Interesting since I did this with my first Ipod Mini and the battery life dimished to only a few minutes within the 1st year. Took it to the Apple store and they replaced the unit, but the tech explicitly said I should only charge it when it needs it - doing what I had done harms the battery.

I don't believe you use your mini while it is charged. You probably use it during the day and charge it at night. A year for a Li-ion battery that needs recharge frequently is not uncommon. And as it is always the case, most teches are clueless when it comes to charging Li-ion batteries. You have a few hundred fully recharge cycles per battery.


Also my old Compaq laptop was left plugged in constantly - when I finally unplugged it literally 2 years later (it was my 1st htpc so it never moved normally) the battery no longer worked at all.

I don't know how old your Compaq laptop is. Old laptops didn't use Li-ion. I have quite a few laptops at home and left plugged in 24/7. Some are 3~4 years and some are even older. Some other components start to falling apart but battery on those are still strong.

I tried searching for vip722 but the search results came back with nothing. I was told to make sure that this remote worked with my receiver/dvr since some dish receivers are RF and not IR. Does anyone have this receiver and if so, does this remote work with it? To be 100% honest, I'm not sure what RF stands for. I assume IR stands for infra-red but I have no clue what RF stands for.

Thanks in advance.

RF uses radio wave instead of infra-red to communicate. This remote is does not support RF. You will need Harmony 890 to have RF support out of box.

As for VIP772, or any other devices, as long as it is IR, you will get support. Most devices are already in Logitech/Harmony online database. If not, you can easily learn it.

I assume IR stands for infra-red but I have no clue what RF stands for.

Thanks in advance.

Radio Frequency :)

IR based devices work by line of sight. That is, you need to point the remote at the device, so that the device can "see" the beam of IR light coming from the remote. With RF based devices, you do not need line of sight. You can be in another room. It's analogous to the difference between "hearing" (RF) vs. "seeing" (IR).

I tried searching for vip722 but the search results came back with nothing. I was told to make sure that this remote worked with my receiver/dvr since some dish receivers are RF and not IR. Does anyone have this receiver and if so, does this remote work with it? To be 100% honest, I'm not sure what RF stands for. I assume IR stands for infra-red but I have no clue what RF stands for.

Thanks in advance.

The vip622 / 722 are actually both IR and RF. Remote #1 is IR for use in the same room as the DVR, remote #2 is RF for controlling it from another room.

I have the vip622 and it works great with the Harmony 720.

Thanks to all who replied. With this info I'm pretty sure I'll have a 720 underneath my tree at Christmas. Thanks again.

You can always check here for all devices already in the Logitech database: www.logitech.com/harmony/components (http://www.logitech.com/harmony/components) .

i just got my harmony 720 today, purchased it from amazon for 92 and some change. i'm replacing my harmony 520 due to a button no longer working and it being out of warranty.

so far i'm enjoying this remote a lot better then the 520. i enjoy the feel and layout a little better.

I have the 720 and it won't shut off. The backlight and lcd display is on all the time. Even when it's in the charging cradle. When it's not charging the battery only lasts about 10 hours since it's constantly displaying the lcd. Has anyone else had this problem.
Thanks
I have the exact same issue - did you ever get yours fixed? Was it a wwarranty replacement or is there a software fix for that?

I've left my 720 in a desk drawer, unused, because it started doing this and has become useless.

Thanks, John

I've been doing a lot of research on AVS Forum and online in general to decide which Harmony remote I wanted. Prior to a couple of weeks ago, you could find the 720 NIB for $80 - $100 online (Amazon was one place). Now it goes for $119+ (and up to much higher) at the same places. I saw a note on one retailer's website that said it was "sold out at the manufacturer."

Does anyone know if this is true? I'm thinking it might be due to the recent price hike. The only one I can find for less than $119 is a refurb and only comes with a 90 warranty.

I'm wondering if I should I risk that one since it might be the only way I can get it within my budget and before it's (possibly) being discontinued.

Any advice from other refurb owners would be appreciated as well.

Figure that any electronic device with a number in its name is on a life-cycle measured in months to years, not years to decades.

Figure that any electronic device with a number in its name is on a life-cycle measured in months to years, not years to decades.

I would agree.
Just looking at the first post of this thread, May 2006, this product had been out on the market for a while now. Could be time for a product refresh.

-t

The scary part is that May 2006 is when I bought mine, but at the time I also bought my HDTV. It also has a number in its name -- actually, in the case of my television, it isn't a number -- it's a letter -- the letter 'S' as a matter of fact -- but the context is the same. Since then, the manufacturer has come out with the 'T' and I think the 'U'. And despite the fact that the HDTV was two orders of magnitude more expensive than the Harmony remote, I don't think that means it will last any longer. :eek: ;)

I will be getting the 720 for xmas! I was just wondering if you can add button icons? For example: xbox 360. I assume you can add the a,b,x,y buttons on the lcd display, but will it just have the letters, or can you add icons for each. Same thing with my DVR, there are red,yellow,blue ABC buttons that are in the shape of a triangle, square, circle. Can you add icons for those?
Thanks for the help.

As far as I know, you cannot assign images to LCD buttons with the exception of the Favorite Channels bit of the remote. You can change the text to whatever you like tho.

Have tried removing battery, updating logitech software, looking at Logitechs website etc... This is my first Harmony remote, is there a way to set the region? Can anyone offer some help? Thanks

Have tried removing battery, updating logitech software, looking at Logitechs website etc... This is my first Harmony remote, is there a way to set the region? Can anyone offer some help? Thanks

I'd recommend contacting their support. While I haven't had to use them personally, I've read that they are quite good troubleshooting the Harmony remotes.

does anyone have a 64x32 icon of the new MLB Networkhttp://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/2540/20080902184946/www.broadcastingcable.com/contents/images/MLB%20Network%20logo.jpg or a link to a program that can convert it ?

I've been doing a lot of research on AVS Forum and online in general to decide which Harmony remote I wanted. Prior to a couple of weeks ago, you could find the 720 NIB for $80 - $100 online (Amazon was one place). Now it goes for $119+ (and up to much higher) at the same places. I saw a note on one retailer's website that said it was "sold out at the manufacturer."

Does anyone know if this is true? I'm thinking it might be due to the recent price hike. The only one I can find for less than $119 is a refurb and only comes with a 90 warranty.

I'm wondering if I should I risk that one since it might be the only way I can get it within my budget and before it's (possibly) being discontinued.

Any advice from other refurb owners would be appreciated as well.
COSTCO has the 720 in stores at $59!!! Must be in closeout status.

I know my local Costco has the Harmony 620, but I've never seen a 720 there. I use a 720 (and have since a couple days after they came out) and while there are some minor issues, for $59 I would probably buy two!

I know my local Costco has the Harmony 620, but I've never seen a 720 there. I use a 720 (and have since a couple days after they came out) and while there are some minor issues, for $59 I would probably buy two!

Don't know where you are located. I went to the COSTCO in New Rochelle, NY and picked one up for my son for Christmas. They had another Logitech remote next to it which appeared to be new model being introduced to replace the 720.

Two questions for all of you 720 geniuses. A) Are the two soft arrow keys (right and left) below the LCD screen able to be customized? I went through and customized the rest to my liking but I couldn't find a way to change these. B) I need my TV's command of switching to HDMI3 to be delayed a few seconds. How do I do this? I went into the page where you add a command and I clicked on the option to delay the IR signal for 5 seconds but that didn't seem to do anything, neither did the 10 second delay. Am I missing something? This is causing my TV to not read the blu-ray player fast enough so the TV switches back to HDMI1.

Thanks in advance!

I just received a 720 yesterday and it does not appear to be charging properly. It beeps audibly when going into the cradle, the full green bar displays briefly on the charging icon, then it falls to one bar, the LCD cycles through some pre-fab images, goes out, and many hours later the charge is at the same level. I guess this is likely a faulty battery or cradle? I read on-line that the charging icon should show a repeated sequence of bars while it is charging. Maybe someone can advise.

Two questions for all of you 720 geniuses. A) Are the two soft arrow keys (right and left) below the LCD screen able to be customized? I went through and customized the rest to my liking but I couldn't find a way to change these. B) I need my TV's command of switching to HDMI3 to be delayed a few seconds. How do I do this? I went into the page where you add a command and I clicked on the option to delay the IR signal for 5 seconds but that didn't seem to do anything, neither did the 10 second delay. Am I missing something? This is causing my TV to not read the blu-ray player fast enough so the TV switches back to HDMI1.

Thanks in advance!

Those left and right arrows are to move between the multiple custom buttons you may have configured on the screen and can't be re-programmed. As far as the delay, are you doing it via a activity? That works great with my projector to allow it to start up before changing the signal source.

I just received a 720 yesterday and it does not appear to be charging properly. It beeps audibly when going into the cradle, the full green bar displays briefly on the charging icon, then it falls to one bar, the LCD cycles through some pre-fab images, goes out, and many hours later the charge is at the same level. I guess this is likely a faulty battery or cradle? I read on-line that the charging icon should show a repeated sequence of bars while it is charging. Maybe someone can advise.

The beeping makes me think that the cradle and remote are fine. Could be battery...

Have you made sure that the remote is at the latest and greatest of SW and FW, by logging into the Harmony Web site with an account?

-t

The beeping makes me think that the cradle and remote are fine. Could be battery...

Have you made sure that the remote is at the latest and greatest of SW and FW, by logging into the Harmony Web site with an account?

-t

Yes, I did the FW/SW upgrade right away. I guess I'll contact Logitech for a battery replacement. Thanks for your help.

I'm a late comer to this party, but ended up jumping on one of the refurb 720's from dealmonger. I checked costco, but there were no 720's to be had. I'm really looking forward to getting a chance to play with it. How has the longevity been for those that have had their 720's for a while?

I'm a late comer to this party, but ended up jumping on one of the refurb 720's from dealmonger. I checked costco, but there were no 720's to be had. I'm really looking forward to getting a chance to play with it. How has the longevity been for those that have had their 720's for a while?

cant recall exactly but I think mine is 18mo old..love it

I'm a late comer to this party, but ended up jumping on one of the refurb 720's from dealmonger. I checked costco, but there were no 720's to be had. I'm really looking forward to getting a chance to play with it. How has the longevity been for those that have had their 720's for a while?

I've had mine for at least 2 years. The only problem I've noticed with it is the volume up button requires a little more pressure. Otherwise its worked great. I just bought the 550 for a TV setup in another room. Its not rechargeable and doesn't sport the snazzy graphics on the display but it was $50 on clearance at Best Buy and it seems to work just as well as the 720. These remotes are really great.

Mike

How has the longevity been for those that have had their 720's for a while?I've had mine since May of 2006 -- still going strong.

I'm a late comer to this party, but ended up jumping on one of the refurb 720's from dealmonger. I checked costco, but there were no 720's to be had. I'm really looking forward to getting a chance to play with it. How has the longevity been for those that have had their 720's for a while?

Pretty sure I got mine 2 years ago around this timeframe. Used nearly everyday for everything from listening to CD's or DVD-A, DTS music, radio, LP records, PS2 gaming, cable box music channels and cable box HDTV. Not all of those on the same day mind you!! Oh, and it controls my lighting in the room too. I'm scheduled to get an upgrade to my HDTV cable box to HDTV DVR box this coming Friday. I'm hoping that I can manage that stuff too through the remote. Probably can if the manufacturer of the box is in the Harmony db.

-t

Hi All,
Is there a way to call multiple sequences from one button ?

Thanks In Advance
Jason

Hi All,
Is there a way to call multiple sequences from one button ?

Thanks In Advance
Jason

Not that I'm aware of. I tried to create a sequence of sequences, but no dice.

just received my 720 from TigerDirect.com today (refurb for 69.99) - spent about 40 minutes setting it up (controlling my DVR (sci atl), bluray player (sony), TV (olevia), and AV receiver(sony)). everything works awesome - no problems yet.

the text under the play, rew, etc buttons is already gone on mine - so i dont have to worry about it wearing off. no problem there as i know what the icons on the buttons mean anyways. :)

I have a wierd issue when switching activities w/ my 720.

I have a onkyo sr705 and a Pano lifi rptv. When I switch from my tv activities to my game activities the tv's input won't switch. When I hit help it works right away on the first question. The kicker is when I go from my tv activity to the game I have no issues.

I know it's a delay issue, but I have no idea which one(s) to tweak.

I have a wierd issue when switching activities w/ my 720.

I have a onkyo sr705 and a Pano lifi rptv. When I switch from my tv activities to my game activities the tv's input won't switch. When I hit help it works right away on the first question. The kicker is when I go from my tv activity to the game I have no issues.

