Harmony 720 Official Thread. For all info and FAQs [Text View] - Page 3

Bob4action

01-17-07, 07:52 AM

I just got my 720 in the mail from Target(just in case I need to return it) and was wondering how long is the first charge? Also how do I know if it is charging? Thanks for the help.
Greetings,
I just purchased a 720 at Costco and have a similar issue.
Although the instructions make a vague reference to seeing the battery indicator blink in sequence when charging, once the unit is in the charger the display goes dark and there is no indication that it is charging other than a beep when I initially place it in the charger. I called Harmony support and they said that was "normal".
After an overnight charge, if I turn the unit on while it is on the charger the battery indicator shows full, yet when I take the unit off the charger the battery indicator almost immediately drops to 2 bars.
I may call support once more this morning before the unit goes back to Costco. I've read too much about battery issues on other Harmony models to assume that this is "normal".
Can anyone confirm how the unit is supposed to indicate a charge?
b.

BenJF3

01-17-07, 08:22 AM

According to the Harmony website FAQ:

How do I know that the battery in my Remote is charging?

Answer:
When the remote is charging the battery indicator at the top of the screen (LCD) will flash.

The remote is fully charged when the battery indicator shows 3 solid green bars.

After my first initial charge, it never worked properly. It was always at 1 bar and would always indicate that the battery was low and needed to be charged. I would put it on the charger and it would beep, then cycle through the images it has, but never charged. Then it started to just do all kinds of weird things on the charger like refresh the screen continuously. I got fed up with it and returned it. I may try the 880 seeing as how BB has them on sale for the same price, but my expectations are not high. Sometimes with an item like this, you are better to pay a little more so you have the option of returning it without hassle.

SnellKrell

01-17-07, 08:34 AM

If you think you have trouble with the 720 charging, wait until you get an 880.

Originally there was a design flaw concerning the 880's charging cradle. Harmony had it redesigned and provided replacements. My replacement, almost half of the time, continues to give me problems.

I bought a 720 for a relative and it works perfectly!

I guess it's the luck of the draw.

BenJF3

01-17-07, 08:40 AM

Yea, I hear the same things. It's pretty ridiculous when you pay around $200 for a remote and have all kinds of setup and usage issues. The Harmony concept has such great potential and I don't understand why Logitech can't get it together. It might take something along the lines of hacking the software and having someone other than the devs fix the setup issue. That's what was done with the Mouse/Keyboard software. An independent programmer hacked it and made it way more functional. I guess, all I have to lose is a trip to the store to try the 880. My only other option is juggling the 5 remotes I now have!?!?!?

Bob4action

01-17-07, 08:55 AM

My only other option is juggling the 5 remotes I now have!?!?!?
Greetings,
I read the FAQ section on the Logitech website, and I have never seen the battery indicator on the LCD screen once the display goes dark when it is the cradle.
I'm not sure what the issue is with my 720, but it goes back to Costco today. I need to decide if I want to try another one or just practice my remote juggling skills.
It's too bad that the OEM of my receiver, tv's, etc, stopped including learning remotes with their products, since I can get several of their included remotes to do most of what I want them to do, but can't get one of them to do everything.
So it goes...off to Costco this morning.
b.

BenJF3

01-17-07, 09:16 AM

Yea, if One For All would expand their code listing I would use my cable company remote. It has enough devices, but none of the codes for any of my equipment.

teknoguy

01-17-07, 11:57 AM

Greetings,
I read the FAQ section on the Logitech website, and I have never seen the battery indicator on the LCD screen once the display goes dark when it is the cradle.
I'm not sure what the issue is with my 720, but it goes back to Costco today. I need to decide if I want to try another one or just practice my remote juggling skills.
It's too bad that the OEM of my receiver, tv's, etc, stopped including learning remotes with their products, since I can get several of their included remotes to do most of what I want them to do, but can't get one of them to do everything.
So it goes...off to Costco this morning.
b.

The one I bought at Costco did the same thing when I plugged it in initialy. No charge indicator. SO I brought it back and got another one. Works fine after 3 weeks and counting... Try another 720.
-t

dabig25

01-17-07, 12:33 PM

Since the Harmony doesn't do macros, it's not sending out multiple commands. The only thing I can think of is the command code transmitted for your PVR's "My DVR" function is either identical or very close to the command code for your TV's "Input" function and they are both responding to the same command. I find it hard to believe, but I guess it could happen. I believe you could increase the Inter-Device Delay on the TV to a higher amount to try and get it to 'ignore' the erroneous Input command.

So what should I do...............?

Start all over from scratch ?

intense4x4

01-17-07, 08:50 PM

BenJF3

01-17-07, 09:36 PM

With all the quality control issues these remotes have you would think they'd be priced a little more reasonably.

bfdtv

01-18-07, 08:25 AM

I got my 720 working my stuff now but I think it is going to go back since the tilt sensor doesn't work. Also, it has something interesting working on it. I am able to do the 30 sec. skip ahead like you can with Dish network. I did not have this before. I didn't do anything special to get it to do it either. So I don't know if the rest of you have the capability but it is cool when you are watching football.You can often fix the tilt sensor by disabling and re-enabling it in the software settings. In most cases, the sensor isn't defective, it just gets disabled by a software glitch.

clear33765

01-18-07, 09:55 AM

I am curently using Hk AVR 7200 and DVD player RCA DRS700N.

When the Remote is programmedusing the website , the video input to the AVR is correct but the Audio keeps defaulting to Logic 7 but what I really want is the Audio input to be 6 ch direct. I can get this changed manually through Devices on the remote but how to make this the default? Tks

Actually, you do not need the remote for this. There is a setting in Harmon Kardon receivers that allow you to default to Logic 7, or any one of the surround modes. Logic 7 is also not an "input" selection but a surround mode.

I have an HK AVR 630 and I have the "surround off" mode set up as a default for music . I prefer 2.1 channel music on my system instead of Logic 7.

BenJF3

01-18-07, 10:09 AM

Well, I will be trying the 880 tonight, but was wondering if anyone knew how to program a macro for something like a 30 second skip? I have an SA 8300HD DVR and want to be able to jump forward and backward. This seems like it should be very easy to add to a Harmony remote.

clear33765

01-18-07, 11:01 AM

Well, I have a 720 and thus far I'm not that impressed. I honestly thought these things were much more customizable than this. Sure, it works everything, but setting it up how I want it to look for operation is a royal pain in the ass. Why didn't the use a drag and drop type of software for button placement?!?!? You know, a little picture of the screen in the software with a button pool next to it so you could just drag the function you want and drop it on the button in the remote. That would have been so much EASIER than having to scroll through and figure out what function needs to be assigned to what button so that it shows up on the LCD where I want it. For example, I have an SA8300HD and need the A,B,C buttons. Well, I'm a righty so I want them all on the right side of the remote. However, if I have favorites assigned, I'm SOL because the favorites button always replaces the first button and shifts the entire setting around so now I have to scroll through 3 menu screens to use the A key. Also, if I want to add/change/remove a command I have to redo the ENTIRE layout because it always just adds the command to the bottom of the list. Customization is excruciating on this thing. Also, I thought I could assign icons to buttons, so I could match it up with the OEM remote and onscreen counterparts. You know, put an icon of the yellow A in the triangle, B in the blue square, C in the red circle. It would make it jump out and be easier for the others (kids, wife) to navigate. Can't do that either. Only icons for channels/favorites. I'm seriously considering returning this because for $200 it doesn't do near what I thought or expected it would. Is anyone else having these issues or am I doing something wrong? Any feedback would be appreciated.

One thing I have to say about the Harmony remotes, IMO, they perform exactly as intended. These things are not designed for the power user, and if you are here on these boards, you are a power user. I wouldn't call these remotes budget either. $200 for a remote is not what I would call budget. These things are designed so anyone can answer a few questions, and have a fully functioning, activity based remote. Even my dad could program a Harmony remote and be using it within the hour. Granted, there are goofy nuances with the software.

With that said, I am a power user. I have to be since my main home theater uses the MX-3000. And I really like screwing around with this remote to do different things. However, I wanted another remote for my bedroom where I have a LCD TV, DVD player and a DVR. It sucks having three remotes on the nightstand.

I decided on the Harmony 720 and ordered it from Walmart's website this morning (this thing is impossible to find in stores). A friend of mine has the 880 and I didn't care for it much. I like the 550 but wanted the color screen and docking station. I could have went with the Harmon Kardon TC30 as well. I will post a review of the 720 after I receive it and get it programmed (1.5 weeks maybe).

Programming tip: This tip goes for any Harmony remote. If any of you guys have access to a fully programmable remote like the MX-3000, the way I solve issues with missing IR codes in the Harmony database is to program a specific IR code in my MX-3000 and then have the Harmony remote learn from that remote. This works for discreet codes that cannot be found on the original remote.

I solved this problem this way on my friend's Harmony 880.

intense4x4

01-18-07, 07:14 PM

Well I did the dis/enable deal and nothing. I removed the battery per logitech's website to reset and again nothing. So I contacted support and they tried to fix it with firmware and nothing so they are supposed to be sending me a new remote. Other than the tilt sensor not working the remote is awesome. I haven't even really started playing with it yet. I would like to thank everyone on this site for helping me decided on this remote.

Bob4action

01-19-07, 02:07 PM

Greetings,
I decided to have Costco replace my new OOB non-charging 720 with another unit. No problems with the return at Costco.
So far the new remote has held a charge and the initial set up worked rather smoothly, for the most part.
I'll post again once I get it dialed in, which may take awhile at this rate.
YMMV,
b.

BenJF3

01-19-07, 03:23 PM

One thing I have to say about the Harmony remotes, IMO, they perform exactly as intended. These things are not designed for the power user, and if you are here on these boards, you are a power user. I wouldn't call these remotes budget either. $200 for a remote is not what I would call budget. These things are designed so anyone can answer a few questions, and have a fully functioning, activity based remote. Even my dad could program a Harmony remote and be using it within the hour. Granted, there are goofy nuances with the software.

With that said, I am a power user. I have to be since my main home theater uses the MX-3000. And I really like screwing around with this remote to do different things. However, I wanted another remote for my bedroom where I have a LCD TV, DVD player and a DVR. It sucks having three remotes on the nightstand.

I decided on the Harmony 720 and ordered it from Walmart's website this morning (this thing is impossible to find in stores). A friend of mine has the 880 and I didn't care for it much. I like the 550 but wanted the color screen and docking station. I could have went with the Harmon Kardon TC30 as well. I will post a review of the 720 after I receive it and get it programmed (1.5 weeks maybe).

Programming tip: This tip goes for any Harmony remote. If any of you guys have access to a fully programmable remote like the MX-3000, the way I solve issues with missing IR codes in the Harmony database is to program a specific IR code in my MX-3000 and then have the Harmony remote learn from that remote. This works for discreet codes that cannot be found on the original remote.

I solved this problem this way on my friend's Harmony 880.

I have to disagree. The 520 is what I would consider to not be for a power or advanced user. However, at $200 to $250 for the 720 or 880 I fully expected these to be much more functional and customizable for a "power user". Yes, they work as advertised and are relatively simple to setup, but that doesn't make them functional. Using the walkthrough with the 720 dumps all kinds of unneeded buttons into the softmenu and places the ones one would or need together on different pages making navigation a pain. I would expect that from say the 520 or 550. Those are budget remotes IMO. If Logitech simply overhauled the UI and software, these remotes could be used to their full potential.

clear33765

01-22-07, 11:50 AM

I have to disagree. The 520 is what I would consider to not be for a power or advanced user. However, at $200 to $250 for the 720 or 880 I fully expected these to be much more functional and customizable for a "power user". Yes, they work as advertised and are relatively simple to setup, but that doesn't make them functional. Using the walkthrough with the 720 dumps all kinds of unneeded buttons into the softmenu and places the ones one would or need together on different pages making navigation a pain. I would expect that from say the 520 or 550. Those are budget remotes IMO. If Logitech simply overhauled the UI and software, these remotes could be used to their full potential.

I agree that the Harmony remotes do not reach their potential. And this is not the fault of the remote. It is the fault of the software. If they just redsigned the software to allow you to add your own IR and hex codes, and to fully redesign the menus and options, it would satisfy all the power users out there, myself included.

My comment was just to state that it meets the basic needs for the basic consumer who has no idea how to program these things. The wizards in the software do a decent job of asking questions to get the remote setup for people like my parents who just want to turn everything on and get everything on the right inputs.

I believe the 520/550 and the 720/880 are all capable of performing the exact same tasks. The only difference is one line has a color screen and docking station.

I saw a $25 eight device universal at bestbuy this weekend that could do 4 macros. Anyone ever use these cheap remotes before?

