Harmony 880 Official Thread. For all info and FAQs [Text View] - Page 9

DishDog

03-02-07, 10:15 PM

Just got an 880. Went through the setup and everything is working well. Very nice.

Now on my Yamaha AV Receiver, it has a 'Ext. Decoder' bypass button. On occassions, I wish to activate this button. This is not a default setup selection for the Yamaha as it is a bit specializing. I am assuming (and hoping) that I can somehow program the 880 to activate/deactivate this button when I select my desired Activity. Any suggestions on how I should proceed?

Well you could add it to the list of commands issued by the remote when first selecting your Activity and then also map a toggle to an available hard key or LDC button.

So when first entering that activity Ext. Decoder would activate and then you could toggle it off when you choose. Or visa versa.

bweissman

03-02-07, 10:27 PM

REDCELL

03-03-07, 08:58 AM

bernie33

03-03-07, 01:02 PM

Im loving my 880 so far. Did the software for programming the 880 change so as not to allow the addition of Icons to Favorite Channels? I went thru the postings and saw the directions but it doesn't seem to be an option when I try to do it.

It's there. From the main setup screen, in the Watch DVR activity, click on Setup Favorite Channels.

The problem you may be having is that you have to supply your own icons for the channels. There are sites that have collections of those icons. From any of the setup windows, click Help, then "View More Help". Scroll to "Images and Favorites". The first question there will point you to some places where you can find collections of channel logos.

Bernie

REDCELL

03-03-07, 03:01 PM

It's there. From the main setup screen, in the Watch DVR activity, click on Setup Favorite Channels.

The problem you may be having is that you have to supply your own icons for the channels. There are sites that have collections of those icons. From any of the setup windows, click Help, then "View More Help". Scroll to "Images and Favorites". The first question there will point you to some places where you can find collections of channel logos.

Bernie

Thanks for the reply. I was wanting to do this for my "Watch TV" activity. I dont have a DVR. Ill check what you posted and see if its possible on the TV.

Thanks again!

bernie33

03-03-07, 03:17 PM

Thanks for the reply. I was wanting to do this for my "Watch TV" activity. I dont have a DVR. Ill check what you posted and see if its possible on the TV.

Thanks again!

Yep, it's there for "Watch TV" also.

REDCELL

03-03-07, 03:47 PM

Yes it is...found it and set it up. Thanks for the assist.

brando1028

03-04-07, 01:08 AM

When you set up your devices the software asks what method is used to select your inputs. If you can go directly to an input make sure that the "cycle through" option is not selected.

Unfortunately I do have to cycle through the inputs....

tokerblue

03-04-07, 01:21 AM

The Samsung HLS-5086W is a newer TV. It should have the codes for the discrete inputs. Adjust the input and try it.

Method 2: Select this method if the remote has labeled buttons like VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, and each button displays a unique source input label on the screen.

DishDog

03-04-07, 11:26 AM

Unfortunately I do have to cycle through the inputs....
Have you tried removing "Antenna Input" from the Source Input List in Device Setup?

barryaz1

03-04-07, 11:31 PM

gass

03-05-07, 07:56 AM

I'd have to say probably not. Its not as strong as my old Denon Atkis, but the 880 is far smarter. It seems to me that I have to make sure I'm pointing more "acurately" these days.
At least that's what the wife says :)

strutter

03-05-07, 03:58 PM

i sit about 10ft away from my 60"xbr2, the sensor for it is on the lower Rt. side, my cable box is on the same side about 12" below the tv sensor. my receiver, dvdplayer and cd player are on the left side between 12" and 24" below the TV. i can aim the harmony anywhere toward the tv (right, left ,center) and all my components will come on correctly. meaning i can aim at the right side and the components on the left side will come on correctly and vice versa. there is about 5ft distance between the right and left sides. i have not tried anything wider. nor have i tried a vertical distance wider than about 24"

Brett_H

03-05-07, 04:15 PM

strutter

03-05-07, 04:25 PM

i never turn off my cable box. if i did it would do the same thing.

VisionOn

03-05-07, 07:32 PM

Is it possible to tell an activity to send a given command only the first time it is selected after coming from a "power off" state? I know it's kind of specialized... but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

I can't remember off hand. The simple answer is just to make two activities - a "Power on" activity, and a "watch TV" activity without the channel commands.

DishDog

03-05-07, 10:18 PM

Here's the setup: I have a "watch TV" activity that is working correctly. My SA 8300HD cable box is programmed by the cable company to go to their own public access channel every time it's turned on. I programmed the activity to turn it to channel 703 automatically so I don't have to suffer through watching their annoying channel when it's turned on.

This is fine the first time the activity is selected. It's a bit annoying if, for instance, I "watch TV", then "watch DVD", then "watch TV" again. If I had turned the cable box to something other than channel 703, the "watch TV" activity turns the cable box back to 703.

Is it possible to tell an activity to send a given command only the first time it is selected after coming from a "power off" state? I know it's kind of specialized... but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Thanks,
-Brett.The power command should only be issued once when you first enter an Activity provided that you told the software to "Always leave device on." during your Device setup. Then, no matter how many times you access the Activity no subsequent power commands are issued. When you are finished for the day, pressing the off button on the Harmony remote will let the onboard software know to issue a power command when you first enter your Activity the next day.

XorCizzle

03-05-07, 11:14 PM

The first thing I would do is rerun the setup Wizard for the Activity causing the problems. Go to Customize-->Rerun Wizard and step through the questions using Next. You should then get to a display of all the commands issued when you FIRST initiate the Activity. It will look something like this:
Device Status / Actions
DirecTV HR20 DirecTV HR20 is on
Sony HD-TV Sony HD-TV is on
Bose HD Amp Bose HD Amp is on
RCA BR Amp RCA BR Amp is on
HR20 HR20 is set to "Tuner"
HD-TV HD-TV is set to "Component"
HD Amp HD Amp is set to "Audio In"
HR20 "PowerOn" command is sent to the HR20
HD-TV The remote pauses for 500 milliseconds
HD-TV The remote pauses for 1000 milliseconds
HD-TV "PowerOn" command is sent to the HD-TV

Copy your commands to the clipboard and post them here and we'll look to see if we can spot something.

i cant find re run wizard...this is what its set to for watch tv

# PVR is on
# TV is on
# AV Receiver is on
# All of your other devices are off

After the devices are turned on, the devices will be set as follows:
# PVR is set to "Tuner"
# TV is set to "HDMI 1"
# AV Receiver is set to "Digital"
this is my watch dvr setup
# PVR is on
# TV is on
# AV Receiver is on
# All of your other devices are off

After the devices are turned on, the devices will be set as follows:
# PVR is set to "Tuner"
# TV is set to "HDMI 1"
# AV Receiver is set to "Digital"
# MyDvr command is sent to the PVR

DishDog

03-05-07, 11:45 PM

But we don't know what the actual sequence is unless you get it from the setup screen.

On the Harmony website go to an Activity that you feel is not performing properly. Then select: Customize-->Rerun Wizard and step through the questions using Next. You should then get to a display of all the commands issued when you FIRST initiate the Activity.

XorCizzle

03-06-07, 01:11 AM

Motorola PVR Motorola PVR is on
Samsung TV Samsung TV is on
Panasonic AV Receiver Panasonic AV Receiver is on
Other All other devices are off
PVR PVR is set to "Tuner"
TV TV is set to "HDMI 1"
AV Receiver AV Receiver is set to "Digital"

is there where you are talkin about?

cause under activities i got settings, troubleshoot and customize buttons, if i go thru the settings menu and then i can run the setup wizard, but it doesnt give me any options other than choose inputs for each component

also it isnt one particular actiuvity that gets stuck showing the input its on....if i go from watch tv, to watch my dvr, and then back to watch tv, it gets stuck showing it

also im using the 7.0.2 software....do i get more options going to the website? if so, whats the website

tvshopper

03-06-07, 09:23 AM

XorCizzle

03-06-07, 09:32 AM

XorCizzle,

I'm just curious...what Moto PVR do you have? I have Charter cable and have the 9012 DVR from Moto. The way Charter has it set up I don't need to turn it on or turn it to tuner. So, in my set up I made sure that the device Motorola PVR does not have a power button, etc. Maybe that will help if your DVR is set up the same (that is, does not turn on and off).
i have a DCT6412 III, i have it set to always on, so thats the not the issue...the issue im having is with my samsung tv, when im switching between activities, it displays which input its on, most of the time (id say 75%) it goes off, the other 25% it get "stuck" showing the input onscreen.

Brett_H

03-06-07, 09:39 AM

I can't remember off hand. The simple answer is just to make two activities - a "Power on" activity, and a "watch TV" activity without the channel commands.

That would be OK if it was just for me, but I don't want to subject my wife, the baby sitter, etc, to any unneeded complications. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

It seems like what I need is the ability to add an "action" to the power on command sequence for a given device.

The power command should only be issued once when you first enter an Activity provided that you told the software to "Always leave device on." during your Device setup. Then, no matter how many times you access the Activity no subsequent power commands are issued. When you are finished for the day, pressing the off button on the Harmony remote will let the onboard software know to issue a power command when you first enter your Activity the next day.

Maybe I was a little unclear. It's not that the "power on" is being sent multiple times. I've programmed in an extra task at the end of my "Watch TV" activity that turns the cable box to channel 703. I was wondering if there's a way to only change to channel 703 when the cable box is first turned on. Meaning, the command "change to channel 703": would be part of the cable box's "power on" sequence instead of the "Watch TV" activity.

For reference, here's a summary of my "Watch TV" activity:
When you start this Activity, the remote will ensure your system is set up as follows:
Cable Box is on
TV is on
Receiver is on
All of your other devices are off

After the devices are turned on, the devices will be set as follows:
Cable Box is set to "Tuner"
TV is set to "Video 2"
Receiver is set to "Video 1"
Cable Box is set to "Channel 703"

Thanks,
-Brett.

JayMan007

03-06-07, 10:48 AM

I think this is the one to replace my againg Marantz R2000 II. One necessary question - Is it a strong AND WIDE IR signal? I've got a Lutron dimmer about 45 degrees (about 7-8 feet) off to the side on the wall with the Song 70" XBR2 TV, and I want to know if the basic activity macros activated pointed straight ahead will go that far over. Thanks.

I have the 890, which is very similar to the 880, but includes RF. I needed this since I wanted to put all equipment in a cabinet (away from 2 year old). I use the IR part for a Pioneer display and can just about point the remote anywhere and the TV will still respond. YMMV.

JayMan.

barryaz1

03-06-07, 12:22 PM

I have the 890, which is very similar to the 880, but includes RF. I needed this since I wanted to put all equipment in a cabinet (away from 2 year old). I use the IR part for a Pioneer display and can just about point the remote anywhere and the TV will still respond. YMMV.

JayMan.

Thanks. But I already have a full Xantech setup for the cabinet equipment, with their tiny IR receiver mounted on the center channel speaker stand, so I'm good in the cabinet; it's just that the Lutron dimmer is several feet to the right of that sensor and the TV.

DishDog

03-06-07, 12:38 PM

That would be OK if it was just for me, but I don't want to subject my wife, the baby sitter, etc, to any unneeded complications. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

It seems like what I need is the ability to add an "action" to the power on command sequence for a given device.

Maybe I was a little unclear. It's not that the "power on" is being sent multiple times. I've programmed in an extra task at the end of my "Watch TV" activity that turns the cable box to channel 703. I was wondering if there's a way to only change to channel 703 when the cable box is first turned on. Meaning, the command "change to channel 703": would be part of the cable box's "power on" sequence instead of the "Watch TV" activity.

For reference, here's a summary of my "Watch TV" activity:
When you start this Activity, the remote will ensure your system is set up as follows:
Cable Box is on
TV is on
Receiver is on
All of your other devices are off

After the devices are turned on, the devices will be set as follows:
Cable Box is set to "Tuner"
TV is set to "Video 2"
Receiver is set to "Video 1"
Cable Box is set to "Channel 703"

Thanks,
-Brett.So you're saying that the 703 command is being issued every time you return to the Watch TV Activity. When you first turn everything on it works fine but when you go to Watch DVD then return to Watch TV, the TV changes back to channel 703, correct.

Do you have "Turn off unused devices" to ON or Off for the Watch TV Activity, Watch DVD Activity?

Brett_H

03-06-07, 01:09 PM

So you're saying that the 703 command is being issued every time you return to the Watch TV Activity. When you first turn everything on it works fine but when you go to Watch DVD then return to Watch TV, the TV changes back to channel 703, correct.

Correct.

The activity, as programmed, is functioning correctly. It's doing exactly what I told it to do: make the last step of the "watch TV" activity "go to channel 703".

What I'm wondering is if there's a way to say "go to channel 703" only the first time I use the "watch TV" activity. My goal is to mimic the cable box's feature that allows for a certain channel to be displayed every time it's powered on. This feature has been disabled by my cable provider and overridden with their crappy public access-type channel.

Do you have "Turn off unused devices" to ON or Off for the Watch TV Activity, Watch DVD Activity?

I leave everything on when changing activities. This is done so that if I pause the Cable Box (DVR) and switch to a DVD, when I come back the DVR is still paused.

Thanks,
-Brett.

tokerblue

03-06-07, 01:54 PM

What I'm wondering is if there's a way to say "go to channel 703" only the first time I use the "watch TV" activity. My goal is to mimic the cable box's feature that allows for a certain channel to be displayed every time it's powered on.
- I can't think of a way to do it within that Activity. As another poster suggested, the best way to do this would be to make a "Watch TV2" Activity that does not send the 703 command. Your DVR would still stay on and everything else would function as normal.