I know it's a delay issue, but I have no idea which one(s) to tweak.

Not sure why it would be different going from one to the other, but you can easily add a delay into the activities sequence. I'd probably start with a couple seconds, and assuming that worked, then reduce it to the minimum needed.

so which delay? The inter-device or input

Will your TV change inputs to ones that aren't getting a video signal? If not then you will have to add a delay in between the game system powering on and the TV switching inputs. It may be taking too long for the Game system to start sending out a video signal, so your TV refuses to go to that input. By the time you hit the help button the game system is sending out video so the TV switches.

If your TV will switch to inputs without a video signal, then you probably need to start adjusting your Inter Device delays.

Hello - after a couple of days familiarizing myself with the 720 - i have only one question (so far)..

when cycling through my inputs on the TV while switching activities, it takes a really long time to "check" each input before settling on the correct one. i have tried adjusting the inter device input delay (down to 200ms) and there doesnt seem to be a significant change... i saw one option for editing the inputs for the TV - and it will allow me to delete some of the inputs in the list. however, it also says the list should match what my input select menu lists. i only use 3 different inputs (of the 10 available) on my TV - so the cycling through is a little annoying.

thanks!

also - i tried searching the forum to see if this had been answered and saw something about removing inputs using my TV menu - but that isnt an option on this TV (olevia lt32hve [syntax brillian]).

so which delay? The inter-device or input

I do it via the device delay. I use it to wait a few seconds before changing the input on my projector to make sure its at a point where its accepting signals.

I think it's actually the power on delay, but it should also work the way brianley mentioned as well. I experienced the same issue on my Samsung A550 when I chopped the time down on the power on delay. After I raised it back up, all is well.

I've had the remote for a couple of weeks now, and I really like all of the capability it has. I probably spent 2 hours programming it, but it's been worth it. I haven't had to touch any of the remotes for the 4 devices it is controlling since.

I was looking at the 880's but for some reason I didn't like the look of it compared to the 720.
I also picked up one of these refurbed, I liked so much I bought another one from buy.com new for 126.00. I think the 720 is more stylish than the 880 and it fits good in the hand.

Hello - after a couple of days familiarizing myself with the 720 - i have only one question (so far)..

when cycling through my inputs on the TV while switching activities, it takes a really long time to "check" each input before settling on the correct one. i have tried adjusting the inter device input delay (down to 200ms) and there doesnt seem to be a significant change... i saw one option for editing the inputs for the TV - and it will allow me to delete some of the inputs in the list. however, it also says the list should match what my input select menu lists. i only use 3 different inputs (of the 10 available) on my TV - so the cycling through is a little annoying.

thanks!

also - i tried searching the forum to see if this had been answered and saw something about removing inputs using my TV menu - but that isnt an option on this TV (olevia lt32hve [syntax brillian]).

First double check if you have discreet input commands available. They would show up in your TV device as commands like Input1, InputVideo1, etc. IF they are there check and see if they work, as they are a much better solution than scrolling through inputs.

If they aren't available you are going to need to adjust your Input Delay setting (not the inter device delay). This delay is the amount of time your TV needs after it switches inputs before it will accept another IR command. Reducing this number will make your TV switch inputs faster. However, if you reduce it too far it will start causing problems with it finding the right input when you start your activities. You will need to adjust, update, test, adjust, update, test, etc. until you find the lowest delay that will still function correctly.

If they aren't available you are going to need to adjust your Input Delay setting (not the inter device delay). This delay is the amount of time your TV needs after it switches inputs before it will accept another IR command. Reducing this number will make your TV switch inputs faster. However, if you reduce it too far it will start causing problems with it finding the right input when you start your activities. You will need to adjust, update, test, adjust, update, test, etc. until you find the lowest delay that will still function correctly.

Thanks for the response... this is exactly what i just did and it works MUCH better now. Take care all..

edit: changed input delay to 200ms, for the record.

Does anyone know how to goto the favorite channels without clicking the favorite channel button whenever I select an activity ?

I would to click "Watch Directv" and goto the favorite channel automatically. Right now I have to click the an extra button to do this ...

Has anyone been able to do this ?

Rich

Have you been able to make it go to FAVORITE CHANNELS after an activity?

Has anyone owned both a 720 and an 880? Which one did you like better and why?

I'm having trouble with my 720.Everything in my setup works great except when I go to play my 360.When I click on play XBOX 360,my tv goes to the right input,the 360 turns on,and then it goes to the right input(DVR-1) on my Pio VSX-01-TXH for about 3 seconds and then it goes to another input(TV SAT).When I first set the controller up,it worked fine.If I push the help button,it goes to the right input.

May be a delay problem. Does the Pioneer stay on an input if there is no signal? I would add a 3+ second delay after the XBox powers on to ensure it's sending a signal before switching the AVR input.

Has anyone owned both a 720 and an 880? Which one did you like better and why?

I own a 720. My brother-in-law has the 880. Other than shape and 2 extra buttons in the 880's LCD area, it's the same remote. I've used the 880 while house/dog sitting. I prefer the 720. It was mostly the shape and button sizes that led me to that decision.

I own a 720. My brother-in-law has the 880. Other than shape and 2 extra buttons in the 880's LCD area, it's the same remote. I've used the 880 while house/dog sitting. I prefer the 720. It was mostly the shape and button sizes that led me to that decision.

Thank you for the response.

May be a delay problem. Does the Pioneer stay on an input if there is no signal? I would add a 3+ second delay after the XBox powers on to ensure it's sending a signal before switching the AVR input.

I don't think that's the problem.It does go to the correct input for a few seconds and then switches to the wrong one.Where in the settings do I add the 3+ second delay?

Hi Guys,
I can't seem to get my 720 to control my PS3 using the ir adapter that came with my Nyko blu-wave, which works just fine.
When I try to teach the commands to the 720, all is well except for the directional buttons. I can't seem to touch the original remote buttons lightly enough to keep the signal from repeating and making the 720 skip two or three steps in the onscreen toolbar of the PS3.
Does anyone know which Sony DVD players have the same ir codes as the PS2? One of those might work.
Or am I doing something wrong?
Thanks!

Hi Guys,
I can't seem to get my 720 to control my PS3 using the ir adapter that came with my Nyko blu-wave, which works just fine.
When I try to teach the commands to the 720, all is well except for the directional buttons. I can't seem to touch the original remote buttons lightly enough to keep the signal from repeating and making the 720 skip two or three steps in the onscreen toolbar of the PS3.
Does anyone know which Sony DVD players have the same ir codes as the PS2? One of those might work.
Or am I doing something wrong?
Thanks!


That's odd. You shouldn't have to "teach" it anything. All the commands should already be there. You just have to map them to the appropriate buttons.

Did you add the Nyko to your remote as a device? It's a game console with DVD. Then select Nyko and put in blu-wave as the model.

Thanks! Giving it a try now. Not the most intuitive software in the world, though I should have seen that. Thanks again!

Worked like a charm. Thanks for the help.

Worked like a charm. Thanks for the help.

Not a problem. I'm glad you got it worked out.

Looks like my 720 took a dump. I was going to change the timings on my settings since (interdevice delay and the other one. Not interkey). It told me there was an update for my tv (KDS-R60XBR1). I go to update and it won't go past 3% ("communicating with remote").

I was able to delete the TV and re-add it and it updated! Then I realized it wiped out all my custom buttons on the soft screens (as well as the "." or "dot" I added to the */clear) that came from the TV (made sense since I deleted it) while leaving those for my receiver and what not.

So I go to add those customs to my TV and now it won't get past 3% again. Tried to delete and re-add but same thing. Did the firmware update/flash thing (hold enter while putting the battery in or some such) and same thing (won't update past 3%). Opened the ticket with Harmony and they suggested trying the web site.

It downloads 2 files, the first one spawns a second and then never does anything else. I've left it at least an hour at 3% (which apparently puts my account to time out since I have to log back in to the interface. Pull the USB and it now just says "go to website to update settings."

Think it's completely dead? I asked in my harmony ticket to see if they could reset my settings to before the update, but am doubting that's possible (unless they keep incremental backups maybe?).

I had the same problem when it said there was an update for my Yamaha 463 Receiver. I recall that this occurs when some sort of custom feature/button is created for a device ... when the update for that device comes in and is accepted it can't deal with this customization and causes the software to crash/lock. This is a nasty bug, and I don't know why they don't fix it pronto.

I wasted over an hour with 1st level techs, and they finally created a ticket for a 2nd level tech. Based on what I've read, a 2nd level would have been able to fix this quickly, but I was having troubles coordinating a time when they could call and I was at home. So, instead, I went to the logitech user forum at http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/ and PM'd EricHarmony (thats a userid on the forum) who is a support person there (possibly a 2nd level, or 3rd level, or the owner, or whatever). He fixed the problem very quickly and my update then went through. (kudos to him, no kudos to logitech in general though because this bug should be fixed and/or all techs should know about the problem and how to fix it without wasting endusers time). By letting him fix it, all of my customizations were kept EXCEPT those that I had created for the device which was updated ... I had to recreate those. My lesson was/is that if everything is working fine, don't accept a device update!

Yep many of this have said for a long time, if everything is working correctly ignore all "device updates" as it will only cause you more work and problems.

Hey guys, I've had my 720 for a while now, but recently got a new Dish receiver, the VIP722. So far I've got pretty much everything working great with it, EXCEPT the numeric keypad. For some reason, I have to really push and hold the number keys to change the channel on my dish receiver. Does anyone know a fix for this? Thanks.

How many favorite channels can the 720 store on board?

thanks

How many favorite channels can the 720 store on board?

thanks

24 or 4 pages of 6 I believe.

How do you guys confirm who you're getting support from? I've been doing this all through the web. Would I be better served by calling?

I got a response finally by an email to use the EZHex file, which updated my remote successfully. It was still missing my customizations. Adding them through the interface and yeah, it still freezes at 3%. Further, it's missing some custom buttons that were available before the "update" (specifically "Twin View" and "Speaker Toggle").

Since it's somewhat usable, I was setting it back up and now the light on the charger won't go on, regardless of the setting and it won't charge the remote. So looks like that took a dump now? :mad:

Well solved that one. The end of the charger that goes into the base station broke off. Just two little copper wires so I bet one of them was broken. Now both are. :mad: how much does Logitech charge for these things? Guess I could just splice it together and throw in some electrical tape....

Have you tried using the web based software?
http://members.harmonyremote.com

It's not quite as easy to navigate, but it may work for you.

Have you tried turning off your virus or firewall protection temporarily to see if one of them is causing the problem?

Yeah tried the web software, too. No firewall or spyware (Macbook Pro).

How do you guys confirm who you're getting support from? I've been doing this all through the web. Would I be better served by calling?

I got a response finally by an email to use the EZHex file, which updated my remote successfully. It was still missing my customizations. Adding them through the interface and yeah, it still freezes at 3%. Further, it's missing some custom buttons that were available before the "update" (specifically "Twin View" and "Speaker Toggle").

Since it's somewhat usable, I was setting it back up and now the light on the charger won't go on, regardless of the setting and it won't charge the remote. So looks like that took a dump now? :mad:

I used the WEB means of talking to Logitech once (email). It took a day or so for a response from someone but it worked fine for me. For your issue, I'd give them a call. I think you'd have better luck over the phone.

-t

24 or 4 pages of 6 I believe.

Thanks buddy!

I have a question. I'm on my second 720 after the first one was replaced for the charger issues. Anyway just like the first after about a year I'm having to push the buttons harder and harder to get them to work. So much so in fact I have started using my "stock" remote to control my devices. Is this something that I can fix myself or should I just trash the remote?

I'ld call them again to see what they'll do -- other folks have said they received replacement remotes even though they thought the would be refused as they were way out of warranty.

I thought I would share this with everyone. My wife accidentally washed our Harmony 720 in the washing machine. The remote is used in the bedroom and it was in the sheets. I took the remote apart and dried it with a hair dryer and then let it sit out for several days. I then put the remote back together and it worked perfectly except that the LCD screen was no longer uniform as the screen appeared stained. Some areas of the LCD were darker than other areas even though the LCD was still clearly visible. However, after about a week of use the LCD screen is now back to normal and the remote works perfectly.

I wonder if Tide would be interested in this story as a commercial?