BenJF3

01-22-07, 12:00 PM

I agree with you on that point 100%! The software for users like us is wretched and could be done so much better. The basic user who just wants to dump all the commands in and go would have no trouble doing so. However, if that's the case, then why go beyond say the 550? I got my father a 520 and it is basically as customizable as an 880, which I just got to replace my problematic 720. I must say that I prefer the 880 ergonomically and functionally. The screen on the 720 has better resolution, but the 880 meets my needs better. Maybe if we are lucky, Logitech will re-design the software.... someday. I can attest to this much, while I was without the Harmony using my system was as enjoyable as a crotch shot. They definitely make running multiple devices much easier. My beef was with setup and customization.

squareeyes

01-22-07, 08:40 PM

Does anybody know much about the Harmony 785? I just noticed it popping up on their domestic site and it's available to order. I believe it was a UK equivalent to the 720 but I cannot tell the difference between the two remotes. Anyone have clue?

SnellKrell

01-22-07, 08:43 PM

I believe it has a few extra buttons that work with the U.K.'s teletext.

squareeyes

01-22-07, 08:53 PM

Scratch my previous post. For some reason I was directed to an international page.
My bad.

Pinecrest

01-23-07, 02:19 AM

I purchased a 720 and with the help of a few forums and online resources have everything setup, favorite channel icons loaded, and everything is working perfectly.

I have one wish that may not be possible, but if anyone knows, I figure someone here would know.

Is it possible when selecting an activity, for example Watch TV, to have the final task be for the remote to show the favorite channels without having to press the Fav Channels button on the remote? This would be so handy for TV, Satellite Digital Music, etc.

clear33765

01-23-07, 10:35 AM

elvindeath

01-23-07, 03:06 PM

I just picked one of these up last night at Cost Co. Took about 1.5 hours to set up (I spent a lot of time poking around) and so far, it's been great. My Universal Remote MX-500 worked well with my AV system, but since I use multiple inputs on both my TV and AV Receiver, it was somewhat confusing to hit the right combination. Forget explaining to my mother-in-law or a babysitter how to do it.

The Logitech unit charged quickly and the software installed and then updated on my Windows XP system automatically. Took me about 20 minutes to find the model #s and map the inputs/outputs of my Yamah RX-V1400 receiver, my Sony KF-60WE610 TV, my Comcast 6412 PVR, my Samsung HD841 and my Xbox 360. The software recognized all of them without incident (except for my Comcast DVR, but a similar model seems to work with the same IR codes). Within about 25 minutes, my remote was set up to totally control my system with basic one-touch functionality, and all I had left to do was to tweak the programmable key settings. It even added "new" functionality to my PVR, providing easy access to a "30 second skip" which was hard to implement on my MX-500.

As far as everyone needing custom settings, maybe my version of the software is different, but I couldn't find one setting that I wanted to change that I couldn't (with limited exploration) find out how to change. Device orders, labels, power settings, Favorites - all of it went in no problem at all.

As far as ergonomics, I really enjoy the layout. I find the hard tack buttons easier to use than the rubbery soft buttons on my MX-500, and the slim layout is easy to hold and manipulate. The ease-of-use is outstanding, and my wife (who after three years could never seem to learn that you needed to change Inputs on both the receiver and TV to watch a DVD) figured out how to play a DVD with no help just by picking up the remote and pressing "Watch DVD". My 7 year old figured out how to flip over to the Xbox 360 to play Viva Pinata with no help at all.

I'm sure I'll spend a few days tweaking, but I just wanted to post a positive experience in case anyone is researching this remote on the site. Too often, I think, negative experiences dominate this site (which is understandable because it's a great resource to try to work through problems) ... but for me, I've had absolutely no issue at all with ink rubbing off, software not installing, or abnormal command sequences. It's really been a nice piece of gear so far. And since I bought at Costco, I'm confident that if any issues ever arose, I could always take it back !

rlanza1054

01-24-07, 03:00 AM

Actually, the Harmony CAN send multiple commands for one button press, as long as the commands are for different devices. You can do this by selecting commands from more than one device column in the drop down boxes for a single button.

You can use this, for example, to make the DVD "Play" button send both a "Play" command to the DVD player, and a "Lights OFF" command to a lighting controller.

Czzer,

I didn't realize that you could do multiple commands with a single button like you described.

Actually, I want to do a multiple command or a 'nested activity' and I'm not sure if that is possible.

Here is what I would like to accomplish (I am pretty good at setting up the Harmony):

I have a TV cabinet with glass doors, so I've been installing fans in the back to cool it down, ever since I installed my external hard drive on my cable DVR box (a whole crazy project of mine) but I've got so many fans now that sometimes I want to shut them off for a short while, without going to 'devices'.

Right now, all the fans get turned on when I activate an activity. So when I turn on 'Watch PVR' the TV (PVR and Home Theatre) the Fans go on via X10. I send out a device command (in my case it's number 4) and then I send the 'on' command. When turn off the activity or leave it to go to another activity, I send the device command (again number 4) and then I send a 'off' command.

Everything works great!

Now what I would like to be able to do is while I'm in my activity (watching PVR for example) I might want to just hit 'one' button and have it send the device command number and then the 'on' or 'off' command. All this with one press.

For the time being until I figure out how to (if it's possible at all) do the above, I just added the buttons (customize buttons). So I have one button for 'device 4' which I labeled 'Fan'. Then I have two other buttons, once for the 'on' command labeled 'Fan On' and the last button for the 'off' command labeled 'Fan Off.

So is it possible to get this down to a one button press?

What I was thinking if possible, was to make an activity that does this sequence (that's a better word for what I want 'sequence') and be able to call it and then return back to the current activity (ex: Watch PVR).

If I just create the activity and then hit it, it will end up turning off the TV and other equipment just to do that activity.

So what I think would be great is if I can get a 'nested' activity or sequence in place some how.

So to end this, I wanted to say, that reading that message about multiple commands brought me closer to achieving my goal.

I wanted to Thank you for mentioning that tid bit of info, got my wheels turning again.

Thank you.

Rob

Mike1117

01-25-07, 12:37 AM

elvindeath

01-25-07, 12:23 PM

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

Also are people still having problems with characters rubbing off on the bottom of the 720?

Thanks!

From my research (impulsive and limited as it was), I didn't notice a whole ton of differences. The 880 had 4 lines of icons versus 3 for the 720. The 720's display is supposedly better. The 720 is a slimmer, more rectangular build, and comes with a rechargeable lithium battery.

I personally preferred the look and feel of the 720, and the more "firm" buttons. I find the range outstanding, and so far (see above) remain extremely pleased with my decision. As for the ink "rubbing off", I think they solved that problem simply by removing the ink in question. I haven't noticed any issue at all with the printing on mine.

Steckz18

01-25-07, 06:29 PM

elvindeath

01-25-07, 07:16 PM

I was wondering if there was a way to add favorite channels as well as the logos for the 720...although i do not have one at the moment i was wondering if this was possible....also i own an SA8300HD cable box and i was wondering how you go about adding the "A" , "B" AND "C" buttons...is this possible on the lcd screen? And how do u view the list of ur previously recorded shows? Do you have to assign a button?

if neone knows how to do this..could u list complete steps...

although i do not own one i plan on purchasing one within the next day or so.....

thanks

(1) For the Favorite Channels, yes you can set favorite channels with logos. You can preset (I believe) 24 channels with the logos on the remote. Additionally, if your cable system supports "favorite lists" stored on the box (like Comcast with the Motorola 6412), you can also set a preset button to access your favorite list.

(2) I'm not familiar with your cable box, or what the "A", "B" and "C" buttons do, but I would assume you can make a custom button and have the remote learn your keys. I noted that when I went through the set up process and specified my cable box, all the buttons that were on my cable box remote but not present on the 720 were automatically mapped to your custom buttons screen. I'd bet the setup process will automatically map those keys to the custom screen, and you can reorder them however you like.

(3) Similar to the above, my cable remote had a "My DVR" button that automatically pulls up the DVR menu, which includes the "Saved Programs" list. I would assume you can map direct to the Saved Programs list, or set up a sequence, but I don't know this for sure. At a minimum, you'll be able to have single key access to a My DVR button.

Hope this helps. I've found the remote to be great, and there's nothing I need to do that wasn't basically programmed in during the auto setup. Good luck.

Steckz18

01-25-07, 11:38 PM

(1) For the Favorite Channels, yes you can set favorite channels with logos. You can preset (I believe) 24 channels with the logos on the remote. Additionally, if your cable system supports "favorite lists" stored on the box (like Comcast with the Motorola 6412), you can also set a preset button to access your favorite list.

(2) I'm not familiar with your cable box, or what the "A", "B" and "C" buttons do, but I would assume you can make a custom button and have the remote learn your keys. I noted that when I went through the set up process and specified my cable box, all the buttons that were on my cable box remote but not present on the 720 were automatically mapped to your custom buttons screen. I'd bet the setup process will automatically map those keys to the custom screen, and you can reorder them however you like.

(3) Similar to the above, my cable remote had a "My DVR" button that automatically pulls up the DVR menu, which includes the "Saved Programs" list. I would assume you can map direct to the Saved Programs list, or set up a sequence, but I don't know this for sure. At a minimum, you'll be able to have single key access to a My DVR button.

Hope this helps. I've found the remote to be great, and there's nothing I need to do that wasn't basically programmed in during the auto setup. Good luck.

thanks alot man...that really helps!!!

xxx yyy

01-26-07, 07:41 AM

Regarding an ealier post about text label rubbed off, I just bought one from Costco. Out of the box, I don't see any text label under the transport button anymore.

xxx yyy

01-26-07, 07:56 AM

dabig25

01-26-07, 11:48 AM

Having a problem trying to set up an ACTIVITY.............

I want to listen to music thru my DVR box. The DVR has a DMX & also broadcasts local FM stations.

What I want to do is have my 720 Tunr My AV Receiver & DVR box on. I DO NOT want the TV on while I do this.

I just want the AV Receiver & DVR box to come on. I did set up LISTEN to Radio activity, but the problem is............

The remote will control the volume on the AV Receiver,which is what I want. But, the remote will NOT change the channels on my DVR, so that I could listen to other channels.

What Activity can I ad that will help me do this...........? When I tried to set up the activity as Watch TV,PVR or something else it asks me what input the TV should be on when I DO NOT want the TV on.

NorthJersey

01-26-07, 02:15 PM

did you just try adding the dvr and receiver to the activity, and not the tv ? Also, in the tv's properties, set it to not stay on when not in use

dabig25

01-26-07, 02:43 PM

did you just try adding the dvr and receiver to the activity, and not the tv ? Also, in the tv's properties, set it to not stay on when not in use

But I don't want the TV to be on, while listening to the music.

Ladd

01-26-07, 03:31 PM

But I don't want the TV to be on, while listening to the music.
And NorthJersey's instructions don't have the TV on -- he suggested creating a "Listen to Cable Music" (or whatever) Activity that includes all the devices you need except the TV.

His reference to checking the TV Device settings was to ensure that the TV would turn off properly if you switched to "Listen to Cable Music" Activity from an Activity that WAS using the TV.

HarmonyDude

01-26-07, 04:33 PM

dabig25

01-26-07, 04:48 PM

did you just try adding the dvr and receiver to the activity, and not the tv ? Also, in the tv's properties, set it to not stay on when not in use

How would I do that then............?

ptsenter

01-26-07, 05:56 PM

How would I do that then............?
Add activity -> no, manual -> utility

dabig25

01-26-07, 07:18 PM

I've tried everybodys suggestions...............still no luck.

All the right devices turn on & all the right devices turn off.

It's just that I want the 720 to use the AV Receiver to control the volume. But I want to be able to use the 720 to change channels on my DVR, which is NOT what it's doing. When I try to change the channel on the DVR it doesn't work ?

Pinecrest

01-27-07, 12:45 AM

I've tried everybodys suggestions...............still no luck.

All the right devices turn on & all the right devices turn on.

It's just that I want the 720 to use the AV Receiver to control the volume. But I want to be able to use the 720 to change channels on my DVR, which is NOT what it's doing. When I try to change the channel on the DVR it doesn't work ?

There is a specific activity called something like Listen to Satellite. I used it and it works as you're describing. You could try that activity, or you could modify the one you have now.

If you go to the activity, then click on Customize, then Change the behaviour of buttons, you'll see the three columns -- Buttons, PVR/DVR, and Receiver.

You want the Channel Up and Channel Down to be in the PVR/DVR column and you want Volume Up and Volume down in the Receiver column.

I've attached a section of a screen shot below:

dabig25

01-27-07, 11:54 AM

Thanks Pinecrest.......

I'll try that out later & let you know what happens.

cyberized

01-27-07, 12:02 PM

clear33765

01-27-07, 02:45 PM

Posting a review like I said I would.

I have been very pleased with this remote. I like this a lot better than the Harmony 880. I prefer the slim design over the peanut shape and it feels like a better quality than the 880. It does sit well in the cradle and easily makes contact with the recharging points.

Only thing I would like changed is the square directional button. It would have been nicer to be a little bigger height wise. Left and right is fine but it is narrower for the up and down function. Minor complaint.