DishDog

03-06-07, 02:45 PM

Correct.

The activity, as programmed, is functioning correctly. It's doing exactly what I told it to do: make the last step of the "watch TV" activity "go to channel 703".

What I'm wondering is if there's a way to say "go to channel 703" only the first time I use the "watch TV" activity. My goal is to mimic the cable box's feature that allows for a certain channel to be displayed every time it's powered on. This feature has been disabled by my cable provider and overridden with their crappy public access-type channel.

I leave everything on when changing activities. This is done so that if I pause the Cable Box (DVR) and switch to a DVD, when I come back the DVR is still paused.

Thanks,
-Brett.
VisionOn and tokerblue have a good suggestions. I have two Watch TV Activities that share all hard button and LCD commands except "Watch TV CC" is a Utility Activity that only runs the commands to toggle Closed Captioning on or off when it's accessed. When I want to watch TV for the first time that day I use Watch TV and when I want to turn CC on or off I run "Watch TV CC". And I can go back and forth as often as needed.
And Strutter suggested to leave the Cable Box on all the time. I don't have a cable box but I leave my TiVo receiver on all the time and I've had it for over 3 years, no problems.

tokerblue

03-06-07, 04:24 PM

The DVR and Tivo STBs technically are "on" all of the time in order to record. Turning them "off" really only stops the video and audio output, which is really only helpful for people with automatic video switches or leave their receiver on all the time.

hfthomp

03-12-07, 05:11 PM

Hey everyone, just got my first Harmony 880 on Friday. I've been a 659 user for the last 2 years and finally decided to step up. My first impressions are that the remote itself is great. The only bad thing is that my tilt sensor does not work. I've already called tech support and their Level 2 support is supposed to get back to me today.

I've read that other people are having this same issue. At first, my tilt sensor worked only randomly, now it doesn't work at all. How should the tilt sensor work? How much "tilt" should it take to turn the glow on? I would hope that just picking it up off a table would turn it on, is that the case? Or do you have to shake it like a can of spray paint or something? Just wondering, thanks in advance.

Elkay

03-12-07, 05:29 PM

It's a bit "funky" .. best I can describe it lol. For my tilt to work, I have to pick it up level and slowly rotate it to an upright position. If I "flick" it up, or don't go at least 2/3 vertical with it, it doesn't activate. Maybe mine's not the norm, I just figured that's how it was supposed to work and I've gotten used to it.

MikeD2

03-12-07, 05:33 PM

Well, got my new Harmony 880 from J&R Friday and tried all weekend to get ANYTHING working - what a huge disapointment this has been so far !!!

I installed the software on my system and connected the remote. The Harmony site (after much delay) confirmed that the firmware and software are both at the latest level.

I have successfully added my components, but when I try to customize the buttons and update the remote, the update function goes to 80%, then tanks on the verifying step. It sometimes crawls along and gets (after several hours) into the 88% range, then Logitech times me out. Once this happends, the remote is hung and the software loses all my settings and I get the 'cannot display' error when trying to go back in & edit/add buttons. This has happened several times.

Called Tech Support and they had little to offer beyond the BAU is your pop-up blocker off etc. They said there was no way to save or recover my lost settings and recommended I make 1 change at a time & upload it. I pointed out that the upload never seems to complete and they said 'well - give it time & eventually it will take". :mad: Like this is a viable solution even if it were to work !!

At this point, I'm ready to pack this backup & ship it off for a refund - it was suppose to reduce the frustration, not increase it.

Anyone else have trouble like this ??? Thoughts - recommendations ??
I've tried the software on 2 different computers, so the PC is not the issue.

SAAudio

03-12-07, 05:52 PM

MikeD2

03-12-07, 06:03 PM

Yep, tried all that - on both PC's - made zero difference neither did Windows versions (2000 on 1 & XP on the other).

Elkay

03-12-07, 06:03 PM

I find it odd that you're losing all of your settings. Just because a remote update fails it should not be wiping all of your online profile out.

MikeD2

03-12-07, 06:15 PM

I find it odd that you're losing all of your settings. Just because a remote update fails it should not be wiping all of your online profile out.

Me too - it has made this whole thing doubly frustrating, especially since the only way to 'recover' seems to be deleting the device & starting from square 1 - grrrrrrrrr !

Also find it hard to believe that they do not store a copy of the settings on the PC. They claim not to & I searched around looking for anything that may be a hidden file, but find nothing that looks close. This means, if their server ever takes a hard hit, they will lose everyone's settings. Based on what I'm seeing of their operation so far, I would question the integrity of their systems (certainly the software) and wonder just how often they are backed up !

strutter

03-12-07, 06:23 PM

the update function goes to 80%, then tanks on the verifying step. It sometimes crawls along and gets (after several hours) into the 88% range, then Logitech times me out. Once this happends, the remote is hung and the software loses all my settings and I get the 'cannot display' error when trying to go back in & edit/add buttons. This has happened several times.
.

when mine did that i concluded it was the mcafee privacy service. if i disable it i can leave firewall and popupblocker and virus scan on. and have no problems with the update.
however i see that it is loosing all the changes you made also. strange :confused:

EDIT: sorry i see someone else beat me to the punch and that you already tried disableing stuff.

dirtydan

03-12-07, 06:59 PM

dirtydan

03-12-07, 07:01 PM

bweissman

03-12-07, 07:10 PM

Also find it hard to believe that they do not store a copy of the settings on the PC. They claim not to & I searched around looking for anything that may be a hidden file, but find nothing that looks close. This means, if their server ever takes a hard hit, they will lose everyone's settings. Based on what I'm seeing of their operation so far, I would question the integrity of their systems (certainly the software) and wonder just how often they are backed up !They don't store a copy of your settings on your PC, but you can. The file which is downloaded is called Update.EZHex. When updating your remote, after verifying connectivity, do a Save instead of an Open or Run from your browser. You can then Open Update.EZHex at any time later and the Harmony update tool will run.

bweissman

03-12-07, 07:15 PM

when mine did that i concluded it was the mcafee privacy service. if i disable it i can leave firewall and popupblocker and virus scan on. and have no problems with the update.This isn't directed at strutter, but at others who may still be having download problems: if all your various security tools are off, and you still have trouble, try telling your browser that members.harmonyremote.com is a Trusted Site.

MikeD2

03-12-07, 08:25 PM

Thanks for all the tips guys - I've just had a partial success by switching to their website and trying to update from there. Still took almost an hour to complete :rolleyes: the update, but did not lose any settings this time - yea !!!!

There are still a few (of the originals that didn't get hosed) customizations that are not 100%, guess I'll try fixing those & if that works try reentering all the settings I lost in the 1st two rounds.

I have to Friday to decide if I want to keep it or send it back. This Forum and all of you are fabulous - I was ready to pull the plug (and my hair) earlier today !!!

Now there seems a ray of hope that this is a viable solution after all ..............

whawn

03-12-07, 09:00 PM

I just picked up an 880 over the weekend, and so far, love it. However, the tilt sensor does not work. I have tried all kinds of contortions in picking it up, still no go. Turned it on and off again.

Now that I have the thing fully programed, does anyone know if I return it and get another one, do all my settings download to the new one, or are they remote specific? In other words, if I get a new remote, do i have to reinput everything, or will all my settings download to the new one?

JustAsk

03-12-07, 09:11 PM

when mine did that i concluded it was the mcafee privacy service. if i disable it i can leave firewall and popupblocker and virus scan on. and have no problems with the update.
however i see that it is loosing all the changes you made also. strange :confused:

EDIT: sorry i see someone else beat me to the punch and that you already tried disableing stuff.

I also had to turn off the Norton Antivirus AND Cybersitter (Parental Control) before I could get it to download correctly. Just a thought......

steve053

03-12-07, 10:40 PM

ttexas22

03-12-07, 11:20 PM

You might try going to Logitech website and log in and do your programming their instead of with the software you installed on your pc.
I'm with dirtydan, there's no reason to mess with installing the software locally. Just use the web site.

TTx

jpomp

03-12-07, 11:27 PM

Holydoc

03-12-07, 11:34 PM

My experience is that it is a very narrow beam. In other words instead of depending on it to bounce off the screen and hit your projector just right, I would recommend going with the 890.

sivartk

03-13-07, 12:19 AM

Forgive me for not sifting through all 69 pages of this thread but, can someone answer this quickly? How is the IR beam on this remote? Specifically, I have a projector behind me, but bouncing off the screen and back isn't a problem for my existing remote, will it do the same? More importantly, while that is going on, does it have the angle to turn that on, and my components which basically lie where I'm sitting slightly in front, and to the right of me in a glass-enclosed AV cabinet? Trying to decide if I should go 880 or 890...thanks

My experience is that it works better than the original remote with the following setup.

12x15 room
Screen on wall
Me in rear left corner of room
A/V rack with glass door 1/2 down on the right side of the room

I can control all devices by pointing the remote at my screen. See my pictures to see the setup.
My optoma HD72 projector remote would not bounce off the screen, but the 880 will.

strutter

03-13-07, 06:47 AM

Forgive me for not sifting through all 69 pages of this thread but, can someone answer this quickly? How is the IR beam on this remote? Specifically, I have a projector behind me, but bouncing off the screen and back isn't a problem for my existing remote, will it do the same? More importantly, while that is going on, does it have the angle to turn that on, and my components which basically lie where I'm sitting slightly in front, and to the right of me in a glass-enclosed AV cabinet? Trying to decide if I should go 880 or 890...thanks

i posted earlier in responce to another owner my experience with being able to point it aproximately 5 feet to either side of a sensor and have it work properly. however, i have since experimented more and have found that i can point the remote at the ceiling (vertical14' to ceiling) and to either side wall (horizontal left 8', right 15' to wall) and still have all my components work correctly. however, it doesnt work if i point it behind me to the wall oposite my components.

hfthomp

03-13-07, 07:31 AM

It's a known bug. To fix:
- remove the batteries
- replace batteries
viola!

The tilt sensor should now work.

YMMV

I have tried that to fix my remotes tilt sensor function, but it does nothing. I talked with Logitech support last night and they are RMA the one I have and sending me a new one.

One positive so far is that the Logitech phone support was excellent.

MikeD2

03-13-07, 10:53 AM

One positive so far is that the Logitech phone support was excellent.

Lucky you :) , my experience was just the opposite - they were very pleasant but totally useless !! Probably depends on the specific person you get and their knowledge level with the problem you are having.

MikeD2

03-13-07, 11:01 AM

I'm with dirtydan, there's no reason to mess with installing the software locally. Just use the web site.

TTx

I agree, I seem to be having better luck with the website (see my post above).
Still seems to take an ungodly amount of time to do the update tho.

I don't have that many devices (TV, receiver, cable box, DVD, VCR) and have done maybe 25 custom buttons & have 5 simple activities. Still takes a hour to complete the update cycle.

Would be interested to hear from others just how long their's takes.

blazeblaze

03-13-07, 11:33 AM

My remote update takes 1-2 minutes to complete via either the website or the software.

bweissman

03-13-07, 11:38 AM

Still takes a hour to complete the update cycle.

Would be interested to hear from others just how long their's takes.Mine takes 3 or 4 minutes. I never bothered to update my Harmony software from version 4.4 because of the reported problems with later versions.

blazeblaze

03-13-07, 11:50 AM

It seems like once I added some pics to the screensaver slide show...and it took an extra minute or two longer to complete the update.

strutter

03-13-07, 12:52 PM

i havent done any updates sence the latest software change. but before that it would only take like 30sec. to 1 min.

bweissman

03-13-07, 01:14 PM

It seems like once I added some pics to the screensaver slide show...and it took an extra minute or two longer to complete the update.Yes, the same thing happened to mine when I added 24 Favorite Channel icons. It took only a minute or two without the icons.

MikeD2

03-13-07, 01:55 PM

WOW - I'm beginning to think there is just something defective with this remote, It's only ever successfully updated 3 times & the best time was ~50 minutes !
Have tried on 2 seperate PC's (1 desktop & 1 laptop) and 2 diff Windows versions.

blazeblaze

03-13-07, 01:59 PM

MikeD2,

This might be a stupid question, but you're not using a really slow internet connection such as dialup access are you? I imagine that a slow internet connection could really slow things down.

MikeD2

03-13-07, 02:22 PM

tokerblue

03-13-07, 03:05 PM

This might be a stupid question, but you're not using a really slow internet connection such as dialup access are you? I imagine that a slow internet connection could really slow things down.
- Broadband is only marginally faster when it comes to updating the Harmony. I was on dialup until recently and didn't notice a drastic change in updating time. Both methods take a little under 2 minutes for me.

whawn

03-13-07, 03:11 PM

It's a known bug. To fix:
- remove the batteries
- replace batteries
viola!

The tilt sensor should now work.

YMMV
Sadly, my milage varied. I tried that with both the old one before I returned it, and the new one I got last night. Still no tilt sensor on either one. I sent an e mail to support. No response yet.

whawn

03-13-07, 03:13 PM

I have tried that to fix my remotes tilt sensor function, but it does nothing. I talked with Logitech support last night and they are RMA the one I have and sending me a new one.

One positive so far is that the Logitech phone support was excellent.