Tide may not be but Logitech probably would. :)

I thought I would share this with everyone. My wife accidentally washed our Harmony 720 in the washing machine. The remote is used in the bedroom and it was in the sheets. I took the remote apart and dried it with a hair dryer and then let it sit out for several days. I then put the remote back together and it worked perfectly except that the LCD screen was no longer uniform as the screen appeared stained. Some areas of the LCD were darker than other areas even though the LCD was still clearly visible. However, after about a week of use the LCD screen is now back to normal and the remote works perfectly.

I wonder if Tide would be interested in this story as a commercial?

Maybe you should send your :D:D:D:Dwife back to Logitech for an exchange?????

Have had a 720 for over a year and it works great. Love it. However, I recently replaced my old Pioneer receiver with a new Pioneer receiver, a 1018. Deleting the old receiver settings and replacing them with the new receiver settings went smoothly using the Logitech website. Everything works fine except for one thing. When I turn all components off, the receiver goes off and then comes back on!! Anybody have any ideas as to what I should do to keep the receiver off??? :confused::confused::confused:

I'm contemplating getting one of these as the refurb prices are getting pretty good, and I have skimmed through the thread, but I wanted to ask a couple of questions of the experts:

1) From what I understand, the 720 will be able to do all the functions that my current remote does without having to program button by button back and forth. Is this correct?

2) Is there a list of models that can be programmed into the 720? (What I mean is there a way to know what boxes the 720 can control as well as ones it can't. I have the Philips HDD player 3176 and I heard that there isn't a universal remote for this?)

2) Is there a list of models that can be programmed into the 720? (What I mean is there a way to know what boxes the 720 can control as well as ones it can't. I have the Philips HDD player 3176 and I heard that there isn't a universal remote for this?)

Logitech has a test drive site (http://myremotesetup.com/EasyZapper/New/Main.asp?WebProcessAction=Start&ReturnUrl=%2FEasyZapper%2F.%2FNew%2FProcSpice%2Flanding.asp&ClassId=PrSpice.ProcSpice&RelativePath=ProcSpice%2F) where you can plug in your equipment and see if it's in the Harmony database. That's probably your best bet.

I'm contemplating getting one of these as the refurb prices are getting pretty good, and I have skimmed through the thread, but I wanted to ask a couple of questions of the experts:

1) From what I understand, the 720 will be able to do all the functions that my current remote does without having to program button by button back and forth. Is this correct?

2) Is there a list of models that can be programmed into the 720? (What I mean is there a way to know what boxes the 720 can control as well as ones it can't. I have the Philips HDD player 3176 and I heard that there isn't a universal remote for this?)

You can also look it up here: http://www.logitech.com/harmony/components .

I looked it up and a few of the components they don't have listed. Have anyone had success add the HDD DVR

Philips 3176 or Maggy 2160 players
Also, they didn't seem too good on the Emotiva amps / processors. The page says they will learn all the functions, but I'm not too sure. Anyone had any succes with these?

I looked it up and a few of the components they don't have listed. Have anyone had success add the HDD DVR

Philips 3176 or Maggy 2160 players
Also, they didn't seem too good on the Emotiva amps / processors. The page says they will learn all the functions, but I'm not too sure. Anyone had any succes with these?

I have yet to come across an IR signal that the remote could not learn. If you can't find an exact match for your hardware model, the software will walk you thru sending a couple signals from your original remote to the Harmony and then search it's database for a match.

I looked it up and a few of the components they don't have listed. Have anyone had success add the HDD DVR

Philips 3176 or Maggy 2160 players
Also, they didn't seem too good on the Emotiva amps / processors. The page says they will learn all the functions, but I'm not too sure. Anyone had any succes with these?

Are you sure the model numbers you have are right? I can't find anything online about a Phillips 3176 or a Magnavox 2160. Usually model numbers are a mix of letters and numbers. Here's a link to the Phillips site where it tells you how to find the model number. The same is true for most manufacturers. Be sure to type the model number into the Harmony lookup exactly as it shows on the device (include any dashes or spaces on the tag).

http://www.p4c.philips.com/cgi-bin/dcbint/find_ctn_no.pl?language=en&country=us

It was the Philips DVDR-3576H, and like you said the Harmony remote is compatable with it as well. Are there any issues with buying a refurb, or would it better to spend the cash to get new?

It was the Philips DVDR-3576H, and like you said the Harmony remote is compatable with it as well. Are there any issues with buying a refurb, or would it better to spend the cash to get new?

What's the warranty on a refurb?

-t

90 days. I think that if I buy it through Amex. they doubled the Manufacturer's warranty. In they past they didn't cover Refurbished items, but they are no longer on the excluded list.

Are there any issues with buying a refurb, or would it better to spend the cash to get new?

I buy refurbished (or used) whenever I can. My Harmony 880 was a refurb, my 360's 120GB HD was a refurb, my iPod speakers were a refurb. I've personally never had any problem with buying refurb and/or used stuff. Then again, I'm a cheapskate and will always try to stretch my dollars as far as I can.

Couple of questions:

I have a tv, a/v receiver, sat box, CD player, and a Samsung blu-ray home theater system with surround sound speakers. I use my a/v receiver and other speakers for watch tv and listen to CDs, but use the Samsung system with its surround sound speakers for watching moves. Can I set this so that when I'm watching TV or listening to a CD the volume button controls my receiver, and when watching blu-rays or DVDs the volume button will control the volume on my Samsung home theater system?

Also, has anyone bought one of these that were factory refurbished? If so, were there any signs of wear, or did Logitech clean them up or replace any damaged parts? I ask this because Buy.com has it for only 44.99 refurbished.


Any other info would be greatly appreciated.

Couple of questions:

I have a tv, a/v receiver, sat box, CD player, and a Samsung blu-ray home theater system with surround sound speakers. I use my a/v receiver and other speakers for watch tv and listen to CDs, but use the Samsung system with its surround sound speakers for watching moves. Can I set this so that when I'm watching TV or listening to a CD the volume button controls my receiver, and when watching blu-rays or DVDs the volume button will control the volume on my Samsung home theater system?

Also, has anyone bought one of these that were factory refurbished? If so, were there any signs of wear, or did Logitech clean them up or replace any damaged parts? I ask this because Buy.com has it for only 44.99 refurbished.


Any other info would be greatly appreciated.

To answer your first question - yes. You'd setup separate Activities for watching TV, Listening to CDs, and Watching Movies (you can name them anything you want). Then configure the volume buttons (and any other ones you want) to control the receiver when using the TV and CD activities, and to control the Samsung for the Movies activity. Its a pretty easy process once you get the hang of it.

I believe the worst I've heard about with some of the refurbished models is some of the silk screening on the buttons has been worn off. They are definitely fully functional.

I ask this because Buy.com has it for only 44.99 refurbished. I'ld live to purchase a Harmony 720 at this price for my parents, but I couldn't find one on buy.com for $45. Could you please provide a URL?

Thanks.

My bad, that was a 550 from buy.com, I would get this for 69.99 plus shipping from Tiger Direct. Sorry for the mistake. From what I've found Tiger Direct's price is still a good deal for this refurb.

Hey all,

I have had the Harmony 720 for a while now and just can't seem to get it to control my Panny AX100U projector right. It behaves differently each time so I had taken it out of my devices.
Tried to incorporate back in again, and I keep having to hit the help button, then it seems to work as it shuts it off, then it will keep coming back on. It also comes on sometimes when I go to use another device that does not warrant the use of the Panny, and it has a mind of its own, it will come on, I hit help, shut it down, as its cooling before it shuts off it will start back up.
Making me nuts. I did run the troubleshooter on my comp a few times, tried it with a 1500 delay etc. Still acts up.

Any suggestions at all would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Hey all,

I have had the Harmony 720 for a while now and just can't seem to get it to control my Panny AX100U projector right. It behaves differently each time so I had taken it out of my devices.
Tried to incorporate back in again, and I keep having to hit the help button, then it seems to work as it shuts it off, then it will keep coming back on. It also comes on sometimes when I go to use another device that does not warrant the use of the Panny, and it has a mind of its own, it will come on, I hit help, shut it down, as its cooling before it shuts off it will start back up.
Making me nuts. I did run the troubleshooter on my comp a few times, tried it with a 1500 delay etc. Still acts up.

Any suggestions at all would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Was the device in the Harmony database and you're using that configuration or did you manually program it by learning commands? Which ever way you did, try the other, see if it works any better. Or perhaps see if the Panny will work with another model's command set?

I've had absolutely no issues controlling any of my devices with the 720 so hopefully you'll find a resolution. Also, do you have the latest firmware / software versions?

Hey and thanks,

Yes Panny projector was in the data base and when I added into my devices, it updated the remote and checked for updates. I assume this is the latest firmware but I will check again when I get home.

Not sure if I need to set some sort of delay as it is asking me to do when I run the troubleshooter on my comp. I will try again when I get home.

Wondering if anyone else has this problem with the Panny projector?

Thanks.

Just picked up a 720 refurb from amazon to replace a 670 with a busted screen & so far I am loving it.

I still prefer the peanut shape of the 670 but the 720 has better buttons and and better durablity so I'll gladly take that tradeoff. (670 + hardwood floors + small children + clumsy wife = bad mix)

It make no difference to me but my 720 came sans transport labels.

"Clumsy wife"

Wonder where you'll be sleeping tonight?

I just bought the 720 and set it up. What I am finding out is that in order to use this devise I have to use the soft keys to the sides of the lcd screen for anything that I want to do. This is VERY uncomfortable at best and not intuitive at all. None of the hard buttons except for the volume work to do anything....making me have to use the soft keys to do anything, which means holding the remote in an uncomfortable position up at the middle of the remote with the huge back end hanging out back. Please, someone tell me there is something I haven't done and this is not how it is suppose to be.:(

Brad

I rarely use the softkeys for anything. I do use one softkey to turn on my display and sound system. Then, the menu button operates my TiVo menu. The arrow keys operate my TiVo menus. The volume keys operate the sound system's volume. And so on.

I just bought the 720 and set it up. What I am finding out is that in order to use this devise I have to use the soft keys to the sides of the lcd screen for anything that I want to do. This is VERY uncomfortable at best and not intuitive at all. None of the hard buttons except for the volume work to do anything....making me have to use the soft keys to do anything, which means holding the remote in an uncomfortable position up at the middle of the remote with the huge back end hanging out back. Please, someone tell me there is something I haven't done and this is not how it is suppose to be.:(

Brad
Brad,

I don't want to insult your intelligence or anything, but if you're unaware, you can assign any function to whatever key you want.
For example, I have my 720 configured so that the "Prev" button (next to "Mute") actually functions as the "select/display info" button for my PS3 (I have a Nyko USB dongle plugged into my PS3), "Ch+" as "square/menu" and "Ch-" as "triangle". These are just examples, you can assign any function that's already present in that particular device's database to any key on the 720 that you want.

All you do is login to your account either through the software or the website (sorry I forgot what the website was, maybe someone else can point it out to him if he doesn't have the software), create your activity, and from the Activities tab, click "Customize Buttons" for the desired activity, and voila. Heck if you wanted, you could program your activity such that the Volume+/- were switched with the Ch+/- if you wanted.

I hope this helps and I haven't misinterpreted your situation. OR are you referring to the hardware itself, i.e. the hard buttons on your remote literally don't work? If so, I'd exchange it with your retailer and get a new one.

All in all, the Harmony remotes take a bit of fine-tuning to your needs, but once you do, they are an absolute PLEASURE to use. Good luck.

OK, I have a stupid question. I went through the last 20 or so pages of this thread, and different people seem to say different things.

I just received a refurb 720 from Tiger Direct. The first thing I wanted to do was charge the remote. I placed it on the charger and, once I finally found the sweet spot, it beeped at me and said it was charging. Now, my question is, is the display supposed to stay on while it's charging or not, because mine doesn't? If not, how are you supposed to see when the battery has 3 bars and it's done charging? I don't like the idea of taking it off the charger to see if it's done, then placing it back if it's not done. I mainly ask because the base seems to be particularly picky about the placement of the remote and I'm worried that it might not be charging the entire time.

Hi Collven - I can confirm that my screen turns off in the charger too. I typically leave it in the charger for long enough to charge the batteries and then-some, so I'm not too worried about getting it just-right. In my experience overnight in the charger tops it up completely, even if nearly dead.

I have the feeling the screen's operation while in the base may be something you can change, though, in settings and preferences. Have you looked at those? D

Yes when you dock the remote and it starts charging and you should hear a beep and the "screensaver" will kick on. In a few moments, the screen will go black and continue to charge.

OK, that's the answer I was looking for. Thanks.

Has anyone in the U.S. imported a UK or AUS spec. 785? I found a good deal on it, and would like to pull the trigger, but wanted to make sure Logitech doesn't block these units from U.S. accounts or something since they're not sold here.