I only have three components: television, cable box and a dvd player. It only took less than 10 minutes to run through the wizard. Added three devices and 2 activities "Watch a DVD" and "Watch TV." Everything worked perfect the first time I tried it.

The first screen on the "watch TV" screen looked like this...

A -------------- B
C -------------- List
Fav ----------- Live TV

I then went back and added my favorite stations. The first screen now looks like this...

Favorite Channels ------ B
C --------------------- List
Fav ------------------- Live TV

...and the "A" button got pushed to the second screen. So it looks like I have the same issue that others have had. I can see where this gets annoying. I'm going to mess around with it today to see if I can get the screens organized the way I want. I would prefer the A, B and C to be on the same side of one screen.

I bought mine online from Walmart since I couldn't find it anyway in stores. It does have the labels for the transport buttons. I don't know if it is a newer version or not (is there anyway to tell?). I will report back if they wear off. But honestly, the buttons still have the pictures on them so I find this a very minor point if the labels wear off or not. I'd prefer they didn't but it wouldn't prevent me from buying this remote again.

Update:

ok, after playing around with the "Buttons and Menu" section and the website wizard, I got the A, B and C buttons exactly where I want them. I also noticed the quirks on what the wizard does.

1. Whatever you have in the first slot will get kicked to the end of the list when the "Favorite Channels" is added.

2. The wizard will regroup the buttons based on device. It will group all the cable buttons together and then the TV buttons. If you tried to stick a tv command in between two cable box buttons, it will regroup them together with their own device type. The lone exception to this rule is the button that was in the first slot that was kicked to the end because of the addition of the "Favorite Channels."

Just play around with it and you'll eventually get the menus the way you want them, even if you have to add extra commands that you don't really use. It seems stupid that Logitech just will not let you set them exactly how you want and leave it that way without regrouping or reorganizing. Sooner or later they should correct this problem.

dabig25

01-29-07, 06:08 PM

There is a specific activity called something like Listen to Satellite. I used it and it works as you're describing. You could try that activity, or you could modify the one you have now.

If you go to the activity, then click on Customize, then Change the behaviour of buttons, you'll see the three columns -- Buttons, PVR/DVR, and Receiver.

You want the Channel Up and Channel Down to be in the PVR/DVR column and you want Volume Up and Volume down in the Receiver column.

I've attached a section of a screen shot below:

PineCrest

Forgot to mention is this w/ using the ver. 7.0.2 software ?

Pinecrest

01-29-07, 06:23 PM

PineCrest

Forgot to mention is this w/ using the ver. 7.0.2 software ?

Yes. Actually, I used the web-based software to configure my remote. It should show the icon, below:

Satellite Radio Activity Logo (http://images.harmonyremote.com/EasyZapper/Graphics/Configurators/VirtualSatelliteMusic.gif)

Pinecrest

01-29-07, 06:27 PM

Would someone please tell me with the 720 when you want to SEE and be able to READ ALL of the buttons in the dark - is this POSSIBLE - or are they too bright OR not lit up enough??? I presently have to use a flashlight to see what I am doing with my NEW Onkyo A/V Receiver - BUMMER!

TKS Michael :confused:

PS: I have read that the LCD Screen is so bright in dark room that it makes it hard to read/see the keys, is this so? IF so I ned to find one that I can actually SEE ALL the keys.

I would describe my keys as being dimly backlight. I don't have any trouble seeing the keys on my 720, though. The LCD is bright but not so much that I can't see the other keys.

I've been using my remote for about 1 week, now, and I rarely look at the remote keys any longer. It's an intuitive remote for my use.

The keys on this remote are opaque, so the entire keys don't glow. If that's what you're looking for, you might be better served by another remote.

I am really pleased with my decision to get the 720. The family likes it, too.

dabig25

01-29-07, 08:33 PM

Yes. Actually, I used the web-based software to configure my remote. It should show the icon, below:

Satellite Radio Activity Logo (http://images.harmonyremote.com/EasyZapper/Graphics/Configurators/VirtualSatelliteMusic.gif)

PineCrest thanks a million. I did what you suggested, using the 7.0.2 version software. It worked.

What I did is, I had an activity setup as General Activity. Then I changed the behavior of buttons just as you showed & Viola !!

After that I just renamed the activity from General Activity to Listen to Music.

Thanks to everyone else who had suggestions as well. Now I know for sure, where I can go for help w/ my 720.

:D

sje2081

01-29-07, 10:21 PM

Question on battery charging...

I read through this thread and saw that a properly working 720 should indeed show a battery charge indicator. I just bought one of these last week at Costco and it doesn't. It gives me a beep and the slideshow when I put it on the charger, then goes dark (if one didn't know any better, it looks to charge fine). I think the unit is actually charging some at least, because it will go back to three bars after being in the cradle. However, it goes down to 2 bars very quickly. I am testing the remote now on how long it will survive without me charging it (seems to be hanging at 2 bars pretty well).

Anyway, is mine faulty? Or is just something to deal with on these remotes? I can take it back to Costco if need be, but I wonder how common this issue is (I'll be pissed if I exchange it for one that does the same thing). Thanks.

teknoguy

01-30-07, 06:24 AM

clear33765

01-30-07, 08:00 AM

I would describe the keys as dimly lit but not so much that you can't read them. They may just appear dim since the color LCD screen is very bright.

As far as the battery is concerned, I remember an old cell phone I used to have that had a battery meter which measured 0-9. When I took it off the charger, it would go from 9 to 7 in around 20 minutes, then it would stay on 7 for hours. The battery really didn't discharge that fast, it was just some quirk in the way the charge was read.

I haven't noticed any quirks with my battery meter, but I haven't really paid attention to it either.

Pinecrest

01-30-07, 09:32 AM

PineCrest thanks a million. I did what you suggested, using the 7.0.2 version software. It worked.

What I did is, I had an activity setup as General Activity. Then I changed the behavior of buttons just as you showed & Viola !!

After that I just renamed the activity from General Activity to Listen to Music.

Thanks to everyone else who had suggestions as well. Now I know for sure, where I can go for help w/ my 720.

:D

Glad it worked for you. Please make your check out to ... ;)

elvindeath

01-30-07, 09:33 AM

I find the keys very easy to read, in all lighting conditions. I agree they are "dimly lit", but it is a soft blue glow that distinguishes them even with the bright LCD. I have no problems seeing the buttons. Frankly, though, after a couple weeks, I wasn't even looking at the keys anymore.

As far as the remote, after 2 weeks of putting it through the paces, I'm very satisfied. I had my first major test this weekend - mother-in-law came over to watch the kids. She was able to figure out (on her own, which is amazing) how to switch from TV to DVD at will ... basically proving that this is the easiest to use remote control in the world. Trust me - I've explained it at least 20 times and she still can't wrap her brain around the fact that the "radio" needs to be on to watch tv.

Bob4action

01-30-07, 11:54 AM

Leave it overnight in the cradle and then see how many bars it has in the morning.
It shouldn't discharge very quickly.
My first 720 from Costco was defective in not charging. Got a new one and it's fine now. Great remote!
-t
Greetings,
I had the same charging issues on a 720 from Costco. Returned it and the replacement now charges without problems to a full 3 bars. My advice would be to replace it if yours does not.
The remote works as advertised, so to speak, but it is not really a plug and play unit. The Harmony software is maddening at times, but eventually does seem to function.
I've spent more time tweaking the remote than actually using it, but that is the way it goes with everything these days.
YMMV,
b.

elvindeath

01-30-07, 12:21 PM

The remote works as advertised, so to speak, but it is not really a plug and play unit. The Harmony software is maddening at times, but eventually does seem to function.I've spent more time tweaking the remote than actually using it, but that is the way it goes with everything these days.
YMMV,
b.

On the other side of the coin, I've had no problems with setting it up ... though I have tweaked a few settings (mainly related to power states on my PVR and Xbox 360, and getting it to play nice with a music server) Nothing too complex so far. I think there is definately some "counter-intuiativeness" to the set-up software, but I read through this forum before I ever started to program the thing, so I didn't fall into any holes.

All in all, setting this thing up is a hell of a lot easier than programming my MX-500 (a combination of "learning" from other remotes and using a $20 All-in-One to set some discreet codes). Took me about three weeks to get that one working right for me.

sje2081

01-30-07, 12:58 PM

Bob4action

01-30-07, 05:50 PM

Bob4action,
So on your new remote...do you get the battery charge indicator at all times when it's in the cradle? If so I will probably exchange mine. It's a hassle to get to Costco for me, but I plan to go in a few weeks anyway.
Greetings,
The charge indicator is only visible while the screen is awake. It will turn itself off after a while and then there is no indication it is charging.
However, on my first unit I could never see the progressive battery bars that would indicate when it was charging when the screen was on.
Apparently another Harmony remote model had charger issues in the past, so I just returned it and tried again. Long live Costco...
Now as long as the printing doesn't rub off under the keys I'll stay with this one.
YMMV,
b.

elvindeath

01-30-07, 06:03 PM

Long live Costco...

Amen to that. The good thing about Costco is that even if you have a unit that doesn't show the bars, you can use it for three years and determine whether that ever actually poses a problem for you. If it does, just return it (receipt and packaging optional) and get the newer, more betterer remote that is five times better at one third the price.

/ Costco Consumer for Life
// Whose considering returning his 10 month old 8MP Digital Rebel Xti for one of those newer, more betterer 10MP models.
/// But is too much of a good citizen to do it, recognizing that rampant abuses of the return policy just limit the deals Costco can cut (and then pass on to me)

PhuHLe

01-30-07, 08:40 PM

Pinecrest

01-30-07, 09:48 PM

How do I speed up the process to switch to a favorite channel? I have my favorite channels set up. As I press for one of the channels, it takes about 5 seconds to enter up to 4 digits and then enter before it switches channels. I have changed the inter-key delay down to 0 and 100ms but that does not change a thing. I would like for the channel change to be almost instantanious if possible.

You're on the right track. I'd keep the inter-key to 0, if that's working for you. Set the Inter-Device Delay to 300ms. You could try going below that for the Inter-Device delay, but you may run into trouble.

Bob4action

01-30-07, 11:25 PM

You're on the right track. I'd keep the inter-key to 0, if that's working for you. Set the Inter-Device Delay to 300ms. You could try going below that for the Inter-Device delay, but you may run into trouble.
Greetings,
I agree after experimenting a bit last night with my Comcast Motorola 6200 cable box.
Anything lower than the inter-device delay of 300ms seemed to confuse it.
YMMV,
b.

PhuHLe

01-31-07, 01:07 AM

Ladd

01-31-07, 08:16 AM

I find the keys very easy to read, in all lighting conditions. I agree they are "dimly lit", but it is a soft blue glow that distinguishes them even with the bright LCD. I have two 720s and the one obtained two weeks ago has brighter backlighting on the keypad than the one purchased months ago. The difference is sufficiently noticeable that I immediately assumed there had been a change since my version one model.

elvindeath

01-31-07, 09:20 AM

Hello. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread and for the recommendation. I don't know how I got by so long without this remote.

Sorry if this has been asked before in the 18 previous pages. I couldn't come close to an answer with a search.

How do I speed up the process to switch to a favorite channel? I have my favorite channels set up. As I press for one of the channels, it takes about 5 seconds to enter up to 4 digits and then enter before it switches channels. I have changed the inter-key delay down to 0 and 100ms but that does not change a thing. I would like for the channel change to be almost instantanious if possible.

Thanks in advance.

What kind of box are you using ? I've got a Comcast Motorola 6412 and it takes a solid 3 - 4 seconds to enter 3 digits and switch channels. I can't get it any faster, and my understanding is that the delay is just a limitation of the box having to do with the fact it needs to start buffering for the DVR functionality. The delay manually entering channels is the same whether using the Comcast remote, this remote, or my old MX-500.

Try checking a thread for your specific box and seeing if there is any info on channel delays regardless of what remote is being used.

cklinh

01-31-07, 11:06 AM

Is anyone using the remote with a Samsung Sxx88W DLP? (xx=50, 56, or 61 with picture-in-picture)

Have you gotten the "PIP Swap" button to work? It's a pre-programmed button on the 720 for this TV, but it doesn't do anything for me (yes, with two SD channels). I can't re-learn the button since the original remote does not have a PIP swap button (it's in the menu). Any ideas?

Pinecrest

01-31-07, 11:42 AM

I would assume that the inter-key delay would shorten the time it takes to enter each number. Even though I have it set to 0, it still takes one second or longer to enter each number. I know that the box is capable of receiving the numbers quicker. I've done it manually faster.

Can you tell me what the inter-device setting is for exactly? I still can't figure what that actually does.

I can't say it any better than Logitech:

Inter-Device Delay. When an infrared command is sent for a particular device, each device in your system will receive the command, but only one will respond to it. The other devices will ignore the infrared command. Sometimes, when this happens, a device will ignore the infrared signal and then stop accepting infrared commands for a period of time. This period of time is known as the inter-device delay. During this time no infrared signals are generated by the remote. In rare cases this delay can be several seconds.