RMA?

mx6bfast

03-13-07, 03:34 PM

Sadly, my milage varied. I tried that with both the old one before I returned it, and the new one I got last night. Still no tilt sensor on either one. I sent an e mail to support. No response yet.
Notice any difference if you pick it up from the bottom?

strutter

03-13-07, 04:17 PM

RMA?

return merchandise approval

whawn

03-13-07, 05:11 PM

Notice any difference if you pick it up from the bottom?
Nope. I tried picking it up flat and slowly brining it up 90 degrees, different angles, upside down, picking it up and pointing it down, and, finally, shaking it vigorously whilst saying "GRRRRRRRR." I can hear the rattle, but no glow. I will try calling, it just seems odd to me that two are bad. It makes me think that I am doing something wrong. Here is what I tried:

First, I pulled out the battery, waited about 2 seconds and put it back in.
Then, I pulled it out, waited about 10 seconds and put it back in.
I turned the switch off in the software, and updated the remote.
Then I turned the switch back on and updated the remote. NADA
I tried various ways of picking it up.
Then, I went back to the store and got another one. On the new one, I tried all of the above again. Still, nothing. I tried updating the software, but it said I already have the latest. 7.0.2 if i remember correctly.

Maybe I will just use the button, but darn it, for that much money it should work.

MikeD2

03-13-07, 05:24 PM

Well, just found this out after wasting 3 hours entering customizations ........ :mad:
You CANNOT go into the software (or the website) and enter changes, then logout and come back later to finish !!
The software DOES NOT save anything you have entered unless you successfully complete the update to the remote.

What a gigantic waste of time that was.

Nice that they prompt you or say anything about it on the screen - A_R_G_H !!!!
If I wrote software like this I'd be scavenging for food in the McD's dumpster .....

So far, all tech support can offer is "well, that's one of our better remotes - it shouldn't take more than a few minutes to update"
and "do you know how to turn off your firewall" - uhh, yeah, I do this for a living - think I know how to work that software !!

MikeD2

03-13-07, 05:49 PM

:eek:

Just got off the phone with their level 2 support.
They confirmed that their host system has a MAJOR BUG and will wipe all customizations upon logout - even if you successfully updated the remote !!

They claim they have another release of the software coming on 4/1 (ironic 'eh) to correct the problem. In the meantime, they recommended I enter ALL the customizations I need, update the remote, then wait till after 4/1 to make any corrections/additions - what the *&#!*%&*#

Back she goes .............

whawn

03-13-07, 06:00 PM

Well, just found this out after wasting 3 hours entering customizations ........ :mad:
You CANNOT go into the software (or the website) and enter changes, then logout and come back later to finish !!

Weird. I only say this because yesterday I was able to go onto the Harmony web site at work, make changes to the key delay rate, exit, and then update my remote when I got home via the provided software, and I did get all of the changes that I had made at work. Of course, changing the delay did not work, and I had to bump it back to default settings anyway....

On that note, what I was trying to do was set an activity "listen to radio" over my cable box, and, as part of the activity, have the PVR change to a music channel, and then change back to a tv channel when I was done. The remote, however, punches in the numbers too slowly. I get an 8, then a pause, and the PVR ignores the input and goes back to, say, channel 002, then I get a 1 and a pause, then finally the last digit. The key delay rate is only 100ms, but between numbers, the remote seems to be turning on the amp to the right settings. The PVR does not like a 0ms delay. I even tried putting a pause between PVR to channel 818 and amp to PVR, but no luck. In fact, it seems to be more like a 1.5 second delay between numbers vs. the 100ms it should be.

MikeD2

03-13-07, 08:17 PM

Level 2 sent me a link to a new (and not yet released) version of the desktop software that is suppose to cure the long update issue (they are obviously aware the problem exists).

I uninstalled & reinstalled with the version they sent and the update hanging seems to have been eliminated - it now completes in about 3 minutes.

What is still totally broken is the custom buttons. I entered a few for the TV, then did the update. The custom buttons did not get to the remote & were gone from the system as well when I logged back in.

My best IT guy guess at what's going on here is - they have run out of disk space on their servers for new users (due to higher than expected sales?). Existing users can update their records as they are already stored, but the updates for new folks get dropped into the bucket as there is no storage room available to add/expand new files/DB rows. This would also explain the longish wait (till 4/1) for a 'fix' - they are waiting on new hardware to be delivered & installed, which has a longer lead time than program fixes.

The $1M question that remains is - why are they just not storing it on your PC - seems stupid & costly for them to store your settings. Then there is the question of how long will they retain your data and this software. If you keep the remote for 10 years, will they continue to provide this support or will it be 'pulled' at some future point (like an old Windows release) and you will be stuck with a remote that can no longer be changed ?

Unfortunately, as much as I wanted this to work, I can't wait until 4/1 to see if their upgrade will really happen & will actually fix the saving problem, I only have till the end of this week to send it back - sigh :(

mgh24

03-13-07, 08:51 PM

czzer

03-13-07, 09:58 PM

On that note, what I was trying to do was set an activity "listen to radio" over my cable box, and, as part of the activity, have the PVR change to a music channel, and then change back to a tv channel when I was done. The remote, however, punches in the numbers too slowly. I get an 8, then a pause, and the PVR ignores the input and goes back to, say, channel 002, then I get a 1 and a pause, then finally the last digit. The key delay rate is only 100ms, but between numbers, the remote seems to be turning on the amp to the right settings. The PVR does not like a 0ms delay. I even tried putting a pause between PVR to channel 818 and amp to PVR, but no luck. In fact, it seems to be more like a 1.5 second delay between numbers vs. the 100ms it should be.

Try reducing the Inter Device Delay also.

czzer

03-13-07, 10:04 PM

I have had my 880 for a couple of weeks, and it works OK with the simple stuff. Managed to figure out how to teach it to change TV input for DVD or TV for two different activities. Very nice. I have not been able to figure out from the manual how to do more complex things.

I have a DVD/SACD player. When I play SACD, I want the receiver (Onkyo 574) to switch to multichannel, and then hopefully to a particular listening mode also. All I can manage to get the remote to do it choose the DVD input for the DVD player.

I have tried to pick the device, navigate through to multichannel, tell the remote "this fixed the problem", but it still goes back to the DVD input.

Also, the "skip" button will not work when playing CDs in the DVD player. It works fine when playing DVDs, but will not skip to the next track when listening to CDs. I can find no way to skip tracks when playing CDs.

Not sure how much info I should give.
I have an activity for "watch DVD" that works fine.
custom named activity "watch SACD" will turn everything on, and select DVD input.

If there are better places to post noob questions, let me know.

I was unable to find much on the Harmony website.

Thanks for any help.

To add extra commands to the activity start/end sequence(such as to set to multichannel), select "Settings" for the activity in question, then "Review settings for this activity", then "Yes, but I want to add more control....." You will then get a screen where you can add commands to the activity start/end sequence.

If a button isn't working as it should(eg "Skip"), first check it is assigned properly in the Activity (Under "Customize buttons" on the Activity tab). If it still doesn't work, re-learn it from the original remote.

Kingrsl

03-13-07, 10:13 PM

Has anyone had trouble adding a STB? Mine was working fine programmed for a Scientific Atlanta 8300HD. Then my cable box died and they gave me a 8240HD instead. I deleted the 8300 and added the 8240 but the software keeps saying I don't have a device that can change the channel. Should I just reinstall the 8300HD as a device? I haven't updated the remote so it still has the 8300 programmed to it.

Yuss

03-13-07, 10:59 PM

Thanks for all the tips guys - SNIP
have to Friday to decide if I want to keep it or send it back. This Forum and all of you are fabulous - I was ready to pull the plug (and my hair) earlier today !!!

Now there seems a ray of hope that this is a viable solution after all ..............

Mike, I know you tried different PCs (which rules out a bad USB port), have you tried different USB cables? What firewall are you using on both PCs?

mgh24

03-13-07, 11:04 PM

Oh CZZER,

I thank you!

Now I am making some progress. Got the multichannel set up, and a couple of other commands sorted out. Still a few to go.

Many many thanks for your time.

Mike

zedman

03-14-07, 01:33 PM

Here's the setup: I have a "watch TV" activity that is working correctly. My SA 8300HD cable box is programmed by the cable company to go to their own public access channel every time it's turned on. I programmed the activity to turn it to channel 703 automatically so I don't have to suffer through watching their annoying channel when it's turned on.

This is fine the first time the activity is selected. It's a bit annoying if, for instance, I "watch TV", then "watch DVD", then "watch TV" again. If I had turned the cable box to something other than channel 703, the "watch TV" activity turns the cable box back to 703.

Is it possible to tell an activity to send a given command only the first time it is selected after coming from a "power off" state? I know it's kind of specialized... but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Thanks,
-Brett.

Maybe solving this with the 880 is not the best choice. I have an SA 8300HD and in the "extended" settings menu it gives me options for which channel will be selected at power-on. The options are to select a particular channel (defaults to CH 1, I believe) or to have it come up on the last channel it was on before power-down. I have it set to come up on the last channel that it was on.

To access the "extended" settings for the 8300HD tap the "settings" button twice and scroll to the desired option.

MikeD2

03-14-07, 02:16 PM

Mike, I know you tried different PCs (which rules out a bad USB port), have you tried different USB cables? What firewall are you using on both PCs?

Yuss - see my post above from last nite - they finally admitted their software has 'issues' that will not be fixed until 4/1 at the earliest.

Net - it's back in the box & I got my RMA from J&R - back she goes.
Currently looking at other options as I don't want to have 5 remotes hanging around all the time.

jhendrickson

03-15-07, 10:31 PM

JBaumgart

03-16-07, 02:14 AM

I picked up one of these 880's tonight. I never had trouble with the 6 remotes we had laying on the coffee table, but my wife certainly did. This remote makes it easy for her (and house guests) to run my theater system. I couldn't be happier with this remote so far. I don't need to make believers out of the ones who already own it, but for those who don't own one and have less-than-technical spouses, this is one purchase you won't regret.

I love this thing! :)

Totally agree. This is one of those gadgets that's actually worth buying - it can grow with your other purchases and doesn't become obsolete in 6 months. Very wife (and daughter) friendly for me too - that alone makes it worth the cost.

jtbell

03-16-07, 07:48 AM

2. With the Psyclone switch (PSC01, the new revision with the discrete codes for each of the 4 inputs) I can reliably get it to power on and power off, but when going into any activity that uses it, it will not switch inputs. I programmed the discretes off of the crappy little credit card remote that came with it, and they work in the device mode just fine. I set up the device to use the discretes as opposed to the toggles (InputNext and InputPrev) in the Harmony software. The Help key doesn't doesn't work, it just says "Verify the A/V switch is set to the correct input." I've increased the Interdevice delay a few times, I'm sure it's not the power on delay as it does the same thing whether I'm turning it on for the first time or just using another activity. It shouldn't be the interkey delay either, as there's only 1 key to press, and it's not hitting it.

This is interesting, because I've had exactly the same problems with my CE Labs SW104HD component switch. My Harmony (a 676, not an 880, but the same principles should apply) switches inputs fine in device mode, but cannot do it consistently when starting or changing activities. Increasing the interdevice delay helps a little, but even with several seconds it's still not consistent.

I finally got fed up with this and bought a Psyclone yesterday. It turned out to have the earlier two-button remote with InputNext and InputPrev that's in the Harmony database. After I synchronized its cycle, it works fine with my Harmony so far. It just takes a bit longer to switch when it has to go through two or three steps, and if the intermediate settings have devices active, the picture flashes on the TV briefly.

I was going to go out and look for a unit with a four-button remote to swap with this one, but if I'm going to end up with the same problem I started with, I'd better leave well enough alone! :p

Dennis Heller

03-16-07, 08:04 AM

Well, I'm having a common problem; I hope there's a simple solution.

I have a JVC HD-56FN97 rear projection television, on which I only use the two HDMI inputs (Digital In 1 & 2). I was always able to toggle between the two for my cable box and my HD DVD player. I haven't updated the remote in a while, but last night I got a new receiver and Blu-ray player, so I made some adjustments. When I went into the system, it told me there was an updated television and prompted me to add it. I did, and now I can't switch inputs. The strange thing is before the update, the input list was wrong, but it worked; now, the input list is accurate, but I can't do what I want. Is there an older television in the database maybe that I can say I have to get the discrete inputs back? Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance.

oldnacl

03-16-07, 08:32 AM

I'm new to the 880. I have a 676 but find my thumb is too big for the center direction ring and I constantly press one of the buttons adjacent to it at the same time. I like the 880 but in a darkened room, I can't locate the FF, play and RW buttons accurately, even with the help of the Braille dots. As I'm using a SA 8300 with no 30 second skip, getting past commercials is a real pain. I worked around it by creating soft button commands, one below the other, on the same side of the screen. At least I can (generally) find them in the dark.
Gripe: why do they change the order of the transport buttons between models! If only they made a remote with discrete, hard transport buttons near the center and lose the directional arrow ring. The 659 would be perfect if the transport button were centered and they added A, B and C buttons for PVR use. Oh well, nothing is perfect. My job just went to China.

strutter

03-16-07, 01:16 PM

I picked up one of these 880's tonight. I never had trouble with the 6 remotes we had laying on the coffee table, but my wife certainly did. This remote makes it easy for her (and house guests) to run my theater system. I couldn't be happier with this remote so far. I don't need to make believers out of the ones who already own it, but for those who don't own one and have less-than-technical spouses, this is one purchase you won't regret.

I love this thing! :)

i love it, my 13yo son uses it all the time. the wife is getting better with it, at first she wouldn't touch it. my 17yo daughter still uses the factory remotes but i believe she'll come around when i finally put them away. house guests,especially non adults, aren't permitted to touch my equipment. unwritten law, they know not to ask and i don't offer. but they do pick up the remote ,look at it, and sometimes ask questions. :D

Phil Rose

03-16-07, 04:09 PM

oldnacl wrote:
and they added A, B and C buttons for PVR use. I've got these buttons on my 890 for the PVR and still can't figure out what they do. I've seen the question asked before in this thread but not the answer. Any help would be appreciated - I'm feeling a bit dense at this point.