I have an 880 but was wanting to get something with the color buttons (teletext I think its called) that only the UK and AUS remotes have. I could get an 885 I guess, but like the button layout of the 785/720 better than the 880/885 despite having two less soft keys.

Anyone have any insight into this?

STUPID QUESTION ALERT!!!!

Can this thing control the xbox 360 as well? And am I correct in reading (this thread) that you can log onto a website to set your button preferences and then plug in your 720 and it will update it all for you? Also is $59.99 a good price currently for this unit?

I use my 720 to control both my 360 and PS3 (through the Nyko Blu-wave IR USB key). The 360 control is a bit... weird. Not sure if it's the placement of their IR window or if it's just not very sensitive. I tried both learning from the 360 remote and using the Harmony DB. It works but sometimes requires repeat presses, etc. Particularly leaving the activity, it often doesn't turn off even though I hold the remote in that direction a good 5-10 seconds.

Has anyone in the U.S. imported a UK or AUS spec. 785? I found a good deal on it, and would like to pull the trigger, but wanted to make sure Logitech doesn't block these units from U.S. accounts or something since they're not sold here.

I have an 880 but was wanting to get something with the color buttons (teletext I think its called) that only the UK and AUS remotes have. I could get an 885 I guess, but like the button layout of the 785/720 better than the 880/885 despite having two less soft keys.


I'm also interested in these. Seemed a bit weird at first but then the Blu-ray players and remotes all have the exact same buttons it seems. Yet Logitech didn't include them on the Harmony One, either. Harmony Two? :p

www.1saleaday.com have the Logitech Harmony 720 Universal Remote Control (Refurbished) - Color Display and Rechargeable Battery on sale for $59 bucks. A great deal... I got one for my bedroom. Already have an 890 for the living room.

www.1saleaday.com have the Logitech Harmony 720 Universal Remote Control (Refurbished) - Color Display and Rechargeable Battery on sale for $59 bucks. A great deal... I got one for my bedroom. Already have an 890 for the living room.

Thats where I saw it as well but wasnt sure if that was a good price or not

Is the remote compatible with the original xbox since it is IR.

Is the remote compatible with the original xbox since it is IR.

The Harmony is compatible with any device that can receive IR codes. The real question is whether or not the device is in the Harmony database, because that saves you from having to get hold of an original remote for the device to learn all the commands.

You can search the Harmony database to see if your device is present by going to this link (http://myremotesetup.com/EasyZapper/New/Main.asp?WebProcessAction=Start&ReturnUrl=%2FEasyZapper%2F.%2FNew%2FProcSpice%2Flanding.asp&ClassId=PrSpice.ProcSpice&RelativePath=ProcSpice%2F). I just tried it an it shows the Xbox whether I put in Xbox or Xbox 360 in the Model field. It's likely that Microsoft used the same IR codes for the 360 as the original Xbox.

Even if the device isn't in the database, the Harmony can learn IR codes from another remote or if you can get the IR codes in Pronto hex format you can send them to Logitech support and they'll add them to the database.

Having said that, I seem to recall the original Xbox needing an IR receiver dongle to work with the remote.

I use my 720 to control both my 360 and PS3 (through the Nyko Blu-wave IR USB key). The 360 control is a bit... weird. Not sure if it's the placement of their IR window or if it's just not very sensitive. I tried both learning from the 360 remote and using the Harmony DB. It works but sometimes requires repeat presses, etc. Particularly leaving the activity, it often doesn't turn off even though I hold the remote in that direction a good 5-10 seconds.

I agree with you... I think it is the placement of the IR window on the 360... if I aim the 720 directly at it, it works fine... if not it misses presses..

I'm also interested in these. Seemed a bit weird at first but then the Blu-ray players and remotes all have the exact same buttons it seems. Yet Logitech didn't include them on the Harmony One, either. Harmony Two? :p

My 785 just arrived from Australia. Worked perfect, less than 10 minutes for it to automatically import all settings and for me to add color button assignments to my Watch TV, Watch TV W/Stereo, and Watch Blu-ray activities.

The remote doesn't feel quite as comfortable as the 880 to hold (top edge is a little too square, should have a radius) but alot of buttons (except device) are a shorter reach away.

Haven't figured out how to turn off the blue LED around the Activites button though. It seems to stay on even when all other backlights have turned off. If I can't figure this out, I may take it apart and cut the leads to it, as it is welding-arc-bright!

EDIT: Nevermind, it only stays on when the battery is low. After a full night's charge and several weeks usage since, the light turns off when all other backlighting turns off.

I agree with you... I think it is the placement of the IR window on the 360... if I aim the 720 directly at it, it works fine... if not it misses presses..

Hmm, I wonder if a WinMCE IR extender will work on a 360? I have an extra laying around from an older computer. Could plug it in the back and set it up somewhere else maybe. Worth a ****, maybe.

I can't seem to figure out how to set AM/PM on the remote when using the time-date setup on the remote. If it's on AM (or PM) already, there are only options for setting the hour, but only 12 selections available so you can't change it to PM (or AM) if it is currently wrong. I think I recall doing it when connected to the PC, but has anybody else figured out that there is a problem doing this when not programming it? If so, is there a solution?

I had a question about my Harmony 720. I went to use it this morning. It had been working fine the day before and I had charged it all night. I went to select a device and the button didn't work. It was the middle left device button. Also, the page right button doesn't work. Not a huge deal because I can page left to anything I need. However, there are some functions that I use that are set to the middle left device button when I enter a device. I don't understand what would have caused this is the first place. I have a temporary fix set in place with a dummy device set to the middle left button. Any ideas on how I could fix it? I deleted all the devices and powered it up without a battery, holding the power button. It entered safe mode and I updated the firmware/software and got no results. HELP!!

Well I feel stupid. It turns out, that the 'clear' button at the very bottom left was pushed in and stuck. Really weird that it caused certain buttons to not work. But...that was the issue. :o

Need Help with opening 720!!

I had the 720 for over a year and it has worked great. Until recently. The "Activities" button now becomes hypersensitive in that a slight touch will activate that screen (leaving the current activity such as watch TV). I am thinking of opening the remote to see if the contact underneath the plastic key needs some cleaning. Unfortunately, I was not able to open the remote completely. I removed the screws in the battery compartment and plied open the 4 tabs on each side of the remote but the very top part of the remote (where the "Activities" is) seems to be glued down. Apparently, the 720 is put together differently than other Harmony units such as the 880 which can be taken apart with relative ease. Has anyone successfully opened up the unit? If so, what is your trick?

Thanks in advance.

Is this still 'the' Harmony remote to get for under $100? I need one that has the keys backlit.

I have one and the keys are backlit. Not sure what the pricing is. I bought a refub for around $70 - $80

hows it goin guys? last night i broke the LCD in my harmony for 360, it still works, just cant see anything, so its time for a new remote! i loved the 360 one it did everything i needed. but ive been lookin through this thread and this seems like a great upgrade that wont break the bank. can anyone think of any transition problems i might face? i should be able to hook the 720 to the computer and just click upgrade remote right? and it will transfer all my settings to the new remote? am i way off? thanks for your help!

or should i just go with a new 360 remote or even the 550?

Ok, so wierd, I was just on the phone with Logitech sales, and they told me that they don't sell refurbished units...in fact, Logitech doesn't even referbish their remotes! They said that they know you can find them online, but it must be some 3rd party company doing the work, and selling them as if it were done by Logitech. They also said that the warranties of the refurbished units are voided since it wasn't Logitech that worked on them.

So have any of you who have bought refurbished remotes actually called Logitech with a problem? Have you had any problems?

I find myself needing a new universal remote...I have a 550 for my HT setup and I am VERY pleased with its performance...My bedroom setup however has gone thru 2 or 3 universal 'cheapie' remotes and the wife wants a decent remote...I have decided to deligate the 550 to the bedroom where it will control a DVD/VCR combo a 32" CRT tube television and a HTiB system...But that leaves me without a remote for the HT and I am thinking that a 720 would be an upgrade with a nice color icon screen and rechargeable batteries...However I have a few questions...

Off the top of my head I am wondering about the recharge cradle...Are the contacts easily broken??? I read that they are just small pieces of wire???

I notice that there is no 'Glow' button for turning the backlight on/off...I presume the light automatically comes on when the remote is picked up just like my 550 yes??? With the 550 using standard batteries I have become accustomed to turning the BL off to conserve power...While I understand that is really a moot point with the 720 as it recharges in the cradle I do have an explanation followed by my question...

I have a habit of holding the remote (subconsciously my wife says I like total control ;) ) during movies or TV watching since I pretty much adjust the volume rather frequently...Will the backlight remain on at all times???

And finally I need some of the savy money saving knowledge from the forum participants...The best price with shipping that I have found for a 720 is $88 and that is just too expensive...Where can I find the 720 for the best price at a reputable seller??? Ideally I do not want to spend more than $59 if possible...

TIA for any possible help you guys can share with me... :)

Hello??? Anyone??? Bueller??? Bueller???

Nevermind...I decided to just go with another 550...:)

Ok, so wierd, I was just on the phone with Logitech sales, and they told me that they don't sell refurbished units...in fact, Logitech doesn't even referbish their remotes! They said that they know you can find them online, but it must be some 3rd party company doing the work, and selling them as if it were done by Logitech. They also said that the warranties of the refurbished units are voided since it wasn't Logitech that worked on them.

So have any of you who have bought refurbished remotes actually called Logitech with a problem? Have you had any problems? I bought a 720 refurb from Amazon. The Activities button went flaky shortly before the 90 day warranty expired and Logitech sent me a brand new remote, no questions asked.

And the refurb box it came in sure looked like it was from Logitech. I think your "salesman" was either clueless or of the used car variety.

What # did you call???

What # did you call???

I called their Phone Sales number. I even msg'ed some of the guys who sell them on ebay, and none of them would send me any information or assurance that their products were refurbished from Logitech. So the two of those things combined scared me away from buying refurb. When you had yours replaced, did you tell them that you bought it refurb? did you have to send your purchase receipt in with it? That's wierd. I wonder who is uninformed, the logitech salesman or us?

I called their Phone Sales number. I even msg'ed some of the guys who sell them on ebay, and none of them would send me any information or assurance that their products were refurbished from Logitech. So the two of those things combined scared me away from buying refurb. When you had yours replaced, did you tell them that you bought it refurb? did you have to send your purchase receipt in with it? That's wierd. I wonder who is uninformed, the logitech salesman or us?

I don't know where they are getting these referbs from since Logitech doesn't even make you return a remote that is being replaced. They replaced mine and told me to throw the old one in the garbage. Plus they told me the old one would no longer be able to update since the serial number would be black listed.

First off, I'm happy to have found a community for these things! Thanks in advance for all the posts that are here, even if I don't get a reply.

Old thread! 41 pages! Whew!!


:cool: :D





Ok, so we've got a Harmony 720... and I have a specific beef with the way it's handling volume controls. Our mini system has an pretty steep step system between it's notches already. (12 is too quiet, 13 is just right, 14 is too loud etc) Unfortunately, the Harmony insist on adjusting our volume by 3 notches at once! From 11 all the way to 14 with a single click of the volume button! Eeep!

So we're forced often time to switch over to "Devices > Cable Box" and make smaller incremental adjustments to the signal volume in order to find a comfortable volume...


It's quite the crux for this otherwise cool remote.


I've searched the menus high and low and can't find this setting anywhere!


Halp!!



:)

Ok, so we've got a Harmony 720... and I have a specific beef with the way it's handling volume controls. [snip] Unfortunately, the Harmony insist on adjusting our volume by 3 notches at once! From 11 all the way to 14 with a single click of the volume button!

Try adjusting the length of the signal the Harmony is sending out.

I don't think you can do it just for the volume control; you can, however adjust the length of the signal sent for the entire device that is controlling the volume. In the Logitech software, go that the device tab, select the device that is controlling the volume, then select "troubleshooting". follow your nose and you'll find the page that you can tell the signal to go for a shorter period of time.

That might fix the "volume jumps three steps" issue; hopefully it won't goof anything other commands sent to that device.

Does anyone know if the favorite channel icons for the 800 series remotes from Squareeyes "icon harmony" site will work with the 720?

I've not been able to find any info about this, but it appears as though the 720 and the 880/890 have he same screen resolution.

I've found a good deal on the 720, so any help would be appreciated.

I've found a good deal on the 720, so any help would be appreciated.
Could I trouble you to PM me with where you found a deal and how much??? I'd appreciate it...

I'm looking to get one of these next week, anybody know where I get a good deal? I'm looking to spend from $60 - $110.