Flyer91

01-31-07, 01:38 PM

I can't say it any better than Logitech:

Inter-Device Delay. When an infrared command is sent for a particular device, each device in your system will receive the command, but only one will respond to it. The other devices will ignore the infrared command. Sometimes, when this happens, a device will ignore the infrared signal and then stop accepting infrared commands for a period of time. This period of time is known as the inter-device delay. During this time no infrared signals are generated by the remote. In rare cases this delay can be several seconds.

Now 'that' has to be the equivalent of internet mumbling! ;) :D

clear33765

02-01-07, 08:58 AM

Do you know if it is possible to map the left/right/OK button to different commands in
. DVR playback
. and DVR non playback mode

Basically, I want to be able to:

. in DVR playback mode, buttons: left/right/OK works as rewind/forward/play
. in non playback mode, they should work as is left/right/OK

I do a lot of viewing in play back mode and not being able to use the thumb in the middle wheel area to "fast forward, play" going to be the deal-breaker for me.

Thanks.

Strange request since the transport buttons on the 720 are very convenient for this use. Does your original remote have this type of setup? My original cable remote doesn't function that way.

Anyway, one thing you could try is setting up the DVR as a device twice. Then you can have one labeled "Cablebox" (or something like that) and set up all the buttons the normal way. Then set up the second device (the same device) labeled "DVR" and set up the buttons another way.

You can create two separate activites like "Watch Cable" and "Watch DVR." It might be annoying going back and forth between devices and activites, especially when you are using the exact same devices, but this is the only way I can see you doing this.

The 720 remote (or any other remote for that matter) cannot recognize the "mode" of the DVR. I don't think any remote out there can recognized the mode of the DVR box.

You can always switch to a touchscreen remote like the MX-3000. Depending on which screen you are on changes how the hard buttons work. Similar to the trick I've outline above for the Harmony remotes.

squareeyes

02-01-07, 12:03 PM

A quick thanks to all on this thread and a few questions. I just received my 720 this week and I'm still tweeking the settings. A few quirks that maybe someone can help me with:

1. I'd like to use the "no icons" theme on my remote, but when I do my "Favorite Channels" screens show me 4 icons per side. The top three on each side correspond to the remote's hard buttons and the last one is the runt. I've noticed that this only occurs when I have the "no icons" theme selected. I get three channels per side when I have icons on. Anyone know a fix for this. I already updated the firmware and I'm still waiting for harmony's tier 2 support to call me back about this.

2. I have a CD Jukebox selected and noticed on the web-site setup it allows me to input the data for "artist name" and "title" for each of the 200 cds. It also says that I can then select each CD by name from the remote if I do so. I tested this out with a few CDs and the list does not come up anywhere under my CD Jukebox Activity or Device screens. Anybody have any luck with luck with this?

Thanks in advance for any help.

,R

Roymus

02-01-07, 05:29 PM

I haven't seen this problem posted yet: the update process on my 720 doesn't ever complete normally. The first day I had it, it worked fine (appr. 2-3 minutes via the 5.x software). Somewhere on the second day I upgraded to v7.x. Not sure if that's what caused it, but now the progress bar takes forever...it generally freezes for a while at 9%, then again at 80%, then eventually it times out. It keeps going very slowly (1% at a time) before the time out. The good news is that the updates do get into the remote, and the remote seems to work fine with my equipment. I've made several calls to Logitech about this, and it seems to be a new problem for them. I've also asked for a RMA. Has anybody else had this problem? Otherwise, I like the remote!

dabig25

02-01-07, 11:10 PM

Roymus

02-02-07, 09:53 AM

That doesn't work for me. What I have to do is let the remote update get to 80%. Then I hit Cancel and take the remote off the USB. The remote will display the message "Go to Website to Update Settings" and will refuse to do anything else. I then take the battery out, wait about 20 seconds, then put it back in, and I'm good to go. This seems a little ridiculous for a $200 remote. I've been trying to get the Tier 2 support folks at Harmony to acknowledge the problem, but they keep coming back with the same questions about antivirus and firewalls (yeesh!). Any advice would be appreciated...I do like the remote in spite of this!

pianoman41

02-03-07, 01:45 AM

After having this remote for a couple of weeks, I can say I really do like it a lot. However, I am *very* concerned about the build quality of these. My first 720 worked fine for the first week and then the lower left Activities button stopped working correctly. All of a sudden I had to start pressing it *very* hard to get it to respond. Logitech ended up RMAing that one and sending me a new one. Got the new one today, and set it up fine but the motion sensor doesn't work properly (only senses motion once every 20 or so times). So they're going to RMA this one too. But each time I send one back that's $10 out of my pocket, so I'm out $20 so far. I hope the third time is the charm.

squareeyes

02-03-07, 02:36 PM

1. I'd like to use the "no icons" theme on my remote, but when I do my "Favorite Channels" screens show me 4 icons per side. The top three on each side correspond to the remote's hard buttons and the last one is the runt. I've noticed that this only occurs when I have the "no icons" theme selected. I get three channels per side when I have icons on. Anyone know a fix for this. I already updated the firmware and I'm still waiting for harmony's tier 2 support to call me back about this.

2. I have a CD Jukebox selected and noticed on the web-site setup it allows me to input the data for "artist name" and "title" for each of the 200 cds. It also says that I can then select each CD by name from the remote if I do so. I tested this out with a few CDs and the list does not come up anywhere under my CD Jukebox Activity or Device screens. Anybody have any luck with luck with this?

Update! Just spent over 2 hours on hold and with Logitech's tier-two support and have answers to my previous post:

1. Was told this bug will be fixed by March 1, 2007 and to update remote on 3/1 or 3/2 to rectify.

2. This is also a bug in the works to fix in a future iteration of the harmony software. ETA for fix is a month or so (the c.s.t. didn't know for sure). Once fixed it will allow those with CD/DVD jukeboxes to access individual discs by title from a "media" screen button (similar to the "favorite channels" button now).

And another issue that came up was how to input 4 digits per "favorite channel" to my SA 8300HD DVR so that it would change channels without pause. The tech added some xml code on the backend of my database to allow for this. Works perfect now even though it still shows "3 digits" in my DVR device's advanced settings. Those with a similar issue might call to request the same code update.

And one last FYI. Logitech currently have no plans in the works to add themes or allow user-designed themes/icons.

,R

hikouka

02-03-07, 02:39 PM

Update! Just spent over 2 hours on hold and with Logitech's tier-two support and have answers to my previous post:

1. Was told this bug will be fixed by March 1, 2007 and to update remote on 3/1 or 3/2 to rectify.

2. This is also a bug in the works to fix in a future iteration of the harmony software. ETA for fix is a month or so (the c.s.t. didn't know for sure). Once fixed it will allow those with CD/DVD jukeboxes to access individual discs by title from a "media" screen button (similar to the "favorite channels" button now).

And another issue that came up was how to input 4 digits per "favorite channel" to my SA 8300HD DVR so that it would change channels without pause. The tech added some xml code on the backend of my database to allow for this. Works perfect now even though it still shows "3 digits" in my DVR device's advanced settings. Those with a similar issue might call to request the same code update.

And one last FYI. Logitech currently have no plans in the works to add themes or allow user-designed themes/icons.

,R

wait, so it doesn't support 4digit channels on the 8300 by default? cause we havea bunch here on the local timewarner

squareeyes

02-03-07, 03:15 PM

wait, so it doesn't support 4digit channels on the 8300 by default? cause we havea bunch here on the local timewarner

That's correct. Under my DVR device's "advanced settings" the max number of digits you can select is three numbers. None of the other options on that screen worked for me either.

If anyone has advice on a user-side solution it would be welcome. For now the backend fix worked like a charm and changing my TV and Music Choice channels is fast fast fast.

sj41

02-04-07, 03:21 AM

Can the 720 (or any other harmony remotes) control other programs on a PC other than windows media center? I have a xbox360 HD DVD drive connected to a PC, and the only way I can play it is via PowerDVD. As of now, I use the MCE remote to control most of the features (trying to get "eject" and "display" to work), but I'm mainly looking for a way to open the PowerDVD program. Any ideas?

hikouka

02-04-07, 12:19 PM

That's correct. Under my DVR device's "advanced settings" the max number of digits you can select is three numbers. None of the other options on that screen worked for me either.

If anyone has advice on a user-side solution it would be welcome. For now the backend fix worked like a charm and changing my TV and Music Choice channels is fast fast fast.

do you remember exactly what the t2 guy said so when any of us call to get that fixed we can tell them exactly what needs to be done? expecting mine hopefully in a few days and want to know how to get that fixed right off the back, thx

thebarge

02-04-07, 05:45 PM

Pinecrest

02-05-07, 12:24 AM

I just bought the 720. It's replacing my old Theatre Master MX-500. I love it so far but had a couple questions. Can I change the "macro" it uses for power off devices? I've got an X10 Powerhouse IR-543 for lighting control. I'd like to have the power button (when turning devices off) to also issue an "All Lights Off" command.

In addition, it would be nice to have it do a "Light6 On" when I use my "Watch Tivo" and "Watch DVD" activities when it powers on devices. Any advanced option or something to add these commands?

Thanks for the help.

It shouldn't be a problem. The first step would be to add it to your devices. Using the web interface:
User Options, More Options, Add Device, Home Automation, Light Controller, X10 Wireless, IR-543.

Once you add it, click on the "Not In An Activity-Add" link and add it to the activities you wish to have lighting control.

Then, you would go to each activity and choose Customize. Run through the setup again for the activities and choose "Yes, but I want to add more control of options and devices for this Activity." Add the X10 light controller and issue the Light6 command.

It will automatically power down the lights if they have been turned on in an activity when you hit the Power Off All button on the remote.

If the lights are not behaving as you think they should, you might also want to go to the devices and click on More Options under the lighting controller. Then choose Adjust power settings. From this option, you can change the power on and power off command to anything you like, even multiple commands.

Hope that helps.

Pinecrest

02-05-07, 12:42 AM

do you remember exactly what the t2 guy said so when any of us call to get that fixed we can tell them exactly what needs to be done? expecting mine hopefully in a few days and want to know how to get that fixed right off the back, thx

On the web interface, if you go to the Devices area and click Troubleshooting on your device, then Advanced Setup for This PVR/DVR, you can choose "Numbers and Enter" or "Numbers Only" as an option. Either of those should allow you to enter more than three numbers. Choosing Numbers and Enter should allow for quick channel selection, assuming your DVR supports the Select/Enter option at the end of channel selection.

squareeyes

02-05-07, 12:55 AM

do you remember exactly what the t2 guy said so when any of us call to get that fixed we can tell them exactly what needs to be done? expecting mine hopefully in a few days and want to know how to get that fixed right off the back, thx

I asked him if there was a way on my end that I could change the channel input on my DVR to four digits. He put me on hold for a few minutes and when he came back on he had me update my remote. While it was updating he said he had changed the XML code in my database so that the "Three numbers" opt was now changed to four numbers in my [Devices -> DVR (PVR) -> Settings -> Advanced Setup... -> "How do you select channels..."] page (even though the opt still reads "Three numbers"). He said if I ever want it changed back to three digits then I'll need to call them again to recode it.

I had already programmed all my favorite channels in my "Watch DVR" and "Satellite Radio" Activities to include four digits and when I tested the remote after the update it worked perfectly.

A bit of a sloppy solution, but I'm pleased with the results.

Hope that helps.

,R

squareeyes

02-05-07, 11:02 AM

On the web interface, if you go to the Devices area and click Troubleshooting on your device, then Advanced Setup for This PVR/DVR, you can choose "Numbers and Enter" or "Numbers Only" as an option. Either of those should allow you to enter more than three numbers. Choosing Numbers and Enter should allow for quick channel selection, assuming your DVR supports the Select/Enter option at the end of channel selection.

Well this solution is a whole lot easier (and takes less time on hold with Logitech). I had tried this setting last week with no results and then last night saw that the 8300HD remote's "enter" key was not mapped to the harmony remote. I mapped it this morning and changed the setting to "Numbers and Enter". Works even faster than the 4-digit solution on lower digit channels.

Thanks much for the tip Pinecrest.

,R

thebarge

02-05-07, 07:15 PM

Then, you would go to each activity and choose Customize. Run through the setup again for the activities and choose "Yes, but I want to add more control of options and devices for this Activity." Add the X10 light controller and issue the Light6 command.
Wow that's perfect! I didn't even know about that screen where I can add more customized commands. Now, when I hit "Watch Tivo" it turns on my TV, sets it to the correct input, my stereo and selects the correct input, and turns on my lights. Cool thing is, when I hit the "Power Off" button, it turns OFF the lights (and everything else of course). Excellent. Thanks for all your help.

