Has any one had the privalege to see the 1000?
Deos any one know when it will be available?

Check out this link.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/news/US/EN,contentid=12755,crid=34

I'm getting one as soon as it comes out. Maybe someone can clear something up fro me. All the remotes (Harmony) I own are IR, so this will be my first RF. What does that mean for me exactly? Will I need that extender thing? My devices are in line of sight, 10' in front of me. Will they all work with the remote? I'd love not to have to aim the remote. Hell, I might go ahead and get an RF light dimmer unit too. Just want to make sure I understand everything concerning RF.

I think with rf you do not need line of sight, but all sources are not rf so you will need the adapter for the 1000 to control all of the components. I know the direct tv recivers are rf for sure. Not having to aim the remote is a nice feature, but there is another devive to program and make work.

The 1000 will be out this fall I cant wait.

I just wanted to give you guys a quick overview of RF. It's best to think of it like the cordless phones that most people already have in their house. A cordless phone communicates to a base which is wired to the phone line in your house. The base is an essential piece of equipment and the phone handset would be useless without it. Like this analogy an RF remote requires a base in order to work. Your equipment will still be controlled via IR signals but in this scenario it will be the base that's sending the line of sight IR commands and the flow will be as follows:

1. You press a button on the Logitech Harmony 1000
2. An RF command is sent throughout the house, through walls & floors to the optional wireless extender
3. The wireless extender sends the IR signal to the equipment that's in it's line of site. So, if you're equipment is in a cabinet the wireless extender must be as well (or at least it's IR emitters must be)

Other important notes...
Just like your cordless phone only communicates with its base (and not your neighbors phone) the H1000 RF signal only communicates with the wireless extender. It will not control other RF devices like lights, or DTV receivers, etc unless you have other equipment that allows it to do so... that's a whole other can of worms

The H1000 will still send IR signals like every other Harmony remote. That's why the wireless extender is optional. If your equipment is in line of sight you do not NEED RF. However, the advantages of a stable RF config are that you can enjoy seamless multiroom integration and you don't need to worry about moving the remote while it's executing a long macro like powering on all your equipment.

Ahhhh, much thanks for explaining how RF works. So, basically, I'll need the $150 or some extender. Now, my equipment is in a cabinet, maybe 1" or 2" clearance between the devices and the glass door. Where would this extender be located typically? There wouldn't be much room inside the cabinet.

Nice to know I can get this and use it from day one until I get the extender. Just didn't anticipate a $700 price tag.

Good ?
Where to put the extender in the cabinet.

Just wondering if the RF Remotes like the 1000 or 890 have discreete RF codes that you could program for lights, etc? If sounds like the RF portion of the Logitech is simply for communication with the RF extender. Are there not RF remotes that do discreete commands?

It better control my lights, or I will be Pi_ _ _ D off.

The extender also comes with wired emitters, which can be attached to the IR receiver of your devices if there is no room in front of them for the "blaster".

I would be surprised if the 1000 didn't come with the extender in the box...the 890 comes with it included so I assume the 1000 would be the same.

As for the "discrete RF codes for lights etc" question, I suggest reading remoteshoppe's reply more carefully. You CANNOT control RF devices directly. This is the case for ALL RF universal remotes. They can only control IR devices via their extender.

The only exceptions to this are that Harmonys will supposedly directly control RF devices that use the Z-Wave protocol. However, I don't think it has been implemented yet...should be in a future firmware upgrade. Also, very few devices(yet) use the Z-Wave protocol. You might find it hard to find one compatible...I wouldn't count on your lights being one of them.

Some people have been able to directly control X10 stuff using UK model Prontos, although I think it's classed as a "hack" and isn't easy to do, orvery reliable. Also, it only works for UK Prontos with UK X10.

czzer- Logitech is selling the extender separately for $149 :(

As for light control, there are plenty of Z-Wave options here- http://www.smarthome.com/prodindex.asp?catid=50

As for light control, there are plenty of Z-Wave options here- http://www.smarthome.com/prodindex.asp?catid=50

Well that's good news...it seems to be taking off then.

Now we need to know if Logitech has got it working yet? I haven't heard of anyone using an 890 with Z-Wave yet..it would be great if someone could confirm it actually works??