I got my refurb one from tiger Direct. for ~ $70. Not sure if they still have them, buy you could check that or dealnews.com

Does anyone know if the favorite channel icons for the 800 series remotes from Squareeyes "icon harmony" site will work with the 720?

I've not been able to find any info about this, but it appears as though the 720 and the 880/890 have he same screen resolution.

I've found a good deal on the 720, so any help would be appreciated.

I own a 720 and used icons for the 880/890 without any problem. You can find some here: http://squareworld.com/harmony/ .

Just got back from Target and they have a demo unit of the 720, it looks good but kinda feels a bit flimzy compared to the 676 they had next to it. Also upon grasping both, the 676 feels better and unique in your palm. I only mention the 676 because it shares the same shape as the 880 which is the other remote I am debating to purchase over the 720. Now i am confused. I used to have an Onkyo remote for my receiver that was just about as thin as the 720, it broke practically in half when one of my siblings slept on top of it. So that aspect scares me a bit when deciding if the 720 would be right for me. On the other hand, I like the extra crisp screen of the 720 and the overall slick look. I think I can get either at about the same price, which should I go with?

I used to have a 659 & a 670 and the 720 has been much more durable than those 2 peanut style remotes. The shells were hard plastic as opposed to the more rubberized case of the 720. This has been a big plus for me since I have 2 kids under age 4 and hardwood floors.

thinking about getting another 720 for the bedroom, but i was wondering if there is a better model out now, or should i stick with the 720 still?

are the 890 or the Harmony ONE better?

thanks

The One is the latest & greatest. The 890 is for those who need a RF remote.
Neither are in the 720s price bracket.

The One is the latest & greatest. The 890 is for those who need a RF remote.
Neither are in the 720s price bracket.

Exacty how does the RF work? I'm now leaning towards getting the 890 because of it's RF capability, and I want to setup my lights with a dimmer that is compatible with a remote. Unfortunatelty I will not have line of sight to have a IR remote which is why I will need a RF remote. So do you guys know any RF dimmers that can work with a 890? I want to set it up so when I press play during a movie the lights dim, when I press pause to get up or something the lights come back up.

I can't seem to figure out how to set AM/PM on the remote when using the time-date setup on the remote. If it's on AM (or PM) already, there are only options for setting the hour, but only 12 selections available so you can't change it to PM (or AM) if it is currently wrong. I think I recall doing it when connected to the PC, but has anybody else figured out that there is a problem doing this when not programming it? If so, is there a solution?

About 10 pages earlier another use had the same issue. I also landed in this forum thread for the same reason. Even with the latest firmware, their seems to be two completely different setups for configuring time. Those are us, who have 2 pages of times, but no AM/PM and those with 4 pages with AM/PM options.

For us, the only way I have found to set it properly is to plug it into your computer and update the remote and it will sync the time to the computer.

A small issue, but an annoyance nonetheless.

About 10 pages earlier another use had the same issue. I also landed in this forum thread for the same reason. Even with the latest firmware, their seems to be two completely different setups for configuring time. Those are us, who have 2 pages of times, but no AM/PM and those with 4 pages with AM/PM options.

For us, the only way I have found to set it properly is to plug it into your computer and update the remote and it will sync the time to the computer.

A small issue, but an annoyance nonetheless.
Thanks for your reply ... I asked this question twice but yours is the first to mention that there may be some 720's running a software version with more pages of times to select from. If you have any more information on this it would be appreciated.

can someone please post a pic of how the 720 looks like in darkness with the backlighting on. I haven't seen a pic of it's full backlighting in the dark I have searched the net and haven't yet seen a picture of it's backlighting in the dark

Thanks for your reply ... I asked this question twice but yours is the first to mention that there may be some 720's running a software version with more pages of times to select from. If you have any more information on this it would be appreciated.

I corresponded with tech support , from Logitech, and they basically said it is a known issue and to keep checking the firmware.

So... nothing you can do ( accept update it while plugged into the USB ). The issue has been around for a while, so I don't suspect they are putting too much effort into fixing it, especially since you can update with the USB. Realistically, how often does one need to set it. Maybe twice a year, if it doesn't know how to adjust for daylight savings time (for those of us that live in areas that recognize it)

I was able to update my remote after a long of being unable to (after harmony support email me a fix). Everything was fine, except for the placement of one of the soft buttons. Went to move that, now it won't update past 3% "communicating with remote" even after 10 minutes or so, and the remote always says "go to site to update settings."

I try to go to support and it says my setup period expired. I can apparently buy phone support (yeah right). Is there no way to still open a ticket through email or what not? I like it when it's working, but support / reliability on this thing is making me second guess ever buying a Harmony again. Wish Sony would pull their head out and make a decent one-handed metal Remote Commander with a color touchscreen.

Well was able to restore with the EZhex they emailed me awhile back. Just lost the changes I did today before the button realignment. What a POS. :mad:

I have some difficulty getting desired results for controlling a Lutron IR light controller. I searched through the thread and don't see anything similar. I did see how I can get the Play button in a DVD activity to also dim the lights. I have that part working okay, but my problem lies in the fact that in order to set up that sequence in the DVD Activity, or any activity, I need to "add" the "Lights" device to the activity.

Adding "Lights" device to the activity sets up the beginning activity sequences so that the lights turn on; this is not always a desired result. Where it is most "annoying" is under the Watch TV activity. I don't really want to sequence the lights to the Play/Pause button in this activity, but I want to be able to add custom light control buttons should I want to dim/brighten the lights while watching TV (without having to go to the "Lights" device).

If I add "Lights" device to Watch TV Activity, then the lights turn on every time Watch TV is chosen. If I don't add "Lights" to Watch TV, I can't control the lights at all under the Watch TV activity. Anyone know of a way I can add "Lights" to the Watch TV activity and not have the lights turn on when the activity is selected? I suppose a simple solution would be to add a "turn off lights" action to the start-up sequence, but I'd rather not have my 720 "playing" with the light switch.

You don't need to add the actual switching to the start up or shut down activity sequence. Just add the functions to the customizable softkeys ... you can have many pages of softkeys available in an Activity, and only use them in that Activity when you choose. For example, setting screen aspect ratio, or sound changes, or brightness changes, or muting, or ad infinitum. Just add two softkey functions, one for turning the lights on, and one for turning them off.

What you said is not correct. In either the online or PC version of the software, the "Activity" allows you to "Customize Buttons". Adding new functions to softkeys does nothing to the startup or shutdown sequence.

You don't need to add the actual switching to the start up or shut down activity sequence. Just add the functions to the customizable softkeys ... you can have many pages of softkeys available in an Activity, and only use them in that Activity when you choose. For example, setting screen aspect ratio, or sound changes, or brightness changes, or muting, or ad infinitum. Just add two softkey functions, one for turning the lights on, and one for turning them off.

You seem to be suggesting that I don't need to add the "Lights" device to my Watch TV activity, but that I can simply add two softkey functions. The problem is that if I don't add the "Lights" device to Watch TV, then when I go to customize buttons in Watch TV I cannot choose the Lights device in order to add a function to the softkey. If I do add Lights to Watch TV, I can add softkeys (and have done so), but I get the undesired result of the lights turning on when Watch TV is selected.

Adding new functions to softkeys does nothing to the startup or shutdown sequence.

I agree - the problem is that in order to add functions to softkeys, I need to add the device and that does affect the startup sequence.

Of course it is possible that I am confused here and providing you misinformation! Go through this with me though ...

Assuming you have already added the "Device", you now want to use that "Device" in the appropriate Activity (or Activities).

Here is an image of the top level "Activities" programming in the software:
153474
Note that there is a "Settings" button and a "Customize Buttons" Button.

If you click the "Customize Buttons" button you get a screen which looks like this (I've already changed the tab from "Standard Buttons" to "Additional Buttons"):
153475
You can change an existing function, or scroll down to where the blank entires start and add new functions there. Add a short label, pick the device, and then select the appropriate command for the device (ie Lights On, Lights Off). Managing how the softkey pages look is a matter of moving the items up and down in the list to get them in logical groups of 6 buttons (6 per page).

Let me know if this works! I'm thinking you can do this without having to explicitly add the device anywhere else in the activity. If the Device is not available to use on the "Additional Buttons" page, then that means you would have to explicity add the Device to the activity first (possibly hosing up this entire process).

Let's walk through that process and see where it might get you. If instead of clicking the "Customize Buttons" button you had clicked the "Settings" button, you would see something like this menu:
153476
If you then select "Review the Settings" you would get:
153477
If our above process didn't work because your lights Device was not available to pick from, you could select the second radio button option
"Yes, but I want to add more control ...". Going this route, you would then add the lights device, then tell it to "turn lights off" in the startup for the Activity. It's possible that there is a method to tell it to "do nothing" with the lights, but I can't remember for sure. It may be through the "Review the order in which devices are powered on" menu selection, which looks like this after you select it:
153478

Good luck and let me know how it goes!

Hello,

I just got a 720 and I am quite pleased with it so far. I do have a question regarding a basic "system off" macro.

The preloaded activities all seem to want to start the commands with a power on check. But I want to overall turn off all of the equipment.

Am I being stupid or is there some easy way of doing a quick system off macro without checking to make sure everything is turned on first?

Thanks,
tballing

I have three 720s. Two of these, bought within a month or two of each other, are just a little over one year old. On the earliest one I noticed the charging indicator would never change status, indicating less than full charge no matter how long it stayed in the charger. After talking to Logitech trying firmware/software updates, the thing totally died. Logitech replaced the failed remote with a refurb unit. However, I think they confused the failed remote with one bought later and thought it was still under warranty ( they initially cancelled the account of the late remote).

Now the second remote is starting to exhibit the same failure mode of the first one. I love these little suckers but a lifetime of little in excess of one year seems short to me. Neither remote has been abused-not dropped, no kids, etc. In fact the second remote has probably seen less than three months service since it is used in a vacation home.

Anybody care to comment on the expected lifetimes of these remotes?????:(:(:(:(:(

I can only comment on mine, which is coming up on 2 years old. The battery life may be a little less the originally, but even so I only have to charge it once every 2 -3 weeks. Other than that, works exactly the same as it did on day one.

I can only comment on mine, which is coming up on 2 years old. The battery life may be a little less the originally, but even so I only have to charge it once every 2 -3 weeks. Other than that, works exactly the same as it did on day one.
Looks like the second remote has temporary charging problems. Worked the electrical contacts with a pencil eraser and seems to be charging fine now. Still interested in comments on life though. Thanks for your input.

Unfortunately these remotes are not that smart. The power button acts like a toggle switch. If you turn things off, and one of your components is off, it will turn it on. Same thing for power on. If the component is on, it will turn it off.

Unfortunately these remotes are not that smart. The power button acts like a toggle switch. If you turn things off, and one of your components is off, it will turn it on. Same thing for power on. If the component is on, it will turn it off.

That's where discrete IR codes come in. Many devices have a separate IR code for 'Power On' and 'Power Off'.

Go into:
Devices-->
Settings-->(for each particular device)
Adjust power settings-->
(Whatever option you choose here)-->
A button on the remote for On, and a different button for Off-->
Choose the 'Power On' (might be called something different) command-->
Choose the 'Power Off' (might be called something different) command-->
Rinse and repeat as desired.
Done and VOILA! Now whenever you turn off your entire system, every component with these 'discrete' IR codes will stay off.

This works great for my system, which has the following:
Panasonic plasma, Denon AVR, Bell satellite set-top box, Toshiba HD-DVD player, and PS3.
The only component which doesn't support discrete on/off is the PS3 (Logitech Harmony adapter) since 'Power Off' involves a macro that could turn it on if it was off. Other than that minor gripe, this technique works perfectly.

Hope this helps. :D

I can only comment on mine, which is coming up on 2 years old. The battery life may be a little less the originally, but even so I only have to charge it once every 2 -3 weeks. Other than that, works exactly the same as it did on day one.

Mine is the same age and I get 3-4 weeks per charge. I'm sure it has to do with how much "clicking" you do per day.

Been a great remote and no problems.

-t

I trying to locate a refurbished 720 for sale. It seems like there were some available in March 2009 for a good price, and not many since. Does anyone know where I can get a refurb for a good price, or if Logitech will be releasing some refurbs soon?

Thanks

I'm having a problem relaunching the software.

It has worked well. Now when I went to launch the software, my computer reset. This repeated 5 times, so I uninstalled and reinstalled the software from logitech webpage and now the software will not launch at all.

Any suggestions?

Uninstall again, reboot, delete the logitech harmony software folder under program files, reboot, reinstall.