Is anyone using the remote with a Samsung Sxx88W DLP? (xx=50, 56, or 61 with picture-in-picture)

Have you gotten the "PIP Swap" button to work? It's a pre-programmed button on the 720 for this TV, but it doesn't do anything for me (yes, with two SD channels). I can't re-learn the button since the original remote does not have a PIP swap button (it's in the menu). Any ideas?
I have a Samsung HLS-5688 and no, the PIP Swap doesn't work. My PIP Input doesn't seem to work either. Not sure of a workaround, but I never use PIP anyways, so no biggie for me.

TTU1992

02-05-07, 07:25 PM

pianoman41

02-06-07, 05:58 AM

Regarding Charging:
Whenever I tilt to activate the LCD, the battery indicater shows 3 bars, but after a sec or two it drops down to 2 bars. As soon as the LCD shuts down, I can tilt it and it will show 3 bars then 2 bars again. In the next few days, I plan on taking it back to Target for an exchange soon.
All of the above happen after an overnight charge.

That's not uncommon. Even with a full charge the 720 only briefly shows three bars. Most of the time it jumps to two. They all seem to do that so I'm not sure an exchange will help you.

Now if that's *all* it does (and never shows one green, or one red) then yes, it is defective. But as long as it properly drops from two to one to one red then I would say it is working normally.

Bob4action

02-06-07, 08:31 AM

That's not uncommon. Even with a full charge the 720 only briefly shows three bars. Most of the time it jumps to two. They all seem to do that so I'm not sure an exchange will help you. Now if that's *all* it does (and never shows one green, or one red) then yes, it is defective. But as long as it properly drops from two to one to one red then I would say it is working normally.
Greetings,
My original 720 never would show a full charge even after an overnight stay on the docking station, and would not indicate it was charging, either.
The replacement from Costco charges as I would expect...3 bars for a day or two with "normal" use, then down to 2 bars and then to one.
Harmony has had charging issues on other models as noted in other threads, so I didn't even want to take a chance. Just return it.
YMMV,
b.

iGrooveLA

02-06-07, 12:54 PM

ptsenter

02-06-07, 04:22 PM

need some help from the experts....i've had my 720 for a few months now and but more often than not, it doesn't completely carry through on the commands...for example, when i pick watch tivo, it does everything except maybe turn on the receiver and put it on the right input so i have to press "help" and it corrects it...or i turn everything off and everything turns off except for the receiver...things like that that i would always have to press help to get it to perform the whole process....can someone suggest what i can do so that it works the way it's supposed to w/o having to press help all the time to complete the process?

thanks.
Don't put remote down immediately after you hit a button, it sends commands sequentially, hold remote pointing to your system for a few seconds.

Flyer91

02-06-07, 04:23 PM

need some help from the experts....i've had my 720 for a few months now and but more often than not, it doesn't completely carry through on the commands...for example, when i pick watch tivo, it does everything except maybe turn on the receiver and put it on the right input so i have to press "help" and it corrects it...or i turn everything off and everything turns off except for the receiver...things like that that i would always have to press help to get it to perform the whole process....can someone suggest what i can do so that it works the way it's supposed to w/o having to press help all the time to complete the process?

thanks.

Go to "device, settings" and adjust the inrterdevice timing for the device.
Start with whatever device seems to be the most problematic.
You can always reset the timing by clicking the default button, so it's a "worry free" adjustment.
Like the man said ... "timing is everything" and I think that's all you need to tweak to get it to work just right.

iGrooveLA

02-06-07, 04:45 PM

Go to "device, settings" and adjust the inrterdevice timing for the device.
Start with whatever device seems to be the most problematic.
You can always reset the timing by clicking the default button, so it's a "worry free" adjustment.
Like the man said ... "timing is everything" and I think that's all you need to tweak to get it to work just right.

thanks for the reply. to make it clear, i go to the device setting on the harmony website, right? i think the interdevice timing is in milliseconds so would i increase the interval ?

Flyer91

02-06-07, 05:13 PM

Yes, (sorry I didn't make that clear).
The web site page will let you select the device tab, from where you would select settings, and then change timing, to bring up the proper screen.
Once done, you save to the 720 as normal.

Pinecrest

02-06-07, 05:33 PM

thanks for the reply. to make it clear, i go to the device setting on the harmony website, right? i think the interdevice timing is in milliseconds so would i increase the interval ?

Yes, you would increase it. Keep in mind, this will require you to hold the remote pointed at the devices even longer. :)

Once you get to the delay page on the website, there is a help button that explains the difference between the different delays available.

Good luck.

Flyer91

02-06-07, 05:49 PM

Yes, you would increase it. Keep in mind, this will require you to hold the remote pointed at the devices even longer. :)

Once you get to the delay page on the website, there is a help button that explains the difference between the different delays available.

Good luck.

True, BUT ... if you also start cutting down the exsessivly long delays in there, you may be able to get the whole process to take place properly but still in a shorter overall time. :p ;)
I don't think it will ever be an Olympic event, but heck, maybe a "720 competition thread" (you know ... the person with the shortest elapsed time fom button press to 'all's on' and working right) is in order!! ;) ;) ;)

Weiner69

02-07-07, 06:37 PM

Anyone using the 720 with an IR device on HTPC?

Thanks

scaesare

02-09-07, 11:34 PM

Soooo.... I've had my 720 for about 4 now... about 2 weeks ago I notice for the first time that he clock has jumped on it several hours. I believed it to be all of the sudden, and not a gradual drift. I also don't believe that it had ever been allowed to fully discharge (or ever really even hit the 50% mark).

Odd. So, I synced it via USB again, and all was well.

Tonight, less than 2 weeks later, I notice it's now off by 6 hours again. I believe again it was a sudden jump. Again no complete discharge of the battery.

Anybody else ever seen this? I have the latest firmware according to the sync via the web software...

hikouka

02-10-07, 08:47 PM

gwsmith

02-10-07, 09:46 PM

ok got my 720 today, charged it up till the battery stopped flashing (icon full green) setup my devices, made sure firmware and everything was uptodate, newest software, setup activities, put fav chan icons in the whole nine yards, but the remote is stuck in a loop, just keeps doing the tutorial over and over again, when its done it says 'press power to change languages, or ok to view tutorial'
a little help?

ps, i'm lovin the feel of it, and the placement of the buttons seems good so far, now if i could actually use itlol....I'm in the same boat. I finally powered down and up again but there's got to be a better way... :(

Correction: That didn't work as I thought....after removing the battery to get the thing to turn off I thought it was ok but now it's back the tutorial!!

deltaf508

02-11-07, 01:38 AM

I found a 720 today at a local store on clearance for $159.00 I'm new to the Harmony series remotes, but I've been wanting to dive into a "nice" universal remote control for a while now. And originally was thinking about going with the Harmon kardon TC 30 but then I saw this.

Any reason I shouldn't buy this one? Is it a decent price? Would it be a great remote that I'd be happy with for a very long time? How does it compare to tha Harmon? I don't want a peanut shaped on so the fit looks good on this one. Right now I'm running about 5-6 remotes at any given point (VCR, TV, DVD, HTPC, Stereo Reciever, etc) My wife isn't so sure about a $150 dollar remote, but at that price I see it as being a pretty good buy....Any thoughts?

Thanks in Advance,

hikouka

02-11-07, 02:50 AM

lol....I'm in the same boat. I finally powered down and up again but there's got to be a better way... :(

Correction: That didn't work as I thought....after removing the battery to get the thing to turn off I thought it was ok but now it's back the tutorial!!

ok got it fixed, try disabling any firewall and antivirus, once i shutdown norton, it updated fine (Took awhile to download the file) but it works great (except for the not doing 4 digits on the favorite channel thing, waiting for a call back from level 2 to fix that)

gwsmith

02-11-07, 02:01 PM

ok got it fixed, try disabling any firewall and antivirus, once i shutdown norton, it updated fine (Took awhile to download the file) but it works great (except for the not doing 4 digits on the favorite channel thing, waiting for a call back from level 2 to fix that)Thanks, finally got away from the tutorial and updated but I thought I'd already done that before....it looks like it's gonna take some time for me to get the hang of this thing.... :confused: (My other UR is a $12 Sony that I'm holding onto for a while.)

hikouka

02-11-07, 02:09 PM

Thanks, finally got away from the tutorial and updated but I thought I'd already done that before....it looks like it's gonna take some time for me to get the hang of this thing.... :confused: (My other UR is a $12 Sony that I'm holding onto for a while.)

yeah i thought it was doing it too, but if you notice when you did it after takin norton down it transfered a file around half a meg, where before it was saying '0 bytes'
tried searching symantecs site to find a work around but there wasn't anything, guess just have to disable norton each time we went to update the remote, other than that its working great, replotted a couple buttons and added a couple functions, might take some minor fine tuning as time goes on but it does EVERYTHING now near as i can tell

deltaf508

02-11-07, 03:13 PM

Anyone?? 4 posts up ^^^

Thanks!

Flyer91

02-11-07, 06:42 PM

Anyone?? 4 posts up ^^^

Thanks!

The TC 30 is like a 720 (they are both the same overall shape) but the TC 30 has two more soft buttons, a slightly different button layout, and with a different shape to the volume/channel/mute/recall buttons (they form a sort of horseshoe instead of a squared off U like the 720's).
The actual website for both is the same. If you create an account for a 720 and try to log on with the same password for the TC30, it will take you to the web site software you set up for the 720, which curiously is not compatible with the TC 30 at all.
The software at the Harmony site (that both Logitech and Harmon Kardon actually go to) is not as good for the TC 30 as it is for the 720.
Although both are cumbersome, the software for the TC 30 is like a 'very old' DOS based program, and makes the 720's look much more evolved.
I like the button layout of my 720 better than I did for my TC 30.
The TC 30's horseshoe is a bit more vague to use than the 720's better defined design, especially the placement of the mute and recall portion of the 6 button set that includes the volume and channel up/down buttons.
Both remotes basically work exactly the same, with different battery packs and a slightly different charge cradle design.
I feel that the Logitech has a better track record of upgrading the software for additional features (like fav channels and etc) while the TC 30 is what it is, and it's my guess that little (if any) additional progress into how refined the software is, or any continued improvement to its features, will take place in the near future if the well known issues with the AVR-745, and continued promisses of fixes form HK are any indication..
My TC 30 was bundled with my Harmon Kardon AVR-745, which was returned and replaced with an AVR- 645 which actually works as advertised, but does not include the TC 30.
Both my TC 30 and 720 have worked with no problems, but I read that both have had sporatic issues, so be sure to buy from a place that has an easy return/exchange policy.

squareeyes

02-11-07, 07:34 PM

Flyer,
Does the TC30 support "Favorite Channels" like the 720?
,R

cklinh

02-11-07, 08:44 PM

I have a Samsung HLS-5688 and no, the PIP Swap doesn't work. My PIP Input doesn't seem to work either. Not sure of a workaround, but I never use PIP anyways, so no biggie for me.

Yeah... the tech support got back to me to explain that just because the button is in the profile for the device doesn't mean it'd work... :/

One other question that may be specific to our TV's... whenever I turn on the TV with an activity that's different from the last used, it never selects the right input... (it would stay in the last input used instead of the new one I chose to turn on the TV with... hitting the help button would fix it for that one time)... supposedly, raising the "warm up" time would fix it permanently... I've put it at 7500 ms and it's still not acting correctly (that's 7.5 seconds!)... do you have the same problem? what delay settings are you using?

deltaf508

02-11-07, 10:09 PM

Thanks for the comparison of the two Flyer91. Nice to hear from someone who has owned them both. So of the two would you say that you definately like the 720 better than the TC30? How about the price? Does the $159 sound like a decent deal for this remote?

Thanks....

Parsonsk

02-11-07, 11:27 PM

well lets see.
what would you do?
i can buy the 720 for $200 from Costco or i can buy the 880 for $220 from Future shop

considering they are the "same" price which would you buy??? :cool:

teknoguy

02-12-07, 06:02 AM

well lets see.
what would you do?
i can buy the 720 for $200 from Costco or i can buy the 880 for $220 from Future shop

considering they are the "same" price which would you buy??? :cool:

Hmmmm...Costco stores have them for $169 not $200. Unless they raised the price recently.
-t

hikouka

02-12-07, 01:02 PM

ok got tier2 to fix the favorite channel leading 0 issue
now is there anyway to make the remote send the favorite channel numbers any quicker? i have the delays for manually sending controls down to 100 and it works there but doesn't seem to affect the favorite channel 'macro'

czzer

02-12-07, 02:56 PM

BSTNFAN

02-12-07, 08:33 PM

Hmmmm...Costco stores have them for $169 not $200. Unless they raised the price recently.
-t

Since he mentions Future Shop, I assume he's talking in Canadian $.

syphon00

02-13-07, 08:52 AM

ok here's a newbie question since I'm total new to these harmony remote
would this scenerio be possible?
the way I have things hooked up
is my TV has coax out to my receiver
so my TV speaker is set to mute and all sound is played through my receiver

with the harmony remote
would I be able to set the channel keys to control channel changing on the TV
and volume keys to adjust volume on my reciever? or would I have to switch control mode from TV to reciever?
so basically I want know if I can dedicate the volume control to my reciever only
so I can control my DVD and TV without having to switch back and forth
hope that was clear

thanks

SnellKrell

02-13-07, 09:02 AM

Yes!

