's possible to set up a particular button, or function listed in the device's menu that I can customize in order to have the device go through more than one option to get me to a guide? For example:

Press one button and for the device it dose:

Menu, Info, down, down, select

Thanks!! "

I, too, got my Harmony for Christmas and was just rather surprised to learn that it was unable to do what Heineken77 wanted. This type of operation was a piece of cake with my Comcast remote.

Right now I have no real need for a macro, but I don't think Heineken77 was ever given a good solution for his problem.

Lacking macro capability, the only way I can think of doing what Heineken77 wants to do is creating an activity for it. I've tested this and it does work, but don't consider it a very elegant solution.

I'm finding I have to press the VolumeUp button very hard to get it to work. Anyone else have this issue?

Bernie, awhile back Heineken77 asked: "Hi guys, First off, Merry Christmas!!! I just got one of these babies for Christmas and I'm wondering if anyone anyone can tell me if it's possible to set up a particular button, or function listed in the device's menu that I can customize in order to have the device go through more than one option to get me to a guide? For example:

Press one button and for the device it dose:

Menu, Info, down, down, select

Thanks!! "

I, too, got my Harmony for Christmas and was just rather surprised to learn that it was unable to do what Heineken77 wanted. This type of operation was a piece of cake with my Comcast remote.

Right now I have no real need for a macro, but I don't think Heineken77 was ever given a good solution for his problem.

Lacking macro capability, the only way I can think of doing what Heineken77 wants to do is creating an activity for it. I've tested this and it does work, but don't consider it a very elegant solution.

The "menu, info, down, down, select" doesn't say what is trying to be accomplished. It does say the steps that someone might do in a macro, but it doesn't say what the goal is, what the steps are intended to be achieved. That is the question that I was asking. It may, indeed, be that the only way to accomplish the objective is to go through that series of steps. It may also be possible that there is a simpler way to accomplish the goal with the Harmony. Just can't tell from the information provided so far.

The "menu, info, down, down, select" doesn't say what is trying to be accomplished. It does say the steps that someone might do in a macro, but it doesn't say what the goal is, what the steps are intended to be achieved. That is the question that I was asking. It may, indeed, be that the only way to accomplish the objective is to go through that series of steps. It may also be possible that there is a simpler way to accomplish the goal with the Harmony. Just can't tell from the information provided so far.

Bernie,

I'm in an activity watching TV thru the tuner in my STB (DCT-3416) and I want to set up a manual recording on the DVR. The following STB key sequence is required to reach the correct screen:

1. My DVR (brings up a list)
2. Down (highlights "Set a recording")
3. Ok (brings up another list)
4. Down (highlights "Create a manual recording")
5. Ok

At this point you can enter time and channel information using the keypad on the Harmony.

The keys used in steps 2 thru 5 are directly available on the Harmony keypad. "My DVR", however is a soft button which usually requires two right arrow hits to bring on the screen in my implementation, requiring seven button hits w/o a macro.

As I pointed out previously, I could burn an "Activity" to make this a one button operation. In a sense, an activity is just an intelligent macro - once I've done the manual time and channel selection I suppose I could even program in a "down, ok, exit, exit" to be performed upon exiting the activity which would accept my inputs and put be back where I started.

Dave

does this remote work with Oppop 970HD or not? There seem to be some conflicting opinions in the DVD Upconverting thread. So any Harmony 880 and Oppo owners can please confirm this- yes or no?

does this remote work with Oppop 970HD or not? There seem to be some conflicting opinions in the DVD Upconverting thread. So any Harmony 880 and Oppo owners can please confirm this- yes or no?
I can confirm it works with the Oppo 971.

TTx

does this remote work with Oppop 970HD or not? There seem to be some conflicting opinions in the DVD Upconverting thread. So any Harmony 880 and Oppo owners can please confirm this- yes or no?

I own a 970HD and setup my 880 to work with it. No problems here.

I've got a quick question for you - I have the 880 with my DTV HR10-250 sat box and when I hit Previous Channel nothing happens, but when I hit "E" on the LCD screen, it goes back to the Previous Channel. Is this something I can fix? Thanks for any and all help!!

I've got a quick question for you - I have the 880 with my DTV HR10-250 sat box and when I hit Previous Channel nothing happens, but when I hit "E" on the LCD screen, it goes back to the Previous Channel. Is this something I can fix? Thanks for any and all help!!

change the function of the "prev" button to "e"

Thanks for the response eatonjb, and I'm sorry for being such a newbie to this, but how do I change the function?

Thanks for the response eatonjb, and I'm sorry for being such a newbie to this, but how do I change the function?

Go into Customize Buttons for the HR10-250 using either the Harmony Software or the WEB site.

Find what function is associated with the E button.

Set the Prev button to the same function.

Awesome - thanks for the help guys!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the response eatonjb, and I'm sorry for being such a newbie to this, but how do I change the function?

no prob

go into Activities, then select "Customize buttons" on the Activity that you want to change the way the remote works

from there you will see a picture of the remote , witch will have boxes on the right in two sections , one with buttons, and the other with Custom button label.

find the " Prev" button and change it to the and change the box to the right of the word prev to the "e" or whatever you described.

sorry.. I am not good at instructions, but i hope that helps.

this image should help.

e..b

I'm in need of a universal remote and I'm considering this model. I do have a question, though.

All of my components are in a cabinet on the side wall of my HT room, except for the display which is mounted to the front wall.

Since this remote is IR only, if I want to watch a movie, I would have to point it toward the components, press "Watch DVD", then point it toward the display and press "Watch DVD" again. Is this correct?

Would I be better off with an RF capable unit (such as the 890), or would this one still be pretty functional for my application? Thanks.

I'm in need of a universal remote and I'm considering this model. I do have a question, though.

All of my components are in a cabinet on the side wall of my HT room, except for the display which is mounted to the front wall.

Since this remote is IR only, if I want to watch a movie, I would have to point it toward the components, press "Watch DVD", then point it toward the display and press "Watch DVD" again. Is this correct?

Would I be better off with an RF cabaple unit, or would this one still be pretty functional for my application? Thanks.

With out actually seeing the set up, I'm gonna guess you'll be better served by something like the 890. It helps a lot with IR to point in the same general direction.

I have LG-42PC3D and my harmony does not choose the correct input when use "Watch TV" It can neither switch on my "Scientific Atlanta" digital cable receiver nor choose the correct input. It always goes to TV(Antenna) whereas it should go to Component2. I called support line, but no solution yet.

You all seem to be much more prolific at this than I am, so please bear with the newbie and the ??s. I need some help with my Harmony 890 . Two issues or questions. Current equipment is a Pioneer 4360 Plasma TV, with Pioneer Media center. Pioneer VSX 816 Reciever, Denon CD Player and a Sony up convert DVD player. Reciever and CD player are buried behind cabinet doors. 1. I cant get the 890 to control the 816 and denon despite multiple resetts on the RF extender, and updates on both the remote and extender off the Logitech site. Help please. 2. Does the Pioneer Media center need to be programed a certain way or do I use the SR= connection between the pioneer 816 and the Pioneer media center which supposedly will allow the 816 to be controlled via the 4360 Plama Monitor ? 3. If I go the SR + hookup on the Pioneer units do i put the Monitor setting on IR and not even bother with the 816 receiver programming ? Confused , frustrated and need some help .. Thanks in advance

I'm in need of a universal remote and I'm considering this model. I do have a question, though.

All of my components are in a cabinet on the side wall of my HT room, except for the display which is mounted to the front wall.

Since this remote is IR only, if I want to watch a movie, I would have to point it toward the components, press "Watch DVD", then point it toward the display and press "Watch DVD" again. Is this correct?

Would I be better off with an RF capable unit (such as the 890), or would this one still be pretty functional for my application? Thanks.

I'm guessing that the 2 devices are in different directions. You may benefit from an IR repeater unless you have a Plasma. That is what I was planning to do, but a plamsa friendly "repeater" cost more than the difference to step up to the 890, so that was the route I took. -It works great.

You all seem to be much more prolific at this than I am, so please bear with the newbie and the ??s. I need some help with my Harmony 890 . Two issues or questions. Current equipment is a Pioneer 4360 Plasma TV, with Pioneer Media center. Pioneer VSX 816 Reciever, Denon CD Player and a Sony up convert DVD player. Reciever and CD player are buried behind cabinet doors. 1. I cant get the 890 to control the 816 and denon despite multiple resetts on the RF extender, and updates on both the remote and extender off the Logitech site. Help please. 2. Does the Pioneer Media center need to be programed a certain way or do I use the SR= connection between the pioneer 816 and the Pioneer media center which supposedly will allow the 816 to be controlled via the 4360 Plama Monitor ? 3. If I go the SR + hookup on the Pioneer units do i put the Monitor setting on IR and not even bother with the 816 receiver programming ? Confused , frustrated and need some help .. Thanks in advance

I would suggest to open the cabinet doors (or take them off) temporarily and set up everything by IR only. Once you get that working right, you can change devices to use RF & the repeater.

Not sure about 2 & 3, but let me know if you get it working, I'm looking to upgrade to the Pio 5070 & possibly PE 82 AVR. I'd like to have volume changes show on the display.

I have what I hope is a not so unique situation.

I have 2 Sony Recievers. I use one to power my home theater 5.1 sound. I will be using the other one to power some tactile transducers (like a "bass shaker").

Inputs will be as follows:
1) Receiver 1 - Either Video 2 (HDTV) or DVD (DVD Player)
2) Receiver 2 - Always on Video 2

My remote wants to control both units at the same time. This will not work for 2 reasons:

1) Changing the input on one receiver should not change the input on the other. The 2nd receiver should always be on Video 2

2) Changing the volume on Receiver 1 should not adjust the volume on receiver 2.

If I could somehow make it so that the IR sensor on Receiver 2 only responded to the power command, that would work fine.

Any ideas on how to make this work with the 880 remote? Any unique codes for receivers that will operate with the same OEM remote?

You all seem to be much more prolific at this than I am, so please bear with the newbie and the ??s. I need some help with my Harmony 890 . Two issues or questions. Current equipment is a Pioneer 4360 Plasma TV, with Pioneer Media center. Pioneer VSX 816 Reciever, Denon CD Player and a Sony up convert DVD player. Reciever and CD player are buried behind cabinet doors. 1. I cant get the 890 to control the 816 and denon despite multiple resetts on the RF extender, and updates on both the remote and extender off the Logitech site. Help please. 2. Does the Pioneer Media center need to be programed a certain way or do I use the SR= connection between the pioneer 816 and the Pioneer media center which supposedly will allow the 816 to be controlled via the 4360 Plama Monitor ? 3. If I go the SR + hookup on the Pioneer units do i put the Monitor setting on IR and not even bother with the 816 receiver programming ? Confused , frustrated and need some help .. Thanks in advance
This won't directly answer all your questions as I don't have an 890 or any need for RF, but maybe it will help a little bit. I have a Pio 1120 Elite Plasma and a Pio VSX-1015TX receiver hooked together via SR+ and am controlling them with an 880. The SR+ connection allows you to view the receiver volume and sound field settings on the plasma screen . It also allows requires that you point the remote at the plasma IR rather than the receiver IR to control both the plasma and receiver functions.

So, to answer one of your questions, yes you should program both the plasma and receiver into the remote regardless of whether you use SR+. The remote still needs the ability to control the various receiver functions. SR+ is really meant to be used when you have hidden components where IR is not in the line of site. I don't have that situation, but I like having the information displayed on the plasma screen anyway, so I leave the SR+ connected.

Nuzy

I read 5 pages up and could not find it. Could you link the pictures?

Check the thread titled "Harmony 880 Charger Problem - fixed yet?" It's in there.

Basically, the updated (good) charger has smaller contacts than the old (bad) one.

...
You can simulate discrete codes on the DVI/HDMI inputs by sending a real discrete code (e.g. VGA), then the proper number of InputNext codes to land on the right input.
Ooh, that's a good idea. How do you get a Harmony remote to do that? I just got a Harmony 720.

The codes for these two monitors seem to be based on another remote from Westinghouse. For instance, there is an "InputTV", which these monitors don't have.

The "InputTV" actually selects the DVI1/DVI2/HDMI inputs.
The "InputDVI" actually selects the VGA input.

There are a number of codes which don't apply to these monitors:
ChannelDown, ChannelUp, InputTV, Scan, etc.
There a few codes which aren't there: InputPrev and InputVGA.

I tried reporting this, using the toll-free support number, but I'm not sure what effect that'll have. Is there a better way to inform Logitech of such errors? It looks like I could correct the wrong codes, and add the missing ones, but that doesn't really fix the database.

I'm guessing that the 2 devices are in different directions. You may benefit from an IR repeater unless you have a Plasma. That is what I was planning to do, but a plamsa friendly "repeater" cost more than the difference to step up to the 890, so that was the route I took. -It works great.

My display is a plasma, but I think I may stick with the 880. We'll see. I guess I'm wondering how difficult it is to set-up the RF feature of the 890. Also, how reliably does it work?

On another note, can the macros on this unit be re-labeled? Can "Watch DVD" be changed to "Watch Blu-Ray", or "Listen CD" be changed to "Listen iTunes" instead? Thanks.

The labels can be renamed to whatever your heart desires.

First, use the web based setup at http://members.harmonyremote.com
Exit "wizard" mode by going to the "Home page".

3. Go to "More Options" for the PJ device, then "Adjust Inputs". Select "One button to scroll through inputs", then edit the list of inputs so it only has the HDMI input. It now won't send any input commands.

Thank you CZZER, I've been trying to figure out how to stop the 880 from choosing HDMI nput since xmas.