OK. I'll try that.

Thanks,

I'm trying to set up my father's new 720 and I've got it figured out for everything except his DirecTV HD-DVR receiver. It says on the side that it's a HR22-100 and that's what I've setup on his remote's settings but the receiver will not respond to any commands. I searched for this receiver on here but came back with 0 posts.

Does anyone have this receiver and can get the Harmony 720 to communicate with it?

Thanks

just call logitech, support there is very good and helpful, i'm sure they already have a fix for it, or check their user support forums, lots of good info there as well. i've cleared up a couple issues that way

Is there a period of time that you have to use their support? He's had his remote for almost a year. Can I still talk to them for free?

not sure, dpends on if/when you registered it, check the userforums on logitechs site first, no luck there, then try calling

Is there a period of time that you have to use their support? He's had his remote for almost a year. Can I still talk to them for free?

Three months free phone support-after that they charge. However, e-mail support continues forever and is not bad.

I'm trying to set up my father's new 720 and I've got it figured out for everything except his DirecTV HD-DVR receiver. It says on the side that it's a HR22-100 and that's what I've setup on his remote's settings but the receiver will not respond to any commands. I searched for this receiver on here but came back with 0 posts.

Does anyone have this receiver and can get the Harmony 720 to communicate with it?

Thanks I believe this is the same unit my parents have. If so, the remote that comes with it is both RF & IR. A 720 is IR only so I'd check in the menus on the HR22 and see if there's a way to set it to IR only.

I believe this is the same unit my parents have. If so, the remote that comes with it is both RF & IR. A 720 is IR only so I'd check in the menus on the HR22 and see if there's a way to set it to IR only.

That is correct, the DirecTV receiver will work in IR mode or RF mode, not both. In your case, your DTV receiver is probably set to RF, so you will have to change it to IR mode. Once you do that, the 720 will drive it w/o any problems, that is how I have mine setup.

That is correct, the DirecTV receiver will work in IR mode or RF mode, not both. In your case, your DTV receiver is probably set to RF, so you will have to change it to IR mode. Once you do that, the 720 will drive it w/o any problems, that is how I have mine setup.

I have changed his receiver from RF to IR but still nothing. Is there anything else that I could be doing incorrectly?

You have yours setup as the HR22 under IR and you're not having any problems? This is frustrating me beyond belief and Logitech won't respond to my emails.

You have yours setup as the HR22 under IR and you're not having any problems?

Yes, Mine is set to IR and the 720 works just fine. Verify with the original DTV remote that you are indeed in IR mode and not RF.

I have been having problems losing sound after fastforwarding the tivo. When the play button is pushed after a fast forward the video is fine but audio is sometimes lost. Any suggestions?

My setup is :
Harmony 720 remote
Samsung UN46B6000 LED HDTV
Harmon Kardon AVR 354
Tivo HD
Samsung BD-P3600

Thanks,
ptroiano

The same happens to us periodically.
If I remember right, the DVR was being muted so I added functions to the top buttons for Mute/Unmute ... when it happens I just unmute it.

I've check both the HK and the tivo and neither are muted. What I need to do to get the sound back is to change the HK to a different input, blueray) and then back to the tivo and the sound is there again.

I'm wondering if I need to program a pause?? in the remote that may help prevent this.

The same happens to us periodically.
If I remember right, the DVR was being muted so I added functions to the top buttons for Mute/Unmute ... when it happens I just unmute it.

I have been having problems losing sound after fastforwarding the tivo. When the play button is pushed after a fast forward the video is fine but audio is sometimes lost. Any suggestions?

My setup is :
Harmony 720 remote
Samsung UN46B6000 LED HDTV
Harmon Kardon AVR 354
Tivo HD
Samsung BD-P3600

Everything nice and stable again. I still have an issue when transitioning from Antenna to HDMI on my 60XBR1 Sony SXRD... If I'm off and hit "Watch Blu-ray" (PS3) after having last been on the OTA antenna input (love me OTA HD), the 720 turns on the TV fine, but misses the changing the TV's input. I turns on the Denon right and changes the Denon's input correctly. If I do it vice versa (last watching a movie then trying to turn on to Watch TV (through antenna), it also misses every time. I need to hit "help" until it corrects it.

If I go back to the last activity or to any new Activity that's on the same... "branch" (IOW, through my Denon 4306 or not), it's fine.

Seems like it's a device delay issue or maybe reorder to have the TV input change last maybe? t/s this though the app led to them saying a new version of my TV was found which jacked everything up as it was missing functionality (looks like their DB got screwed). Apparently I'm out of warranty and can't get support (even online!) as I'm directed to the forums or the FAQ. Can anyone mickey mouse the steps to fix this or experience anything similar?

Hey guys,

I don't know anything about these universal remotes so I need your opinions :)

My dad asked for the 520 but when I went to go buy it I accidently picked up the 720 instead, is the 720 better? Or should I return it and grab the 520?

Thanks in advance :)

Hey guys,

I don't know anything about these universal remotes so I need your opinions :)

My dad asked for the 520 but when I went to go buy it I accidently picked up the 720 instead, is the 720 better? Or should I return it and grab the 520?

Thanks in advance :)

the 720 supports two more activities/functions on screen than the 520, has a rechargeable battery, a better key layout (imho) and has a color screen, its really just a step up from the 520 so he should be happier than he would be with a 520

the 720 supports two more activities/functions on screen than the 520, has a rechargeable battery, a better key layout (imho) and has a color screen, its really just a step up from the 520 so he should be happier than he would be with a 520

Awesome! That's good to know :) Tyvm

I second that.. the 720 is better then the 520.

Jacob

Father in law has a Sony Bravia 40" (KDL-40S2010) and Harmony 720, and when we configure the device in the Harmony software, it only lists the following inputs: Analog, Digital, Video 1, Video 2, Video 3, Video 4, Video 5.

On the TV, the HDMI input is Video 6 (and theres also an empty Video 7). How do we add these? I tried the scrolling through method, but that really seems to be unreliable, even increasing the milliseconds to 4000 for the scrolling method (seems to end up on an unpredictable input from time to time) On my older Harmony, and Mitsubishi TV, it listed all the right inputs and we didn't have to mess with this scrolling baloney.... Any ideas?

Thanks,
Pat

Father in law has a Sony Bravia 40" (KDL-40S2010) and Harmony 720, and when we configure the device in the Harmony software, it only lists the following inputs: Analog, Digital, Video 1, Video 2, Video 3, Video 4, Video 5.

On the TV, the HDMI input is Video 6 (and theres also an empty Video 7). How do we add these?

I take it you don't have the TV's remote with a video 6. What about dropping a note to support about the missing codes?

So the way I read it, on the Bravia TV there are 7 inputs, (at least) one of those being HDMI (Digital, Video 6). And on the 720 it just also happens to be showing 7 inputs, but they aren't labelled exactly the same, but it doesn list one of those as Digital. Did you try selecting the "Digital" on the 720 to see if it set the TV to HDMI-Video6?


Father in law has a Sony Bravia 40" (KDL-40S2010) and Harmony 720, and when we configure the device in the Harmony software, it only lists the following inputs: Analog, Digital, Video 1, Video 2, Video 3, Video 4, Video 5.

On the TV, the HDMI input is Video 6 (and theres also an empty Video 7). How do we add these? I tried the scrolling through method, but that really seems to be unreliable, even increasing the milliseconds to 4000 for the scrolling method (seems to end up on an unpredictable input from time to time) On my older Harmony, and Mitsubishi TV, it listed all the right inputs and we didn't have to mess with this scrolling baloney.... Any ideas?

Thanks,
Pat

Whats a good cheap MCE ir receiver from ebay to use with the 720? I have two HTPC's one in the theatre, and in the parlor (connected by a large archway)

Is it possible to have independent control?

Ive been using a cheap chinese ebay'd remote for htpc control and want to toss them.

Whats a good cheap MCE ir receiver from ebay to use with the 720? I have two HTPC's one in the theatre, and in the parlor (connected by a large archway)

Is it possible to have independent control?

Ive been using a cheap chinese ebay'd remote for htpc control and want to toss them.

There are some HP branded ones on Ebay for $10 that work fine (I have one). As far as independent control, you could configure the 2 pcs as 2 different devices, and then modify the button mapping on one of them to use alternate commands for play, rewind, etc. Would be a bit of a pain to setup, but would work. Curious though, if the 2 systems are in different rooms, would it matter if they used the same key commands?

They are in seperate rooms, theatre about 20x14 and parlor about 12x16 they are connected along the long wall, be a large archway.

In some locations you could easliy send ir to both on accident.

http://cgi.ebay.com/HP-Infrared-Receiver-for-HP-Media-Center-5188-1667_W0QQitemZ180461776050QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomai n_0?hash=item2a045c2cb2

That one?

They are in seperate rooms, theatre about 20x14 and parlor about 12x16 they are connected along the long wall, be a large archway.

In some locations you could easliy send ir to both on accident.

http://cgi.ebay.com/HP-Infrared-Receiver-for-HP-Media-Center-5188-1667_W0QQitemZ180461776050QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomai n_0?hash=item2a045c2cb2

That one?

That's it

My 720 has what has become a chronic problem. It randomly reboots spontaneously... I seem to have narrowed it down to when the Play button is pressed while skipping forwards or backwards. Has anyone else seen this or is it time for a new remote?

My 720 has what has become a chronic problem. It randomly reboots spontaneously... I seem to have narrowed it down to when the Play button is pressed while skipping forwards or backwards. Has anyone else seen this or is it time for a new remote?

Haven't seen it, but have you tried updating the firmware lately?

Haven't seen it, but have you tried updating the firmware lately?

+1. It's good to check the firmware periodically on these remotes.

My 720 has what has become a chronic problem. It randomly reboots spontaneously... I seem to have narrowed it down to when the Play button is pressed while skipping forwards or backwards. Has anyone else seen this or is it time for a new remote?

I've seen this behavior on mine but it has nothing to do with what buttons you press, but rather the battery and/or battery cover is loose (or not as tight as it was when new) and the battery can briefly get disconnected from the terminals. Probably the way you grip it when you press that button combination is causing this behavior.

Open up the battery cover and take a small piece of paper and fold it over a couple times to get the right thickness and shove it between the end of the battery (without the contacts, at the bottom) and bend it over the top side of the battery about a third of the way up the battery. The battery shouldn't be able to move now and when you try and close the cover with the paper on the backside of the battery it will be *much* harder to close since the paper makes it snug.

Try running it like that for a week or so and see if it is any better.

This remote rocks. Everything works very well and you can tweak functionality until your eyes fall out of your head.

I wanted to be able to control the room's main lights, so I tracked down an IR dimmer on eBay. It's a 3BM Smart Switch (http://www.3bms.ca/product.htm). I thought I may need to get some sort of IR blaster thing as well, since my screen is in front of me, my AV equipment beside me and the light switch behind me at the back of the room. Much to my surprise and delight, the dimmer switch has a super strong IR receiver... or something like that, because no matter where my 720 is pointing, the lights work perfectly. So, if anyone is looking for a fairly cheap IR dimmer that works very well from anywhere in the room, check this one out. ;)
Can't find much info on this dimmer. Can you set a "favorite" level of brightness (say 40% or something) and then hit a button for the lights to climb slowly to 40% like you can with the lutron maestro, or are these limited to either just holding a button until you get to the light level you want or alternately hit a button to run to full-on or full-off?
Do you have any regrets with these switches at this point?
Thanks.

I've seen this behavior on mine but it has nothing to do with what buttons you press, but rather the battery and/or battery cover is loose (or not as tight as it was when new) and the battery can briefly get disconnected from the terminals. Probably the way you grip it when you press that button combination is causing this behavior.

Open up the battery cover and take a small piece of paper and fold it over a couple times to get the right thickness and shove it between the end of the battery (without the contacts, at the bottom) and bend it over the top side of the battery about a third of the way up the battery. The battery shouldn't be able to move now and when you try and close the cover with the paper on the backside of the battery it will be *much* harder to close since the paper makes it snug.

Try running it like that for a week or so and see if it is any better.

I checked the battery and found the contacts are spring loaded. Mine actually makes contact before the battery "snaps" in. I cleaned all the contacts, hopefully that makes a difference.

My remote firmware is V 4.5... I assume the firmware updates when you update the remote with any changes... The Harmony site doesn't tell you what the latest version is, it just downloads a file, Connectivity.EZHex.

I checked the battery and found the contacts are spring loaded. Mine actually makes contact before the battery "snaps" in. I cleaned all the contacts, hopefully that makes a difference. [/U].