The Logitech 890 and 1000 and Monster AVL300 remotes will natively support Z-Wave and rumors have it that we should see that implementation with software released in the very near future. X10 Lights may be controlled via IR with any remote and the IR543 or 543AH receiver. These receivers take the IR commands from your remote and convert them to the PLC for X10.

Kid red. The receiver can be mounted any where you find room. Even behind one of your other components. You would then have IR emitters come coming out of the receiver. These can be emitters that plug directly into the IR input of some components or they can be little bulbs that stick right over the IR window of other components. The drawback of the Logitech system from what I can see is that it only has 4 output ports for these emitters which may not be enough for more complex set-ups.

Andy- All RF remotes are specific to the transmitter (in this case, the remote) and receiver (the wireless extender). Logitech is the first to expand this with their adaptation of the Z-Wave technology which is a wireless mesh network (similar to Wifi on PCs and laptops in your home) but if you're lights are not Z-Wave you may need something else or you may be SOL.

I just posted some more info about RF at http://www.remoteshoppe.com/index.php?itemid=267

remoteshoppe,

Thanks for the info. You've saved me some money and frustration. I guess z-wave products is where its at for RF.

remoteshoppe,

Thanks for the info. You've saved me some money and frustration. I guess z-wave products is where its at for RF.

It may be. The reviews aren't quite out on the Z-Wave devices yet.

What if you dont want to use rf, will you still be able to control lighting?

Sure, you just need to use IR switches. Lutron and a few others have IR systems available. I recently set up an 880 (IR Only) to control his system and lighting environment.

remoteshoppe- Thanks for all of the info. You mentioned that the Harmony only includes 4 outputs, so I have a few questions. Do those IR emitters (4) come with the extender from Harmony? If you have more than 4 devices, what do you do? Buy another $150 extender?

As for the lights, as long as they are Z-Wave you don't need any extender, etc, correct? It's like wifi?

The 4 outputs on the extender have dual-headed emitters that effectively give you control of up to 8 components. More than that would require an additional extender. Z-Wave components should be able to be directly controlled by the remote.

I'm reserving final judgment until I see a production model, but I'm was not that impressed with the 1000 at CEDIA, since it lacks true custom graphic capability. It really is a touchscreen 890, with no additional programming capabilities. Personally, I'd just go with an 890 at a much lower price.

remoteshoppe- Thanks for all of the info. You mentioned that the Harmony only includes 4 outputs, so I have a few questions. Do those IR emitters (4) come with the extender from Harmony? If you have more than 4 devices, what do you do? Buy another $150 extender?

I'm not sure if Harmony includes the IR emitters or not. If they don't I recommend using Xantech emitters. Xantech does make IR emitters that split from one mini jack connection to two separate emitters (http://www.xantech.com/products/p_folder/p_284m.htm) so this will let you control up two 8 components but limits the way you assign the IR ports. The Logitech box is also an IR blaster so if you can put it someplace that has line of sight to your equipment you can control as many components as you need.

As for the lights, as long as they are Z-Wave you don't need any extender, etc, correct? It's like wifi?

The Logitech Receiver is all you would need. You can learn more about Z-Wave at http://www.zen-sys.com/

MikeSRC- Other than custom graphics, what is your opinion of the 1000? The 890 is an RF version of my current remote, 676. I kinda like the idea of a big touch screen, and it's not a $1000+ like pronto, maratnz, nevo, etc.

remoteshoppe- thanks for the tips. 8 components is enough I think. For now.

I am also interested in the 1000, however after seeing this picture (http://www.gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2006/09/logitechharmony1000.jpg) it looks pretty small to me. Maybe the picture is misleading... Hummm

That oes look small. Actually, tho, as a first touch screen, I think the size is acceptable. I don't know how big I'd want it.

I'm really torn between this one and the Philips one that is also coming out. Of course this one doesn't have a big price tag like the Philips one does, but they both look so good!! :)

Any idea when it will be available?