Been playing with my new 880 for a bit now. Good stuff, but I have 2 probs with 'other devices'. I have my Sirius radio, and my HTPC's keyboard setup on the remote. Both are fine, and work normal if I choose them as a device. Thing is when I choose the activity "Sirius" or "Meedio" (HTPC) it loads up a blank screen for the activity instead of loading the relevant device for that activity. I poked around and can't come up with how to change this. Any ideas?

Been playing with my new 880 for a bit now. Good stuff, but I have 2 probs with 'other devices'. I have my Sirius radio, and my HTPC's keyboard setup on the remote. Both are fine, and work normal if I choose them as a device. Thing is when I choose the activity "Sirius" or "Meedio" (HTPC) it loads up a blank screen for the activity instead of loading the relevant device for that activity. I poked around and can't come up with how to change this. Any ideas?

From your home page, select Activity->Customize->Change Behaviour of Buttons.

You will get a screen where you can assign any function to any button you want for the activity.

I have a seldom used 880 that was working fine and then the next day is locked up with the following message:

Safe Mode!
B.09DE

I've tried resetting the device by removing the battery and also fully recharging it, but it remains in this state. Any ideas on how to resolve this?

I just received my 880 and everything seems to be working fine.....but

My VCR used to take a two button sequence to RECORD (RECORD+PLAY) at the same time. That does not appear to be working with the 880. How do I program the two button sequence?

Can someone tell me what ASPECT and EFFECT means? When I select an ACTIVITY, like WATCH TV, the TV goes on but the 880's screen shows ASPECT and EFFECT. How do I get rid of that?

-Jim

Ooh, that's a good idea. How do you get a Harmony remote to do that? I just got a Harmony 720.

Never mind - silly question - I figured it out (how to get the remote to cycle through inputs, rather than attempt to use the actually-not-discrete codes, that is).

My father got this remote for Christmas, and he's having an issue with it. Unfortunately I can only hear about the issue as I don't have the ability to see this first hand.

Anyway, in his words, he says the remote refuses to return to the Activities screen when he pushes the Activities button. He says it will remain there if he holds the Activities button down, but once he releases it the LCD will return right back to the TV screen with the commands for his Sony 34XBR970. I don't know if he's messed up something during setup, or if he's just experiencing normal behavior. I haven't had anything like this happen with my 880, but not being physically there to play with his remote myself, I can only speculate from afar.

Any thoughts?

My father got this remote for Christmas, and he's having an issue with it. Unfortunately I can only hear about the issue as I don't have the ability to see this first hand.

Anyway, in his words, he says the remote refuses to return to the Activities screen when he pushes the Activities button. He says it will remain there if he holds the Activities button down, but once he releases it the LCD will return right back to the TV screen with the commands for his Sony 34XBR970. I don't know if he's messed up something during setup, or if he's just experiencing normal behavior. I haven't had anything like this happen with my 880, but not being physically there to play with his remote myself, I can only speculate from afar.


as someone who has to regularly talk my mother (who is 3000 miles away) through wiring and control of DVRs and STBs and who can barely operate the VCR, I share your pain.

If the button doesn't show the activities on a single press then it sounds like it's broken. It should always display the list when pressed once. Pressed again it will return you to the activity you were in.

I just received my 880 and everything seems to be working fine.....but

My VCR used to take a two button sequence to RECORD (RECORD+PLAY) at the same time. That does not appear to be working with the 880. How do I program the two button sequence?

-Jim

not being an engineer I can't tell you how your original remote works. And I haven't used one of those dual button record remotes in a long time. It could be one of two things I can think of.

The record button and play buttons together create a combination remote code for the VCR. That should still work with the regular button assignments. You might need to map the record button manually.

The play button completes a circuit that allows the remote to fire the record IR command. You can't simulate that with the 880 hardware so you would have to learn the IR command your remote creates.

You could learn the combo command and map it to one button. You can then dump that record command on the second page of the LCD and that will be your safety zone. You won't click those so easily.

There may already be a record command in the database you can use.

From your home page, select Activity->Customize->Change Behaviour of Buttons.

You will get a screen where you can assign any function to any button you want for the activity.

Perfect, thanks!

My father got this remote for Christmas, and he's having an issue with it. Unfortunately I can only hear about the issue as I don't have the ability to see this first hand.

Anyway, in his words, he says the remote refuses to return to the Activities screen when he pushes the Activities button. He says it will remain there if he holds the Activities button down, but once he releases it the LCD will return right back to the TV screen with the commands for his Sony 34XBR970. I don't know if he's messed up something during setup, or if he's just experiencing normal behavior. I haven't had anything like this happen with my 880, but not being physically there to play with his remote myself, I can only speculate from afar.

Any thoughts?

Sounds to me like the TV button, whichever it's set to, is stuck down or shorted down, and it keeps doing that action immediately after he lets go of the activities button. That is, if what he's saying is actually what's happening.

I just recieved my Harmony 880 remote and I'm really disappointed in the lack of flexibity that I'm seeing in programming this remote. I was hoping for a lot more user customization and programmability. :(

I scanned through some of this HUGE thread, but haven't seen this topic touched on...

Can the Harmony 880 be custom programmed? Custom user menu flow and icons and the like? Any websites out there the detail how to mod/hack the 880? :confused:

I'm really disappointed that Logitech expects users to connect to the internet and use a web application to update the remote control. Let us CHOOSE what devices we have and download the codes, then let us program our remotes how we would LIKE! :mad:

I just recieved my Harmony 880 remote and I'm really disappointed in the lack of flexibity that I'm seeing in programming this remote. I was hoping for a lot more user customization and programmability. :(

I scanned through some of this HUGE thread, but haven't seen this topic touched on...

Can the Harmony 880 be custom programmed? Custom user menu flow and icons and the like? Any websites out there the detail how to mod/hack the 880? :confused:

I'm really disappointed that Logitech expects users to connect to the internet and use a web application to update the remote control. Let us CHOOSE what devices we have and download the codes, then let us program our remotes how we would LIKE! :mad:

I made the same exact argument the day I got it to Harmony and they said there is no way we could download the entire code database, it would be too big. They failed to address my actual point that you only need to download the part of the database relevant to your equipment.

The only hack I've seen is the Firefox plug-in, and that only modifies the Web site function. Otherwise your stuck with whatever Harmony gives you and the channel icons and background images that you can change.

It's all tied up securely at Harmony's end and you can't get in. Even if you could modify it locally, the chances are that when you update the config from the Harmony site the next time it would just overwrite your modifications and replace everything again.

No offense, but did you do any research before you bought the remote? It works as advertised. It's not as flexible as other programmable remotes, and I was skeptical like you at first. However, after using it for a while and starting to customize it, I must say that it's far *easier* than most programmable remotes. I've also been able to get it to do everything that I've wanted. It can be flexible if you are patient, but this remote seems to be about instant gratification. All in all, I really do like it more each day I use it.

Hello there,

I did a search but i did not find my question but could not find anything. I have a new 880 and when i turn any of my Activities on, the remote tells my receiver to also turn on Zone 2.

Here's my equipment list that i have set up in the remote:

Yamaha RX-V659 A/V Receiver
Toshiba 42HM66 Television
Motorola DCT6200 Cable Box
Toshiba DVD player

Any help would be much appreciated.

Jeff

Custom macros

Sorry if this is a slightly newbie question, but is it possible to add custom commands with custom delays after choosing an activity?

e.g. My cable box has dodgy widescreen signalling which always switches my TV to 4:3 mode. With my current Philips Pronto remote, I can issue a 'TV aspect ratio' command about 1/2 a second after switching to cable input and it works perfectly every time. Is that possible with an 880?

Custom macros

Sorry if this is a slightly newbie question, but is it possible to add custom commands with custom delays after choosing an activity?

e.g. My cable box has dodgy widescreen signalling which always switches my TV to 4:3 mode. With my current Philips Pronto remote, I can issue a 'TV aspect ratio' command about 1/2 a second after switching to cable input and it works perfectly every time. Is that possible with an 880?


macros are a constant subject. It was discussed a few pages back in depth. Do a thread search for macros and you'll get some suggestions.

I read through many of the pages in this thread, but didn't find an answer to what I suspect is a common problem.

My TV (LG) has an input selector that cycles through the inputs. They aren't numbered as they were on my old TV. And, as expected, when you turn on the TV, it is at the last-used input.

So, how do you program the "Watch DVD" Activity, for example, when the last thing you were watching was TV? How do you program the 880 to cycle through to the right input, without it knowing what the input selector was on before?

Thanks!
Eph

Got a new issue! Trying to get the 880 controlling zoomplayer correctly. I have a Liteon keyboard I've added to the 880 and it works great. Thing is I can't figure out how to get it to learn/send ALT+[key] for ZP. atl+x for exit is my big one, then shift+. for jump etc. Any ideas?

I've tried holding down both keys and covering the IR till I know both are depressed then learning it. No luck. I'm looking into a macro software maybe to send alt+x when it gets and X etc.

I read through many of the pages in this thread, but didn't find an answer to what I suspect is a common problem.

My TV (LG) has an input selector that cycles through the inputs. They aren't numbered as they were on my old TV. And, as expected, when you turn on the TV, it is at the last-used input.

So, how do you program the "Watch DVD" Activity, for example, when the last thing you were watching was TV? How do you program the 880 to cycle through to the right input, without it knowing what the input selector was on before?

Thanks!
Eph

during the activity setup you have the option on the right side yellow panel to change the inputs to match how the TV works. The Harmony should remember whatever input it was on previously when switching between activities and adjust accordingly.

Can somone please help me.

I am trying to set up a activivty for recording a dvd. I am using the Record Video function.

Sony KDL-40XBR2
Onkyo TX-SR674
Samsung DVD-R135
HR10-250

My Problem is when I finish setting it up. It has my DVR or PVR as a passthrough and not the source for the channel tunner. It has my DVD recorder as the recorder and my DVD as the Channel tunner also. I want full control over my DVR and my DVD recorder.

Does this make sense?

I read through many of the pages in this thread, but didn't find an answer to what I suspect is a common problem.

My TV (LG) has an input selector that cycles through the inputs. They aren't numbered as they were on my old TV. And, as expected, when you turn on the TV, it is at the last-used input.

So, how do you program the "Watch DVD" Activity, for example, when the last thing you were watching was TV? How do you program the 880 to cycle through to the right input, without it knowing what the input selector was on before?

Thanks!
Eph

I am going thru the same problem. WOrking on a solution with logitech support on this. For the time being, Use Help to fix the problem. After that it will remember your inputs.

I read through many of the pages in this thread, but didn't find an answer to what I suspect is a common problem.

My TV (LG) has an input selector that cycles through the inputs. They aren't numbered as they were on my old TV. And, as expected, when you turn on the TV, it is at the last-used input.

So, how do you program the "Watch DVD" Activity, for example, when the last thing you were watching was TV? How do you program the 880 to cycle through to the right input, without it knowing what the input selector was on before?

Thanks!
Eph

Bit of a kludge, but if you set up the activity, on power off, to reset the input to some "standard" place", then power off, you'll know what the last place will always be when starting a new activity. It's a kludge because you'd have to power off one activity and then strat your new one instead of just switching between activities.

Bit of a kludge, but if you set up the activity, on power off, to reset the input to some "standard" place", then power off, you'll know what the last place will always be when starting a new activity. It's a kludge because you'd have to power off one activity and then strat your new one instead of just switching between activities.


Hmmm... the two posts above yours seem to indicate that this may not be necessary. Is this kludge really needed?

Thanks

I read through many of the pages in this thread, but didn't find an answer to what I suspect is a common problem.

My TV (LG) has an input selector that cycles through the inputs. They aren't numbered as they were on my old TV. And, as expected, when you turn on the TV, it is at the last-used input.

So, how do you program the "Watch DVD" Activity, for example, when the last thing you were watching was TV? How do you program the 880 to cycle through to the right input, without it knowing what the input selector was on before?

Thanks!
Eph

Go to "more options", "adjust inputs"

Hmmm... the two posts above yours seem to indicate that this may not be necessary. Is this kludge really needed?

Thanks

No. The Harmony remembers the status of each device. Once it is setup properly for your devices, whether you select the same activity the next time, or a different activity, it knows how it left everything and should know how to make the proper adjustments, if any, for the current activity.

Hi guys can someone point me to a site where i can get it at discount? Thanks :)

Anybodys tilt sensor on the 880 still not working because of the version 7 software?

Does the harmony remember the state of inputs when you turn everything off?

I would think it would but I'm having an issue with my tv being set to the wrong input. If I go back to my watch-tv activity (the first input on the tv) everything works fine. But If I shut it off from another activity it gets messed up. It's like it always assumes the tv is on input 1 when it starts up.

it's a viewsonic tv with a cycle-through method of switching tv inputs. On the original remote you need to select sources, then right/left arrows to change inputs, then select to confirm your selection.

For all the work necessary it does a pretty good job, other than this issue.


PS: I'm using the newest sotware 7.0.2 I believe, and my tilt sensor works great.

Hmmm... the two posts above yours seem to indicate that this may not be necessary. Is this kludge really needed?

Thanks

I had an Advent TV that was so off standard, that this was the only way for me to do this so that the wife was not caught in something she could not work her way out of. It always worked, but it was a kludge.

Now that I have a Panasonic plasma, the Harmony remote has been perfect for my needs. (And one of my biggest drivers was spouse and kids who will not get geeky with a remote and who need 1 button simple "activities".)

John

Does the harmony remember the state of inputs when you turn everything off?