Mine is like that too. But the battery can still easily break contact with the terminals. When the battery is in place, if there is *any* space at the bottom of the battery (if you can move it at all) you need to shim it or it will lose contact over time. I've never had a problem in over a year since I've done the paper trick.

I'm having trouble trying to use a Harmony 720 to control a Dell Studio Slim running Windows 7 x64.

The IR receiver is one of the "5070-2584 NEW HP Media CENTER Remote IR RECEIVER" ones without the remote from ebay, and it seems to install properly and appears in the device manager under "Human Interface Devices/Microsoft eHome Infrared Transceiver."

In the Harmony setup, I've tried all of these selections:

Media Center PC/Microsoft/Windows Media Center
Media Center PC/Microsoft/Microsoft Media Center (v2)
Media Center PC/Microsoft/Windows Media Center SE
Media Center PC/Microsoft/MCE-1039

Before I found and tried any of those, the Harmony setup interpreted my first guess as a "Microsoft 1014," so I've also tried that one.

All of these attempts got the same result, which is that none of the remote buttons has any effect in Windows Media Player or Media Center, which I would expect to work pretty reliably.

The red LED on the receiver does flash, but only when I use the volume up, volume down, and mute buttons. None of the other buttons on the remote gets a response from the LED. Even though the LED flashes, the volume buttons have no effect on WMP, MC, and the system volume.

There is a Logitech diNovo Mini also plugged into the system, but removing it doesn't seem to make any difference.

Am I missing something obvious in the setup? If this receiver isn't a good option, can you suggest another one?

I'm having trouble trying to use a Harmony 720 to control a Dell Studio Slim running Windows 7 x64.

The IR receiver is one of the "5070-2584 NEW HP Media CENTER Remote IR RECEIVER" ones without the remote from ebay, and it seems to install properly and appears in the device manager under "Human Interface Devices/Microsoft eHome Infrared Transceiver."

In the Harmony setup, I've tried all of these selections:

Media Center PC/Microsoft/Windows Media Center
Media Center PC/Microsoft/Microsoft Media Center (v2)
Media Center PC/Microsoft/Windows Media Center SE
Media Center PC/Microsoft/MCE-1039

Before I found and tried any of those, the Harmony setup interpreted my first guess as a "Microsoft 1014," so I've also tried that one.

All of these attempts got the same result, which is that none of the remote buttons has any effect in Windows Media Player or Media Center, which I would expect to work pretty reliably.

The red LED on the receiver does flash, but only when I use the volume up, volume down, and mute buttons. None of the other buttons on the remote gets a response from the LED. Even though the LED flashes, the volume buttons have no effect on WMP, MC, and the system volume.

There is a Logitech diNovo Mini also plugged into the system, but removing it doesn't seem to make any difference.

Am I missing something obvious in the setup? If this receiver isn't a good option, can you suggest another one?

I would suggest installing EventGhost so that you can see if the system is recognizing each command that is being sent. As you said, there shouldn't be any issue using it as a media center compatible remote with WMC. Mine is setup as a HP Pavillion 9200, but that's only because that was the PC I had when I first configured it. I've since changed HTPCs to one I built, and use the same IR receiver you have - just never bothered to change the settings in Harmony as it worked fine.

I would suggest installing EventGhost so that you can see if the system is recognizing each command that is being sent. As you said, there shouldn't be any issue using it as a media center compatible remote with WMC. Mine is setup as a HP Pavillion 9200, but that's only because that was the PC I had when I first configured it. I've since changed HTPCs to one I built, and use the same IR receiver you have - just never bothered to change the settings in Harmony as it worked fine.

Thanks! I installed EventGhost and collected more info. It definitely detects when I plug in the IR receiver, producing 9 lines in the log:

System.DeviceAttached [u'\\\\?\\USB#VID_0471&PID_060C#CNOB#{a5dcbf10-6530-11d2-901f-00c04fb951ed}']
System.DeviceAttached [u'\\\\?\\HID#IrDeviceV2&Col01#2&2818a073&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}']
[...]
System.DeviceAttached [u'\\\\?\\HID#IrDeviceV2&Col08#2&2818a073&1&0007#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}']

I added the "Plugin: Microsoft MCE Remote," but nothing else appears in the log when I press the remote buttons.

I dug up an old Hauppauge remote, and every button on that one causes the LED on the IR receiver to light up, but still, nothing comes out of the EG log when I do that. I tried to add the "Plugin: Hauppauge IR," but EG immediately gave an error because the WinTV IR package is not installed, so the irremote.dll is missing. I suppose I could try to install WinTV to see if I can get ~something to work, but I'm really not looking forward to that option.

I don't know if it matters, but the EG log does display "System.Idle" and "System.UnIdle" messages as the diNovo Mini sleeps and wakes. Maybe it just logs everything HID-related...

Thanks! I installed EventGhost and collected more info. It definitely detects when I plug in the IR receiver, producing 9 lines in the log:

System.DeviceAttached [u'\\\\?\\USB#VID_0471&PID_060C#CNOB#{a5dcbf10-6530-11d2-901f-00c04fb951ed}']
System.DeviceAttached [u'\\\\?\\HID#IrDeviceV2&Col01#2&2818a073&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}']
[...]
System.DeviceAttached [u'\\\\?\\HID#IrDeviceV2&Col08#2&2818a073&1&0007#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}']

I added the "Plugin: Microsoft MCE Remote," but nothing else appears in the log when I press the remote buttons.

I dug up an old Hauppauge remote, and every button on that one causes the LED on the IR receiver to light up, but still, nothing comes out of the EG log when I do that. I tried to add the "Plugin: Hauppauge IR," but EG immediately gave an error because the WinTV IR package is not installed, so the irremote.dll is missing. I suppose I could try to install WinTV to see if I can get ~something to work, but I'm really not looking forward to that option.

I don't know if it matters, but the EG log does display "System.Idle" and "System.UnIdle" messages as the diNovo Mini sleeps and wakes. Maybe it just logs everything HID-related...

The System idle and unidle messages are normal - as you stated, the EG window shows everything HID related. Really stupid question - you did update the remote after adding the HTPC device right? Have you confirmed the buttons are mapped to commands in the Harmony software? You mentioned previously that only the volume and mute buttons would cause the LED to flash - when you press those does Event Ghost show anything?

The System idle and unidle messages are normal - as you stated, the EG window shows everything HID related. Really stupid question - you did update the remote after adding the HTPC device right? Have you confirmed the buttons are mapped to commands in the Harmony software? You mentioned previously that only the volume and mute buttons would cause the LED to flash - when you press those does Event Ghost show anything?

Yes, I defintely updated the remote after setting up the device each time and assigning it to my "Use HTPC" activity. The volume and mute buttons still cause the LED to give feedback, but the EG log doesn't show any activity when I do that. I also checked the mapping for basic buttons like [Stop] and [Play] in the Harmony software, and they are properly assigned to stop and play as one would expect.

I've just ordered the HP remote that goes with the receiver, so I'll be able to more easily compare its behavior against the 720 soon. Thanks for the suggestions.

It seems that when I am riding my bike on the trainer and watching my DVDR, I have a hard time getting the signal from the 720 to run the DVDR. Are there any extenders that Logitech has that make the 720 beam go a lot farther, or do I just need to aim it better. I have to aim it at a wall that bounces it to the box, kinda of like pool.

Any suggestions.

I've just ordered the HP remote that goes with the receiver, so I'll be able to more easily compare its behavior against the 720 soon. Thanks for the suggestions.

I finally tried an HP remote that goes with the HP Tranceiver. Every button on the HP remote gave proper "red light" feedback from the receiver, but had no effect in WMP or WMC, and nothing came out of the EG event log.

I changed the EG shortcut to "Run as Administrator" and now I can finally see output in the EG log for every button on the HP remote. This trick doesn't seem to help WMC and WMP, which still ignore all remote input like they did before. I also disabled UAC and rebooted, but that didn't improve anything.

So, I could use the HP remote and EG to set everything up manually -- but I'd still like to figure out why Windows 7 isn't recognizing the same inputs that EG can see and taking the default actions in WMP and WMC.

Does Windows need a driver or service that might not be installed by default in the Dell distribution of Windows?

I finally tried an HP remote that goes with the HP Tranceiver. Every button on the HP remote gave proper "red light" feedback from the receiver, but had no effect in WMP or WMC, and nothing came out of the EG event log.

I changed the EG shortcut to "Run as Administrator" and now I can finally see output in the EG log for every button on the HP remote. This trick doesn't seem to help WMC and WMP, which still ignore all remote input like they did before. I also disabled UAC and rebooted, but that didn't improve anything.

So, I could use the HP remote and EG to set everything up manually -- but I'd still like to figure out why Windows 7 isn't recognizing the same inputs that EG can see and taking the default actions in WMP and WMC.

Does Windows need a driver or service that might not be installed by default in the Dell distribution of Windows?

EventGhost disables the internal IR recognition so that commands aren't interpreted twice. Simply uninstall EG and it will re-enable the built in functionality.

I always run as an Administrator so I don't see the issues like what you experienced. I'd suggest to get everything working under an administrator account, then work on locking it down if necessary.

EventGhost disables the internal IR recognition so that commands aren't interpreted twice. Simply uninstall EG and it will re-enable the built in functionality.

I always run as an Administrator so I don't see the issues like what you experienced. I'd suggest to get everything working under an administrator account, then work on locking it down if necessary.

Right, I always log in using an adminstrator account too, but EG seemed to require that the program itself be launched with the "run as adminstrator" option in order to work.

In any case, I disabled UAC, uninstalled EG, and rebooted, but no luck. The receiver still gives red-light feedback, but none of the programs seem to be getting the input. Something in my installation is either missing or eating the inputs before they can get to the programs.

Incidentally, I also found my problem with the 720, so this thread probably doesn't belong here any more. When using the remote, I was selecting activity/htpc instead of devices/htpc. Apparently, the activity is not set up properly to make the htpc device receive the presses, although I didn't have this trouble with any of the other activities and devices I've set up in the past.

One of our two Harmony 720's won't update. It begins the process but gets stuck at 0%. Any ideas?

One of our two Harmony 720's won't update. It begins the process but gets stuck at 0%. Any ideas?

Try to do a firmware upgrade. If that also sticks at 0%, I'd suggest contacting support. Are the batteries removable? I don't remember - if so, could try pulling the battery for a 1/2 hour or so, see if that resets it.

Try to do a firmware upgrade. If that also sticks at 0%, I'd suggest contacting support. Are the batteries removable? I don't remember - if so, could try pulling the battery for a 1/2 hour or so, see if that resets it.

Battery is removable. We'll try both ideas, thanks!

One of our two Harmony 720's won't update. It begins the process but gets stuck at 0%. Any ideas?

Problem solved. The 720 that wouldn't update had a dirty USB connector.

Couldn't see anything with the eye, but after blowing out the connector with compressed air it would mostly work, sometimes not. Then I plugged/unplugged the connector about 30 times (thinking it might help remove any oxidation on the connectors) and it seems to work every time now. Was able to update the firmware and then the regular update.

Is anyone having a problem with their 720 Remote, I'm having to press the buttons on my remote with such force I fear it will soon break

Is anyone having a problem with their 720 Remote, I'm having to press the buttons on my remote with such force I fear it will soon break

Join the club, happened with both my 720's and there's nothing you can do about it.

However, call Logitech and complain - they gave me 50% off on any new remote. Picked up the Harmony One for $125.

I have only one 720.
It's still working fantastic, but for a 50% off on an H1, maybe I should be wishing for button failures?

Mine works fine. But it may be good if it did not work to get the H1.

I've had the same issue w/ my 720. The buttons must be pressed extremely hard to fuction properly so I was able to get the 50% off and ordered the Harmony One as well. In 2 years my new remote will probably do the same thing and I'll order the harmony 2 (or whatever the next model is named) - LOL! We are junkies!

Mine works ok. There are times that certain buttons will do something other than what they are supposed to do. I just correct them and go on with life. But that would be nice to the the H1 at 1/2 off.

For those with worn buttons that require stabbing with long slender fingernails to get any sort of response you can buy a keypad repair kit. I think anything with a conductive ink or paint would work. My remote is back and recognizes the slightest touch of the buttons. Not sure how long the fix will last, but I figured it is worth a shot before buying a new remote.