Absolutely.

When you program your remote, you'll set up that you use your receiver when you watch television. You will then be asked which device (Receiver or TV) is to control the volume -
you then choose that your Receiver will control the volume.

It's that easy!

Macanudo

02-13-07, 11:04 AM

Walmart was closing the 720's a few months ago. I purchased mine for $100, I have read some people found them as low as $80. Good Luck.

Macanudo

02-13-07, 11:10 AM

That's the whole idea behind the Harmony Remotes!

When I watch TV, the volume and channel buttons are program to change the TV, but when I choose to watch my TIVO S3 (connected to my stereo) The TV comes on, on Video input 6, My Denon receiver comes on and is set to TV input, the volume control on the remote changes the volume on the receiver, but the Channel buttons change the TIVO channels. Then when I want to stop watching the TIVO, press the remote's off button, and it powers off the whole system!

NICE!!!

Pinecrest

02-13-07, 11:14 AM

Walmart was closing the 720's a few months ago. I purchased mine for $100, I have read some people found them as low as $80. Good Luck.

I bought mine from Ebay for close to $150. The person left the Walmart $75 clearance sticker on the remote. Sadistic little $^%$%$. ;)

:) :)

syphon00

02-13-07, 11:24 AM

hikouka

02-13-07, 11:32 AM

thanks for clearing that up for me guys
what about the command "learning" aspect?
if for example my TV/DVD/Receiver is not in the logitech database
how easy would it be for me to teach the 720 commands from the native remote?

it wasn't too bad i gave it a whirl just to see how it was, might take a couple tries to get it right (as far as when/how to push the button yadda yadda)

Macanudo

02-13-07, 12:23 PM

I have never had a problem learning a command. Follow the simple instructions on screen and set the remotes as shown and you will be done before you know it!

pretty simple...

syphon00

02-13-07, 01:29 PM

one more question

have they release different revisions of the 720? excluding the euro models
or is this a firmware upgradable remote?

I plan on picking one up on Ebay and just wanted to know if I need to look for anything special

Pinecrest

02-13-07, 01:54 PM

syphon00

02-13-07, 02:22 PM

sorry more question keep popping into my head
where is the eject button for DVD players?
I don't see it on the remote

SnellKrell

02-13-07, 02:35 PM

The "Eject" function will be on the LCD screen of the remote when you have an Activity that
includes a DVD or CD player.

syphon00

02-13-07, 03:01 PM

gracias

deltaf508

02-13-07, 08:50 PM

So I decided to jump in and buy this remote $159 at Wal-mart here. I had $50 in gift cards so at least that made the bite a little better. I have it home and just opened the blister pack when realizing that the Buttons (play, stop, fwd, rec, etc) have writing below them. Does this mean that it was one of the original releases that will wear the ink off ?!? It was enough to convince my wife that we needed a $150 remote, now when the ink comes off she's really going to think I'm crazy! :eek:

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

gwsmith

02-13-07, 09:35 PM

Does this mean that it was one of the original releases that will wear the ink off ?!?It would appear that way, but I don't see what difference it makes. Mine is only 2 weeks old and came with no writing under the buttons. Why do we need writing to tell us what those buttons are for? :confused:

Macanudo

02-13-07, 10:26 PM

h720 keys.jpg

I have had mine for about 6 months now and here is my experience.

Each button has a symbol that identifies its role (>> = fast forward).
Below each transport button are letters representing the function (FWD). Some
of the letters in mine have "eroded" with use. The symbols have not,
they are very clear. The symbols alone work for me. I mean I do not
need to read REW to know the symbol <<. I think of it as universal
language!

Here is a picture to show how clear the top lettering/symbols remain after near 6 months of daily use.

Macanudo

deltaf508

02-14-07, 10:11 AM

Yeah, I guess it's just the idea that this would have been on of the first one's that rolled out and has been sitting on the self for a half a year. ;) Has harmony been replacing these for the newer ones for those that have had this issue and want to get it replaced? Not a big deal breaker for me, just wondering how my wife will take it when button text starts wearing off. LOL. :D Just getting some ideas.

Thanks everyone, getting the remote configured now and looking foward to using it. Sure I'll have some more specific questions to post later.

Parsonsk

02-15-07, 12:49 AM

uh yeah!
um that $200 would be canADIAN
but thanks for playing

guyster2

02-17-07, 08:30 AM

SnellKrell

02-17-07, 09:05 AM

Hi all,

I just bought a new 720 from Costo Canada.
I'm almost done with the config.
Except for my favorite.Where can I found the channels icon/logo?
Is there a web site or a database that I can access?

Thanks for your help.

First, go to the Harmony/Logitech Web site - members.harmonyremote.com

In the Support area, go to FAQ

Under the heading - Images and Favourites

Click - Where do I find the images for Favourite channels?

There will then be a link to - Remote Centrals image collection

There you will find channel/network logos.

Have fun!

Pinecrest

02-17-07, 11:28 AM

Hi all,

I just bought a new 720 from Costo Canada.
I'm almost done with the config.
Except for my favorite.Where can I found the channels icon/logo?
Is there a web site or a database that I can access?

Thanks for your help.

Do a Google search for others. Search "Harmony 880 Icons"
Here are quite a few:
Harmony Favorite Channel Icons and Backgrounds (http://squareworld.com/harmony/)

UxiSXRD

02-17-07, 02:38 PM

The 785 with it's colored buttons looks just like the buttons that the Blu-ray remotes all have.

If I imported one of these, would it work flawless with all my stuff, software, updates, etc?

sigs21

02-18-07, 01:41 AM

any body in Central Texas (austin) seen the 720 for sale lately... Looking for one..

gwsmith

02-18-07, 09:05 AM

any body in Central Texas (austin) seen the 720 for sale lately... Looking for one..Costco

Macanudo

02-18-07, 01:38 PM

Everytime I go to Wal-mart I check the clearance section, but nope, seems like all gone. As gwsmith said, CostCo in Southlake, TX is still carrying them. $179 though!

michaelnel

02-18-07, 04:28 PM

Everytime I go to Wal-mart I check the clearance section, but nope, seems like all gone. As gwsmith said, CostCo in Southlake, TX is still carrying them. $179 though!

I bought my 720 yesterday at the San Francisco Costco, $169.

michaelnel

02-18-07, 04:32 PM

If you are in an activity, such as "Watch TV", and you want to go tweak a setting on say, the audio receiver, you can hit "Devices" and then the audio receiver and do what you want to do.

My question is, how do you get back to "Watch TV"? I have been powering off and then using the Activity button and "Watch TV" again, but there has to be a better way.

SnellKrell

02-18-07, 04:58 PM

Just go back by clicking "Activities" and then click "Watch TV."

bertopl

02-18-07, 05:25 PM

or hitting activities twice goes to the last used activity.

ronbo1011

02-18-07, 05:28 PM

just hit the activities or device button twice it will go back to your actvitiy you were in

WilliamG

02-18-07, 09:29 PM

I just got my Harmony 720 and have a couple of questions. I'd appreciate the assistance.

1.) How do you know if the battery is fully charged? Does the third bar mean it's completely full? My remote is charging right now, and it just got the third bar full. Basically, as SOON as it hits the third bar, does that mean it's full, or does it need to stay on the third bar for an hour or two to be REALLY full? :)

2.) When the remote is in its cradle, if I push a button, the remote lights up but then it never turns off, so it's sitting there lighting up the room. Is that normal? If I remove the remote and put it back in the cradle, the lights go out. Normal? Oui? Non?

Thanks in advance!

Pinecrest

02-18-07, 11:09 PM

WilliamG

02-18-07, 11:13 PM

For 1, I don't think it really matters that much with this type of battery. If it's three bars, it's good to go, and you don't have to drain it before recharging.

#2 - That is the way the remote works. It may be a bug. It only does that if you press a key while it's on the charger.

Thanks for the reply. All the people with battery/charging issues have me paranoid. Hopefully it will charge fully correctly. Currently it's doing the bounce between 2 and 3 bars...

sigs21

02-19-07, 12:12 AM

Has any one had any problems using the 720 with the H20 from direct tv.. I am looking to get the remote saw it at costco ..and my dog chewed the back of my old one up so time to upgrade...

PS.. also anybody tried to use with a mac remote for the laptop on a macbook pro..

WilliamG

02-19-07, 12:33 PM

Guess I'll be getting a new Harmony 720. I've got one of the old models with the lettering beneath the buttons, and also it won't charge to 3 bars, only 2. Oh good. :(

WilliamG

02-19-07, 12:57 PM

sje2081

02-19-07, 03:11 PM

Guess I'll be getting a new Harmony 720. I've got one of the old models with the lettering beneath the buttons, and also it won't charge to 3 bars, only 2. Oh good. :(

Mine does this as well and its a newer model. It goes to 3 bars, but doesn't stay there at all (minutes at most). However, it stays on two bars forever (left it off the charger for 3-4 days). I decided against returning it since it looks like a common problem, and the overall battery life is fine.

dave4100

02-19-07, 10:06 PM

I just got my 720 today and charged it and it is still at three bars after about an hour. I don't know how long it will be at three, but so far so good. I haven't used it a great deal though. Not much channel surfing or other stuff.

deltaf508

02-19-07, 11:48 PM

Can anyone tell me how to get the "favorite channels" page to be the default page that loads when you "watch TV" I can't figure it out and I think others here have done it. I've searched all I can search so I'm asking you all. I've even tried the "harmony mod for firefox" and couldn't get it to work.

all advice is appreciated.

KCSVEN

02-23-07, 02:09 PM

Just got the remote, ordered online from Costso. Does not have the writing. Spent about 45 minutes programming, works great. A couple earlier questions I did not see answers for. On the Motorola 6412 someone asked about swapping tuners, the PIPSWAP soft button does just that and it was downloaded automatically with the set up.

Also, when you customize the indivisual items(receiver, TV etc...) there is an option to "always keep it on" in the software.

I know I saw those earlier and am not sure if they were ever answered so hopefully that helps.

Have not spent much time playing with the favorites so can't answer that yet.

Overall, everything has met or exceeded expectations.

sje2081

02-23-07, 06:47 PM

Hmm...I may use that Always On feature. Seems like my cable box doesn't always react well to the Watch TV Activity. More so than the other devices it does not power on/off well. I've messed with the timings, but it doesn't seem to help. No harm in keeping the thing on all the time I guess.

KCSVEN

02-23-07, 10:46 PM

I keep it on all the time as the Motorola 6412 and similar are better off that way and less of a problem.

I have been having that motion sensor issue where the lights won't come back on easily. I've tried a few things but does not seem to be getting any better.

Other than that have used it quite extensively and no other issues. If you hit and button when it is dark that button works and the light comes back on. I'll have to try a few other things to see if I can get it back to normal.

Mike1117

03-01-07, 12:58 PM

Just got my 720 and did the basic set-up last night. Had to play with the device delays a little to get everything working right, but I think I'm OK now. I have not used it much at all, but I can see really loving this remote!

Quick question - Can you change the picture behind an activity? For example I have one activity "Play HD DVD" and another "Play DVD." I wanted the pictures behind them to be different to distinguish them easier. Thanks in advance!

pcstockton

03-01-07, 02:15 PM

Mike1117

03-01-07, 03:15 PM

Unfortunately, you cannot have more than one "background". It will be the same for all activies and device screens.

I mean the picture on the activity button. For examle, "Play DVD" has picture of a popcorn bucket. I thought you could change that to say a picture of a movie reel. Am I wrong on this?

pcstockton

03-01-07, 03:45 PM

I mean the picture on the activity button. For examle, "Play DVD" has picture of a popcorn bucket. I thought you could change that to say a picture of a movie reel. Am I wrong on this?

Nope.... cannot change that either. Unless you set up the activity as "watch VCR" then change the name back. You will then have that Icon. But no you cannot customize those logos.

The ONLY things you can customize 100% are as follows:
- Background (only one)
- Favorite Channel Logos (720 and 880)
- Slide Show
- Labels/names of activites and devices

Mike1117

03-01-07, 04:14 PM

Nope.... cannot change that either. Unless you set up the activity as "watch VCR" then change the name back. You will then have that Icon. But no you cannot customize those logos.

The ONLY things you can customize 100% are as follows:
- Background (only one)
- Favorite Channel Logos (720 and 880)
- Slide Show
- Labels/names of activites and devices

Got it thanks.