I would think it would but I'm having an issue with my tv being set to the wrong input. If I go back to my watch-tv activity (the first input on the tv) everything works fine. But If I shut it off from another activity it gets messed up. It's like it always assumes the tv is on input 1 when it starts up.

it's a viewsonic tv with a cycle-through method of switching tv inputs. On the original remote you need to select sources, then right/left arrows to change inputs, then select to confirm your selection.

For all the work necessary it does a pretty good job, other than this issue.


PS: I'm using the newest sotware 7.0.2 I believe, and my tilt sensor works great.


Under your TV device, got to "more options" and then "adjust inputs". Eventually you'll get to a screen that says "Turn your TV Off and then back On again. Does it go to a particular input, or stay where it was?" There will be a pull-down menu that will let you choose the input that your TV always starts on.

I checked that, it's already set correctly. I'm quite confused now as to why it's doing this.... off to do more testing.

Does the harmony remember the state of inputs when you turn everything off?

I would think it would but I'm having an issue with my tv being set to the wrong input. If I go back to my watch-tv activity (the first input on the tv) everything works fine. But If I shut it off from another activity it gets messed up. It's like it always assumes the tv is on input 1 when it starts up.

it's a viewsonic tv with a cycle-through method of switching tv inputs. On the original remote you need to select sources, then right/left arrows to change inputs, then select to confirm your selection.

For all the work necessary it does a pretty good job, other than this issue.


PS: I'm using the newest sotware 7.0.2 I believe, and my tilt sensor works great.

Does the "Help" button fix it? If so, it's probably a delay problem. When you turn on your TV there is a certain amount of time it need to wait until it is ready to accept any commands.

Increase the Power On Delay for the TV until it works reliably. Don't be afraid to increase it quite a lot...some TVs take 15 seconds or more until they are ready to accept commands. You can get an idea of how long a delay you need by testing with a stop watch.

Anybodys tilt sensor on the 880 still not working because of the version 7 software?


Just Updated my harmony and tilt sensor stopped working.

Just Updated my harmony and tilt sensor stopped working.

7.0.2 is working fine with my 880. No tilt issues.

7.0.2 is working fine with my 880. No tilt issues.

Same here...I just updated last night w/ v7.0.2...and my tilt sensor is working fine now (no battery removal needed). However, I noticed the goofy fonts in the soft menus...which other folks have reported.

Same here...I just updated last night w/ v7.0.2...and my tilt sensor is working fine now (no battery removal needed). However, I noticed the goofy fonts in the soft menus...which other folks have reported.

I updated the other day and noticed the new fonts... To change them, go to Remote Settings, then select a theme. There are 5 to choose from. I think Harmony Uppercase it what it used to have. Now the question is how can you create custome Themes?

7.0.2 is working fine with my 880. No tilt issues.


Mmmm I swear tilt sensor wasn't working right after the update but now it appears ok...

-Phatty

Just purchased my home theater system and I am having it installed. I picked everything out myself, but don't have time to do all the mounting, wiring, etc. Installer wants a fair amount of money to program the 880 as he says it is complex. In light of my lack of a/v sophistication and time crunch, any advice on whether to pay up or do it myself? Does it help to have done it yourself and for newbie how long does it take? I have Panny 50px6u, oppo 970, onkyo txsr503 receiver, comcast digital cable/dvr, svs speakers.

Installer wants a fair amount of money to program the 880 as he says it is complex.

$3.50 doesn't seem out of the question... of course "a fair amount of money" could mean just about anything.

The programming will take at least an hour, and possibly several hours. The software used to program the remote is slow and tasks are VERY round-about. Even if you knew exactly what you were doing it wouldn't go any faster.

Honestly, even if he does set it up, it's not likely going to be as complete as you like and you'll have to go and make changes, so you might as well start now.

$3.50 doesn't seem out of the question... of course "a fair amount of money" could mean just about anything.

The programming will take at least an hour, and possibly several hours. The software used to program the remote is slow and tasks are VERY round-about. Even if you knew exactly what you were doing it wouldn't go any faster.

Honestly, even if he does set it up, it's not likely going to be as complete as you like and you'll have to go and make changes, so you might as well start now.

If he was to do it himself, one complicating factor might be not knowing the various inputs that are being used by each piece of equipment (how everything is connected). This would make setup difficult, if not impossible. If on the other hand he does know what's plugged into what and where, the basic setup should be pretty painless, and there is always tech support which should be able to resolve any problems. As you say some tweaking will probably be necessary anyway, so I would also recommend that he at least try it himself first.

Although Logitech's customer services seems ok...it needs to be, as the Harmony 880 is a "piece of cr$p" ...stay away.

I am getting mine replaced for the second time...considering asking for a refund instead.

Got a new issue! Trying to get the 880 controlling zoomplayer correctly. I have a Liteon keyboard I've added to the 880 and it works great. Thing is I can't figure out how to get it to learn/send ALT+[key] for ZP. atl+x for exit is my big one, then shift+. for jump etc. Any ideas?

I've tried holding down both keys and covering the IR till I know both are depressed then learning it. No luck. I'm looking into a macro software maybe to send alt+x when it gets and X etc.

Any ideas guys?

I have a Vizio 32" LCD and am trying to program the media keys to my HD channels.

Problem is, my channels are of the format 117-1 117-2

I can program the "-" just fine. But I also need to program enter key instead of waiting for the TV to timeout and go to the channel entered.

Any ideas what key I can program that the website will accept? I tried programming "." to the enter key, but the web site complained when I tried to program in 117-2.

I did "E" as well, and had the same problem when using 117-2E

Hey All,

I posted a similar question on this topic over on the Panny Plasma thread so please excuse the cross-post, but did not get any replies over there so figured I would check here.

I am a new Harmony 880/Panny TH-42PX60U owner (pretty happy on both fronts) and am wondering what's the latest word on availability of discrete codes for the TV aspect ratio on the Harmony remote?

I searched pretty extensively on various Harmony and Panny threads but did not see a definitive answer on if the discrete codes exist at all and/or if those codes are available on the 880.

The current config I have on the remote lists AspectFull and ApectJust which was initially encouraging, but the codes produce no result on the TV when sent. The Aspect code works fine to toggle through all the settings but I'd still love to get to the discrete codes to go direct to Full and Justified.

I contacted Harmony support via e-mail but have been waiting 5 days for a "reply within one business day" so I figured I would also check here for any updates.

Thanks in advance...

- Chris

Well looks like MS is invading Harmony's turf with SideShow remotes which have color displays to show stocks, weather, EPG and other RSS data.

The question is, does the LCD in the 880 make you look down at the remote more?

Or do people prefer to just feel around for buttons, even if there's way less functionality than programmable remotes?

Is anyone using the 880 with a Media Center PC? I don't have any PC's with IR, so I've been looking for an inexpensive IR receiver. The problem is, I can't find anything that says it will work with MS Media Center. There are a few IR to USB dongles for sale on EBay, but I'm not sure they will work.
Ideas?

Thanks

The question is, does the LCD in the 880 make you look down at the remote more?

Or do people prefer to just feel around for buttons, even if there's way less functionality than programmable remotes?

I find myself looking down at the 880 more. Not because of the LCD, but mostly becasue I can't get used to the layout. I'm thinkng of selling my 880 (3 months old) and getting a 670 which has a more "DVR friendly" layout and a better tactile feel with the raised buttons as opposed to the 880's flush mounted style.

After searching through the thread, I haven't noticed anyone with my similar problem. After I select my "busiest" activity, which is Watch TV (which starts my Samsung HLS6187, LG surround sound, A/V switch, and Hughes HR10-250), there is a 15-20 second lag before I can hit anything on the remote. I've read about delays, but is there a delay that is specific to the just the startup of one single activity. Every other activity is fast, but this one is killing me. Thanks for any help!!

dragoor, it sounds like the "Power On" delays are what's causing the problem. My first guess is that the TV is the culprit. Since it has to warm up, it won't accept input signals right away, so the remote waits and waits to send the input command.

I always set my TV's PowerOn delay to 300ms. I simply rerun the activity if the input is incorrect.

Thanks tokerblue!! I will try that right away!!!

ok here's an odd one.. I have a remote that Rattles. when I shake it , there seems to be something broken in it or something, but it works fine, no problem at all.. i was thinking it could be the tilt sensor but that does not seem right.

ideas?

ok here's an odd one.. I have a remote that Rattles. when I shake it , there seems to be something broken in it or something, but it works fine, no problem at all.. i was thinking it could be the tilt sensor but that does not seem right.

ideas?

It's the tilt sensor.

Is anyone using the 880 with a Media Center PC? I don't have any PC's with IR, so I've been looking for an inexpensive IR receiver. The problem is, I can't find anything that says it will work with MS Media Center. There are a few IR to USB dongles for sale on EBay, but I'm not sure they will work.
Ideas?

Thanks
Chaze
I have a PC based PVR. It's not running Win MCE, but Win XP.
However, I have two IR reciever that the 880 supports.
One came with the Tuner card (Hauppauge WinTV USB2), and one is the Microsoft MCE remote (comes with IR reciever, USB connected). About $40-something. Good remote too...

880 supports both.

Sorry to be bothersome again, but I have one more issue. Does anyone have their favorite channels programmed? Mine are, but the command is so slow that its almost faster to pull up the guide and type in the channel myself. When I hit my favorite channel, you can watch it pull up the DTV** box, type in, for example, channel 73 slowly, then it changes. Is there a way to speed this up? Thanks again for the great help!!

Hey All,

I posted a similar question on this topic over on the Panny Plasma thread so please excuse the cross-post, but did not get any replies over there so figured I would check here.

I am a new Harmony 880/Panny TH-42PX60U owner (pretty happy on both fronts) and am wondering what's the latest word on availability of discrete codes for the TV aspect ratio on the Harmony remote?

I searched pretty extensively on various Harmony and Panny threads but did not see a definitive answer on if the discrete codes exist at all and/or if those codes are available on the 880.

The current config I have on the remote lists AspectFull and ApectJust which was initially encouraging, but the codes produce no result on the TV when sent. The Aspect code works fine to toggle through all the settings but I'd still love to get to the discrete codes to go direct to Full and Justified.

I contacted Harmony support via e-mail but have been waiting 5 days for a "reply within one business day" so I figured I would also check here for any updates.

Thanks in advance...

- Chris

Chris - I have the same Panny and the 880 as well and I am pretty sure that the standard Panny remote doesn't even have keys for specific aspect ratio's. What makes you think the tv supports this?

BTW - I love the TV and my Harmony.

-- Patrick

Sorry to be bothersome again, but I have one more issue. Does anyone have their favorite channels programmed? Mine are, but the command is so slow that its almost faster to pull up the guide and type in the channel myself. When I hit my favorite channel, you can watch it pull up the DTV** box, type in, for example, channel 73 slowly, then it changes. Is there a way to speed this up? Thanks again for the great help!!

you could change the inter-key delay speed for the box. Reducing the ms should speed up the delivery of IR commands.

I find the media button favorites to be largely useless. Unless you forget which number a channel is, it's quicker to just punch it in yourself.

Chris - I have the same Panny and the 880 as well and I am pretty sure that the standard Panny remote doesn't even have keys for specific aspect ratio's. What makes you think the tv supports this?

BTW - I love the TV and my Harmony.

-- Patrick

Patrick, thanks for the reply. Good to find another happy 880/TH-42PX60U owner.

So, I am not at all sure that the TV does actually support the discrete codes for aspect and was hoping to get some confirmation of that one way or the other. You're definitely right that there are no hard buttons for this on the TV remote (or I would have just learned those commands from the factory remote and been done with it). This doesn't mean they don't exist though as there are working discrete codes (power on/off inputHDMI1, InputComponent1, etc) that aren't on the TV remote either.

I started wondering because I had seen some discussion of this on various threads and even saw some Pronto hex codes for aspect that were supposed to work - seems like they may work for some Panny TVs but not for ours(?)

Also, when customizing buttons on the 880 for the TH-42PX60U device, you can see discrete commands for AspectJust, AspectFull, AspectZoom listed in the drop downs - and they are listed as sourced from the Harmony Database which again, raised my hopes.

I was hoping one of the Panny gurus on the TV thread would be able to confirm if these codes even exist for starters - but haven't seen any responses yet. So no luck clarifying this overall overall.

Again, I am pretty happy with this set up overall but you know how it gets when you start tweaking these things, you always want to take it to the next level...

- Chris

I'm using Sneakemail for all my e-mail needs, which lets me find out who sold my e-mail address to whom (generate a new e-mail address for every web site or service you submit it to).

Five days ago, I contacted Logitech to have the device power sequence changed (they still haven't done this btw. -- both their FAQ and this thread suggest this would be a trivial task for them).

The only communication I have received so far is spam (UCE) from an e-Bay vendor trying to sell me a $20(+$5 S&H) "complete manual" for the Harmony 880. The spam was sent to the e-mail address only Logitech has.

What's going on? Are they "trying to help" by selling their customer's email addresses?

It does raise another point, the 880 manual is pretty pathetic.

Hi folks!
Usiing my new Harmony 880, I'm having problems getting "press and hold" button functions working with my Anthem Statement D2 pre-amp/processor.

The D2 has several buttons that do one function if you press them and a different function if you press-and-hold them for a few seconds.

I can't get the press-and-hold to work.

Harmony tech support had me Learn Raw one such button (just a Press of it, not a Press-and-Hold) and then we tried different settings of the repeat count and the inter-key delay without any luck. The Press function works fine. The Press-and-Hold function does not.