Thanks

bernie33

03-16-07, 09:02 PM

I've got these buttons on my 890 for the PVR and still can't figure out what they do. I've seen the question asked before in this thread but not the answer. Any help would be appreciated - I'm feeling a bit dense at this point.

Thanks

The Scientific Atlanta DVR uses those buttons. The Motorola DVR doesn't. The functions are available on both DVR's, but the way you access them is different. I don't know that one is any better than the other.

Phil Rose

03-17-07, 01:51 AM

bernie33

03-17-07, 02:46 PM

Thanks bernie,
So the Moto box, which I have, doesn't use them but has a different way to access the functions, but what are the functions?

Also, when I programmed the remote I entered the 6416 Moto DVR box and got these buttons. Should I use a different model to get something that's closer to the functions available on the box?

On the SA box, the A, B, C buttons are used to view either the Guide or the Recorded shows (maybe both) in date order, alphabetical order, or some third way. On the Motorola box you do the equivalent with the left and right sides of the ring keys.

We have a Motorola DVR and the A, B, C buttons didn't have any function. My kids in another city have a Scientific Atlanta DVR and the same remote. On there's the A-B-C do have the functions I described (it took me a minute or two to figure out what they do and what our equivalent is).

bweissman

03-17-07, 07:42 PM

We have a Motorola DVR and the A, B, C buttons didn't have any function.On the Comcast Motorola silver remote, these keys have their functions printed above them.

A = Parental Lock
B = Previous Day
C = Next Day

No?

Phil Rose

03-17-07, 09:42 PM

Thanks guys!! :)

Rahl

03-18-07, 11:24 AM

Well, I've had this remote for about a week now. I upgraded from a 676 that had the screen go blank on me.

All I can saw is, AMAZING!! This remote is well worth the $40 extra dollars.

I love all the little things that you can do to make the remote yours; like the customized media, the slideshow, and the backgrounds.

This is the background that I am using right now:

http://www.xoxocandles.com/scent_pictures/popcorn.jpg

It's pretty cool, but I need to find a way to resize it to the exact dimensions of the screen.

Overall, this thing is great.

bsaxon

03-18-07, 12:07 PM

Hi,

I use the Harmony with a Tosh A2. Only one thing bugs me. There is no way I can figure, short of using the Toshiba remote, for stopping play of a dvd and then resume play at the same place after the unit has been turned off. In other words what can I use on the Harmony for the "Resume" button on the Tosh remote?

Does anyone know how to do this? All help appreciated.

Bill

bweissman

03-18-07, 01:45 PM

I use the Harmony with a Tosh A2. Only one thing bugs me. There is no way I can figure, short of using the Toshiba remote, for stopping play of a dvd and then resume play at the same place after the unit has been turned off. In other words what can I use on the Harmony for the "Resume" button on the Tosh remote?

Does anyone know how to do this?You have the 880? Teach the 880 the Toshiba Resume command and program it to any of the 880's soft keys.

bsaxon

03-18-07, 03:04 PM

You have the 880? Teach the 880 the Toshiba Resume command and program it to any of the 880's soft keys.

Thanks,

I have an 890 which I believe is the same except for the RF feature.

I assume soft keys are so named because they are programmable. Which keys specifically are they? I haven't been able to find that. The "manual" is woefully skimpy. If I call support my experience has been it is serves as confirmation by both me and the support person that we are both rather ignorant on the subject under discussion.... perhaps unfair, I may have gotten a trainee. One fellow asked me if I had a manual and when I said I did told me I could probably find the answer in there. Then he said, "Is there anything else I can help you with?" I just said no. :rolleyes:

I assume to go thorough this IR teaching setup and soft key assignment I do it through "Devices".

Thanks again,

Bill

protoboard

03-18-07, 03:06 PM

I have an older Philips TV, and I just got the 880. So far I like it, but I am having trouble with some things.
I basically have two Activites, Watch DVR and Play PS3
The order of the inputs on my TV is cycled through as AV1 -> CVI -> AV2 -> AV3 -> AV4

PS3 is hooked to CVI
DVR is hooked to AV4

So, if I was last playing PS3, then I turned off everything, then I went the next day to watch TV, the turn on macro could not know how to set it up for the correct input.

Is there any way to manage this?

bweissman

03-18-07, 03:40 PM

Thanks,

I have an 890 which I believe is the same except for the RF feature.

I assume soft keys are so named because they are programmable. Which keys specifically are they? I haven't been able to find that. The "manual" is woefully skimpy. If I call support my experience has been it is serves as confirmation by both me and the support person that we are both rather ignorant on the subject under discussion.... perhaps unfair, I may have gotten a trainee. One fellow asked me if I had a manual and when I said I did told me I could probably find the answer in there. Then he said, "Is there anything else I can help you with?" I just said no. :rolleyes:

I assume to go thorough this IR teaching setup and soft key assignment I do it through "Devices".Well, all the keys are programmable. The soft keys are the 8 keys surrounding the LCD display. What you want to do is program those 8 keys to do whatever functions you find most useful for each Activity as well as for each Device.

To learn a new command, you will choose a name for it, like "Resume", and teach the 890 from your old remote while connected to the Harmony software or web site. Then you'll choose which button to assign the new command to.

To access the most knowledgable Harmony community, go to the Harmony Remote Forums (http://forums.logitech.com/logitech?category.id=harmony_remote_controls) .

bernie33

03-18-07, 03:51 PM

czzer

03-18-07, 07:23 PM

Thanks,

I have an 890 which I believe is the same except for the RF feature.

I assume soft keys are so named because they are programmable. Which keys specifically are they? I haven't been able to find that. The "manual" is woefully skimpy. If I call support my experience has been it is serves as confirmation by both me and the support person that we are both rather ignorant on the subject under discussion.... perhaps unfair, I may have gotten a trainee. One fellow asked me if I had a manual and when I said I did told me I could probably find the answer in there. Then he said, "Is there anything else I can help you with?" I just said no. :rolleyes:

I assume to go thorough this IR teaching setup and soft key assignment I do it through "Devices".

Thanks again,

Bill

For button assignments, select "Customize" for the Activity you want, then "Change behaviour of buttons". You can assign the resume command to whatever button you want. If you want it on an LCD "soft" button, select "Additional commands". If the resume command isn't there, select "Learn missing command"

czzer

03-18-07, 07:25 PM

protoboard

03-19-07, 01:36 AM

Try increasing the Power On Delay for the TV. Some TVs take 10 seconds or more until they are ready to respond to commands after turning on, so don't be afraid to increase it quite a bit.

The power on delay? I don't think you understood my question. What I am saying is that without the remote being able to remember what the last input was, it has no way to know how many times to send "next input" to get to the correct one.

Jamey F

03-19-07, 07:35 AM

I have a harmony 1000, and posted about my experience with inputs there. Here is a paraphrase of it. The remote shiped to me and cycled through each input. It started by changing the channel on the TV to switch to tuner, then cycled down to the corrrect inputs each time I turned on the TV, AND each time I changed inputs. It could have just left it on HD1 and cycle one time down to HD2, then cycle all the way back when needing to goto HD1 again.

Second, with a call to tier 2 techs, they were able to change a setting to allow it NOT to cycle through the inputs starting from the top every time I cut on my system. Instead, the remote REMEMBERS what input the tv is on. Think of it as the same way the remote can be set to leave on a device all the time, but still knows after you cut your system off, that the device is there and what state it's power is on. The tech told me that I didn't have access to do that change myself.

My situation is different than yours in that I hardly ever change the inputs. I use my receiver to switch from different video sources except for one (XBOX 360), which I currently am not playing. But, I've tested it, and it does switch correctly as of Friday. I've made several changes since then, but the remote doesn't seem to be behaveing differently with my inputs.

If you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask for more/different details.

bsaxon

03-19-07, 09:00 AM

I don't think you've had a typical experience. Most of the people at Harmony tech support are very helpful.

I must apologize in my belittling Harmony support. I have only called them twice and both experiences were satisfactory. I was trying to straighten out a problem with my Tosh A2 and it was this call and not the one to Harmony that I hit the rather indifferent fellow. And in all fairness some of the people at Toshiba have been very helpful.

But the most help and knowledgible people have been found right here, that's for sure.

Bill

czzer

03-19-07, 10:17 AM

Second, with a call to tier 2 techs, they were able to change a setting to allow it NOT to cycle through the inputs starting from the top every time I cut on my system. Instead, the remote REMEMBERS what input the tv is on. Think of it as the same way the remote can be set to leave on a device all the time, but still knows after you cut your system off, that the device is there and what state it's power is on. The tech told me that I didn't have access to do that change myself.

You can actually make this change yourself. If you select "Adjust Inputs" under the device, there is an option for "1 button to cycle through inputs", and a subsequent option to say "there is no way to go directly to any input". If you select this it will use Smart State to keep track of input selections.

JCNPLUMBING

03-19-07, 01:57 PM

Well, all the keys are programmable. The soft keys are the 8 keys surrounding the LCD display. What you want to do is program those 8 keys to do whatever functions you find most useful for each Activity as well as for each Device.

To learn a new command, you will choose a name for it, like "Resume", and teach the 890 from your old remote while connected to the Harmony software or web site. Then you'll choose which button to assign the new command to.

To access the most knowledgable Harmony community, go to the Harmony Remote Forums (http://forums.logitech.com/logitech?category.id=harmony_remote_controls) .

Thanks for the Harmony forum site. I have a java problem, and looks like a software glitch.

Jeff

Paul Arnette

03-19-07, 03:53 PM

I have two general questions...

1) I have noticed that not all the buttons have been programmed on a number of the components I have (Pioneer Elite BDP-HD1 and Toshiba HD-XA2 for example). What is the procedure for checking to see if your device has been modified in the Logitech database since the last time you updated your remote?

2) If I invest the time to add the missing buttoms myself, will they be overwritten the next time I do an update? If not, how can I share the newly created buttons with other Logitech users (i.e. what is the procedure to upload my changes to the Logitech database).

Gary Angelo

03-19-07, 04:03 PM

nithos

03-19-07, 04:17 PM

My apologies if this has already been asked or is common knowledge...I noticed the Harmony 880/890 are being discounted significantly from $399 retail to ~$230-250 from retailers such as Amazon. Does this signal that Logitech plans to introduce a new line to replace these models?
No. This is normal for all Harmony once the distribution reaches the non-major retail B&M locations. $250 is just the market price, not the inflated retail price.

nithos

03-19-07, 04:19 PM

nithos

03-19-07, 04:24 PM

The power on delay? I don't think you understood my question. What I am saying is that without the remote being able to remember what the last input was, it has no way to know how many times to send "next input" to get to the correct one.
There should be a way to remember the state that the video input was on the last time it was selected, try calling tech support.

Another option, is to set it up so that when you exit an activity additional "Next Input" signals are sent so it's always at the same starting state.

Jamey F

03-19-07, 04:39 PM

There should be a way to remember the state that the video input was on the last time it was selected, try calling tech support.

As I posted...there is, and Tier 2 told me they had to do it, but look at above posts to a way you MAY be able to do it yourself.

Another option, is to set it up so that when you exit an activity additional "Next Input" signals are sent so it's always at the same starting state.

Won't work according to my experience, UNLESS you find out which starting point the remote works from each time. And then, you're working around the remote instead of the remote working around you. Forget this method...look to suggestion above.

czzer

03-19-07, 11:40 PM

The power on delay? I don't think you understood my question. What I am saying is that without the remote being able to remember what the last input was, it has no way to know how many times to send "next input" to get to the correct one.

But the remote DOES remember the last input it was on...that is the whole point of Smart State.

You problem is most likely that the remote is sending the "Input" commands too soon after the power command was sent, and the TV is not yet ready to accept them, so the input command is never actually processed.

Increasing the Power On Delay will fix this.

Try increasing the Power On Delay to something like 20 seconds. This will either confirm it's the problem, or rule it out.
If it works with a delay this long, you can reduce it to something more appropriate with a bit of experimentation(a stop watch can help).

Jamey F

03-20-07, 12:16 AM

But the remote DOES remember the last input it was on...that is the whole point of Smart State.

Well, at least in my case...the 1000 didn't remember. It started at the tuner and worked down EVEN IF it was already on the correct input. For instance...my cable box and DVD player both use the same input on my TV, but when I switched to either and then back again, the remote sent commands to cycle through the inputs...starting from the top. I suspect this was a missetting on my TV device menu. I may try to duplicate it if someone needs.

Now, my 1000 does, so it obviously can remember. So, I would agree, that if you are having problems with it cycling to the correct input, you probably have a delay or line of sight problem.

czzer

03-20-07, 01:14 AM

Well, at least in my case...the 1000 didn't remember. It started at the tuner and worked down EVEN IF it was already on the correct input. For instance...my cable box and DVD player both use the same input on my TV, but when I switched to either and then back again, the remote sent commands to cycle through the inputs...starting from the top. I suspect this was a missetting on my TV device menu. I may try to duplicate it if someone needs.

Now, my 1000 does, so it obviously can remember. So, I would agree, that if you are having problems with it cycling to the correct input, you probably have a delay or line of sight problem.

OK...I'll clarify. The remote CAN remember, if it is set to do so. In your case it was obviously set up to always select the input from a known starting point. This can be an advantage when an input command is missed, or the input has been changed manually. Pressing either the "Help" button, or re-selecting the activity will always re-set the input correctly.