I love how you can change things on the web no matter where you are. I added my favorite channels w/ logos while eating lunch in my office!

gusbuf

03-06-07, 04:32 PM

Flyer91

03-06-07, 06:14 PM

gasbuf, you are more than likely right.
Increase the TV's delay to about 10,000 (10 seconds) to get it working, and then reduce it to a point that it stops working then bump it back up a few hundred or so.
If it's already at 10 seconds, then go higher to get it to work.
If that does not work, then look at the other delays and play with them.
There is a default button in the S/W, so don't worry it's easy to get back to square one.

czzer

03-06-07, 07:10 PM

Recently got my 720 and so far am very pleased. One problem though, and any help solving this is appreciated. When my entire system is off, and I hit watch DVD, my TV never comes on until I hit the help button. It does come on, however, when I choose other activities. Is this solved simply by putting in a delay for the TV to power on? If so, how long a delay is needed. Or, if that is not the answer, what is? Thanks for any and all help!

I would say you need to increase the Inter Device Delay for the TV. It is probably getting confused by the DVD player's power command.

You will just need to experiment to find the length of delay required, but try increasing it a lot first, just to confirm it is actually the problem.

NeONGeneSAr

03-10-07, 12:10 PM

It even added "new" functionality to my PVR, providing easy access to a "30 second skip"...

how do i add this "new" 30-second skip function to my 720? the original remote doesn't have this function for the 720 to learn from. what is the command called? i tried "advance" but that didn't work.

i have a Motorola 6412 III HD DVR through Cox Communications.

thanks!

KCSVEN

03-12-07, 09:01 AM

NeONGeneSAr

03-12-07, 09:49 AM

It should automatically put 30 second skip forward and back on the hard buttons where the rewind, play, pause and that is(the ones used for chapter skipping on the DVD are the ones for the skip) When I programmed my 6412 they showed up there automatically.

i've got the replay button, but the skip forward button is blank. going through the rest of the database doesn't reveal any 30-second skip forward function. did you just type in 6412 for the model? cuz i typed in 6412 III

KCSVEN

03-13-07, 08:05 AM

I don't remember exactly what I did but I did use 6412, I don't remember distininguishing between the phases and it was only a month ago. It just did it all automatically. My main page states it as a Motorola PVR (DCT-6412/2005) . When I go to the customize buttons setting the Skip Forward button is set to "Advance" so you can go in there and see if you have an "advance" option.

So you would customize activity, choose change the behavior of buttons and then see if on the right of the skip forward button if the dropdown has "advance", if not I would call and ask how you can add it because it is there for my version of the box so it should be easy for them to add it to the database.

KCSVEN

03-13-07, 08:15 AM

I still have intermittent issues with the "come to life" issue. It works fine and then it won't work fine. I just get in the habit of pushing some do nothing buttin to light it up. It works well 50% of the time, not sure if its worth exchanging as it seems a common issue. Love, absolutely love, the finctionality. Does everything I need it to(except one button on the receiver which was NOT on the original remote either). Well, worth it. Some minor improvements would be:

The clicking is wierd of the silver buttons, doesn't really bother me but not a help either, would get rid of it personally. The buttons to select the screen icons could be better distinguished, I do aoccassionally find I hit Watch DVD when I meant to hit watch TV, just not enough of a space to distinguish between them every time.

I think that's it, overall worth every penny to me, have not touched a separate remote snce I got it.

NeONGeneSAr

03-13-07, 07:55 PM

in the customize buttons setting, the Skip Forward button is set to "Advance"

thanks. i saw that option and programmed it but it didn't do anything. that's when i decided to post. also, this 30-second skip (aka Advance) is supposed to work on the recorded programs only, right?

Motorol DCT 6412 III

czzer

03-13-07, 10:05 PM

thanks. i saw that option and programmed it but it didn't do anything. that's when i decided to post. also, this 30-second skip (aka Advance) is supposed to work on the recorded programs only, right?

Motorol DCT 6412 III

Have you tried re-learning the command form your original remote?

NeONGeneSAr

03-14-07, 01:01 AM

Have you tried re-learning the command form your original remote?

a couple of users have posted here that the 30-second skip "advance" feature was a "new" function of their 720, a function not present on their original remotes, including mine, so learning isn't an option. it was a function resulting from the same software/website interface programming we all use. one posted that "advance" is usually seen on remotes of Dish setups, and he was excited to have this feature for his [assumed] cable setup and Motorola DCT 6412 DVR/PVR. I, too, have cable (HD) and the same STB, thus my interest was piqued.

"if everybody else is doing it, what can't I?"

KCSVEN

03-14-07, 06:43 AM

There are directions on programming it to the Mototrola remote:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip

You can then teach it to your remote.

The advance feature works on paused live TV as well as recordings though of course live TV pause is really a recorded buffer, obviously there is no way to skip forward in time. So the 30 second skip works on everything but I believe on demand.

NeONGeneSAr

03-14-07, 12:14 PM

There are directions on programming it to the Mototrola remote:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip

You can then teach it to your remote.

thanks to all those who took the time to help me with this function. unfortunately, even after "successful" programming on the original remote per above instructions (cable button flashed twice), my Motorola DVT 6412 DVR does not respond to that command. upon further research, it is noted this feature works on i-Guide software. my area uses Passport (Cox Communications, Hampton Roads). I'll forward a request for this feature to be included on future software updates.

again, thanks for your patience and help! i do enjoy this forum and the H720!

pianoman41

03-16-07, 01:42 AM

KCSVEN

03-16-07, 08:18 AM

With warranty replacement you have to pay to ship the original back?

How long is the original warranty?

hfthomp

03-16-07, 08:48 AM

Bob4action

03-16-07, 10:05 AM

How do you bring up your Favorite Channels?
Greetings,
I'm not sure this is the only way, but on my set up once I hit the activity "watch tv" the LCD screen shows a button for "favorite channels". Once I press that button, I can then scroll through four screens of favorites which is where you can see the icons.
YMMV,
b.

pianoman41

03-17-07, 01:42 AM

With warranty replacement you have to pay to ship the original back?

How long is the original warranty?

I think the original warranty is one year. And yes, you do have to pay to ship the defective remote back (and they won't accept UPS shipments so you have to use FedEx, USPS or DHL). The only good news is they ship you the replacement remote first, so you don't have to be without one if your defective one still functions at all. Once you know the replacement is working 100%, you ship the old one back in the box the new one came in. You have 30 days to ship back the defective remote, although they never took a credit card number from me so I'm not sure what they do if you don't send back the defective one.

pianoman41

03-17-07, 01:43 AM

Okay, this may seem like an easy question, but I couldn't find an answer for it. I'm a current Harmony 659 user but just ordered a new 720. I was wondering where the Favorite Channels button is on the 720? I don't see one in the pictures of the remote, but I have seen talk in this forum about setting up the Channel Icons and stuff. How do you bring up your Favorite Channels? Thanks.

There is no hard button for it. Whenever you choose an activity that supports channels (TV, VCR, DVR, Cable Box, etc), the upper left soft key on the LCD screen is always "Favorite Channels."

dale1812

03-18-07, 10:00 PM

I just bought the harmony 720 and really like it I did some updating on it and it was working fine, went back to tweak it some more and when I went back to update it an error message come on saying configuration error. Assertion failed ez coding helper get device name device does not exist context confiqurator name=watch TV. The remote is working fine, just cannot update the new changes I made I did check the model number of the tv and it is correct any ideas how to get the update to work

soto1986

03-27-07, 06:53 PM

eric0668

03-30-07, 03:45 PM

So So excited...HAD the TC30 but their support was so poor. Admitedly by someone in Logitech, HK only had a few people to support it. Also, I was put into a queue and then it would ring and then put into it again

I would not recommend it at all. As I read somewhere online, can't remember where, there would be a support issue.

1. Because I read that the 720 is not listed anywhere on Logitech's site, only at like Costco and walmart and amazon, there shouldn't be a support issue should there?

2. Favorites. How do you add them Both with my comcast remote and with them The question someone asked was that you can get them listed in your activity without hitting the extra Favorite button , is that true. And you can get their LOGO to show up? How

3. Lastly, I read before getting the 720 that the letters rubbing off was either fixed OR they rubbed them off at the factory before sending them out. Can someone elaborate.

Thanks
Eric

teknoguy

03-30-07, 05:15 PM

3. Lastly, I read before getting the 720 that the letters rubbing off was either fixed OR they rubbed them off at the factory before sending them out. Can someone elaborate.

Thanks
Eric

If you look at the picture in the first post of this thread and look down at the "function" keys, STOP, PLAY, etc. The lettering for those functions is no longer there.
-t

eric0668

03-30-07, 09:43 PM

If you look at the picture in the first post of this thread and look down at the "function" keys, STOP, PLAY, etc. The lettering for those functions is no longer there.
-t
I saw that....but I read that they either fixed that issue, or they now rub them off at the "warehouse"

Do you know of this, or does the same 'ol issue still exist

Thanks
Eric

czzer

03-30-07, 09:54 PM

I saw that....but I read that they either fixed that issue, or they now rub them off at the "warehouse"

Do you know of this, or does the same 'ol issue still exist

Thanks
Eric

The first batch had the ">" symbol on the key itself, as well as the text "Play" below the button...same for other transport keys. It was the text below the buttons that wore off.

Now they no longer put the text below the buttons, so there is no problem. The symbols on the buttons are still there.

sje2081

04-04-07, 02:12 PM

My 720 has a slight rattle to it. It isn't loud, you need to hold it sort of close in a quiet room, but if I shake it or move it suddenly it almost sounds like there is something loose inside (like a tiny plastic piece). Is this normal? Other than a flaky battery life indicator, the remote seems to work fine otherwise. I've had the remote a few months now, and can't recall if it's always been like that.

hfthomp

04-04-07, 02:35 PM

The rattle you are hearing is the tilt sensor in the remote. If your tilt sensor is working fine, then it is completely normal.

sje2081

04-04-07, 03:50 PM

good to know, thanks!

bkatz

04-05-07, 03:15 PM

Can this remote be used with a projector? I have a Panny PT-AX100 projector in my home theater?

ptsenter

04-05-07, 04:13 PM

^^^
Yeap.

bkatz

04-05-07, 05:09 PM

Great, thanks

optimal_optimus

04-09-07, 02:54 AM

umm sorry to bother you guys i know nothing about this thing, does it work with PS3 wii and 360? i wanna make sure before i buy it

hfthomp

04-09-07, 08:16 AM

I know for sure that it doesn't work with the Wii. The Wii uses Bluetooth and this remore only does IR. I'm pretty sure it will work with an XBOX360, but don't know about the PS3.

indyfred

04-09-07, 11:49 AM

umm sorry to bother you guys i know nothing about this thing, does it work with PS3 wii and 360? i wanna make sure before i buy it

Been told that the PS3 is Bluetooth also, so the 720 will not work.

hikouka

04-09-07, 12:18 PM

Been told that the PS3 is Bluetooth also, so the 720 will not work.
well maybe sony or someone else will come up with an ir adapter for the ps3 so that you can use non bluetooth remotes

optimal_optimus

04-09-07, 04:40 PM

hey thanks guys, maybe i should just buy the old xbox 360 version of the remote since it'll only work with the 360 anyway

Angel L.

04-13-07, 12:00 AM

Just bought the 720, setup almost complete.
I need help with 2 commands.

1. how to change the activity icons?
2. how to set up favorite icons?

hfthomp

04-13-07, 08:20 AM

You can't change the activity icons. When you set up a Watch TV activity or a Play a Game Activity, I'm almost positive that those icons are set and can't be changed.

As for your favorites, first you need to download the channel icons. I got mine from this site:

http://squareworld.com/harmony/

Even though it says it's for the 880 the icons work fine on the 720. If you are using the web version of the software, on the home page there is a Favorite Channels button.

If you have downloaded the software on the Activities Tab...for a certain Activity you have already set up, like Watch TV, hit the Settings button. On the next page hit the Set Up Favorites button, and then blammo! Upload the channel icons you want and put in the corresponding channel number.

Angel L.

04-13-07, 08:45 AM

Thanks (hfthomp)

Do you know if there is a way to customize the favorite channels by category and family members?

hfthomp

04-13-07, 08:57 AM

Don't think there is. You just get 4 pages of icons you can put in there and that's it.

czzer

04-13-07, 10:55 AM

Thanks (hfthomp)

Do you know if there is a way to customize the favorite channels by category and family members?

Set up a new "Watch TV" activity for each category and/or family member. You can rename them to whatever you want, and you can have a different set of favourites for each activity.

Angel L.

04-15-07, 08:24 PM

Thanks again czzer,

Now how can I program the digital sub channel ( . ) for local digital channels.

eric0668

04-15-07, 09:25 PM

Thanks again czzer,

Now how can I program the digital sub channel ( . ) for local digital channels.

You were talking about the favorites on the comcast/cable/table box right. ...cause while I had the 720, now I have the 890

The 890 only has two screens and they are thinking about increasing it , but not now.

Now they, for the 890, are under the MEDIA.

Are you capable of having as many as you want because they are up with the 'additional buttons'

Is there a way (I don't know if 890 ?'s can be asked or answered here) I, since I have used my two screens the remote offers, with logs etc, I can begin to use more up where the 720 has its?

Eric

czzer

04-16-07, 01:00 AM

Thanks again czzer,

Now how can I program the digital sub channel ( . ) for local digital channels.