I'm pending with Level II Harmony support, but thought I'd ask here in case this might have a known solution.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

One really weird piece of this is that this functionality INITIALLY worked!

When I first set up the 880, I identified my devices, set up up some basic activities -- leaving everything in the default settings -- and downloaded to the 880 to get a preliminary look at how it would work. All that went fine.

Using the 880 in that configuration, when I went to the Anthem Device page, the "7" key (one of the more important keys of this type) worked properly for both Press and Press-and-Hold.

However the D2's device page was setup strangely. For example, the directional arrow functions were all up in the LCD section and the direction arrows in the center circle of the 880 were apparently not programmed at all.

So I went back into the configuration stuff and went to Devices / Anthem and then the page for configuring the buttons. Much to my surprise what was in there -- i.e., ON THE COMPUTER SCREEN -- was a much more intelligent layout of functions to buttons. For example the directional arrows were no longer in the LCD section and were instead programmed into the arrow buttons on the 880 as one would expect.

Okey doke, so I didn't make any changes. Instead I just reloaded the 880.

Now I've got the 880's version of the Anthem Device page synced up with what shows in the configuration screen on the computer.

But now the Press-and-Hold functionality no longer works.

Weird!

Short of starting over again from scratch I've got no idea how to get back to that original, strange, configuration of the Anthem D2 device page.
--Bob

Hey guys!

I am setting up my new Harmony 880 and for "Watch TV" my TV, SAT, and an AV receiver (Onkyo TX-SR501) all turn on perfectly, however, when I press OFF, the receiver doesn't respond. "Help" doesn't do anything when trying to turn the AV receiver off. Ive gone back through and over to make sure everything is right, I've even used my Onkyo remote to enter the commands myself, one for on and one for off. The only thing which turns off my AV receiver is when I go "device" "AV receiver" to page 7 and "PowerOff"

Any suggestions?

Kind regards,

Hi folks!
Usiing my new Harmony 880, I'm having problems getting "press and hold" button functions working with my Anthem Statement D2 pre-amp/processor.

The D2 has several buttons that do one function if you press them and a different function if you press-and-hold them for a few seconds.

I can't get the press-and-hold to work.

Harmony tech support had me Learn Raw one such button (just a Press of it, not a Press-and-Hold) and then we tried different settings of the repeat count and the inter-key delay without any luck. The Press function works fine. The Press-and-Hold function does not.

I'm pending with Level II Harmony support, but thought I'd ask here in case this might have a known solution.



This probably won't help, but what the hell. My only experience with press-and-hold is on my Panasonic XR55. The Tuner button, when held, is the AM/FM toggle. After updating the Harmony, I found that the press-and-hold of the Tuner button did nothing and left me with no AM/FM toggle. When I taught the Harmony, I actually did the press-and-hold. This learned button now toggles AM/FM for me with just a press and is completely different from the Tuner button from which it was learned.

Long time lurker, first time poster...

So, I searched for this but did not find it....If I overlooked it, please just kindly point me to the answer.

Anyway, my question is, I have the comcast motorolla dct-3416i dvr and trying to program the 8 second replay and 30 second skip ahead button into my 880. Any help on this one? Thanks.

Long time lurker, first time poster...

So, I searched for this but did not find it....If I overlooked it, please just kindly point me to the answer.

Anyway, my question is, I have the comcast motorolla dct-3416i dvr and trying to program the 8 second replay and 30 second skip ahead button into my 880. Any help on this one? Thanks.

I have the 6412 box and the standard default programming from Logitech came with the 30 skip on the hard coded "skip button" (NOT the fast forward button) and the 15 second replay on the "skip back" button (if that makes any sense). Have you tried those?

I have the 6412 box and the standard default programming from Logitech came with the 30 skip on the hard coded "skip button" (NOT the fast forward button) and the 15 second replay on the "skip back" button (if that makes any sense). Have you tried those?

For mine, the replay button does a 8 second replay, so that works. But the SKIP button, it acts like it's gonna do it, but then just keeps playing from where I pushed the button. I wonder if it's disabled or something?

EDIT: I called Logitech again. Apparently you have a bum base if the middle gold contact of the charging base is lower than the 2 on the sides.

Aw crap. Thought I was ok, but last night put the remote in to charge and it didn't work. Had to jiggle it a bit. That's the first time I've had any troubles, but have only been using it since Christmas, maybe 10 or so charges.

Looking at it, I can see the middle contact is lower. I do have the newer model with the smaller contacts, but it's obviously still problematic.

The Harmony 880 does a nice job eliminating the need for the macros that I needed in the past with my MX-500. However, there is one macro I'd like to set up for my 'Watch Tivo" activity (and the Tivo Device) on the H880. It's the macro that sets up the 30-second skip. Anytime the Tivo is rebooted for any reason (i.e., power loss, software update, etc.) the 30-second sequence is lost from the Tivo's memory and must be re-entered. It's a pretty simple macro really -- even if you have to enter it directly from the Tivo remote. It's just "select-play-select-30-select".

I have this macro set up in my MX-500 (or I could just type it in on the Tivo remote) and now want to get it to the H880. is this just a matter of recording the sequence using the 'RAW' setting on the H880?

The Harmony 880 does a nice job eliminating the need for the macros that I needed in the past with my MX-500. However, there is one macro I'd like to set up for my 'Watch Tivo" activity (and the Tivo Device) on the H880. It's the macro that sets up the 30-second skip. Anytime the Tivo is rebooted for any reason (i.e., power loss, software update, etc.) the 30-second sequence is lost from the Tivo's memory and must be re-entered. It's a pretty simple macro really -- even if you have to enter it directly from the Tivo remote. It's just "select-play-select-30-select".

I have this macro set up in my MX-500 (or I could just type it in on the Tivo remote) and now want to get it to the H880. is this just a matter of recording the sequence using the 'RAW' setting on the H880?


I'm not sure if it would work, but you might be able to create a new Activity called Fix Tivo or Reset Tivo, which would have your key combinations.

I agree with JayMan007. I never thought of that either, but it probably is the easiest solution. You could set up a new Activity and simply issue the additional commands at the start or end of a "Fix Tivo" Activity. You could also set the Activity to leave all the devices on. Then simply go back to the "Watch Tivo" Activity.

I bought the 880 and I have the Mits WD-65732 DLP. The problem I am having is with selecting the inputs for my video devices. The list of TV inputs in the Harmony setup is wrong (I do have the correct model TV selected). Mainly its missing the Component 3 and both HDMI inputs from the list. With these missing I can't switch to my DVD player or Wii. I've tried manualy setting up the inputs but that hasn't worked.

Anyone else have the Mits WD-65732 and the 880?

So much for the Harmony 890. I don't care how great the product might be. In order to achieve the seemingly simple task of logging on to their site to set up a new account, I had to disable all my virus software, disable any and all firewalls within McAfee and Windows. I had to disable all pop-up blockers. I had to disable spyware. I had to TRY to disable firewall on my LinkSys router. When none of this worked (despite Logitech promises to the contrary), I decided to go straight from my cable modem to my PC. NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could not even login to their site to get a username!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The rest of the computer and internet world lets me download ANYTHING without such problems. It goes back to the store tomorrow for a full refund!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


SUPER ANGRY darrin


That's strange...I didn't have to deactivate anything for the software to work properly on my computer. My firewall is up all of the time, and so is my antivirus software, my pop up blocker program. I would certainly not put my security barriers down so that the logitech software could work, though. I would also rather send the remote back to the store.

I have an 880 and am having some strange behavior myself. The volume up button for my receiver works sometimes, sometimes it doesn't. May actually be a hardware issue. The volume down button works great.

I have an 880 and am having some strange behavior myself. The volume up button for my receiver works sometimes, sometimes it doesn't. May actually be a hardware issue. The volume down button works great.


Try putting Volume Up as a softbutton and see if it consistently works there. Would tell you if it's physically the button.

Or switch up & down. That's confusing, but same result in testing the button.

I bought the 880 and I have the Mits WD-65732 DLP. The problem I am having is with selecting the inputs for my video devices. The list of TV inputs in the Harmony setup is wrong (I do have the correct model TV selected). Mainly its missing the Component 3 and both HDMI inputs from the list. With these missing I can't switch to my DVD player or Wii. I've tried manualy setting up the inputs but that hasn't worked.

Anyone else have the Mits WD-65732 and the 880?

Go to "Adjust Inputs" for the TV device and edit the list of inputs so it matches your TV.

I just bought a Sony VPL-VW50 projector and DirecTV HR20 DVR. I need to replace my current remote (Marantz MC2000 Mk2) with something better. Is the 880 a good choice? Is anyone else using this remote with the VW50?

Should I consider something more basic like the 659 instead?

thanks,

John

I just bought a Sony VPL-VW50 projector and DirecTV HR20 DVR. I need to replace my current remote (Marantz MC2000 Mk2) with something better. Is the 880 a good choice? Is anyone else using this remote with the VW50?

Should I consider something more basic like the 659 instead?

thanks,

John

I really like the 880, warts and all. Check Amazon.

I'm not sure if it would work, but you might be able to create a new Activity called Fix Tivo or Reset Tivo, which would have your key combinations.

Thanks! I'll give this a try.

Does the 880 make anyone's hand cramp?

I'm looking at getting a new remote and was considering either the 880 or the 670 but went into a CircuitCity today and tried holding them. And the 880 just seemed really awkward for everything but the channel/volume/menu buttons in the middle. To change channels or to access the DVR control buttons I was contorting my thumb into a weird angle (down and in). And to use the LCD custom buttons I had to hold the remote in the middle, not in the natural place your hand falls into.

The 550 which they had there actually had much better thumb access. It could have partially due to the fact that there was no battery in the display models but I'm not sure.

Thoughts?

Does the 880 make anyone's hand cramp?

I'm looking at getting a new remote and was considering either the 880 or the 670 but went into a CircuitCity today and tried holding them. And the 880 just seemed really awkward for everything but the channel/volume/menu buttons in the middle. To change channels or to access the DVR control buttons I was contorting my thumb into a weird angle (down and in). And to use the LCD custom buttons I had to hold the remote in the middle, not in the natural place your hand falls into.

The 550 which they had there actually had much better thumb access. It could have partially due to the fact that there was no battery in the display models but I'm not sure.

Thoughts?

I agree it is not easy one handed operation. I typically use both hands to quickly get stuff done. Its just too long.

Can anyone tell me what to use here. I'm adding a ceiling fan with light and want a module that will work with the 880 so I can control the light +fan if possible.

I'm hoping lowes or home depot will have something?

Does the 880 make anyone's hand cramp?

I'm looking at getting a new remote and was considering either the 880 or the 670 but went into a CircuitCity today and tried holding them. And the 880 just seemed really awkward for everything but the channel/volume/menu buttons in the middle. To change channels or to access the DVR control buttons I was contorting my thumb into a weird angle (down and in). And to use the LCD custom buttons I had to hold the remote in the middle, not in the natural place your hand falls into.

The 550 which they had there actually had much better thumb access. It could have partially due to the fact that there was no battery in the display models but I'm not sure.

Thoughts?

I find myself holding the 880 for long periods of time while watching TV (instead of putting it down) to skip commercials and such...and I always control it one-handed and don't ever have issues with my hand cramping up or becoming uncomfortable\tired. My wife also uses it one-handed (she has smaller hands)...and she says it's comfortable for her. It's probably going to be different for every individual though.

So one vote each way so far.

Hm. All things being equal, I would prefer the 880 as I really like the styling, the color LCD, and the greater amount of commands available on the LCD screen. But don't want to buy something for style if it's not going to deliver on everyday substance/use.

So one vote each way so far.

Hm. All things being equal, I would prefer the 880 as I really like the styling, the color LCD, and the greater amount of commands available on the LCD screen. But don't want to buy something for style if it's not going to deliver on everyday substance/use.

Oh dont take my post as anything negative. I could clearly use it one handed if I want. For the DVR function i only use one hand I use two hands when I'm using the top LCD button fuctions along with the lower buttons. You'll be VERY happy with the 880 as I am!

Oh dont take my post as anything negative. I could clearly use it one handed if I want. For the DVR function i only use one hand I use two hands when I'm using the top LCD button fuctions along with the lower buttons. You'll be VERY happy with the 880 as I am!
I had an issue with the placement of the buttons on the row with the dvr functions. I had to change "replay" and "skip" to regular RR and FF mode because I kept skipping to the end of the programs. I ended up adding the "skip" feature to the lcd at the top.

Can anyone tell me what to use here. I'm adding a ceiling fan with light and want a module that will work with the 880 so I can control the light +fan if possible.

I'm hoping lowes or home depot will have something?


http://www.lutron.com/products/dimmers/?s=17000&t=17200

http://www.lutron.com/products/dimmers/?s=17000&t=17200

Those will work with the 880? Here is my set up. I already have two 3 switch light switches. One is by the tv and the other is by the front door. Two of the switches control outlets and one controls the ceiling fan. I dont see how these could control the ceiling fan and the light on it seperately.

Would one of those tuck away remote censors work? I'm talking about the ones that you get when you do not have a remote already for it.

Those will work with the 880? Here is my set up. I already have two 3 switch light switches. One is by the tv and the other is by the front door. Two of the switches control outlets and one controls the ceiling fan. I dont see how these could control the ceiling fan and the light on it seperately.

Would one of those tuck away remote censors work? I'm talking about the ones that you get when you do not have a remote already for it.

Which switch controls the light?

Which switch controls the light?

Right now, none. Its a pull switch. What I had done before in my bedroom was I added a new ceiling fan and bought a add on wireless remote. To install it there was a sensor relays between the ceiling hardwire and the ceiling fans wires.