I'm really torn between this one and the Philips one that is also coming out. Of course this one doesn't have a big price tag like the Philips one does, but they both look so good!! :)

IMO... No comparison. Sometimes it's as simple as "you get what you pay for."

remoteshoppe- But considering it's $500 remote, you don't think it has value? I understand a $1000 would obviously be better, but the value for me wouldn't be there as I don't have an automated home or home house audio, or security, or 10+ devices, etc.

As far as the price, and features of the Harmony 1000, are there any other comparable remotes worth looking at?

Just spoke with a local dealer for (nevo sl) WOW man is that expensive when you factor in programing and evry time you change a component or need to change something.

Will the 1000 have channel banners for favorites and the ability to control multiple rooms?

See, that's what's attractive about the 1000, I can do it myself. I have 2 Harmony remotes and got my dad one, so I've done 3 remotes and feel confident in being able to program it.

I like the 1000, but I can't get into a touchscreen where I can't put any graphic I want on it. Also, it suffers from the same restriction on macros (activities only) that the other Harmonys do. There are available graphics for channel logos just like the 880/890. Multiple room control could be achieved by having multiple activities (ie: Watch TV1, Watch TV2). It's 3.5" screen is a good size (only 0.2" smaller than the Pronto TSU9600).

It remains to be seen what the street price on the 1000 will be, which may make it much more desirable for the price. If it's $500, you could get a TSU7500 or MX-3000 for $100 or so more. To continue what remoteshoppe said, IMO there is no comparison between the 1000 and other color touchscreens like an MX-3000, Pronto TSU7000 or 7500, much less a 9600.

Do the IR connections to equipment allow for the option of an IR repeater or an IR port on the back of the equipment? Or is it limited to just the stick on IR repeater?

My equipment is exposed but almost at floor level. (Ladies...no swooning). My coffee table will commonly interfere with the IR signal if you don't hold the remote high enough. I would like to make the IR connections as discrete as possible but realize not all of my equipment has a port on the back.

Do the IR connections to equipment allow for the option of an IR repeater or an IR port on the back of the equipment? Or is it limited to just the stick on IR repeater?


The emitter & IR input cables are the same with the exception of the tips. If your equipment has an IR input in the back you will not need the emitter... just use a mini to mini cale to that input port.

My equipment is exposed but almost at floor level. (Ladies...no swooning). My coffee table will commonly interfere with the IR signal if you don't hold the remote high enough. I would like to make the IR connections as discrete as possible but realize not all of my equipment has a port on the back.

If your equipment does not have an IR input in the back there are a few other tricks the pros do. One example is with the SA8300HD Cable HD box with DVR... you can actually open the unit and place the emitter inside of the case... obviously not for the faint of heart. I'll also add that if you take a little time and effort the emitters are not really a problem that would make the ladies swoon any less. The bulb easily blends into the black IR panel on most equipment and you can follow the contour of the component to run the cable with a dab of hot glue where needed.

Thanks for the help.

After seeing the 880 review on your website, I have more questions. One of the cons you list is no TV listing feature and limited favorite channels. Do harmony remotes not allow access to the tv listings and favorites features on your 8300hd dvr?

I am checking your site to see if the answers can be found elsewhere and will post an answer If I find them before I get a response.

Okay. As to my first question, it appears you do have access to the guide but there may be an issue with the A, B and C keys the DVR remote has but the 890 doesn't.

Still working on the favorites issue.

Thanks for the help.

After seeing the 880 review on your website, I have more questions. One of the cons you list is no TV listing feature and limited favorite channels. Do harmony remotes not allow access to the tv listings and favorites features on your 8300hd dvr?

Harmony 6xx series remotes let you view TV listings on the remote iteself. The 880 does not. The "Guide" button would still let you view the Guide on your 8300HD.

The favorites button again refers to the remote itself. You can program and view channel logo right on the 880 screen. This would have nothing to do with the faves you set up on your cable box.

there may be an issue with the A, B and C keys the DVR remote has but the 890 doesn't. Still working on the favorites issue.

You could program the ABC buttons to the LCD screen of any harmony remote but since the 880 was the first model to offer 8 buttons next to the screen it gives you more room for "soft" buttons like this

mikeSRC- So no custom graphics- that's not really important to me. As for the macros, what do you see as a limit? If one only has say 8 components, I've seen just about every option for devices within each macro on Harmony's site. I don' understand what would be lacking because you can add any device to the activity.