To disassembly the remote there are 6 small phillips head screws. 4 under the battery cover and two under the top front side of the bezel next to the power button. Here is a picture of the location for the top two screws thanks Kevin T on the AVS forum.

http://brogers.napalm.net/images/harmonyremote2.jpg

Disassembled remote with the repair kit that I bought at a local Fry's Electronics.
http://brogers.napalm.net/images/harmonyremote1.jpg

One weird thing I've noticed is I have a 'Watch TV' activity where it will do this:

1. Turn on TV
2. Turn on receiver
2. Select input for TiVo

9 out of 10 times it misses turning on the TV unless I'm aiming the remote dead center at the sensor at 5' away. It has always been this way. If I press help, and it asks if it was fixed, it's 50/50 .. if I do it a third time, it is almost 100%.

If I do stuff manually by pressing devices, choosing the TV, pressing the power button, it works perfect every time. I could be dancing with the remote aimed at the wall, TV turns on fine. I could be doing back flips off a trampoline through the dining room past the living room and into the kitchen while hitting the TV power and it'll turn on fine.

It's ONLY when I use the activity to 'Watch TV' that it doesn't get the power on properly.

It's freaking ANNOYINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.

Help?

i'm having an issue with my ps3 slim and the harmony adapter with my 720, i have the 'repeat delay' cranked all the way down and it still will register 2 presses sometimes when i just press it once quickly, is there a way to increase that delay even more?

For those with worn buttons that require stabbing with long slender fingernails to get any sort of response you can buy a keypad repair kit. I think anything with a conductive ink or paint would work. My remote is back and recognizes the slightest touch of the buttons. Not sure how long the fix will last, but I figured it is worth a shot before buying a new remote.

To disassembly the remote there are 6 small phillips head screws. 4 under the battery cover and two under the top front side of the bezel next to the power button. Here is a picture of the location for the top two screws thanks Kevin T on the AVS forum.

http://brogers.napalm.net/images/harmonyremote2.jpg

Disassembled remote with the repair kit that I bought at a local Fry's Electronics.
http://brogers.napalm.net/images/harmonyremote1.jpg
Can't find the screws at the top of the remote - yours appears to be slightly different than mine. What am I missing?

Can't find the screws at the top of the remote - yours appears to be slightly different than mine. What am I missing?Are you peeling back the thin black plastic veneer as shown in the photo to reveal the screws? What do you find under the plastic if there are no screws there? (Note: The plastic is lightly glued, so you'll need to work a corner up and then gently work it apart to break the adhesive bond.)

For those with worn buttons that require stabbing with long slender fingernails to get any sort of response you can buy a keypad repair kit. I think anything with a conductive ink or paint would work. My remote is back and recognizes the slightest touch of the buttons. Not sure how long the fix will last, but I figured it is worth a shot before buying a new remote.Okay, so I bought the CaliKote and I have my Harmony 720 apart. Call me an idiot, but I'm at a loss for where to go from here.

I see two kinds of contacts. The black buttons on the remote (numbers 0-9, "Guide", "Info", "Menu", "Exit", etc.) appear to have a conductive surface on the bottom of the rubber button that, when depressed, comes in contact with and bridges two wires on the PCB to complete the circuit. I would think that cleaning the bottom of the rubber button then using the conductive paint from the repair kit to replace that conductive surface would rejuvenate those buttons. Unfortunately, those aren't the buttons I'm having trouble with!

My problem buttons are the hard plastic silver ones--primarily the six programmable buttons on either side of the color LCD screen, but sometimes the D-pad in the middle of the remote too. It looks to me like these buttons have a non-conductive rubber "dot" on the back side that normally rests lightly atop a silvered mylar "dome" on the PCB. When the plastic button is pushed, the rubber "dot" pushes down on the mylar dome and causes it to deflect inward, where it presumably makes contact with a second silvered pad below to complete the circuit. These "domed" pads have some adhesive tape near them whose purpose seems to be to seal the edges of the PCB, perhaps to prevent contamination from getting under the dome, which might in turn prevent solid electrical contact between the dome and the pad below. (The adhesive has come loose, so that might be why I'm having problems!)

I *think* I need to remove the adhesive and gently separate the PCB layers to get under the "domes" and clean out any contamination. I don't think the CaiKote is going to help me much with those buttons (unless I find the silver surface has been abraded away or something).

Can anyone tell me if I'm on the right track? If I'm not, could you point me in the right direction?

I'm hesitant to just start trying to peel back this thin, delicate mylar layer without knowing for sure that's the right thing to do!

Thanks!

One weird thing I've noticed is I have a 'Watch TV' activity where it will do this:

1. Turn on TV
2. Turn on receiver
2. Select input for TiVo

9 out of 10 times it misses turning on the TV unless I'm aiming the remote dead center at the sensor at 5' away. It has always been this way. If I press help, and it asks if it was fixed, it's 50/50 .. if I do it a third time, it is almost 100%.

If I do stuff manually by pressing devices, choosing the TV, pressing the power button, it works perfect every time. I could be dancing with the remote aimed at the wall, TV turns on fine. I could be doing back flips off a trampoline through the dining room past the living room and into the kitchen while hitting the TV power and it'll turn on fine.

It's ONLY when I use the activity to 'Watch TV' that it doesn't get the power on properly.

It's freaking ANNOYINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.

Help?

Try increasing the inter-device delay for your TV. Go to your device -> Settings -> Adjust the delays (speed settings).
Update the remote and check after every adjust of the delay.
For example, my Samsung LCD has a 1000ms inter-device delay.

Found the screws - thanks. unfortunately, the remote is now fried - nothing displays on the screen event though it appears to update properly.

Found the screws - thanks. unfortunately, the remote is now fried - nothing displays on the screen event though it appears to update properly.I unplugged my screen when I took the remote apart...did you? Did you remember to plug it back in (and are you sure you didn't reverse the connector)?

If you didn't unplug it when you took it apart, you might have pulled one of the wires loose. That would be easy to spot if you took it apart again, and possibly easy to fix with a dab of solder.

I unplugged my screen when I took the remote apart...did you? Did you remember to plug it back in (and are you sure you didn't reverse the connector)?

If you didn't unplug it when you took it apart, you might have pulled one of the wires loose. That would be easy to spot if you took it apart again, and possibly easy to fix with a dab of solder.

I didn't intentially unplug it, but I will look again. Is there a wire to look for?

Whoops--sorry. What I unplugged was the connector from the gold contacts on the bottom of the remote to the circuit board--nothing to do with the LCD. The LCD has some ribbon cables that tuck back underneath it and probably plug into the cb beneath the screen. Unlikely you would have dislodged those. Sorry...I'm outta ideas.

Whoops--sorry. What I unplugged was the connector from the gold contacts on the bottom of the remote to the circuit board--nothing to do with the LCD. The LCD has some ribbon cables that tuck back underneath it and probably plug into the cb beneath the screen. Unlikely you would have dislodged those. Sorry...I'm outta ideas.

No worries, thanks for the help. I neglected to say that after cleaning it yesterday the black wire to the battery terminal post came off - after re-soldering, I put it on the charging cradle and the screen slowly started turning white and it was very hot. Not sure what could have ahppened, but I think I fried the screen. It lights up when you put the battery in, but it's just a blue background, nothing else.

No worries, thanks for the help. I neglected to say that after cleaning it yesterday the black wire to the battery terminal post came off - after re-soldering, I put it on the charging cradle and the screen slowly started turning white and it was very hot. Not sure what could have ahppened, but I think I fried the screen. It lights up when you put the battery in, but it's just a blue background, nothing else.

You could see if Logitech will give you a 50% off coupon for another one, or I saw that Tiger Direct had refurb of these for ~89 I think.

I'm not sure what has happened, but my remote is no longer working properly. When I select an activity the lcd screen no longer has all of the controls it did before.

Specifically, when i select Watch TV, there are no longer controls for my dish network DVR.

I added a new activity to use my HTPC, and I ended up re-adding all of my activities because they no longer worked correctly. I thought i remembered that it took the remote a week or so to learn the most use controls for each activity, but maybe im wrong. Either way it has been 3 weeks and the remote still will not add the DVR controls to my Watch TV activity, so I am stuck hitting the Devices button and manually selecting the PVR if i want to control it.

For another example when i select the PC activity i have to manually press devices and select Computer in order to send controls to the HTPC ir receiver.

As far as the software is concerned all of the devices are present in all of their corresponding activities, but the remote will not control some of them unless i manually select via the Devices button...

I'm not sure what has happened, but my remote is no longer working properly. When I select an activity the lcd screen no longer has all of the controls it did before.

Specifically, when i select Watch TV, there are no longer controls for my dish network DVR.

I added a new activity to use my HTPC, and I ended up re-adding all of my activities because they no longer worked correctly. I thought i remembered that it took the remote a week or so to learn the most use controls for each activity, but maybe im wrong. Either way it has been 3 weeks and the remote still will not add the DVR controls to my Watch TV activity, so I am stuck hitting the Devices button and manually selecting the PVR if i want to control it.

For another example when i select the PC activity i have to manually press devices and select Computer in order to send controls to the HTPC ir receiver.

As far as the software is concerned all of the devices are present in all of their corresponding activities, but the remote will not control some of them unless i manually select via the Devices button...Your post is very confusing. Simply adding an activity to a remote should not do anything to existing activities. Thus, something else is going on. A couple of questions come to mind:

1) Have you ever had a different Harmony remote?
2) Have you ever had a different account on the Logitech Harmony website?

Mistakenly logging into the wrong account, or one tied to an older remote, could explain why your existing activities were changed when you added the new one.

Also, from some of the phrasing in your post, it seems like you might misunderstand how the remote works. Specifically, "I thought i remembered that it took the remote a week or so to learn the most use controls for each activity, but maybe im wrong." Harmony remotes do not have any ability to automagically add device capabilities during usage. The way the remote operates after you've programmed it is the way it will continue to operate until the next time it's programmed. (When they call it a "learning remote", that simply means that it's capable of recording the IR signals from remotes for devices that aren't yet included in the Harmony device database...but you still have to do that through the programming process. It doesn't learn by itself.)

Has anyone else ever played with the remote programming, possibly without your involvement (maybe one of your kids, or a gizmo-savvy guest)? That could explain how the remote "magically" added some capabilities over time, and if they created a new Logitech account to make their changes, that would also explain why the remote set itself up differently after you made changes using your account.

Since the 720 is now discontinued...

The buttons on mine are worn badly... I don't care, since I know where the buttons are, but my SO doesn't... I was considering replacing the 720 with a 900 or One to keep similar features. The biggest difference, besides a completely different layout :rolleyes: , is the number of "soft keys" or touch areas. Our 720s have 6 programmable "soft keys" while the newer remote have only 3 touch areas for activities... I assume they are still programmable once an activity has started?

The alternative is to find a new 720 on ebay...

Anybody that's switched to a 900 or One have any comparison feedback?

Thanks

I was considering replacing the 720 with a 900 or One to keep similar features. The biggest difference, besides a completely different layout :rolleyes: , is the number of "soft keys" or touch areas. Our 720s have 6 programmable "soft keys" while the newer remote have only 3 touch areas for activities... I assume they are still programmable once an activity has started?I recently picked up a One. Haven't delved into what flexibility is available, but I know this much: The touchscreen is not rigidly limited to three areas. In my current config, the activities are listed 3 at a time on the touchscreen, but once an activity is selected, the unique device commands are shown on the touchscreen in groups of six. (Maybe there's a way to force activities to list out in groups of six as well?)

There are also two "buttons" at the bottom of the touchscreen that facilitate navigation. For instance, when in an activity, I think one of those buttons is the "device" button. When in a device submenu, one of those buttons becomes the "return to activity" button.

I've only had the One for a few days, but so far I haven't felt limited or unhappy with it compared to my 720. If someone put a gun to my head and told me to complain about something, I was used to being able to pick up the 720 and press one of the six programmable hard keys around the LCD window (by feel) to launch an activity without looking at the screen, and it didn't matter if the screen was "awake" or not. With the One, the activity selections are only available via the touchscreen; even if you know the right region of the screen to press for your activity, if you do that while the screen is dark it only wakes up the screen, and then you have to press again to activate the activity. Alternately, you have to "jiggle" the remote as you pick it up to wake up the screen before selecting an activity.

It's definitely an extra step I have to take to get started with an activity, but I consider it only a slight annoyance.

One thing I wish the One had: red/green/yellow/blue colored buttons to support my cableco STB's A-B-C buttons and my PS3's X-O-triangle-square buttons. The touchscreen is easily programmed to support these...but i use these buttons frequently, and would prefer to have hard buttons than use the touchscreen. (The touchscreen cannot be used by feel--you *have* to look at it and make sure you're pressing the right part of the screen for your button, again a slight annoyance for me.)