Can anyone help me with this? If not i'll have to set some time aside and call Harmony.
Thanks in advance:

Hello there,

I did a search but i did not find my question but could not find anything. I have a new 880 and when i turn any of my Activities on, the remote tells my receiver to also turn on Zone 2.

Here's my equipment list that i have set up in the remote:

Yamaha RX-V659 A/V Receiver
Toshiba 42HM66 Television
Motorola DCT6200 Cable Box
Toshiba DVD player

I just wanted to say I am quite happy with my harmony 880 remote so far. No problem with charger, web interface or tilt sensor. I ordered two of them, the only difference I notice is one of the LCD screen looks more washed out than the other. It seems to me that Logitech has a lot of work to do with quality control.

Of course I dislike the fact that no real Macro is possible, but I've always found a way around that (so far). The web interface certainly lacks of flexibility and Logitech's programmers should redo their homeworks. Just a few minor changes to the web interface would easily make customers happier. Like adding the possibility to customize all of the icons or reorder the commands easily for each activity.

Right now, none. Its a pull switch.

Then the Lutron won't do what you want.

Anybody ever have there remote just stop working? Everything turns on the remote and the buttons work, but nothing actually happens. It is like the infared is not sending signals. I have updated it 3 times and nothing. It is only about 4 months old. Any ideas?

There is a 30 second macro (at least I think it is) under the custom button labels. I have a DTv HD unit and it appears to work with that. Take a look and it may solve your problems.

Iam a 880 Newbie -- Have couple of questions..

(1). My AVR is the Pioneer Elite VSX-82TSX -- Logitech does not seem to recognise this. I dont want to go thru
the teaching/learning process... What should i select/key in as my AVR to come over this?
(2). Also my HD DVR is the DIRECT TV HD-20(Just found out on one of the forums that i should key in the model@
as HR-20-700, Will try that again this evening) -- However have this question -- I was told by the HD Installer
that the DIRECT TV Remote is a RF One & where as 880 is IR Remote.. How does this all work? Is the DIRECT TV Remote
both an IR and RF One??


Thanks in advance for the help!

The HR 20 remote is either RF or IR

Yes, mine did it about a month ago. Call the customer service line after you work through the troubleshooting page. When you call them, tell them you did the troubleshooting, and the remote just doesn't work. They will get you to reset the battery... and they may even want to send you a battery spacer. They sent me a new one after I had to call a second time to remind them my remote didn't work. Now it was the holidays, and I know they were busy. Just stay on them.

Iam a 880 Newbie -- Have couple of questions..

(1). My AVR is the Pioneer Elite VSX-82TSX -- Logitech does not seem to recognise this. I dont want to go thru
the teaching/learning process... What should i select/key in as my AVR to come over this?



Put in the correct model. The learning process doesn't take long. If there's another model that uses the same codeset the software will automatically pick that up after learning 2 or 3 commands.

Anybody ever have there remote just stop working? Everything turns on the remote and the buttons work, but nothing actually happens. It is like the infared is not sending signals. I have updated it 3 times and nothing. It is only about 4 months old. Any ideas?
Yep, it happened to me back in September '06. Diagnosis: defective IR emitter.
Called Support and they had me run an interesting test. Point the remote at a digital camera like you're going to take a picture of it. While looking through the camera's screen, press a button on the remote. If you don't see the IR signal, it's defective. Just to verify, try the same test with any remote that is working.

Harmony will replace the remote for you...

Right now, none. Its a pull switch. What I had done before in my bedroom was I added a new ceiling fan and bought a add on wireless remote. To install it there was a sensor relays between the ceiling hardwire and the ceiling fans wires.

I'd bet that remote/sensor you bought is RF. The 880 is IR only which means you need "line of sight" from remote to sensor. You would have to find a fan that comes with a remote that is IR, and I don't think they make those. You could always ask when you get to the store though.
I believe the Harmony 890 supports both IR and RF.

I chose the cheaper route and have 2 remotes in the living room. =)

So one vote each way so far.

Hm. All things being equal, I would prefer the 880 as I really like the styling, the color LCD, and the greater amount of commands available on the LCD screen. But don't want to buy something for style if it's not going to deliver on everyday substance/use.

Yes, you do have to contort your fingers a bit to reach all the buttons on the remote with one hand. You would have to do a lot of button presses to actually cramp your hand though.
The charging dock is what did it for me...

Try putting Volume Up as a softbutton and see if it consistently works there. Would tell you if it's physically the button.

Or switch up & down. That's confusing, but same result in testing the button.

Mine did that when new. I had to teach it the volume up command for my TV a couple of times and I had to press really hard to get volume up to work. After a week or so, it started working perfectly and has ever since.

Hi,

I have a Universal Remote Control MX-850 and like it except find the software to be a bit tedious and also, as my equipment purchases have become more up-to-date, find the 5 character limit on button text labels constraining.

With the 880, can I give the buttons any name I want? E.g. can I call a button "Scan channels" instead of "SCANC"?

I did search for an answer to this question but didn't find one, not sure how to phrase it in short form. Thanks for insight.

Yep, it happened to me back in September '06. Diagnosis: defective IR emitter.
Called Support and they had me run an interesting test. Point the remote at a digital camera like you're going to take a picture of it. While looking through the camera's screen, press a button on the remote. If you don't see the IR signal, it's defective. Just to verify, try the same test with any remote that is working.

Harmony will replace the remote for you...
Thanks will try that.

Is there a way to create a macro that would do a "30-second skip forward" for a DVR, such as the one built into the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD STB?

I just recently got an 880. Nice remote so far but I have one programming question. How do I get it to make the volume control universal and work no matter what device I might be on?

Thanks

I just recently got an 880. Nice remote so far but I have one programming question. How do I get it to make the volume control universal and work no matter what device I might be on?

Thanks

You can't get it to work for every device, but you can get it to work for every activity.

markc, are you in Device mode a lot?

Yes i am in device a lot

Yes i am in device a lotI think you're missing the point of the Harmony remotes - it's all about Activities.
It's a different way of thinking of how we use the remotes. Try to go with it for a while, you'll see how it simplifies things. Then, Device Mode is only left for those rare moments.

Yes i am in device a lot

Markc,

You can also create custom buttons for the device most frequent used commands in Activities. So you dont have to be in device mode that often.

Is there a way to create a macro that would do a "30-second skip forward" for a DVR, such as the one built into the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD STB?

Anybody?

Hi folks!
Usiing my new Harmony 880, I'm having problems getting "press and hold" button functions working with my Anthem Statement D2 pre-amp/processor.

The D2 has several buttons that do one function if you press them and a different function if you press-and-hold them for a few seconds.

I can't get the press-and-hold to work.

Harmony tech support had me Learn Raw one such button (just a Press of it, not a Press-and-Hold) and then we tried different settings of the repeat count and the inter-key delay without any luck. The Press function works fine. The Press-and-Hold function does not.

I'm pending with Level II Harmony support, but thought I'd ask here in case this might have a known solution.

Just an update to let folks know that this problem was indeed resolved by Level II Harmony support. They had to get their people who fiddle with remote code language to look at things and they made some changes so that the Anthem Statement D2 buttons all now work as they need to both for press-and-release and press-and-hold functions.

These changes will be moved into the Harmony database for the Anthem Statement D2 at their next update -- sometime over the next month or so. Prior to that, anyone with this problem can get the same fix via Level II support.

--------------------------------------------------------

By the way, I'm VERY impressed with Harmony's support setup. Even with the press of calls due to Christmas gifts, wait times were modest to minimal and the extent they went to to see the problem got resolved was as good as I've ever found with any company.

Hats off to them!
--Bob

I need to get an update for my harmony 880 but when I try and get an update nothing happens it wont respond. My remote has a blue screen that says get update for remote but I cant!!! Please help I tried disabling all Norton but it still wont work

Quote:
Originally Posted by eatonjb
ok here's an odd one.. I have a remote that Rattles. when I shake it , there seems to be something broken in it or something, but it works fine, no problem at all.. i was thinking it could be the tilt sensor but that does not seem right.

ideas?



It's the tilt sensor.

I had the same rattle. I opened the battery cover which exposes a small hole into the casing. I was able to get two pieces to come out - one is a small black square grid and the other is a small brass sphere that is supposed to sit in a little dimple in the middle of the grid.

My tilt sensor no longer works. How did you know this is the tilt? Is Logitech aware of this and are they sending replacement remotes for this problem?

My 880 remote has connection problem when I put it on the charging cradle. I need to adjust it to the right angle to charge it. Anyone has the same problem?

Thanks for the advice.

But after going to see them in person again, I'm going with the 550. Just seems a better handhold design, especially for using DVR (I don't like the garish Activities buttons on the 670). But, this board did cement me into getting Harmony generally.

Thanks again.

I had the same rattle. I opened the battery cover which exposes a small hole into the casing. I was able to get two pieces to come out - one is a small black square grid and the other is a small brass sphere that is supposed to sit in a little dimple in the middle of the grid.

My tilt sensor no longer works. How did you know this is the tilt? Is Logitech aware of this and are they sending replacement remotes for this problem?

Sounds like you removed your tilt sensor!

If you read the FAQ on the Harmony website it tells you all about the rattle and the tilt sensor.

I doubt Logitech will replace it because you decided to remove it...that's not a fault.

Thanks for the advice.

But after going to see them in person again, I'm going with the 550. Just seems a better handhold design, especially for using DVR (I don't like the garish Activities buttons on the 670). But, this board did cement me into getting Harmony generally.

Thanks again.

You may also want to look at the little talked about -- but as far as I can tell, still a Logitech -- Harmon Kardon Harmony TC30. The look and feel of the 550, but the functionality of the 880.

Link (http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/universal-remote/harmon-kardon-harmony-remote-175750.php)

I've actually seen these in Fry's so I'm pretty sure they're still around.

You may also want to look at the little talked about -- but as far as I can tell, still a Logitech -- Harmon Kardon Harmony TC30. The look and feel of the 550, but the functionality of the 880.

Link (http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/universal-remote/harmon-kardon-harmony-remote-175750.php)

I've actually seen these in Fry's so I'm pretty sure they're still around.
Yah. I looked into those.

But it doesn't have the Logitech software support which, despite being not perfect, sounds like it is pretty good.

Sorry for repeating, but this might be a better place

need help with Harmony 880 setup with this STB. I just found that Harmony has favourite channel list. So I found nice bitmapped icons and programmed the remote but I ran into two problems.

1) One of my favorite channel is 2-2. Neither Accurian nor Harmony knows how to directly tune to that channel.

2) This one is driving me crazy. When I program it to go to channel "25", Harmony ends up sending "2" and "5" so slowly that the Accurian first switches to "2" and then switches to "5". I have changed the inter-key delay to 0.100 seconds (the minimum) and also tried with 0.000 seconds. Harmony still sends the sequences too slow in the auto mode i.e. when I press the bitmapped icon. Interestingly, if I press "2" and "5" on the Harmony quickly, it will send them out fast enough i.e. manually switching channel from Harmony does work.

Please help!
- Vikas

Is there a way to create a macro that would do a "30-second skip forward" for a DVR, such as the one built into the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD STB?

I have the skip on page 2 of my programmable buttons. That was downloaded when I setup my system. Check your additional screens.

Sorry for repeating, but this might be a better place

need help with Harmony 880 setup with this STB. I just found that Harmony has favourite channel list. So I found nice bitmapped icons and programmed the remote but I ran into two problems.

1) One of my favorite channel is 2-2. Neither Accurian nor Harmony knows how to directly tune to that channel.

2) This one is driving me crazy. When I program it to go to channel "25", Harmony ends up sending "2" and "5" so slowly that the Accurian first switches to "2" and then switches to "5". I have changed the inter-key delay to 0.100 seconds (the minimum) and also tried with 0.000 seconds. Harmony still sends the sequences too slow in the auto mode i.e. when I press the bitmapped icon. Interestingly, if I press "2" and "5" on the Harmony quickly, it will send them out fast enough i.e. manually switching channel from Harmony does work.

Please help!
- Vikas

For 2) reduce the Inter Device Delay also.

I just setup my new 880 to control my TV, DVD and XBox tonight, but am having trouble entering channel selection for over the air HD channels, such as 31-1. TV is a Samsung LN-S4695D. Do I have to teach the 880 the "-" command, or am I missing a key somewhere?

I just setup my new 880 to control my TV, DVD and XBox tonight, but am having trouble entering channel selection for over the air HD channels, such as 31-1. TV is a Samsung LN-S4695D. Do I have to teach the 880 the "-" command, or am I missing a key somewhere?
Yeah, you have to teach the '-' command. I had to for my Samsung, at least.

For 2) reduce the Inter Device Delay also.

Unfortunately, that is not doing it.

I also ran into another problem. On my laptop, I could not find older client, so I install the 7.0 client. I was able to program the remote from the laptop but now when I try it to use older client on my desktop, the update.ezhex utility complains about bad format of update file.

I guess now I am forced to upgrade to 7.0 client :-(

- Vikas

Yeah, you have to teach the '-' command. I had to for my Samsung, at least.
Or you could do like I did. Add all the local DT channels into your favorite channels list. That way I don't have to use the dash.

But if you add it to your favorite list, how do you jump to a specific one?

I am really getting frustrated with the Harmony.

I use learn command and had 880 learnt the discrete power on and power off to my receiver. They are on the custom button for the receiver device. I can verify that they work fine from 880. But when I change the power options for the receiver to use these commands, it does not work at all.

It looks like the discrete power on commands which have been taught to the remote are not handled properly. I had to get back to using PowerToggle from the database.