As for the MX-3000, it's $999 + $99 for the base station, too much for me to spend on a remote. The Pronto is $650, but just looks small and boring. I've also read a few times about customers having reliability issues with their various Pronto units. The 9600 looks sweet but seems to be at least the $1200 or more.

So, I mean for $500, what else is there for touch screen, RF and is user programmable? Sounds like you mostly like it. I can get channel icons for it? Very cool.

remoteshoppe- What's your opinion of the 1000, and are their any other options in that $500 range with what the 1000 offers?

Great question any other possibility for that price?
I saw on highdeflifestyle a nevo sl athttp://www.hideflifestyle.com/universal-electronics-nevo-sl-p-463.html a good price software included.

I think wifi feature is very usefull, and would like to have one with it.

I haven't had my hands on the 1000 yet but my initial reaction is that they are disguising an 890 as a touchscreen remote to charge a premium for it. The biggest advantage of a touchscreen is customization of the pages and the graphics and without that I think I would personally choose a hard button remote. I'd either save a few bucks with the Harmony 890 or get the URC MX950 w/RF for about the same price as the H1000

Remoteshoppe- So basically, it's a hardbutton remote turned into a touch screen but without the customization of pages and graphics? OK, that's cool. I think I can deal with that. I'm sure pages would be cool to create, but I don't have a preference for that yet, but I like the whole display panel docking on the table concept. I hope the 1000 is released in Best Buys or Circuit Cities so I can see one up close.

Angel-The Nevo is sweet, but it seems to be PC only which won't work for me. I really dislike platform discrimination.

Where can I get a mx-950 for the same price as a Harmony 1000?

I saw it for $650. Just google it.

I was also looking at the Phillips RC9800i.
Any comments on this remote it has wifi, buttons and touch screen.
From what I have read the software for programming is not the easiest to use.
What will the experienced preffer a mx950 or theRC9800i?

Don't care much for the 9800i. Again, not customizable enough.

Regarding macros, if all you want/need are activity macros, then the Harmony can do the job. However, if you want macro to do other things than change activities, then that's a problem. A few examples would be shortcuts to Tivo menu areas or changing surround sound settings.

If you want graphics, the MX-950 won't thrill you. It has some basic graphics capability, but that's it. It does have much more customization, but it sounds like you're not really looking for that.

Regarding pricing, authorized resellers of the MX-3000, MX-950 (and many other URC remotes) are required to advertise them at MSRP. If you see it advertised for less, the reseller is either not an authorized dealer or is not following the rules (which will get him removed as an authorized dealer). URC will not warrant products purchased from an unauthorized dealer. That being said, many authorized dealers actually SELL the MX-950 for less than MSRP, but you have to ask. ;)

MikeSRC- Ah, I see what you mean about non-activity macros. For surround sound settings, I usually just select the device, it's options and adjust. I have everything set up, so I don't tweak much at all.

But as far as the 1000, it does have station logos? CNN, HBO, etc? That would be cool if so.

MikeSRC- Ah, I see what you mean about non-activity macros. For surround sound settings, I usually just select the device, it's options and adjust. I have everything set up, so I don't tweak much at all.

Another use is actually putting activity macros on individual device pages so you don't have to go back to your main activity page to switch activities. Same goes for accessing a specific device.

But as far as the 1000, it does have station logos? CNN, HBO, etc? That would be cool if so.

Yes, just like the 880/890.

I am serioulsly considering now the nevo sl for 699 including software from an authorized dealer.
I wonder if programming will be a adventure?

about the pronto 9800i. It seems like a good inexpensive touchscreen remote. Can be had for half the price of the harmony 1000. Would it be considered the same quality... apples to apples?

I guess the real question is, If I were going to get the harmony 1000 and liked all the features would I be better off getting the 9800i for half the price?

Is this a good remote(maybe not cause it's discontinued)

I just checked out some Prontos and a Marantz. Bummer, do any other than Harmony have software that is mac compatible? (don't care for URC) Seems like the 1000 is my only real choice.