All the different input selection methods are found under the "Adjust Inputs" option. There are many different ways it can be done, depending on the options for your TV. One of the options is the one your TV uses. Another option is to use Smart State to remember the current input and send the correct number of "NextInput" commands. The original way it worked for your TV is usually the preferred method as it is much less likely to get out of synch, but it also makes the input selection process slower. The Smart State method is normally only used when there is no way to go directly to any input(ie Tuner in your case).

Jamey F

03-20-07, 05:52 PM

The Smart State method is normally only used when there is no way to go directly to any input(ie Tuner in your case).

That would make sense why my remote cycled through all my inputs every time...no matter what. That is quite annoying when I have to wait 1 second between each input command, and my TV would take roughly 5-6 commands to get to the correct input needed instead of my current setting. My current setting doesn't change my input unless I need it changed. And, I don't need it changed unless I play Xbox which has been over a month now.

So, you can see, protoboard, the remote is versitile to handle most any input situation; and the remote is fully capable of handling any switching scenario I can imagine. Of course, it's so nice to have discretes for every command, but the Harmony has been the BEST remote in my limited experience at handling non-discretes. Other "smart remotes" could handle them just as well, but at $300 for the Harmony 1000 touch screen, I don't know if I could find a better value. If Harmony opens up the configuration a bit, the Harmony line of remotes (especially the 1000) will DOMINATE. Are you listening Logitech? :rolleyes:

lchiu7

03-21-07, 03:12 AM

That would make sense why my remote cycled through all my inputs every time...no matter what. That is quite annoying when I have to wait 1 second between each input command, and my TV would take roughly 5-6 commands to get to the correct input needed instead of my current setting. My current setting doesn't change my input unless I need it changed. And, I don't need it changed unless I play Xbox which has been over a month now...

You might be able to hack it this way. Sometimes if you're lucky, even if the remote for the TV has no direct codes for selecting inputs, the codes will exist for an earlier model and are in the Harmony database. So when you tell Harmony what devices you have, it recognises the codes for on/off and then works out that a similar device exists and it download the discrete codes into your remote. For my JVC D-ILA that worked pretty well. The JVC remote has no codes for each input - it's the cycle through or onscreen menu and select thing. But the Harmony site recognised the on/off codes, deduced the TV was similar to another device and downloaded codes for almost all the inputs. For me now there is direct selection of them all apart from Video 4 (HDMI) which I can do by sending Video 4 and then down input.

Now if as you say, you very rarely change inputs, what you could do is "teach" the Harmony the IR code for the input you mainly use - with one wrinkle. Teach it a code from a remote that does not work on your TV at all.

So when you select the activity say watch Cable, and one of the actions is to tell the TV to select say Video 2 (which you have taught it a signal that doesn't actually work on your TV), the Harmony will send out the signal it thinks will change your TV to Video 2 but in fact will do nothing. If the TV was already on Video 2 (as you say you rarely change inputs) then you will not have to wait for the Harmony to cycle through all the inputs.

On the rare occasion you use your Xbox 360 and therefore a different input, you will have to press channel up/down or whatever button you have programmed to cycle through inputs. And of course, having played the Xbox360 and now wanting to watch cable again, selecting the Watch Cable activity will not of course choose the right input on the TV - you will have to cycle back to the right one.

But it sounds like you rarely change inputs so this should reduce the time waiting

An idea anyway

Larry

bsaxon

03-21-07, 12:58 PM

My Resume soft button works fine when I have the A2 on "Stop" and then resume but I can't figure a way to use it with the Harmony when I have gone to another Activity temporarily, ie Watch TV, and the want to switch my Activity back to Watch DVD and start where I left off. The DVD starts from scratch when the DVD is turned back on as part of the Activity sequence.

Anyone have a solution to this? Thanks

Bill

czzer

03-21-07, 08:40 PM

22benjamin22

03-21-07, 09:05 PM

I did that exact thing with my TiVo box, so it stays on 24/7... still playing with my config as it doesn't quite feel natural like the TiVo Peanut... Gotta get that fixed.

Jamey F

03-21-07, 10:05 PM

You might be able to hack it this way. Sometimes if you're lucky, even if the remote for the TV has no direct codes for selecting inputs, the codes will exist for an earlier model and are in the Harmony database. So when you tell Harmony what devices you have, it recognises the codes for on/off and then works out that a similar device exists and it download the discrete codes into your remote. For my JVC D-ILA that worked pretty well. The JVC remote has no codes for each input - it's the cycle through or onscreen menu and select thing. But the Harmony site recognised the on/off codes, deduced the TV was similar to another device and downloaded codes for almost all the inputs. For me now there is direct selection of them all apart from Video 4 (HDMI) which I can do by sending Video 4 and then down input.

Now if as you say, you very rarely change inputs, what you could do is "teach" the Harmony the IR code for the input you mainly use - with one wrinkle. Teach it a code from a remote that does not work on your TV at all.

So when you select the activity say watch Cable, and one of the actions is to tell the TV to select say Video 2 (which you have taught it a signal that doesn't actually work on your TV), the Harmony will send out the signal it thinks will change your TV to Video 2 but in fact will do nothing. If the TV was already on Video 2 (as you say you rarely change inputs) then you will not have to wait for the Harmony to cycle through all the inputs.

On the rare occasion you use your Xbox 360 and therefore a different input, you will have to press channel up/down or whatever button you have programmed to cycle through inputs. And of course, having played the Xbox360 and now wanting to watch cable again, selecting the Watch Cable activity will not of course choose the right input on the TV - you will have to cycle back to the right one.

But it sounds like you rarely change inputs so this should reduce the time waiting

An idea anyway

Larry

Or, I could do what I did. Call tech support and tell them to switch it so my remote doesn't cycle every time I change activities or turn on my system. It stays on the same input all the time, until I need it to change...as it should :D Problem solved. I posted that it was versitle in handling inputs.

As a general rule, if your device can do it, Harmonies will handle it. Many times the default way isn't the best, so don't be afraid to change it or call tech support for their help in getting it to behave as you need it.

avsscientist

03-22-07, 12:18 AM

What happened to the Activities setup?!!!!

Under "change behaviors of buttons" I used to be able to program 2 or more functions for each button.

But with the new interface, each button is ONLY able to enter one single command for one single device?!!! This is true even there are many devices within that activity.

Why did't break what was already working?!! or am i missing something?

tokerblue

03-22-07, 12:25 AM

Under "change behaviors of buttons" I used to be able to program 2 or more functions for each button.

But with the new interface, each button is ONLY able to enter one single command for one single device?!!! This is true even there are many devices within that activity.

Why did't break what was already working?!! or am i missing something?
- In their last update, it seems they removed this feature. There was a lot of discussion about this about a month ago. Basically, Logitech finally fixed it so users could customize the LCD commands and LCD button order in any way they want. So now the LCD commands don't automatically appear under every Activity.

Unfortunately, the update killed the multiple command functionality that the remote always had. No news on a fix or update. The only workaround that people have found is to learn a "mini-macro" through the learning command. You basically have to teach the remote both comands quickly.

avsscientist

03-22-07, 01:00 AM

-
Unfortunately, the update killed the multiple command functionality that the remote always had. No news on a fix or update. The only workaround that people have found is to learn a "mini-macro" through the learning command. You basically have to teach the remote both comands quickly.

This is crazy. How could Logitech change something that is ALREADY working for so long.

I have so many macros setup under that kind of setting. Now I have to re-program everything?!!!

mx6bfast

03-22-07, 07:13 AM

I did that exact thing with my TiVo box, so it stays on 24/7... still playing with my config as it doesn't quite feel natural like the TiVo Peanut... Gotta get that fixed.
You can have it turn your Tivo off and the Tivo will still record.

bsaxon

03-22-07, 07:17 AM

You could set the "Watch TV" activity to "Leave unused devices ON" so it won't turn off the DVD player when you switch to it. Look under Activity Options.

That occurred to me. Just put it on Stop as opposed to cutting it off. In fact I wanted to post a question in that regard. Does it hurt a piece of electronic equipment such as the A2 to just leave it on all the time? Is there much energy waste,ie would Al Gore condone it? I suppose equipment such as AVRs that go to Stand By are doing about the same thing? Probably not.

Bill

wwyjoe

03-22-07, 08:34 AM

hi all,

My epson TW1000 projector and Tvix 4000 media player would not automatically turn on when i start the associated activity. However, i've no problems manually turning them on using the soft buttons programmed under 'Activity', or under 'Device'. What could be the problem?

rajdude

03-22-07, 11:05 AM

After doing research on this I thought I shoudl post this information here. I cannot find a reference to backing up the config in this thread so here goes:

Backing up your configuration:

Log into you account on http://members.harmonyremote.com
Click "Update"
Click "Troubleshoot"
Select "The remote control software didn't open automatically" and click "Next"
A link to the Update.EZHex file will appear. Right click and select "Save Target As..."

Afterwards, you can just double click on that file and the remote will be updated with the config inside that file. [NOT the config from the website, of course!]

Credit for this goes procedure goes to "SST" : http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-harmony/thread.cgi?5426,1#8

There is one issue with this procedure:

You cannot edit this config online or with the software.

Here is what happened to me:

I tried the above mentioned pricedure... it works for me. It get back all the settings into the remote ONLY. The website still has the wrong information.

Here is what I did as a test:

1. I added devices & activities on the site
2. Updated my remote.
3. Downloaded the file as a backup
4. Messed up the remote's config on the website
5. Update thr remote from the website.

Now I tested the backup by doubleclicking the file on my computer. Sure enough it updated the remote with the good configuration.

But here is the problem:
Now my remote has the good config and the website has the bad config.

How do I update the site from the remote (not the other way round, which is how we do it usually)

A level 1 support told me that it is not do-able so I asked for a level 2. I was told that they are not available now, but will be there at 7 am Nevada time (PST)

Hence I will call back soon.

Meanwhile, any ideas ?

[Later]

I called them an got to talk to level 2 after a very long (forced) troubleshooting session with level 1 :-(

The answer I got is :
there is no way to upload the config from your remote to their website.

The level 2 tech did suggest that once we have a working configuration, we can call them to have them "clone" our account. Hence we have a "backup" . Now with one of those accounts we can continue experimenting but we will still have a good copy.

Final verdict :The EZhex file is not really a editable backup.

Oh BTW, the tech said that he will enter my request into the "wish list". I hope they act upon this soon.

So here you go!

michael000

03-22-07, 05:09 PM

Two quick questions/comments for a new 880 owner.

1. How do you know when the remote is fully charged? I was thumbing through the instructions and it looks like the battery outline goes green instead of white when full but i'm not sure (i know mine never has and it's sat on the charger for quite some time between usage).

2. How long is the battery life for a full charge? I've had mine go to half battery in a day of use, that seems awfully short.

wdkerbow

03-22-07, 07:24 PM

The battery indicator on the LCD screen will have three little green bars when it is full.

Depending on your usage you will get varying amounts of time from one charge. I get about 2 weeks. I have my screen saver set to dim the LCD after 10 seconds.

TheMoose

03-22-07, 08:32 PM

Dilweegie

03-22-07, 09:44 PM

Anyone have an idea how to set up the 880 to control the apple TV?

Is there a template yet?

gally1998

03-22-07, 10:07 PM

Jamey F

03-22-07, 10:59 PM

You can't anymore. That "feature" was removed.

gally1998

03-22-07, 11:22 PM

Well that's just stupid! Why would they remove that feature?

avsscientist

03-23-07, 12:11 AM

I don't know why Logitech seems to be removing features from an ALREADY working remote, leaving existing and long-time users frustrated.

czzer

03-23-07, 03:30 AM

That occurred to me. Just put it on Stop as opposed to cutting it off. In fact I wanted to post a question in that regard. Does it hurt a piece of electronic equipment such as the A2 to just leave it on all the time? Is there much energy waste,ie would Al Gore condone it? I suppose equipment such as AVRs that go to Stand By are doing about the same thing? Probably not.

Bill

If you set the ACTIVITY to "Leave unused devices ON", then it will still turn everything off when you press the master OFF button. It only stops things being turned off when you switch activities.

czzer

03-23-07, 04:17 AM

Does anyone know how I can set-up the 880 so that it will perform the following:

Press Play --> Start DVD or PVR and dim the lights to off
Press Pause --> Pause DVD or PVR and raise the lights to Scene 1
Press Stop --> Stop DVD or PVR and raise the lights to on

with my Lutron Maestro IR light switch?

I sent an e-mail to Logitech, but haven't received a response.

Thanks in advance.

It can still be done, but it is now more difficult.
You can create "mini-macros" using the "Learn RAW" method.
Go to the learning page, and select "Custom"
Create a new command, call it "PlayLightOff" or whatever, and select "Learn RAW".
You now need to teach the Play command and the LightsOff command pressing both buttons one after the other as quickly as possible. If you get it right, the Harmony will learn the 2 commands as one single long command.
It is much easier if you have a second universal remote that is macro capable and use that to teach the Harmony, but it is possible using the 2 original remotes...you just have to be quick, and a second set of hands helps.

That may help you out for now, but I would still keep on Logitech's back about it...hopefully they will return that function with enough complaining.

Gary J

03-23-07, 01:31 PM

Was anyone forced to update software to 7.2.1 today? I can no longer click Customize Buttons. After a while I get a screen that says Unable to Display Content.

Scuba Steve

03-23-07, 02:15 PM

Yep, I get the same thing when I click on Customize Buttons. Is there a site that one can go to to get an explanation of the "upgrades"? Like what features were supposedly added and removed?

Gary J

03-23-07, 02:17 PM

What I would rather know is how to get my old version back meanwhile.