I also noticed something. When I used the discrete power on command and turned on the receiver, the remote did not change its state. When I started an activity, it still sent PowerToggle to the receiver which caused it to turn off.

Knowing that some of my components do support discrete power commands it really frosts me for having to use the toggle mode.

Given that every iteration takes at least five to ten minutes, one can waste hours trying to get this remote to function as you want it. You know it has the capability but the software and UI have crippled it.

- Vikas

But if you add it to your favorite list, how do you jump to a specific one?
Click Media, then the button next to the channel.

Just bought a Harmony 880, I own a Samsung 52" LCD with two HDMI inputs, but I have three products that currently have HDMI out (DVR, DVD, PS3). If I purchase an HDMI switcher from Monoprice that is 3x1, then plug that into the HDMI input on my Sony receiver, and then a single chord from the receiver into the HDMI input of my TV, will the Harmony remote be able to figure all that out? I don't want to spend $1000 for a receiver that has 3 HDMI inputs right now, as that's what they cost :( THANKS!!!!

II use learn command and had 880 learnt the discrete power on and power off to my receiver. They are on the custom button for the receiver device. I can verify that they work fine from 880. But when I change the power options for the receiver to use these commands, it does not work at all.
- When you go back into the Device power settings, how are you choosing the "learned" commands? The learned commands will always appear last in the drop down menu. They won't automatically replace the existing Power On and Power Off commands.

Also, did you try and see if the discrete power commands work in Device mode?

Sounds like you removed your tilt sensor!

If you read the FAQ on the Harmony website it tells you all about the rattle and the tilt sensor.

I doubt Logitech will replace it because you decided to remove it...that's not a fault.


I didn't remove it - it fell out. It was loose inside the casing, shifting around all over the place. I was actually worried it might cause more damge inside, than out.

Or you could do like I did. Add all the local DT channels into your favorite channels list. That way I don't have to use the dash.

Hmm, I had to learn the Dash for the digital channel favorites that had the dash to work properly. Easy enough though.

I'm FURIOUS RIGHT NOW!!!! I can't believe how bad the setup is for this remote. Don't get me wrong, I love the 880. I returned my 720 because of all the issues I was having and just like the layout of the 880 better, but MY GOD it is so inconvenient to set up. I just spent about an hour setting up the buttons how I want them to appear on the remote and when I went to update, it said the session timed out AND I LOST ALL MY SETTINGS!?!?!?!? I almost threw this thing through the wall. NOTE TO LOGITECH: The Harmony remotes are a brilliant idea, but for $200 I EXPECT A MUCH BETTER EXPERIENCE setting it up. This is ridiculous. A timeout on installed software?!?!?! Well, I'm off to waste more time with this thing....

I have a question. Other then the announced harmony 1000, are there any plans for more harmony remotes anytime soon? I have the option to pick up an 880 for $120 brand new and wanted to know if I should get it or hope for new remote. Im not t0o keen on the 1000 form factor and just dont want to buy an 880, only to discover it unsupported in the next few months when a newer version comes out since it has been out for some time.

OMFG!?!?!?! Can Logitech make this ANY WORSE TO SETUP!?!?!?! EVERYTIME I ADJUST THE BUTTON LAYOUT AND CLICK DONE IT REORGANIZES OR CHANGES COMPLETELY WHAT I JUST DID!!!!!!! WHAT A !@*&$# POS!!!!!! I'm done wasting hours trying to customize this MOTHER @#$%&!

OMFG!?!?!?! Can Logitech make this ANY WORSE TO SETUP!?!?!?! EVERYTIME I ADJUST THE BUTTON LAYOUT AND CLICK DONE IT REORGANIZES OR CHANGES COMPLETELY WHAT I JUST DID!!!!!!! WHAT A !@*&$# POS!!!!!! I'm done wasting hours trying to customize this MOTHER @#$%&!

What is complaining here accomplishing?

It's called venting and hoping someone at Logitech with half a brain realizes what garbage the software is and fixes it. Sorry for my ranting!

Hi,

I've searched and don't seem to find this problem so I must just have done something wrong, could someone clue me in on how to fix this?

I have a DirecTV HR20 and using the 880 remote I have to drop out of the "Watch TV" activity and specifically select the HR20 using the Device button in order to get the Play, Pause, FF, RW, 30 second skip buttons to work. When I press these buttons when in the "Watch TV" activity nothing happens. The odd thing is that the Guide, Exit, up, down, left, right, and OK buttons when used for the HR20 all DO work while in the "Watch TV" activity and still work while in the HR20 "Device" mode. Of course if I want to adjust the volume up/down on my receiver then I have to switch back to the "Watch TV" activity. This can be really annoying when partially skipping loud commercials.

When using my DVD player to watch a movie in the "Watch a DVD" activity all the controls (TV, Receiver, and DVD) work great w/o having to switch to any specific device.

This is the only thing that's really annoying me about the 880 and I'd really like to get the problem fixed.

Thank you in advance!

Thanks all for letting me vent ... now if I can figure out how to do a macro for an SA 8300HD to imitate a 30 second skip I'd be golden!

Searched the thread and actually read a good chunk. Just got my 880, and so far so good. One activity is repeatedly causing me trouble. Have a Samsung PDP, HR-4252, Onkyo 780 receiver, HR20 Direct TV receiver, and an OTA antenna hooked up both to my Direct TV receiver and TV. I still occasionally use the tuner on my TV for my high def watching, and that activity is causing trouble. Have an acvitivity setup (Watch TV) to keep the TV on, receiver on and change to the correct audio input, but the command to change to the OTA input on the TV just won't work. In the setup, I say to put the TV in "TV" mode, yet it just stays in whatever mode I am watching. Running Help on the remote, digging through the setup on logitechs site, and nothing. Anyone have any idea why this activity, specifically, this command to change TV inputs to "TV" is not being done. The LED on the TV even shows it's getting a signal, yet nothing happens.

My Directv is hooked via component 1
Xbox through component !
DVD by HDMI

Handles all these fine, just can't get to the antenna OTA input

EDIT: Created a workaround by sending a TV/video command at the end of the activity, and it gets the job done. Doesn't seem right that I would need that, but problem essentially solved.

Not sure if this has already been posted but some on here have complained that the remote display doesn't "wake up" very well when picked up. My first inclination was to shake it from side to side and mine didn't wake up very well either.

But I found that if you pick it up and tip the front (power off end) straight up and back toward you, it wakes up quickly every single time.

For what it's worth........

- When you go back into the Device power settings, how are you choosing the "learned" commands? The learned commands will always appear last in the drop down menu. They won't automatically replace the existing Power On and Power Off commands.

Also, did you try and see if the discrete power commands work in Device mode?

There were no existing PowerOn 0r PowerOff command, only TogglePower command.

I verified that discrete power commands work fine in the Device mode but as I said before the remote does not seem to keep track of the state of the device when I used discrete power commands.

I went through the whole dialog of telling the software that my receiver's remote has discrete power buttons and then the software actually learned the buttons.

This must be one of those things which only customer service can fix.

- Vikas

I decided to pick up the 880 today since it only ended up costing me $50 (dont ask).

Anyway, Im enjoying the remote but I have some questions.

1. I have a bunch of old video game systems (gamecube, NES, Sega, etc etc). I have all these connected to my reciever on different inputs. This allows me to easily use my 880 to switch between devices, however none of these old systems are remote controlled like my 360 is. I know you can buy these power on/off IR switches at home depot for like $20 which you plug a device into, and it simply cuts/supplies the power to an attached device, and uses a small Ir remote to operate. Will these work with my 880 so I can buy 5 or 6 of them and be able to turn my old systems on remotely?

2. Is there anyway to customzie the activites buttons? I saw I can select "themes" and the world cup theme makes the button look all different. I want to make my own theme or just replace the default pictures with my own. How do I do this? I know I can use my own pictures for my fav channels,background and slideshow, but what about activity buttons?

3. How often is this remote updated? I plan on getting a new samsung lcd which will be released in july, will the remote be updated with the product before release or do I gotta make it learn it myself?

4. I currently game with my 360 on my HD computer monitor (until I get my hd tv) via VGA. My monitor does not have an ir input on it. Im not really concerend about turning my monitor off as it has a power saving mode if it does not detect a signal, but I would like my 880 to be able to swith my monitor between dvi mode (computer) and VGA mode (xbox 360). Is this possible? I dont think it would be but just wondering if I bought like an Ir reciever for my pc or something I could do it?

5. Can some1 recomend a good lighting system to get for my bedroom that works well with the 880. I want the cheapest thing available. I only need the one room, and just want on and off. Right now I have an Ir remote light switch which dims but theres no remote for it (it works with any ir command (You can program a specific button for it but it still seems to go off when using other buttons.). This means my light goes crazy when I use my 880. I never use the dimming and just want a cheap replacment to my current system, so any recomendation?

Thanks

Hi,

I've searched and don't seem to find this problem so I must just have done something wrong, could someone clue me in on how to fix this?

I have a DirecTV HR20 and using the 880 remote I have to drop out of the "Watch TV" activity and specifically select the HR20 using the Device button in order to get the Play, Pause, FF, RW, 30 second skip buttons to work. When I press these buttons when in the "Watch TV" activity nothing happens. The odd thing is that the Guide, Exit, up, down, left, right, and OK buttons when used for the HR20 all DO work while in the "Watch TV" activity and still work while in the HR20 "Device" mode. Of course if I want to adjust the volume up/down on my receiver then I have to switch back to the "Watch TV" activity. This can be really annoying when partially skipping loud commercials.

When using my DVD player to watch a movie in the "Watch a DVD" activity all the controls (TV, Receiver, and DVD) work great w/o having to switch to any specific device.

This is the only thing that's really annoying me about the 880 and I'd really like to get the problem fixed.

Thank you in advance!

From your home page, select "Customize" for the "Watch TV" activity, then "Change behaviour of buttons".
You will now get a screen where you can assign any function to any button for the activity.

I'm FURIOUS RIGHT NOW!!!! I can't believe how bad the setup is for this remote. Don't get me wrong, I love the 880. I returned my 720 because of all the issues I was having and just like the layout of the 880 better, but MY GOD it is so inconvenient to set up. I just spent about an hour setting up the buttons how I want them to appear on the remote and when I went to update, it said the session timed out AND I LOST ALL MY SETTINGS!?!?!?!? I almost threw this thing through the wall. NOTE TO LOGITECH: The Harmony remotes are a brilliant idea, but for $200 I EXPECT A MUCH BETTER EXPERIENCE setting it up. This is ridiculous. A timeout on installed software?!?!?! Well, I'm off to waste more time with this thing....
It relies on an internet connection to set up your remote. It stores your settings on a server, and you connect via the world wide web. The problem was not the software, it was your connection. Make sure you save your changes often (in fact it makes you save them pretty often) when setting up your remote to prevent this.



1. I have a bunch of old video game systems (gamecube, NES, Sega, etc etc). I have all these connected to my reciever on different inputs. This allows me to easily use my 880 to switch between devices, however none of these old systems are remote controlled like my 360 is. I know you can buy these power on/off IR switches at home depot for like $20 which you plug a device into, and it simply cuts/supplies the power to an attached device, and uses a small Ir remote to operate. Will these work with my 880 so I can buy 5 or 6 of them and be able to turn my old systems on remotely?

2. Is there anyway to customzie the activites buttons? I saw I can select "themes" and the world cup theme makes the button look all different. I want to make my own theme or just replace the default pictures with my own. How do I do this? I know I can use my own pictures for my fav channels,background and slideshow, but what about activity buttons?

3. How often is this remote updated? I plan on getting a new samsung lcd which will be released in july, will the remote be updated with the product before release or do I gotta make it learn it myself?

4. I currently game with my 360 on my HD computer monitor (until I get my hd tv) via VGA. My monitor does not have an ir input on it. Im not really concerend about turning my monitor off as it has a power saving mode if it does not detect a signal, but I would like my 880 to be able to swith my monitor between dvi mode (computer) and VGA mode (xbox 360). Is this possible? I dont think it would be but just wondering if I bought like an Ir reciever for my pc or something I could do it?

5. Can some1 recomend a good lighting system to get for my bedroom that works well with the 880. I want the cheapest thing available. I only need the one room, and just want on and off. Right now I have an Ir remote light switch which dims but theres no remote for it (it works with any ir command (You can program a specific button for it but it still seems to go off when using other buttons.). This means my light goes crazy when I use my 880. I never use the dimming and just want a cheap replacment to my current system, so any recomendation?

Thanks

1. should be able to set this up easily. the remote is capable of 'learning' IR commands. the software walks you through it, no problem. my concern would be that the cheap things you buy would all contain the same IR command, and when you went to press on for one system, all systems would turn on because their commands are the same.

2. no

3. I think the database for devices is updated pretty regularly. My samsung dlp is pretty new, and it was in there, along with my brand new sony a/v.

4. I'm not sure about this one. I'd say google, as long as you can set up your PC w/ some software + IR reciever that has a 'switch displays' hotkey, and you can somehow make the remote 'learn' the IR command to press that hotkey... it should work. Tricky, but I wouldn't say impossible. I don't think you can do it w/ a windows media center remote though.

5. i would like a cheap idea too.

I decided to pick up the 880 today since it only ended up costing me $50 (dont ask).

Anyway, Im enjoying the remote but I have some questions.