I was also looking at the Phillips RC9800i.
Any comments on this remote it has wifi, buttons and touch screen.
From what I have read the software for programming is not the easiest to use.
What will the experienced preffer a mx950 or theRC9800i?
I just picked one of these up from Costco for $250. I figured why not give it a shot, as Costco has a pretty liberal return policy. Anyway, I've got 2 rooms setup on it right now. It's not very customizable, but it can learn no problem. It's definately an Activity based remote, and if you don't need full customization it's not too bad. It does have some quirks where you can't put custom functions in the Activity pages, as they go into the device pages where it take a few taps to get to. I do like the EPG, and the ability to view pictures and play MP3s from your PC via WiFi is kind of neat. There are work-arounds for some issues, but it's not really documented. See the RC9800i threads on RemoteCentral here:
http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-rc9800i/list.cgi

I'm still interested in the H1000 though, and look forward to hopefully seeing some actual reviews soon.

about the pronto 9800i. It seems like a good inexpensive touchscreen remote.
Actually, the Philips RC9800i is not a Pronto. The Pronto remotes are programmable, the RC9800i is not. There is actually no PC interaction on the RC9800i except for updating the firmware - that's it.

Can be had for half the price of the harmony 1000. Would it be considered the same quality... apples to apples?
Until someone actually gets their hands on a H1000 to try it out, we won't really know.

Logitech is telling us the H1000 will be landing on shelves before the end of the month. There's a good chance they'll restrict product to the big box stores and then let the rest of their authorized dealers have it. Inventory is supposed to be limited for at least the first 30 days. I would recommend making sure if you buy, make sure the company has a good return policy on them.

Touchscreen remotes are typically more about the "feel" of it in your hand as they're larger than traditional units. The satisfaction will also depend on how easy the button layout is setup on the screen as previously stated, you can't customize the locations/images currently.

I thought the remote was coming out like the 15th or something? Or does that just indicate the releases from the factory date, then a week or so needed to fill channels? You mention big stores, do you think Best Buys or Circuit Cities will receive these units?

The 15th isn't going to happen, Logitech's distributors are still waiting for product to land, then they'll need to ship it to each store. I would say if everything goes perfectly it will be the last week of the month.

We're still fighting with Logitech to get product to fill our orders on the first shipment, we'll see what happens. If not, they're telling us we'll definetely receive product on the second shipment two weeks later. So far they're not saying which of the big stores it will be, just that there are currenlty 3 on thier list.

Thanks. Any guess on what the 3 might be? Costoc maybe? So another week, week and a half to wait. I am eager to read some earlier reports on it.

It will be the usual: BB and CC, maybe CompUSA as well. Costco doesn't get new stuff usually.

Awesome, thanks. I like the CompUSA option because I can use my business account and get a small discount. Costco got the AX100, which is pretty new. Maybe debut new, but same release month.

Costco got the AX100, which is pretty new. Maybe debut new, but same release month.

I meant they don't get new Harmony stuff right away, or at least they haven't in the past.

Ah, I see. Can't wait till someone gets this in their hands.

Have an 880 on order from an internet dealer. Have a question or two. I currently have my Oppo 971 connected to my Outlaw 1070. With the 880, will I have to reconnect the Oppo DVD directly to my Pioneer TV???? Thanks

Have an 880 on order from an internet dealer. Have a question or two. I currently have my Oppo 971 connected to my Outlaw 1070. With the 880, will I have to reconnect the Oppo DVD directly to my Pioneer TV???? Thanks

No. You can connect it however you want. You just assign the required input for each device in the activity and the remote will take care of the rest.

Thanks for the help.

After seeing the 880 review on your website, I have more questions. One of the cons you list is no TV listing feature and limited favorite channels. Do harmony remotes not allow access to the tv listings and favorites features on your 8300hd dvr?



It would appear that Logitech/Harmony have removed this feature from all of their remotes in October 2006. They no longer provide any channel or program guide listings. If you already purchased one (as I have) this feature will cease to work.

It would appear that Logitech/Harmony have removed this feature from all of their remotes in October 2006. They no longer provide any channel or program guide listings. If you already purchased one (as I have) this feature will cease to work.