Scuba Steve

03-23-07, 02:27 PM

But, there are a few activities that let me into the Customize buttons feature....?

Scuba Steve

03-23-07, 02:31 PM

I'm still able to make changes on the web site
http://members.harmonyremote.com

Gary J

03-23-07, 03:01 PM

I was too for a little bit but now it's like the software.

sivartk

03-23-07, 04:14 PM

I don't have any software on my machine at work and it "has detected an old version" -- so it appears as if they are forcing everyone to update that is using the web based.

The only way (with older version of software) to get around the unable to display content was to re-create the activity all together...a pain.

barryaz1

03-23-07, 05:01 PM

So for the last month or so I've been following this thread as I look to possibly replace my old Marantz RC2000II. It seems as if there are many small nagging problems and software issues with Harmony. Are you all really happy with this remote?

Dennis Heller

03-23-07, 05:20 PM

I am really happy with it. Granted, I have a relatively simple system (Tosh HD DVD, Sammy Blu-ray, JVC LCoS rear projection, Marantz receiver, SA HD PVR). It has done everything I wanted with relatively little tweaking - not bad for having equipment of fairly recent vintage. All basic functionality was already in the database, and the one time I had an issue customer service came through quickly and efficiently. I've added new equipment and replaced other pieces without incident. I do not use the multiple command function Logitech removed, so that is not an issue for me. I'd be pretty ticked if it was. From personal experience, though, I highly recommend it.

strutter

03-23-07, 05:24 PM

I'm happy with the remote but not happy with the software. i would like to make a few tweaks to my setup, adjust some delays and add some more favorites but I'm not plugging it up until all their software issues are fixed. personally i thought everything was great before the update that was supposed to give most of us what we wanted. (i wanted those things too). if they had just done that it would still be great. but apparently they aren't competent enough to add one thing without removing something else. that said, i am glad i got everything set up just before the software update. everything works great, and i am happy with the remote itself,but the software sucks. it seems as if we are all being forced into beta testing.

tall1

03-24-07, 01:48 AM

This is nuts! One of my HDTivo's HDMI cards failed so I switched to component and needed to change the input on the activity. So I dutifully updated my 880 an 659 (wifey's) and was forced to use the new software. What a GD nightmare! Now everytime I switch activities, it puts all my other Tivos (HD and SD) in standy and reboots my HTPC!!! I am fed up with this crap. I'll be calling Logitech tomorrow and asking for a full refund. Bunch of a$$holes.

RaginCajun92

03-24-07, 05:36 PM

czzer

03-24-07, 07:33 PM

It seems getting the input selection to work with just about any Hitachi to be a pain. Same goes for me on my P50H401. When I switch activities, everything switches over fine except the tv input. The input menu pops up and cycles through a couple inputs but never stays on the correct input nor does a "select" to enter on the input. I've looked through all the discrete codes and tried them and there is nothing for any the 3 hdmi inputs. I see Input 1-6, InputAV, InputRGB, etc but no mention of hdmi. I've tried some of the other vaguely named inputs and downloaded them to my 880 and no luck.

Can someone shed some light on getting HDMI devices properly selected as an input?

Thanks,
Tom

Go to "Adjust Inputs" for the TV device and make sure the input menu navigation commands and "select" command are assigned properly. Double check the correct commands are being used by trying them in Device mode.

If it still gives problems, you could try increasing the Input Delay a bit.

If you can't get it working, call tech support and they will set it up for you.

joe221

03-25-07, 11:15 PM

Anyone have an idea how to set up the 880 to control the apple TV?

Is there a template yet?

I'm not totally sure, but I think the AppleTV remote is RF. I played with one today at the Apple Store and I didn't have to point the remote at the box.

Love all the new home theatre devices not using IR for their remotes. PS/3 AppleTV...

Grimdeath

03-25-07, 11:38 PM

I'm not totally sure, but I think the AppleTV remote is RF. I played with one today at the Apple Store and I didn't have to point the remote at the box.

Love all the new home theatre devices not using IR for their remotes. PS/3 AppleTV...

Every review I've read says the AppleTV remote is IR, not RF; it should be obvious if you look at the head of the remote.

rajdude

03-26-07, 07:54 AM

Not exactly the same thing, but you can have your activity do it.

I mean if you press "watch DVD" it can start your DVD and other things PLUS dim the lights.

But maybe this is not what you are looking for. AFAIK Straight and simple macro programming is not there.

This is preventing me from buying one for myself! :mad:

Does anyone know how I can set-up the 880 so that it will perform the following:

Press Play --> Start DVD or PVR and dim the lights to off
Press Pause --> Pause DVD or PVR and raise the lights to Scene 1
Press Stop --> Stop DVD or PVR and raise the lights to on

with my Lutron Maestro IR light switch?

I sent an e-mail to Logitech, but haven't received a response.

Thanks in advance.

tokerblue

03-26-07, 10:04 AM

rajdude

03-26-07, 10:18 AM

Thanks,
But going back..... is there is way to do a macro on harmony remotes?
From what I understand macros are a NO NO here, right ?

For example, I wish I could program a button with a X10 command:

A1, ON

As of this time, all I can do is to press one button for A1 and one for ON.

Similarly, I am also looking for this functionality:

"Press pause button and have the lights come on."

For this I need to program the pause button to send this sequence:

pause, A1, ON

I am wondering if this is do-able and from what I know you cant do this on a harmony remote.

rajdude, the progamming for multiple commands was there until the last interface update. What gally1998 is looking to do isn't technically a "macro" in the Harmony interface.

In the customize button function, you were able to send one command from each device.

DishDog

03-26-07, 02:08 PM

Thanks,
But going back..... is there is way to do a macro on harmony remotes?
From what I understand macros are a NO NO here, right ?

For example, I wish I could program a button with a X10 command:

A1, ON

As of this time, all I can do is to press one button for A1 and one for ON.

Similarly, I am also looking for this functionality:

"Press pause button and have the lights come on."

For this I need to program the pause button to send this sequence:

pause, A1, ON

I am wondering if this is do-able and from what I know you cant do this on a harmony remote.rajdude, I was able to program three commands using RAW. In learn RAW name a new command say A1On, then be sure to press the Pause, A1 and On keys quickly in sequence. You may have to play with it awhile until the capture takes but it should work.

Jamey F

03-26-07, 05:43 PM

rajdude, the progamming for multiple commands was there until the last interface update. What gally1998 is looking to do isn't technically a "macro" in the Harmony interface.

In the customize button function, you were able to send one command from each device.

Perhaps it wasn't technically a macro in the Harmony interface, but in my view...If you want to do more than one thing with one button press...I call it a macro. Logitech calls them activities. Either way, you can't do them now without an activity or learning them in Raw format. I am hoping Logitech will reverse it's decision and add the ability to send multiple commands from any device from any button.

avsscientist

03-27-07, 07:29 AM

Perhaps it wasn't technically a macro in the Harmony interface, but in my view...If you want to do more than one thing with one button press...I call it a macro. Logitech calls them activities. Either way, you can't do them now without an activity or learning them in Raw format. I am hoping Logitech will reverse it's decision and add the ability to send multiple commands from any device from any button.

The dilemma is whether I should ABANDOM all the activities I already setup or to "upgrade" to the new "improved" (yeah right) software version so that each button will ONLY be able to execute one single function.

What if Logitech decided to reverse this stupid decision next week, then I have to lose hours of life again to re-program all of those old activities that let one button to execute multiple functions?

sivartk

03-27-07, 08:58 AM

The dilemma is whether I should ABANDOM all the activities I already setup or to "upgrade" to the new "improved" (yeah right) software version so that each button will ONLY be able to execute one single function.

What's the old saying, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.'

rajdude

03-27-07, 09:06 AM

HiHoStevo

03-27-07, 11:45 AM

I don't know why Logitech seems to be removing features from an ALREADY working remote, leaving existing and long-time users frustrated.

If more folks would call/email them and complain about this change... perhaps they will put that function back in.

I also use it for my Maestro IR light control and it is wonderful..., but I cannot program any new activities now as this function is no longer available... just stick with those I have already programmed.

Darkonus

03-27-07, 01:10 PM

If more folks would call/email them and complain about this change... perhaps they will put that function back in.

I also use it for my Maestro IR light control and it is wonderful..., but I cannot program any new activities now as this function is no longer available... just stick with those I have already programmed.I wonder how many complaints they have already received (I emailed several times and called a couple times myself concerning the loss of assigning multiple commands from different devices to a single button within an activity); as well as wonder how many complaints it would finally take before any action is taken to bring back a feature that certainly gave the remote much more flexibility! In both the emails and conversations I had with Logitech, it seems this feature is still being considered (if it is at all) as a low priority!

It's hard to even fathom why they don't seem to grasp the concept that users want to retain this ability and that it is an important feature that adds to the flexibility and overall usefulness of the product. IMO, there are more people purchasing these remotes who wouldn't mind a little more complication to a setup if it means retaining an important feature providing such flexibility, as there are who would choose simplicity over losing this functionality. I understand that their idea is most likely channeled to provide a remote with more complex features which is easier to use and program for everyone than other remotes with similar capabilities ... but there is a point where compromising flexibility to provide that simplicity is just foolishness. This is one of those times IMO! They had that feature previously, so it's not like users are asking the impossible or for something that is unreasonable.

Maybe they could add a new category called "Sub-activities", where the Sub-activity is set up as just a simple series of single button presses from any device you need; then give us the ability to map a button within an Activity to one of those created Sub-activities instead of just being able to map it to a device!

By creating a new Sub-activities category in that manner only the true main Activities you set up would show on the remote's LCD main-screen for selecting in the normal fashion under the Activities screen, while the Sub-activities would be accessed through a single programmed button once inside an Activity. Maybe I'm just looking at this too simplistically myself ... but it seems possible, and would provide more flexibility for a macro style programming of the remote.

HiHoStevo

03-27-07, 02:02 PM

avscientist.........

I don't know about yours... but I did not have any choice. The software on my computer seemed to have updated itself... after I complained the tech support person sent me a copy of version 4.4 of the software which he said should allow me to continue using the remote as I had before... however when I installed and ran the software it hooked up to the same data base online and simply had a different "front end" but only allowed the same choices as the newest software, ie: no ability to assign more than one command to a single button push.

michael000

03-27-07, 05:07 PM

Anyone know what causes the "Unable to display content" error when customizing buttons?

Hadn't experienced it till last night and now i can't access the majority of my custom buttons on my activities. Even when i create a new activity i can only access them once then it locks me out again. Given that i program at least 3 pages of buttons at a time this is getting VERY inconvenient and is enough that i may sell the remote and not bother.

The harmony remote software is one of the worst i've ever had to deal with, slow, clunky, and now broken.

HiHoStevo

03-27-07, 05:18 PM

I spoke with one of the supervisors at Harmony today... he said that putting the ability back in for us to control our lights with the pause/play is being considered. He does not know if it will happen or if so; how long it might take.

What I can say is that if they are re-thinking that change.... the more people they get complaining and requesting it to be put back in... the better chance we have!!

Gary J

03-27-07, 05:19 PM

Anyone know what causes the "Unable to display content" error when customizing buttons?

Discussed not far back in this very thread.

Scuba Steve

03-27-07, 05:33 PM

Discussed not far back in this very thread.

I know we discussed it.... but did we ever resolve it? I'm still able to customize buttons throught the website though, I think.... it's been a few days since I've tried.

EDIT- I tried on http://members.harmonyremote.com and am still able to customize buttons.

Gary J

03-27-07, 05:36 PM

Nope. Same complaints on their very own website forums.

Gary J

03-27-07, 05:38 PM

EDIT- I tried on http://members.harmonyremote.com and am still able to customize buttons.
Some report the same thing. Once, and then it reverts back to the problem.

tokerblue

03-27-07, 06:28 PM

Is anyone else still seeing an "Unable to Display" message when they click on "Change the behavior of buttons" on certain Activities? I'm only receiving the error on my "V-Game PS2" and "V-Game Xbox" activities. I've received the same error message the last few days.

I've only seen this message when the servers are full and I don't get the message with any other Activity.

Gary J

03-27-07, 07:27 PM

You are the only one in the history of the Universe.

mx6bfast

03-27-07, 07:40 PM

You are the only one in the history of the Universe.
:D :D :D

Look up 6 posts.

michael000

03-28-07, 04:35 AM

Discussed not far back in this very thread.

Yeah i know, i read the posts. None of them said what was causing it to happen, just that it was. Guess i'll wait and keep the remote out for my new receiver till it gets cleared up. Too much hassle to reprogram that many buttons everytime heh.

Snorton

03-28-07, 05:47 AM

I'm having a heck of a time getting my Harmony 880 to learn IR codes.

I have a serial LIRC transmitter/reciever. I used the LIRC reciever to learn the IR codes for my TV's remote control. From there I figured out what the discrete codes were that were NOT on the remote control and created a new LIRC config file.

I plugged the LIRC into my Windows Media Center PC, and using WinLIRC verified that my codes would control the TV. :)

I then created a new TV device with no codes with the Harmony software, and learned ALL the codes on my Harmony by outputting them from my WinLIRC PC. The Harmony software didn't complain at all about the codes and learned them quickly.

Now, I take the Harmony to my TV, go into Device mode, and *NONE* of the codes are working. :mad:

I tried a couple other devices the same way and I see the same thing. WinLIRC can control the devices with my serial LIRC, but when the Harmony learns the codes from my LIRC, they don't work.