1. I have a bunch of old video game systems (gamecube, NES, Sega, etc etc). I have all these connected to my reciever on different inputs. This allows me to easily use my 880 to switch between devices, however none of these old systems are remote controlled like my 360 is. I know you can buy these power on/off IR switches at home depot for like $20 which you plug a device into, and it simply cuts/supplies the power to an attached device, and uses a small Ir remote to operate. Will these work with my 880 so I can buy 5 or 6 of them and be able to turn my old systems on remotely?

2. Is there anyway to customzie the activites buttons? I saw I can select "themes" and the world cup theme makes the button look all different. I want to make my own theme or just replace the default pictures with my own. How do I do this? I know I can use my own pictures for my fav channels,background and slideshow, but what about activity buttons?

3. How often is this remote updated? I plan on getting a new samsung lcd which will be released in july, will the remote be updated with the product before release or do I gotta make it learn it myself?

4. I currently game with my 360 on my HD computer monitor (until I get my hd tv) via VGA. My monitor does not have an ir input on it. Im not really concerend about turning my monitor off as it has a power saving mode if it does not detect a signal, but I would like my 880 to be able to swith my monitor between dvi mode (computer) and VGA mode (xbox 360). Is this possible? I dont think it would be but just wondering if I bought like an Ir reciever for my pc or something I could do it?

5. Can some1 recomend a good lighting system to get for my bedroom that works well with the 880. I want the cheapest thing available. I only need the one room, and just want on and off. Right now I have an Ir remote light switch which dims but theres no remote for it (it works with any ir command (You can program a specific button for it but it still seems to go off when using other buttons.). This means my light goes crazy when I use my 880. I never use the dimming and just want a cheap replacment to my current system, so any recomendation?

Thanks

1. X10 will be able to accomplish this

5. I am using the Lutron Maestro IR dimmers which works very well with my 880. It's only $40 at Home Depot or Lowes.

1. X10 will be able to accomplish this

5. I am using the Lutron Maestro IR dimmers which works very well with my 880. It's only $40 at Home Depot or Lowes.

1. Whats an X10

5. Thanks Ill check out home depot.

1. Whats an X10

http://www.x10.com

well I searched that x10 site and it confuses the hell out of me. All their product descriptions are not very clear at all, I cant figure out what anythign does.

I think this http://www.x10.com/automation/x10_am14a.htm is what I need to turn my old video game systems on/off remotely, but thats too much money to spend per device.

well I searched that x10 site and it confuses the hell out of me. All their product descriptions are not very clear at all, I cant figure out what anythign does.

I think this http://www.x10.com/automation/x10_am14a.htm is what I need to turn my old video game systems on/off remotely, but thats too much money to spend per device.

The one you selected is the 2 way kit which is more expensive. You will need an IR controller http://www.x10.com/automation/x10_ir543.htm and one appliance module for each of your system http://www.x10.com/automation/x10_am486.htm

alright thanks. I decided not to buy it tho as i realized theres no point since you still need to pick up the controllers from the front to lay, so you migbht as well push power on the system while there. Ill just buy 1 cheap one from home depot for the gamecube, since I have wireless controllers for that.

Alright I tried searching for this but wasn't able to find the answer. Hopefully its an easy fix!

I have everything setup through my remote and the only thing I want to change is the order of my customized buttons on the top LCD. I thought I could do this easily by going on my PC and editing the Customized Buttons area but it doesn't list certain buttons there or the order.

For instance on my PVR I have the following options:
A B
C List
Fav E
LiveTV Aspect

I want to change this to:
LiveTV A
Fav B
E C
Aspect List

The same thing on my XBOX 360, I want to change the order of the 4 buttons on the remote to all be on one side.

Is this possible or am I stuck the way it is?

The same thing on my XBOX 360, I want to change the order of the 4 buttons on the remote to all be on one side.

Is this possible or am I stuck the way it is?
I've never been able to get it to have all the lcd options on one side. I tried creating blank commands and it didn't work.

I am having an issue with the date and time changing about 2 days after being updated. Like right now it says it Friday evening. Other than continuing to plug it into the computer is there a way for it to keep the correct time/date? This happens before the batteries run low.

Alright I tried searching for this but wasn't able to find the answer. Hopefully its an easy fix!

I have everything setup through my remote and the only thing I want to change is the order of my customized buttons on the top LCD. I thought I could do this easily by going on my PC and editing the Customized Buttons area but it doesn't list certain buttons there or the order.

For instance on my PVR I have the following options:
A B
C List
Fav E
LiveTV Aspect

I want to change this to:
LiveTV A
Fav B
E C
Aspect List

The same thing on my XBOX 360, I want to change the order of the 4 buttons on the remote to all be on one side.

Is this possible or am I stuck the way it is?

There's one set of LCD buttons for each device when you select it via Devices, and then there's another set of LCD buttons for each device that is participating in a given Activity when you select that Activity.

For the Device set, just go to Customize Buttons for that device. You will need to rename each LCD button, and of course change the command it sends, in the order you want them. If you are using the default layout, you can get up to 8 buttons per page, and the first 8 buttons you list will appear as:

1---2
3---4
5---6
7---8

Any buttons beyond that will appear on subsequent LCD pages continuing the same ordering.

For the Activity set, things are more complicated. All the buttons that send commands to a given device will be grouped BY DEVICE. You can't change that. The groups for each device will be displayed on the LCD in the order Harmony's setup software chooses -- basically the order the devices are added in to make that Activity template. You can't change that either.

And finally, there is only one set of Activity buttons for EACH DEVICE ROLE in the activities. If you make a change to a device's buttons in one Activity, you will ALSO be changing the buttons for that device if it is serving the same role in ANY OTHER Activity. And again, you can't change that.

So having created an Activity, you may find that some devices ALREADY have buttons defined since those devices were used in the same role in some other Activity. For example, the cable TV box fills the same role in every single variant of Watch TV. If you make two such Activities, the buttons you set up for the cable TV box in one of them, will also be the buttons you have in the other one. And again, you can't change that.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

So setting up LCD buttons in the Device panel for any given device is pretty straightforward. Just edit the list from top to bottom to get the order as described above.

But when setting up the LCD for an Activity it is more complicated.

First it helps to know what order the Harmony has assigned to the devices. Set up an LCD button for each device. Program the remote, and see what order they show up on the screen. Note that the order they show up on the screen MAY BE DIFFERENT than the order the setup software collects them in!

Remember the order they show up on the screen.

Now figure out how you want your buttons laid out -- keeping in mind that you have no control about the fact that they are collected per device, nor the ordering of the devices.

Now enter the buttons. Note that each time the setup software refreshes the display -- as for example when you ask for an additional button slot -- it will re-order the buttons you have already entered so as to collect them per device.

Using your previous experiment you know how the devices will actually be ordered on the LCD screen. Just count up buttons -- perhaps adding a button you don't really need, or perhaps deciding to not add some button -- to get the layout that works.

When you program the Harmony you now have one activity set up correctly.

Now you need to look at how each device in that activity may have had its buttons poorly laid out in every OTHER activity. Again, you will learn that there's only one set of button layouts per device per role of that device in other Activities.

Given the entire SET of activities that use each device, you may decide to modify your Activity LCD layout for that device to make things work better. Or you may add or delete a button for some OTHER device to get the best compromise collection of stuff on screen for all your various devices in all your various activities.

This can take some noodling to get right. But when you are done, the advantage is that you find the same set of buttons for each device, ordered and named the same way, in each Activity that is using that device in a similar way.

Again, the LCD setup on the Devices panel for each device is independent of this. You get to set that one up with different names and ordering.

One last thing: Sometimes you might want the same device button on more than one LCD page. For example you might want an Enter button on both page 1 and page 2. You can do this, but to make it work you have to use a different NAME for the two buttons. Make one Enter, and the other ENTER for example.

If you put in two buttons with identical names, the second one will disappear the next time you refresh the list of buttons in the setup software.
--Bob

Great info! Thanks for your detailed post, I will try this out tomorrow.

I hate how the control reorganizes buttons by device. A drag and drop interface is really what needs to be done.

I just ordered me a 880 from Amazon ($127 after rebate) to replace a 2 year old Sony RM AX-4000 whos buttons have started to get hard to push.

Is there a way to put descrete input codes for Sony TV's?
How does it work with the D* HR20 HD DVR?

(I tried searching this thread for those answers but the search function was no help!)

I just ordered me a 880 from Amazon ($127 after rebate) to replace a 2 year old Sony RM AX-4000 whos buttons have started to get hard to push.

Is there a way to put descrete input codes for Sony TV's?
How does it work with the D* HR20 HD DVR?

(I tried searching this thread for those answers but the search function was no help!)

Odds are the codes for your Sony TV are already in the Harmony database. If not, you can "learn" them. A learned code is kept in your configuration file on the Harmony server and you can assign it to any button on the remote as well as to the input setting function when you change from one Activity to another.

As far as I know, the 880 works just fine with the DirecTV boxes.
--Bob

I hate how the control reorganizes buttons by device. A drag and drop interface is really what needs to be done.

Not going to happen. I've been waiting for almost two years and the software has barely advanced beyond rearranging the activity order.

Is there a way to put descrete input codes for Sony TV's?

If so I'd put a descrete code on your signature ;)

I have a lutron Graphic eye in my theater which is programed into the remote. Is there anyway to make the lights dim say when I push play on the remote and make the lights come up when I press pause or turn off the system.

I believe you can send one command to each device when you press any button.

Add the Lutron to the appropriate Activity. Go to customize buttons for that Activity.

For the Play button, in addition to the play command sent to the player, add the dim command to send to the Lutron.

Similarly, add the full bright command to Pause or Stop.

Meanwhile back in the main setup for that activity there will come a point where it tells you these are the devices for this activity and do you want to add any extra commands to them.

At that point I believe you can add the full bright command for when you exit the Activity. I'm not sure, but I believe that command will also be performed if you are currently in that activity when you hit the button to power everything off.
--Bob

If so I'd put a descrete code on your signature ;)
What, you got something against Steve McQueen??

I wish to set up an activity that does NOT turn on devices in that activity. Can this be done? Everything I read, indicates that the remote will turn on the devices in that activity that it thinks are off. I need this activity to NOT turn on devices in the activity that it thinks are off. Ideas? --Greg--

well I searched that x10 site and it confuses the hell out of me. All their product descriptions are not very clear at all, I cant figure out what anythign does.

I think this http://www.x10.com/automation/x10_am14a.htm is what I need to turn my old video game systems on/off remotely, but thats too much money to spend per device.


Go to smarthome.com It explains X10 I have a very advanced X10 home and everything works perfectly. I love X10!!! I couldn't imagine living without it. --Greg--

I wish to set up an activity that does NOT turn on devices in that activity. Can this be done? Everything I read, indicates that the remote will turn on the devices in that activity that it thinks are off. I need this activity to NOT turn on devices in the activity that it thinks are off. Ideas?
- Can you explain what you are trying to do in terms of devices?

Debating between the 720 & the 880. Is it really a personal preference/design choice or are there performance differences that I am missing? How did you choose?

Thanks!

- Can you explain what you are trying to do in terms of devices?

I would also like to do this. With my old 659 and older versions of Logitech/Harmony set up software I could set up 'Play DVD' not to toggle power on the DVD player when starting the activity (normally I power the DVD player and put a DVD in and then select Play DVD). I can't seem to find this option for either 659 or 880 with the new software. Can it still be done.

I would also like to do this. With my old 659 and older versions of Logitech/Harmony set up software I could set up 'Play DVD' not to toggle power on the DVD player when starting the activity (normally I power the DVD player and put a DVD in and then select Play DVD). I can't seem to find this option for either 659 or 880 with the new software. Can it still be done.

You can tag your DVD player as a device to be left ON all the time. That means you will have to turn it on and off manually as the Harmony will assume it is already ON. Do this in the Devices / Power Settings section for your DVD.

You could then also, I believe, put an explicit power off command in for the DVD when leaving the Activity if you want. I'm pretty sure that if you do that the Harmony will still assume the DVD player is still ON.

Alternatively you could pre-load your DVD disc and then turn power off on the DVD player. Later when you enter the DVD activity the Harmony will power it on with the disc already inserted.
--Bob

I would also like to do this. With my old 659 and older versions of Logitech/Harmony set up software I could set up 'Play DVD' not to toggle power on the DVD player when starting the activity (normally I power the DVD player and put a DVD in and then select Play DVD). I can't seem to find this option for either 659 or 880 with the new software. Can it still be done.


I just want to start an activity that does NOT turn on the devices in that activity. Can it be done? --Greg--

I just want to start an activity that does NOT turn on the devices in that activity. Can it be done? --Greg--

I don't believe you can do that without altering how device power is handled in other Activities that use that device.

You can tag any Device as one to be left on all the time, in which case the Harmony assumes it is always ON and never tries to turn it on or off upon entering or leaving ANY Activity. Manual power on and off commands you send will still work as normal, but the Harmony won't track those itself -- i.e., it will still assume the Device is on even if you just manually turned it off.
--Bob

You can tag your DVD player as a device to be left ON all the time. That means you will have to turn it on and off manually as the Harmony will assume it is already ON. Do this in the Devices / Power Settings section for your DVD.

You could then also, I believe, put an explicit power off command in for the DVD when leaving the Activity if you want. I'm pretty sure that if you do that the Harmony will still assume the DVD player is still ON.

Alternatively you could pre-load your DVD disc and then turn power off on the DVD player. Later when you enter the DVD activity the Harmony will power it on with the disc already inserted.
--Bob

If your DVD player supports it, you could include an Eject command in the "Play DVD" activity. This would turn on the player and open the tray, if it is already on, it would just open the tray. You could then insert your new disc, and then hit play - either on the player or remote.

I don't believe you can do that without altering how device power is handled in other Activities that use that device.