I don't need to do this myself, so I'm not sure....however I got this off the Harmony FAQ:

How do I add Digital Channels?

To change to a digital channel of the format X-XX or X.XX the remote needs to learn the "-" or "." command from your original remote.

1. Click the Devices tab on your home page.
2. Click Settings next to your channel-changer device and then select Learn infrared commands. This will display a page of commands.
3. Scroll down to the Learn a New Command field and enter "-" or ".".
4. Click Learn New Command and follow the instructions to teach the new command. Once the command is learned, you will be returned to the list of all commands. Click Done to return to your home page.
5. Click the Activities tab and select the watch television type activity.
6. Select Set Up Favorite Channels and click Next
7. Enter the channel numbers (example: 3-10)
8. Click Save when finished.
9. Update the remote.

elvindeath

04-17-07, 04:13 PM

hikouka

04-17-07, 06:19 PM

I searched this thread and couldn't find an answer to this ... so maybe one of you know. I have a Yamaha RV-1400 receiver and a Sony GWIII TV, along with assorted gadgets. When I switch between devices, sometimes the volume levels are way off ... for instance, I have a Logitech Music Anywhere system, and when I play it over the receiver, I need to set the volume at around -5 to +5. Whereas, for everyday tv watching, -30 is plenty loud. When my wife uses the Harmony to switch from the Music Anywhere device to watch TV via our Motorola PVR, the volume just blasts ... and she has to scramble to lower it. Is there any way to have the remote automatically adjust the volume level when it switches between devices to avoid this problem ?

Thanks for any thoughts.

/ and no, having her "remember" to lower the volume is not a realistic option. After 10 years of being married, I no longer fight the battles I'm sure to lose.

best bet is to increase the music anywhere volume internally some, then get into the yammy's setup to see if you can alter input levels, increase the db level of the music or decrease the levels for the tv/pvr
the remote won't do what your asking that i'm aware of

ptsenter

04-17-07, 06:20 PM

to elvindeath above:
In your each activity definition you can add any commands at the beginning of the activity or at the end: add some receiver's commands to adjust its volume.

pcstockton

04-17-07, 08:15 PM

I had mine replaced under warranty because of this same issue. My tilt sensor worked about 20% of the time.

I apologize if this has already been stated. The motion sensor only works in one direction. This direction is tilted towards yourself, as if you were going to stand it on its bottom end.

If you twist it, or point in "nose down", the motion sensor does not sense any movement.

I am curious if any else has recognized this or not.

It basically makes sense, as you would not want to the backlight to come on any time you moved the remote, or shifted on the couch etc... It lights up when it "feels" like it has been picked up to look at it.

Try it out! I other people's works differently, PLEASE let me know.

I wanted to state this in case people think their sensor only works some of the time. Until I figured this out I was shaking the remote until it came on randomly. Then I finally realized if you pick it up correctly it comes on 100% of the time!

pcstockton

04-17-07, 08:21 PM

I searched this thread and couldn't find an answer to this ... so maybe one of you know. I have a Yamaha RV-1400 receiver and a Sony GWIII TV, along with assorted gadgets. When I switch between devices, sometimes the volume levels are way off ... for instance, I have a Logitech Music Anywhere system, and when I play it over the receiver, I need to set the volume at around -5 to +5. Whereas, for everyday tv watching, -30 is plenty loud. When my wife uses the Harmony to switch from the Music Anywhere device to watch TV via our Motorola PVR, the volume just blasts ... and she has to scramble to lower it. Is there any way to have the remote automatically adjust the volume level when it switches between devices to avoid this problem ?

Thanks for any thoughts.

/ and no, having her "remember" to lower the volume is not a realistic option. After 10 years of being married, I no longer fight the battles I'm sure to lose.

It has nothing to do with the receiver and everything to do with the output level of the components. I have a simlilar, though far less extreme, when listening to music from my PC. My PC is not "as loud" as any other components, so it runs at a higher db for comparable loudness. Perhaps it is because of the use of the earphone jack and standard RCA cable output rather than a "digital" connection as all my other components are.

I simply turn down the volume before switching from "PC" to "TV". But my difference is more like 10dbs not 30!

Is there a volume control or level control on the Logitech Music System? I would suggest you adjust this.

pcstockton

04-17-07, 10:02 PM

OK, here is the problem i have. My VIZIO tv remote has individual buttons for its inputs, however it also has 3 inputs that you have to click the same button to get to AV2, Component 2 and HDMI2. In other words it really only has one input of each one but two connectors per input with what i guess is a switch that works everytime u click the respective button, you toggle between both.

Having said that, how do i program the 720 to understand that? it only sees those buttons as AV1, COMPONENT 1 AND HDMI 1 it does not understand the toggle it needs to do to go to the next. If i turn on the tv everything works, but if while watching tv i choose to go to DVD it will change everything but the tv will stay on HDMI 1. If i am watching the VCR (god forbid) and i switch to tv, it works flawlessly, but if i switch from VCR to DVD (HDMI 2), the tv goes to HDMI 1.

Its the problem with one button for both HDMI1 AND 2. How can i fix this without using the help all the time. It never learns it just keeps fixing it with help.

Its the only problem i have, please help me.

Any help will be appreciated.

Fernando Soto

Fernando, I had the exact same problem with my Vizio. There are basically three ways to change the inputs. Scroll, discreet, and for some discreet toggle (as for your HDMI, Component etc). I would recommend simply calling Harmony support on the phone. They will make everything work correctly.

I had a hard time doing it myself. I had the same problem with my HDMIs, Components, and AV1/2. As they have a discreet button but it is a toggle as well between the two.

On the bright side, alot of HDTVs out there dont even have 2 HDMI inputs, let alone 2 of everything else. I call it a good problem. Call them, they will know the issue with Vizios and fix it for you!

MrMike6by9

04-18-07, 03:09 PM

Excuse me for asking this question "too soon" but I've haven't been able to read all the pages yet. I just picked a 720 last night at a local Costco. How would I use the web-based configuration as opposed to first installing with the CD? If the CD software creates problems, I'd rather avoid them :D

advTHANKSance

hikouka

04-18-07, 07:16 PM

you have to install the software to ge tthe drivers, and the webbased app still uses the utility portion of the program to transfer the config file....

Ladd

04-19-07, 10:15 AM

I use the web-based configurator and have never installed any software from CD. I may possibly have download software online (to get the most current version), but it was a while back so I don't recall.

Personally I prefer the web app over the computer app, but that's just me.

gerick

04-24-07, 10:45 PM

Where do you go for the web-based configurator? I have only used the installed app.
Thanks.

hikouka

04-24-07, 10:51 PM

Where do you go for the web-based configurator? I have only used the installed app.
Thanks.

http://members.harmonyremote.com/EasyZapper/New/Main.asp

jbobb

04-30-07, 01:15 PM

Found a 720 on clearance at Target for $100. It was $140 (30% off) about 4 days ago and then went down to $100. Picked it up immediately. There was only 1 there. Just thought I would let everyone know that Walmart may not be the only place you can find them on clearance. You may have to look around a bit beings it was not by the other remotes on the shelf, it was in another isle in a small clearance section.

teknoguy

05-09-07, 02:18 PM

From May 10 thru May 27....$30 off with coupon at the store or on Costco.com

-t

Ladd

05-09-07, 11:37 PM

I purchased my 720 a year ago on eBay -- new in box for a little over $100 delivered. You can still get them today new in box for $110 - $120 delivered pretty easily, if eBay is your cup of tea.

stevec325

05-10-07, 02:15 PM

My 720 should be arriving today/tomorrow. I got it NIB of e-bay for $129 delivered. I think overall, that is pretty good.

Having read through the thread, I was wondering if anyone could offer a guide to the things that you need to do once you take it out of the package. I know, RTFM... but, with all the gotcha's and quirks, I'm hoping to short circuit the setup process and get this thing up & running with minimal hassles.

I will be using it to control a Moto 3416 STB/DVR and a Sony DVD connected to a Denon 2807 and a Pio Elite 940. The STB and DVD are HDMI connected to the 2807, and a single HDMI cable goes from the 2807 to the panel. All audio will be played through the 2807.

I'm guessing that I should connect the 720 to my computer, and go to the web page to download the drivers & interface basics, rather than use the stuff that comes in the package... right?

After that, is it just as simple as following the guide on the web interface to set up "activities"? Of course, I'll be using the usual: "watch tv (via the stb)", watch dvd", "listen to music", etc.

I know that I will probably have to tweak the delays, etc. once things are initially set up. but, what other things should I plan for, or be aware of, when powering up & configuring for the first time.

appreciate the thoughts/suggestions

-steve

ptsenter

05-10-07, 04:06 PM

stevec325

05-10-07, 05:03 PM

stevec325

05-10-07, 05:08 PM

^^^
Go to Logitech website and test-drive your remote. It will allow you to establish on-line account and, the most important, you get familiarized with their interface - it's a little bit intimidating at first. You'll have your configuration ready-to-go before you get the remote.

LOL... I never had a chance to do that, the 720 arrived before I found time to check out the site. As you can see from the post above... it seems like I was making too big a deal out of that.

I know I want to tweak things, as I get familiar with it... in fact, I already need to try & figure out how to get the favorite channel menu to be the on the first page, when I select the "Watch Cable" activity (I even renamed that, ha!). Any thoughts on how to do that?

-steve

stevec325

05-11-07, 12:26 AM

I've been playing with the 720 since the FED-X guy dropped it off at my door this afternoon. As you read above, I had it set up and running just fine within 2 hours of taking it out of the box!!!

Since then I've been tweaking things a bit, to suit my needs & likes. In doing that, I had to call level 2 support to ask a question that I already knew the answer to - but, hoped they would be able to "fix" the problem (feature request, actually).

I wanted the favorite channel menu to come up as the default screen when using the "Watch Cable" activity that I set up. As I thought, there is no way for a user to do that. Nor, is there a way for level 2 to edit the XML code on the back end to make that happen. But.... they were able to edit the XML code to make the top-right menu button assigned to "Favorite Channels". This was more ergonomic to me, than its default position on the top-left.

I'm planning on going through some other functions tomorrow, and sending a list to the guy at level 2 to edit, and rearrange - putting things where I want them, rather than in alphabetical order, which appears to be the default placement. I want the most used functions to be on the 3 right hand buttons, on each screen. This way I don't have to reach over the display to get to the buttons on the left so often. Just my personal preference.

Next, I added an activity that I called "Watch DVR Recordings". This sets things up so that the DVR content menu is on the screen at power up, or function change. That allows anyone to walk up to the remote, hit that activity, and start watching DVR recordings. Pretty intuitive on how to do this.

I have a Denon 2807 AVR where I have customized the User 1, 2 & 3 presets for TV, DVD and Radio. I have the exact settings I like to use for each of those modes stored in the respective preset. The default 720 set up, doesn't select them. I had to go modify the activity, to activate User 1 for TV, User 2 for DVD and User 3 for Radio. Again, very intuitive.. and after setting the appropriate delays - each preset is called up for its activity. Piece of cake!!!

The battery life seems like it will not be a problem. I only charged it up for about 10 minutes, and it's been running all day, with HEAVY use, as you might guess, from setting things up and trying them out over and over.

I personally like the version 7.x software MUCH better than the web interface. There is NO difference in functionality between the two, other than the desktop seems to run faster on syncing to the remote, and it looks and feels much nicer. And, the two are interchangeable. I made some edits on the web interface, and when I quit that and fired up the desktop version, everything was there. I even asked the level 2 guy about that, and he said "feel free to use either one, the data lives on our servers, and both poll the server for it."

I read here where some folks had problems, or concerns about the quality of support. Based on my one and only experience (so far) I can tell you that the person I spoke with - Dean - was just fantastic!!! He edited the XML code for me, and offered to customize the other buttons as I described before. I told him there could be about 25-35 changes. He said that would not be a problem; he'd be glad to do it. He took me through some of the advance settings, and explained how to set up additional activities, to customize the remote for individual family members. All in all, it was worth the wait to get to him!!! Now... level 1 was COMPLETELY WORTHLESS!!!! That guy was clueless, basically just a clerk to take my user information, and verify ownership. Even that task seemed monumental for this nit-wit. But, serious kudo's to Dean at level 2.

Anyway, for the most part, I have the 720 about 99% customized, and it appears to work flawlessly. Maybe I have low expectations, but this thing works great. I have a fairly complex set up - no, I don't dim lights, draw curtains, lower screens, or flush the toilet... but, getting all my AV gear set up the way I want it, for each activity I want, is exactly why I bought this thing.

It was fun learning how this remote works, tweaking it, and seeing the changes take place, and doing it over again for something else. Quite a positive experience. No frustrations... AT ALL!!!

Based on less than 1 day of use, tweaking, use, retweaking, use... it has more than exceeded my expectations.

In fact, I'm kind of sad that I am done setting it up :)

-steve

stevec325

05-14-07, 12:58 AM