Just clarifying..as far as I understand it, they have/will be removing the on-remote program guide(ie TV-Guide on your remote) from the 6xx series remotes. This feature was never available on the 880 or later remotes anyway. I believe you had to pay a monthly subscription to use it also.

The Favourite Channels feature will still be available. ie list of favourite channels with icons when you press the "Media" button.

Anyone seen that at a B&M store yet? Bestbuy.com still says preorder.

Flan

Logitech seems to be wavering on when they will start shipping the H1000 now. We're being told that we should know when the first shipments will land in the next few weeks. I'm sure BB will get them before anyone else. But I don't think even Logitech knows exactly when that is yet.

I went to BB yesterday and was told the 1000 got delayed until late december??

Well that blows if true. Anyone confirm this?

Well that blows if true. Anyone confirm this?

Circuit City website says shipping 11/30

So, conflicting info. I guess we just hold tight until it actually ships then.

here's a question, anyone who owns a mx-3000 looking to downgrade to this remote. I have had my 3000 for about a year now. I never really programmed it to its fullest capacity. I love my 880 because its so easy to program. im think about selling both to get this one.

steve

I wish they would hurry up and get this out already. I'm looking to pick one up for Christmas as a gift, but my WAF drops exponentially every day that she needs to wait to buy one. If I end up with a crappy sweater and socks, I won't be impressed :P

Theyre showing up on Ebay so any day now we should see 'em locally

Awesome, thanks for the heads up.

That's good news. Maybe birthday present over Christmas :)

I heard from one dealer, he gets them on Monday

Has anyone sighted one in the wild yet?

Look forward to the reviews.

I've pre-ordered mine, so when it arrives I will be sure to let everyone know :)

The BB I stopped by after work today showed it with an ETA of late 1/27/07
:(

hopefully other retailers get it sooner

Sorry to say this but our Logi rep told us its definetely January now. There could possibly be a few pieces before the end of the year, but its not likely.

Aparently a few of the buttons aren't working 100% yet. Better to have a unit that works than one that's flawed I suppose!

Sorry for the bad news!

Better they release something than works. Just bought an xbox 360 and it's dead right out of the box. That upsets me a lot more than waiting for a solid product.

Arrrrrrr Matey! Oh well, It'll come I guess.

The guy at my local BB tried calling up the 1000 on his system and got nothing. It's may be pre-order in the bb.com site, but not even listed in his store or warehouse system database.

And so it goes.

TVJon

Yup...I'd rather wait a month or two and let them work out the bugs than have them rush it to market in time for the holidays with all sorts of bad mojo goin' on. Hmmm...one or two months of anxiety vs. who-knows-how-long of product flaw misery...:)

J.

can we buy this anywhere yet.

Amazon or eBay. But shipping won't happen until at least 12/19/06 if then.

yeah, I saw that. this remote sounds great.

yeah, I saw that. this remote sounds great.

I just wonder if there's going to be PC software that one can use to edit/add icons and images.

I just wonder if there's going to be PC software that one can use to edit/add icons and images.


It'll prolly be like the other Harmonys with the web interface but I hope I'm wrong on that.

Flan

Is the web interface a bad thing? I only owned a low end 688, found it easy to program, but lack of RF made get rid of it after never using it. I remember thinking the web was a nice easy way to configure stuff.

Off topic,

I'm looking for the harmony to be more of a one button push for family and friends. Right now I feel like a NASA rocket scientist preparing and shuttle launch to run all the stuff in my theatre. I'm hoping the harmony coupled with some xantech ir repeating, smart power bars will remove the many components to the closet outside of the theatre for a rack. This will give me easy way to do basic things, while things like the remote for the pvr or other components that are easier for me to already navigate with the remote will be left handy And a bonus is that it should cut down on the noise as well.

Im Kinda intrigued by the z-wave functionalty to run some lights and maybe a thermostat right from the remote! Has anyone worked with z-wave with other Harmony's?

Flan

Flan-
I just started working with the monster AVL300 with Monster ControlNet lights and my very early reaction is that ZWave is pretty darn impressive. I hope to have a full review written in about a week...

Great! Can't wait to see it. My old X-10 stuff can be kind of flaky, plus my mini controller bit the dust. So I'm ready to get a couple z-wave switches. I heard Lowes sells them, anyone know if thats true?