You can tag any Device as one to be left on all the time, in which case the Harmony assumes it is always ON and never tries to turn it on or off upon entering or leaving ANY Activity. Manual power on and off commands you send will still work as normal, but the Harmony won't track those itself -- i.e., it will still assume the Device is on even if you just manually turned it off.
--Bob


Thank you Bob, this is the answer that I was looking for. --Greg--

I wish to set up an activity that does NOT turn on devices in that activity. Can this be done? Everything I read, indicates that the remote will turn on the devices in that activity that it thinks are off. I need this activity to NOT turn on devices in the activity that it thinks are off. Ideas? --Greg--


I don't think it can be done this way.

What are you trying to do? There maybe another way/method of doing it.

JayMan

If your DVD player supports it, you could include an Eject command in the "Play DVD" activity. This would turn on the player and open the tray, if it is already on, it would just open the tray. You could then insert your new disc, and then hit play - either on the player or remote.
- You can also probably set up the PowerOn button as the "Play" toggle.

I had the same rattle. I opened the battery cover which exposes a small hole into the casing. I was able to get two pieces to come out - one is a small black square grid and the other is a small brass sphere that is supposed to sit in a little dimple in the middle of the grid.

My tilt sensor no longer works. How did you know this is the tilt? Is Logitech aware of this and are they sending replacement remotes for this problem?


As an update, Logitech is repacing my remote free of charge. At first they were a bit surprised that the tilt sensor actually came out of my remote, but after I explained it, they seemed okay with it. The 890s are on back order so I actually have to wait for a couple of weeks, but that's okay given everything about the remote works other than the tilt sensor. They told me to use the new remote for a while before sending back the old one, to make sure the new one works as expected.

Big Thanks to Harmony and Logitech! Hassle free warranty support is just one of the benefits of paying $250 for a great remote, thankfully.

I just joined this site and read a little through this thread, but since there's 58 pages I might be repeating a question. How strong of an IR signal does this have? I just recently bought a new TV, and I got a TV stand (Harlem Furniture Manhattan Collection) with glass doors on it. I have both my DirecTV receiver and my Yamaha HTR-5450 receiver behind the doors. I just use the DirecTV remote to control everything, but it cannot do anything with my Yamaha receiver with the doors closed. The DirecTV works fine.

I've read about this remote and really like the functionality it provides, but I need to know if it'll be strong enough to get past the glass doors so I don't have the same problem as my DirecTV remote.

Thanks. :)

The IR signal is strong from the 880. I have no problems controlling my equipment from 25 feet away behind glass doors. I can even bounce the signals off of the walls and ceiling, which none of my other remotes have ever been able to do.

The IR signal is strong from the 880. I have no problems controlling my equipment from 25 feet away behind glass doors. I can even bounce the signals off of the walls and ceiling, which none of my other remotes have ever been able to do.

Excellent, good to know. Can you also control multiple TVs on this remote? I live in a one bedroom condo, have my home theater out in the living room, and then also a TV/DirecTV receiver/DVD in my room as well. I'd love to be able to carry one remote between both rooms.

The IR signal is strong from the 880. I have no problems controlling my equipment from 25 feet away behind glass doors. I can even bounce the signals off of the walls and ceiling, which none of my other remotes have ever been able to do.

I would second this opinion. My DVR is not behind glass but it sits down very low toward the back of my TV stand. It is not in the remote's direct line of sight unless you hold the remote very low by the floor. The original Comcast remote requires you to do this, unless the batteries are brand new. The 880 controls the DVR from almost anywhere at almost any angle, and you don't have to worry about replacing the batteries.

Can you also control multiple TVs on this remote? I live in a one bedroom condo, have my home theater out in the living room, and then also a TV/DirecTV receiver/DVD in my room as well. I'd love to be able to carry one remote between both rooms.

Welcome to the thread. Yes, you can control systems in different rooms. I would encourage you to read through this entire forum, as you can learn a lot from the struggles others have gone through. This is a great remote, but will require a bit of time to program. It is well worth it, though. Buy it!

Welcome to the thread. Yes, you can control systems in different rooms. I would encourage you to read through this entire forum, as you can learn a lot from the struggles others have gone through. This is a great remote, but will require a bit of time to program. It is well worth it, though. Buy it!

Great, sounds like this remote is perfect for me. Thanks for the help!

I'm sure I'll be reading through this thread again once I get it. :D

I am thinking of getting this remote but I am not particularly computer literate. Is it possible to program buttons to perform specific tasks within the task? Is it difficult to do? I want to assign a button to aspect ratio (which would cycle) and another to audio aspect (either 7 channel or Dolby). These are parameters that change depending on what I am watching within the main task (watching either DBS or DVD).

Personally, general setup is easy. When you get into customization and specific layout, it can be very tedious. The basic setup of it asking you questions and programming based on your answers is simple enough. My personal opinion is that the software could be much, much better. I have the remote and am pleased with it, but find myself tweaking it as I go. Once it is setup how you want it, you shouldn't really have to bother with programming anymore unless you change a piece of equipment.

I own a Samsung LNS5296D 52" LCD, the Harmony cannot distinguish between my inputs. Two of them are HDMI which I use and the other is a Cable input which I don't use (and can't be turned off). When I switch between DVD and DVR it always goes to the unused Cable input of white snow. I have tried re-arranging this in the setup but to no avail. Anyone have any ideas?

I own a Samsung LNS5296D 52" LCD, the Harmony cannot distinguish between my inputs. Two of them are HDMI which I use and the other is a Cable input which I don't use (and can't be turned off). When I switch between DVD and DVR it always goes to the unused Cable input of white snow. I have tried re-arranging this in the setup but to no avail. Anyone have any ideas?

How do you change inputs with your regular remote?

Press the input button. The Harmony doesn't know how many times to hit "input" tho to cycle through the 3 different input options.

Press the input button. The Harmony doesn't know how many times to hit "input" tho to cycle through the 3 different input options.

Make sure the inputs are in the correct order. If they are correct, then it is just the matter of setting the correct input delays.

ChristianZane, did you check to see if the Samsung LCD has discrete inputs in the code database? If it's a new TV, the Samsung should have codes for it. It will save you from the headaches of the Input Toggle.

Where is the code database?
I've been looking on the site & haven't found it, but I probably will find it now that I posted this question!

The biggest PIA so far has been getting timed out!
I spent a lot of time customizing the buttons only to have it time out & lose all my work!!

The database has "discrete" codes for the LNSxx96D series LCDs (if they don't show for the 5296, pretend you have an 4096, I know they're there for sure).

To use these, start the remote software and select Devices-TV-Settings-Adjust Inputs.
Then, lie and say "I go directly to the input I want". The next screen shows the input names which should be HDMI 1, HDMI 2, TV, S-Video, Component 1, Component 2, PC, AV 1, AV 2. The following screens will allow you to pick the remote codes to select the inputs. The database is somewhat polluted and it took me a while to figure out which was which.
The codes are "HDMI 1" for HDMI 1 input, "InputHDMI2V2" for the HDMI 2 input, "InputAntenna" for TV, "InputSVideo" for S-Video, "InputComponent2" for Component 1, "InputComponent 1" (with space) for Component 2, "InputPC" for PC, "InputVideo" for AV 1 and "InputVideo2V2" for AV 2.

I own a Samsung LNS5296D 52" LCD, the Harmony cannot distinguish between my inputs. Two of them are HDMI which I use and the other is a Cable input which I don't use (and can't be turned off). When I switch between DVD and DVR it always goes to the unused Cable input of white snow. I have tried re-arranging this in the setup but to no avail. Anyone have any ideas?

My 880 just doesn't want to play with my V444ES, it just won't change inputs when doing activities.
It's not a big deal & I'm ready to upgrade to a HDMI receiver anyway.

The only reason I didn't bring home a 5200ES today was it only had 3 HDMI inputs, I'm really hoping that Sony will have some new ES receivers at their line show next month with 4, 5, or even 6 HDMI inputs & the 5200's GUI.

Hopefully a newer model receiver will work better with the 880.

Hey Rotx that worked great, thanks for the info!

Do you have any idea how to set up RF devices? I bought a light switch remote and it doesn't use IR, but RF, I spend two hours trying to "pair" it with the Harmony but no dice. (I use the Harmony that supports RF, how would someone with an 880 use such a device?). It's called the Lamps Plus Casa E-Z Remote.

The database has "discrete" codes for the LNSxx96D series LCDs (if they don't show for the 5296, pretend you have an 4096, I know they're there for sure).

To use these, start the remote software and select Devices-TV-Settings-Adjust Inputs.
Then, lie and say "I go directly to the input I want". The next screen shows the input names which should be HDMI 1, HDMI 2, TV, S-Video, Component 1, Component 2, PC, AV 1, AV 2. The following screens will allow you to pick the remote codes to select the inputs. The database is somewhat polluted and it took me a while to figure out which was which.
The codes are "HDMI 1" for HDMI 1 input, "InputHDMI2V2" for the HDMI 2 input, "InputAntenna" for TV, "InputSVideo" for S-Video, "InputComponent2" for Component 1, "InputComponent 1" (with space) for Component 2, "InputPC" for PC, "InputVideo" for AV 1 and "InputVideo2V2" for AV 2.

Hey Rotx that worked great, thanks for the info!

Do you have any idea how to set up RF devices? I bought a light switch remote and it doesn't use IR, but RF, I spend two hours trying to "pair" it with the Harmony but no dice. (I use the Harmony that supports RF, how would someone with an 880 use such a device?). It's called the Lamps Plus Casa E-Z Remote.

Uh, all RF is proprietary. That is, the harmony, as with any other universal remote that supports RF, only uses the RF to communicate with it's repeater base that coverts the RF to IR for distribution (ie. to other rooms, into cabinets, etc).
Therefore, you could NEVER teach the Harmony RF. I do not know of any real RF learning remote.
The best you could hope to do is find a device that someone sells that converts IR to RF for your light switch and I seriously doubt that someone makes that, either.
Your best bet (and cheapest solution) is to replace the light switch with one that accepts IR (smarthome.com sells plenty of them).

Hey Rotx that worked great, thanks for the info!

Do you have any idea how to set up RF devices? I bought a light switch remote and it doesn't use IR, but RF, I spend two hours trying to "pair" it with the Harmony but no dice. (I use the Harmony that supports RF, how would someone with an 880 use such a device?). It's called the Lamps Plus Casa E-Z Remote.

If you have the Harmony 890, it is supposed to work with Z-Wave RF switches. I have not tested this, but will try in the future.

59 pages, it is a long read!

I am considering upgrading from my Sony Remote Commander RM-AV2000 to the Harmony 880.

However, I am a victim of the Comcast 3412 DVR HDMI/DVI firmware 16.20 problem: in short, I have to power off, and then on again, my Comcast DVR in order to get the "snow" to go away, and the picture to appear.

Do any other victims of this firmware issue have the 880?

Will I be able to add this on/off switch to my "watch TV" setting on the 880?

At the end of the day I really just want one remote, the 880, and nothing more. I would be frustrated to no certain end if I had to keep my comcastic remote out just to use the power button to cycle the 3412.

Anyone suggest a good online site with good pricing on the 880 right now?

Thanks in advance.

I have the 880 and the same DVR, but without the firmware problem you describe. Have you tried switching out the unit you have for a different one? Getting one that works properly would be the ideal solution.

Will I be able to add this on/off switch to my "watch TV" setting on the 880?


Yes. Can't you just leave the DVR on at all times?

Ok this remote light swtich I bought is an RF device, not a Z-wave, I will get a Z-wave remote unit and that will fix the problem, thanks for the help (if there was an 890 thread I would post there).

Ok this remote light swtich I bought is an RF device, not a Z-wave, I will get a Z-wave remote unit and that will fix the problem, thanks for the help (if there was an 890 thread I would post there).

I have the 890 also. There is a thread for it, but not much activity. There may be some more info on the Logitech Forums http://forums.logitech.com/ . Let me know how the Z-wave switch works. Its on my list of things to do, but I'm sure you know how that is...

Check here:
http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/board/message?board.id=general_remotes&message.id=1720

59 pages, it is a long read!

Anyone suggest a good online site with good pricing on the 880 right now?

Thanks in advance.

I just got a factory sealed new 890 for $200 plus 15 bucks for shipping on Ebay. They have some 880s as well but I am not sure of the price. I got it on a "Best Offer" rather than a bid.

Bill

Thanks for the info so far. I appreciate it...and any more?

I have the 880 and the same DVR, but without the firmware problem you describe. Have you tried switching out the unit you have for a different one? Getting one that works properly would be the ideal solution.

Hi JBaumgart. Thanks for the suggestion. I Definitely do not want to hijack this thread on this firmware issue. I have had the tech here and tried different boxes. Basically it seems that my Dell 4200 TV can't "handshake" with the firmware. Seems like a fairly common problem with a variety of "older plasmas" with the only solution so far being changing to component cables. (I love the concept that a 2 year old TV is "older." We still have a montgomery ward 19" TV from the late 70's rocking in a basement.)

This sort of explains it:

I was going to drop a link to the known bugs section of the Motorola DVR wikibook here but I can't do that until I get 5 posts I guess.

Yes. Can't you just leave the DVR on at all times?

Hi Cherry. Generally, yes, it really always stays on, maybe in "standby.". I guess the technical problem is that it can't be "on" before my TV is turned on.

I just got a factory sealed new 890 for $200 plus 15 bucks for shipping on Ebay. They have some 880s as well but I am not sure of the price. I got it on a "Best Offer" rather than a bid.

Thanks. I'll check it out.