If I learn directly from the remotes, they usually work fine, but I'm missing many commands that make the Harmony useful (Discrete power on/off, input selection, etc.) I do have one device where the Harmony refuses to learn the IR codes, even in RAW mode, but my LIRC works fine with it.

:( What am I doing wrong? This should have worked without a glitch.

Snorton

03-28-07, 05:50 AM

Logitech's decision SUCKS !

Is there any other activity based remote which can also do macros?

Also .....my main gripe with the 880 is the button size. Were they designing for ....aliens or someone with microscopic fingers ????????

Actually, I noticed something about the 880 remote.

I too find the buttons pretty impossible to use... until I was using it in my left hand one day. For some reason the button positions felt a lot more natural that way.

Can any lefties out there confirm that the remote seems to be geared toward those who are left handed?

strutter

03-28-07, 06:35 AM

i am right handed but have always used the remote left handed...... i grab my beer with the right hand.

tokerblue

03-28-07, 09:55 AM

You are the only one in the history of the Universe.
- LOL. I should have emphasized "still". I saw the previous posts, but I was hoping that it was resolved for others.

jpomp

03-29-07, 11:57 AM

Does anyone know how I can add to my 'Watch TV' activity, when it turns on my A/V reciever (Yammy) to hit the ext. surround sound button (so I can get 7.1)?

It seems like the default is 5.1 on power up and it's annoying to have to page through the 9 pages of Yamaha reciever commands on the Harmony to switch it to 7.1

Thanks.

cfilkins

03-29-07, 12:03 PM

cfilkins

03-29-07, 12:05 PM

Well, as a lefty, I can't say as it felt like it was geared towards me...

I'm sending back my 880 and sticking with my 680...the deal breaker for me was the cheap feeling keys - as I'd slide my fingers over them in the dark to push buttons, I could feel a lot of horizontal play in the keys, and it made me kind of worried about the longevity of the remote...

22benjamin22

03-29-07, 12:28 PM

I'm going to send mine back as well. I thought it'd be the Panacea of remotes for me, but the buttons aren't intuitive in the dark and don't glow bright enough to figure them out without turning on a light.

The remote software got worse instead of better - that was the killer for me.

Amazon will get a call for an RMA today.

jpomp

03-29-07, 01:20 PM

You should be able to do it when you set up the activity. When you go through the activity setup, I believe there are 3 options - yes, it's fine, yes, it's ok but i want to change something, and no, it's not right (i'm paraphrasing). Select the middle one. It goes back through the setup, but then will give you the opportunity to add additional commands.

As for default, my yamaha seems to stick with whatever it was last set on (HTR-5950).

Oh ok I cancelled out because I thought it wanted me to add another device, but if you don't add another device and just hit save, it goes on to allowing you to send button commands. Sweet thanks dude.

My 5960 always seems to revert back to the
_
(.) <- thats supposed to be that signal presence w/o rear surround icon :\
instead of the
_
(.) <- thats supposed to be that signal presence with rear surround icon :)
u

for lack of a better way to show. It always starts at the 5.1 and I have to hit ext.surround for the LR/RR to kick on. I'm sure I can go into the Yamaha setup, but if I can just throw another button command on the Harmony, that would be the simplest.

Thanks.

hfthomp

03-29-07, 03:29 PM

You could always just put that button to switch it into Ext.Surround on the first page of the LCD display.

jpomp

03-30-07, 02:23 PM

You could always just put that button to switch it into Ext.Surround on the first page of the LCD display.

Duh. That makes sense too. Thanks.

Hey another quick question. I have the Comcast 6412 DVR and I programmed 30 sec skip on it. While playing with the Harmony last night, and watching a DVR'd show, I said rats during a commercial because I didn't have the skip on the Harmony. For the heck of it, I hit the skip button down below and it did indeed skip. My question is, does anyone know if this is 30 second skip? Or is it some other length of time?

I'm just curious. Thanks.

Avenger

03-30-07, 05:35 PM

I have what I would consider a weird problem. I just got an Explorer 8300HD DVR for Cablevision. I added the device and then linked it to the Watch TV activity. When I try to sync with the remote, it states that the infrared command '.' is not set and you have to learn it before you can sync with the remote. But when I go to the 8300HD device, there is no '.' command. I know people are using the harmony remote with the 8300HD device so I don't know what the problem is. The tech support people at Harmony were stumped. I remove the 8300HD device and the problem goes away. Any ideas?

Lsollee

03-30-07, 09:06 PM

Jamey F

03-30-07, 09:18 PM

Have you tried adding it as a watch pvr activity instead?

JBaumgart

03-30-07, 10:56 PM

Duh. That makes sense too. Thanks.

Hey another quick question. I have the Comcast 6412 DVR and I programmed 30 sec skip on it. While playing with the Harmony last night, and watching a DVR'd show, I said rats during a commercial because I didn't have the skip on the Harmony. For the heck of it, I hit the skip button down below and it did indeed skip. My question is, does anyone know if this is 30 second skip? Or is it some other length of time?

I'm just curious. Thanks.

Yes, that's the 30 second skip.

Avenger

03-30-07, 11:01 PM

That worked! You would think that a guy on the harmony help line would figure this out after 30 minutes.

Have you tried adding it as a watch pvr activity instead?

rgathright

03-31-07, 04:49 AM

I forgot to charge my battery and it went completely dead. I have put it in the cradle, but nothing is happening.

Is there a reset button or something to get it to charge?

JLINES45@COMCAST

03-31-07, 09:32 AM

That happened to me also it has to do with the cradle it sits in . Sit it in the cradle again and put a book on top of it and leave it like that until tomorrow it worked for me it just sits it in there tighter. Also before you do it clean the base and the back of the remote. Well good luck let me know how you make out. Also check and make sure the circle on your base is lit.

strutter

03-31-07, 01:25 PM

I forgot to charge my battery and it went completely dead. I have put it in the cradle, but nothing is happening.

Is there a reset button or something to get it to charge?

try taking the battery out then put it back in and see if it will charge.

joe221

03-31-07, 06:59 PM

Every review I've read says the AppleTV remote is IR, not RF; it should be obvious if you look at the head of the remote.

My bad, wasn't observant enough. Was more concerned with the poor video PQ on the Sony LCD they had it displayed on and the total lack of anyone looking at it until my friend and I walked over to it?? :confused:

browerjs

04-01-07, 10:48 AM

I just ordered this remote today and am excited to get it. My only question right now, is if the software works alright with Vista? Has anyone used Vista with this remote?

Thanks

Shane Martin

04-01-07, 01:12 PM

Harmony software isn't vista compliant yet.

az911s

04-01-07, 06:11 PM

try taking the battery out then put it back in and see if it will charge.

Similar problem - recently developed. Place on charge cradle after low battery warning and the LCD screen goes through three blue screens ("Harmony Testing"; "Missing License", and "Battery ADC Not Calibrated") and then locks up - totally nonfunctional - and even fails connectivity check from Logitech website so I can't even reload the firmware. Phone tech support seems stumped - and level 2 support doesn't work on weekends.

I have a second unit that continues to work flawlessly - just like this one did prior to the crash and burn. BTW - tried known good battery from the other unit and same screen errors. Is the board/firmware toast?

Anyone with any updates or fixes yet - short of returning unit for replacement?
When it worked, I really like this product. Thanks for any help.

Jamey F

04-01-07, 08:04 PM

Harmony software isn't vista compliant yet.

I'm running a harmony 1000 with Xp and i have tons of lockups, so I wouldn't consider it compliant with anything.

comptr

04-02-07, 03:33 AM

does anone here have their 880 programed with a dish vip622 dvr becaue i cannot get the remtote to have the settings for the 880. ??

bsaxon

04-02-07, 08:50 AM

Apparently there are two websites to actively manage the remote setup. One has a nice looking young lady to guide you though and a help sidebar and all that and the other is a rather boring typical webpage type thing. Is there a functional difference in the two and I wonder why both exist?

Thanks,

Bill

frankthetoad

04-02-07, 09:02 AM

jpomp

04-02-07, 01:03 PM

I have been using the website to update my 890. I haven't had much luck updating with the software for some reason (freezes, usb doesn't connect, failures, etc).

Anyone else our there have a linksys router? I'm not sure but I think by my turning off the router firewall, that was one of the reasons why my remote wouldn't update. It's either that, or taking the battery out and plugging in the USB and updating the remote. Not sure because I did both on the same test.

Next update I'll just try one or the other.

Love the remote so far though. The only annoying thing I don't like is that it doesn't seem smart enough going from "watch tv" to "watch DVD". I thought it was supposed to remember state as to not shut off the TV because it is part of both activities...

TorinoCobra

04-02-07, 07:43 PM

does anone here have their 880 programed with a dish vip622 dvr becaue i cannot get the remtote to have the settings for the 880. ??
I've got my 880 working with my vip622. I had to change the vip622 to ID1 for it to work using the default settings. I think I read somewhere that the 880 can be set for other ID's during setup, but it was just easier for me to change the 622. Check that first.

frankthetoad

04-02-07, 10:09 PM

I cannot find the Toshiba HD-A1 in Harmony's Devices database. Is it located somewhere else other than under the DVD heading?

I searched but couldn't find an answer.

Shane Martin

04-02-07, 10:36 PM

So far my 890 has been cooperative.

czzer

04-03-07, 07:00 AM

Love the remote so far though. The only annoying thing I don't like is that it doesn't seem smart enough going from "watch tv" to "watch DVD". I thought it was supposed to remember state as to not shut off the TV because it is part of both activities...

It does remember state. If it is turning your TV off, it is possibly because the Power commands for your TV are not correctly configured. ie the remote thinks the PowerOn command is a discrete, when it is in fact a toggle.

First, select Device mode for the TV and try all the Power commands. Note if PowerOn is in fact a discrete.

Go to Power Settings for the TV device. If you found a discrete for both on and off, select "A button for ON and a different button for OFF". Make sure the assigned commands are the ones you found in device mode.

If you didn't find a discrete for both ON and OFF, you will need to select the "Power toggle" option. This will then use Smart State to keep track of power state.

jpomp

04-03-07, 12:53 PM

Thanks for your reply czzer.

It does remember state. If it is turning your TV off, it is possibly because the Power commands for your TV are not correctly configured. ie the remote thinks the PowerOn command is a discrete, when it is in fact a toggle. Hmmm...I thought so.

First, select Device mode for the TV and try all the Power commands. Note if PowerOn is in fact a discrete.. Select device mode on my PROJECTOR remote and try all the power commands? To turn it on, there's just one power button. To turn it off, I hit the same button, but have to hit the 'ok/enter' button to confirm the power down. Is that what you mean by discrete?

Go to Power Settings for the TV device. If you found a discrete for both on and off, select "A button for ON and a different button for OFF". Make sure the assigned commands are the ones you found in device mode.. OK I'll look into this.

If you didn't find a discrete for both ON and OFF, you will need to select the "Power toggle" option. This will then use Smart State to keep track of power state. Is the power toggle in the same location on the application? In the power settings?

Thanks again.

Soybean

04-03-07, 02:09 PM

No doubt this has been answered, but the thread is large and the keywords too general:

If you've started an Activity, then go into Device mode, is there a simple way to return to the screen for the activity?

I can press the Activities button and select the activity again, but that'll do things like cycle through the inputs of my projector and other unnecessary setup.

wdkerbow

04-03-07, 02:23 PM

If you've started an Activity, then go into Device mode, is there a simple way to return to the screen for the activity?

Double punch the devices or the activities button

LastButNotLeast

04-03-07, 09:36 PM

I'm running a harmony 1000 with Xp and i have tons of lockups, so I wouldn't consider it compliant with anything.
Actually, it works very well with my Mac. :D

gally1998

04-03-07, 09:59 PM

Not exactly the same thing, but you can have your activity do it.

I mean if you press "watch DVD" it can start your DVD and other things PLUS dim the lights.

But maybe this is not what you are looking for. AFAIK Straight and simple macro programming is not there.

This is preventing me from buying one for myself! :mad:

I just talked with Logitech and it is true, they actually did decide to remove the multiple function feature because supposedly it was "what the customers were asking for." But it sounded like they are getting such an uproar to add multiple button functions that they may provide this option in a future software revision.

So keep calling Logitech and request that the multiple button command feature be restored.

gally1998

04-03-07, 10:02 PM

JBaumgart

04-04-07, 12:03 AM

And now I have another e-mail into Logitech...

How many of you are having trouble with short battery life and a charger cradle that is impossible to position correctly? It takes me five minutes to get the remote positioned just perfectly so it will make contact and begin charging.

I have two 880's and do not have these problems. Each of them will nestle into charging position with just a delicate drop and maybe a slight wiggle, less than a half second. I put them on the charger at the end of each day's use and battery life is never an issue. Have had one of them for two years, the other for about a year and a half.

czzer

04-04-07, 03:49 AM

Select device mode on my PROJECTOR remote and try all the power commands? To turn it on, there's just one power button. To turn it off, I hit the same button, but have to hit the 'ok/enter' button to confirm the power down. Is that what you mean by discrete?

A discrete is a command that performs one function, and one function ONLY. ie a discrete for PowerON will turn the device on if it is off, but will do nothing if the device is already on. This is not the same as pressing the sending the same command twice to turn off the projector. However, as the ON command is different to the OFF command, the Harmony might think they are in fact discretes when they are not.

That being said, the Harmony SHOULD still use Smart State and therefore not send the Power On command when changing activities. If it is, you may need to call tech support to check the settings for you.

Another option is to set the PJ power settings to "This device has no power buttons", add the Power command to the LCD buttons for the Activity, and control the power manually. This is what I do with my projector as it saves accidental power cycling when someone accidently hits the OFF button or whatever.

kryptonite

04-04-07, 11:02 AM

Just how loud is the rattling sound in everyone's 880? My wonderful wife was nice enough to drop mine of the mantle onto the marble fireplace the other day and I swear it sound like something is broken in there. Before it was more of a light rolling back and forth sound and not it more like a "something is loose and rolling around in there" kind of sound.

It seems to still work fine and I hope I'm being paranoid!

P.S. I like how her response when I was slightly upset about her dropping it was, "well it's a crappy remote control if you drop it one time and it breaks!" :rolleyes:

kryptonite

04-04-07, 11:06 AM

I've got my 880 working with my vip622. I had to change the vip622 to ID1 for it to work using the default settings. I think I read somewhere that the 880 can be set for other ID's during setup, but it was just easier for me to change the 622. Check that first.

Maybe it was because I was ignorant to this problem or I don't remember changing anything, but I NEVER had a problem getting my 880 to contol my 622?!

The one thing I would say is to know that the Harmony actually labels the "DVR" function as "PVR" so you will have to mess with that setting (or I did anyway).

JayMan007

04-04-07, 11:59 AM

I just talked with Logitech and it is true, they actually did decide to remove the multiple function feature because supposedly it was "what the customers were asking for." But it sounded like they are getting such an uproar to add multiple button functions that they may provide this option in a future software revision.

Why would they remove that??? If customers didn't want it, don't use it.
I'm using it to send volume up/down/mute to Receiver and TV so that there will be some feedback on screen.

legierk

04-04-07, 02:01 PM

I am new to this thread (but not AVS) and have not read it in its entirety. I am hoping someone can help me or direct me to the post that will.

What I want to do is place a few commands for my receiver and my TV on the first screen for each activity. In other words, whether watching TV, DVR, or DVD, I want about 4 or 5 commands from different devices on the screen for each activity. I want these commands available at all times. Is there any way to do this? This is the only reason I keep my other remotes handy, because to me, it is a hassle to go into the specific device, then flip through the pages to get to the command I need. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Keith

TheMoose

04-04-07, 02:53 PM

I believe when you set up the activity it asks you what equipment is used with that activity.
What ever equipment is used can be added to that activity screen in customization.
So just check whatever equipment you want to acess.

wdkerbow

04-04-07, 03:09 PM

legierk

04-04-07, 03:49 PM

I figured it out guys. I had to "Change the functions of buttons" then go to "Additional Buttons" and whaala! Thanks for the assist.

sivartk

04-04-07, 05:21 PM

kryptonite

04-05-07, 07:20 PM

sivartk

04-05-07, 08:15 PM

kryptonite

04-05-07, 09:47 PM

is it worth getting serviced? I picked mine up for about $125 on sale....I would think a service estimate would start at $50 and then add the repair charges (if repairable). Just something to think about.

That's what I was thinking, but I have literally had this thing for just over ONE month! :mad:

I think if I could find some guidance on how to open it up I could fix it. Everything else is 100% functional except that I can never update my remote again, lol.

Jamey F

04-05-07, 10:23 PM

That's what I was thinking, but I have literally had this thing for just over ONE month! :mad:

I think if I could find some guidance on how to open it up I could fix it. Everything else is 100% functional except that I can never update my remote again, lol.

How did you pay for it. Lots of credit cards give 90 days or so for accidental damage. You may be able to file a claim and get another one for just shipping it to your CC company.

kryptonite

04-05-07, 10:24 PM

How did you pay for it. Lots of credit cards give 90 days or so for accidental damage. You may be able to file a claim and get another one for just shipping it to your CC company.

I paid for it with a check card and not a credit card (I think). I will have to check and see.

Thanks for the suggestion though!

blazeblaze

04-05-07, 10:29 PM

I just activated a new check card/debit card minutes ago...and it gives me an extended warranty on anything with 12 months or less. So it might be worth a try.

Nuzy

04-05-07, 11:10 PM

That's what I was thinking, but I have literally had this thing for just over ONE month! :mad:

I think if I could find some guidance on how to open it up I could fix it. Everything else is 100% functional except that I can never update my remote again, lol.
Do a search at remotecentral.com and see if you can find something on how to open it up. I seem to recall reading about it there.

I'm not necessarily advocating this, but another option since it's still in warranty (I think) - call Logitech and tell them the usb connector popped into the remote when you tried to plug it in to update. I'm betting they would just send you a new one due to the defective usb connector. Then all you would have to do is send the old one back to them :o Maybe a little sneaky, but I'll leave that up to you to decide...

kryptonite

04-06-07, 08:14 AM

Do a search at remotecentral.com and see if you can find something on how to open it up. I seem to recall reading about it there.

I'm not necessarily advocating this, but another option since it's still in warranty (I think) - call Logitech and tell them the usb connector popped into the remote when you tried to plug it in to update. I'm betting they would just send you a new one due to the defective usb connector. Then all you would have to do is send the old one back to them :o Maybe a little sneaky, but I'll leave that up to you to decide...

I'm going to try and do that. The thing dropped one time about 4 feet max and was messed up. I know remotes aren't supposed to be thrown around, but come one. 1 drop and it's dead?!

MingisDew

04-06-07, 01:13 PM

Hey all, I just got my 880 not too long ago and i dropped all my setting in from my old Harmony and it was great until their retarded software kept erroring and I had to start from scratch. Anyways, on to my question. Is the favorite channel feature gone for good or what? Is there anyway to map the media key?

sivartk

04-06-07, 01:35 PM

favorite channels are there....just click adjust settings (or something like that) and favorite channels should be an option. Why do you want to map the media key when there is a dedicated button?

barryaz1

04-06-07, 02:48 PM

scooterboy

04-06-07, 02:55 PM

It's a known bug. To fix:
- remove the batteries
- replace batteries
viola!

The tilt sensor should now work.

YMMV
Well, first I have to say that I don't play the viola.

But I did follow these steps and...Voila... the tilt sensor still doesn't work.

I've had the remote for about a week (replaced a 676), and I do like it so far.

Great info in this thread. And I have a question for all you guys who consistently answer other people's questions:

When the 327th person asks "what is that rattle in my 880?", how do you keep from reaching through their computer monitor and strangling them?

Whenever I get a new gadget (tivo, projector, 880...), I find the AVS thread for it and I READ it. ALL of it. I find the answers to 99% of my questions, without bothering helpful people with endlessly repetitious questions. Yet I see it time after time in this type of thread - the same questions over and over and over...

Can anyone tell me what's so hard about reading the freaking thread first? :confused:

Anyway, thanks for all the great info!

mx6bfast

04-06-07, 03:50 PM

So here's my problem - my wife is probably less technical than most wives from this list, to put it mildly (I sometimes refer to her as a real '90's kind of woman - 1890's) and I want to buy an 880 to replace my ancient Marantz "Remote of the Gods."

But, as I've followed this thread, it seems that if she doesn't use the 880 and instead uses the dedicated Dish remote, that will mess up the 880 by leaving components in an "unexpected" status, and I'll be continually having to use Help. Is that true? Does she (and anyone) have to exclusively use the Harmony?

And, is there someone from this list in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area who would be willing to demonstrate how simple this can be? Thanks.

Barry
Scottsdale, AZ

Sony KDS-R70XBR2
Dish Vip622
OTAHD
Anthem AVM-20
Sony 505 DVD (old)
Sirius Audiovox Tuner
JVC SVHS (old)
XBox 360
If you set the TV to say Component 1 and when you click the Watch TV icon in which it is supposed to be in Component 1, it will stay on that setting and not turn the TV off. I would run into an issue with my H20 every now and then. My 20 month old likes to go turn the blue power light on and off a few times and then walk away. If the H20 was on and when I did the Watch TV command it would shut off. So i would use the Help feature. 5 clicks later it was on. But I figured out a shortcut. Add a menu item in the display and name it Sat Power so then if the situation arose again all I would have to do it hit the Sat Power button and it would come right on. 1 click instead of 5.

You don't have to exclusively use the Harmony. But other than the H20 I;ve never had it turn off my TV or A/V reciever if it was already in that "on" state.

Larry Hutchinson

04-06-07, 04:10 PM

Okay, does anyone know if I can get this remote serviced anywhere? I just figure out today that the rattling sound I had after my wife dropped the remote is from where the usb port broke loose. I cannot update my remote anymore. :mad:

Call up Harmony tech support and tell them what happend and ask if there is anything they can do.

They might just replace it for free.

bernie33

04-06-07, 06:08 PM

barryaz1

04-06-07, 06:23 PM

You'll find that she'll actually be able to use Help herself. If things don't work as she expects, she can hit the Help button and it will ask her "Is the TV on?" and she'll hit yes or no. And so on for whatever devices are involved. When she answers "no" to a question, the Harmony will fix it and the next question will be "did that fix the problem?". She'll then say "yes" and feel triumphant and like a techno wizard! :)

I almost can't start laughing - you have no idea of my wife. The system workings have essentially not changed in 8 years and there's still the "I can't get this to work." For example, if you know the Dish remote, on the upper left are the SAT & TV buttons to activate those controls - well, at least 5X a week, it's "why can't I get this work?" because it's in the wrong mode. By the way, she's a master's level psychotherapist... hmmmm, maybe that's the problem.

MingisDew

04-06-07, 06:26 PM

favorite channels are there....just click adjust settings (or something like that) and favorite channels should be an option. Why do you want to map the media key when there is a dedicated button?I cannot find the fav channels anywhere. I combed the entire program.

Also, I want to "use" the media button, like map my MCE PC button or 360 guide button to it. The one for the poorly supported media funtion Harmony is "suppose" to have *shakes fist at Logitech*

strutter

04-06-07, 07:05 PM

When the 327th person asks "what is that rattle in my 880?", how do you keep from reaching through their computer monitor and strangling them?

Can anyone tell me what's so hard about reading the freaking thread first? :confused:

!

i read a thread while still considering a purchase then after i get the item i cant seem to stay away from the thread. I've spent days reading threads from 2004 to present. some people just aren't that patient ,don't have the time or just plain aren't into it like we are . they would like an answer given to them rather than finding it themselves. whenever i join a thread that i have not had time to read i always include "if its already been covered please point me toward the post"
if someone ask a question that requires an in depth answer i usually just point them toward a post with a link if its easy for me to find. but if its a quick answer I'll just tell them and be done with it. usually they don't stay at a thread very long. they just want an answer to their problem at the time then their done...i feel so used :)

strutter

04-06-07, 07:17 PM

You don't have to exclusively use the Harmony. But other than the H20 I;ve never had it turn off my TV or A/V reciever if it was already in that "on" state.

i turned on my dvd player today manually just to put a disc in to be ready. when i was ready to watch it i pushed watchdvd and it did everything correct except it turned off the dvd player then back on.
also i forgot to charge it when it was low once and when the remote died it turned the tv off.
also when the sleep timer function of the tv is used through the harmony remote
and i want to turn the tv on the next day it wont turn on i have to use help.

BTW my wife is extremely illiterate concerning electronics. she cant even check e-mail. but has no problem using the harmony after getting over her fear of messing something up.

bernie33

04-06-07, 10:27 PM

I cannot find the fav channels anywhere. I combed the entire program.

Also, I want to "use" the media button, like map my MCE PC button or 360 guide button to it. The one for the poorly supported media funtion Harmony is "suppose" to have *shakes fist at Logitech*

On the website, at the main screen after you've logged in, the right side of the screen shows the "Activities" that you've setup. If you have a "Watch DVR" and/or "Watch TV" activity, or something comparable, you should see a "Setup Favorite Channels" link. That link will let you assign channel numbers and logos to the softkeys (the ones next to the LCD on your remote). Once that is done, pressing the "Media" key on your remote will display those logos and pressing a softkey will take you to the corresponding channel.

scooterboy

04-06-07, 10:32 PM

i read a thread while still considering a purchase then after i get the item i cant seem to stay away from the thread. I've spent days reading threads from 2004 to present. some people just aren't that patient ,don't have the time or just plain aren't into it like we are . they would like an answer given to them rather than finding it themselves. whenever i join a thread that i have not had time to read i always include "if its already been covered please point me toward the post"
if someone ask a question that requires an in depth answer i usually just point them toward a post with a link if its easy for me to find. but if its a quick answer I'll just tell them and be done with it. usually they don't stay at a thread very long. they just want an answer to their problem at the time then their done...i feel so used :)
Doesn't sound like a big deal if you're only looking at one of those people. But when one after the other comes in and asks the same damn question, I would think you guys would get pretty tired of it.

To me it just seems like laziness. But I don't mind doing the reading to find the answer myself.

My hat's off to you guys for your patience - if it were me, I'd probably start replying with RTFT!!! after the first half-dozen. :)

grif32

04-07-07, 12:33 AM

Quick question.

When I click "Device" then Click TV it gives me 13 pages of stuff most I dont use. Can you delete the stuff you dont want and keep the pages you do want. I hate scrolling through 8 pages just to switch inputs on the TV.

Unless there is a quick and easy way to do it. Just click one button to switch inputs for the TV. I have the 880 and its my first Universal Remote. I love the thing.

Thanks

czzer

04-07-07, 02:31 AM

kryptonite

04-07-07, 09:24 AM

Don't use Device mode to switch inputs on the TV...that's what Activities are for.

czzer is absolutely correct, you should have that set up on your additional buttons screen of your activities.

To answer your question though, yes you can delete everything you don't use . . . I probably have 1 screen of tv buttons that I use. Just scroll through the list on the setup page and write down what you want to keep (make sure and also write down the corresponding action to match them up). This way you can put them in the order you want as well.