Flan

I might also grab some z-wave stuff to tide me over untill I can pick up and install a grafik eye. x-10 stuff is flaky, and other equipment doesn't seem to like it....

Anyone else starting to get excited again as another possible release date comes near (according to best buy website)? Anyone heard any news at all?

Since this remote will work with zwave dimmers can I have multiple dimmers in my basement and have the ability to turn one of while the others are on. Or will will it turn them all off. Thanks

Flan-
I just started working with the monster AVL300 with Monster ControlNet lights and my very early reaction is that ZWave is pretty darn impressive. I hope to have a full review written in about a week...

Hi Jim

Thanks for the detailed review! I've been thinking about getting the 890 but comments from users on this site have been pushing me aay from it. Hence my interest in the AVL300.

One thing that wasn't clear from your review is if the AVL300 will work with Z-Wave products from other manufacturers. I have a few pieces from Intermatic that work really well and I'd hate to have to rip them out and replace them with the Monster eqivalents.

Do you know if Monster offers control for Intermatic?

Hi Jim

Thanks for the detailed review! I've been thinking about getting the 890 but comments from users on this site have been pushing me aay from it. Hence my interest in the AVL300.

One thing that wasn't clear from your review is if the AVL300 will work with Z-Wave products from other manufacturers. I have a few pieces from Intermatic that work really well and I'd hate to have to rip them out and replace them with the Monster eqivalents.

Do you know if Monster offers control for Intermatic?

Don't quote me on this but my understanding is that all Z-Wave devices are compatible with each other. I'm sure Elbert could give you the official answer on this.

Don't quote me on this but my understanding is that all Z-Wave devices are compatible with each other. I'm sure Elbert could give you the official answer on this.

Thanks!!

Okay then, if neither price nor lighting control were important.... Stability, robustness, performance, support etc. are the deciding factors. Would you pick the AVL300 or the 890 / 1000?

Not sure if it's been asked, but does the 1000 control lighting like activities or devices? Meaning can I select light A and dim it slightly (or to desired setting) and then turn light B off and lights C & D on?

If not, is the Monster my only option for z-wave light control like I mentioned? Can I do what I mentioned above?

Anymore news when this is going to be available. I saw on cnet-tv that they reviewed this remote at CES 2007.

bump !!!

How did Cnet like the 1000?

http://reviews.cnet.com/Logitech_Harmony_1000/4660-12804_7-6683066.html

Looks good

any new news on a release date?

any new news on a release date?


I would like to know as well. I have had one pre-ordered from JR since mid November and they emailed me today stating they are going to cancel my order as my "item is still backordered".

I"m thinking of buying the 1000, ub fact I had it on pre-order for a long time before I cancelled it though because I am not sure.

I have never owned a multi-remote, being a noob I have some questions:

1. Can a remote like this control everything an actual remote can? for example can I access my TV's settings and such? will all buttons on the MFG remote be replicated to this?

I don;t mind using the multi-remote that came with my Yamaha YSP-800, it's actually great for what it is. I can control my TV's inputs/volume, cable box chanells, 2 DVD players and a VCR, including the power for all. Since I realized this, it is the reason I cancelled my 1000 order, plus I bought an XA2 HD DVD.

2. How easy is the setup? is the 1000 supposed to be more functional than less expensive harmonys in terms of control? where is the best price?

Thanks

I just bought mine. Logitech 1000 that is. I figure I can sell it at not much a loss if I do not like it. I do not need wifi or extenders, so it seems good for me. Only 2 TV's, 3 DVD players, 2 different Cable boxes, Yamaha DSP, Nakamichi stereo and a VCR. Right now I have 10 remote controls, it's getting confusing. Hopefully the 1000 will be good for my needs.

Where did you get it at? Please post your review.

Hi,

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

I'm assuming that the 1000 would be the same as the 880/890 in this regard: can I give the buttons any name I want? E.g. can I call a button "Scan channels" instead of "SCANC"?

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

Can't seem to find the dimensions...anyone know?

I just bought mine. Logitech 1000 that is. I figure I can sell it at not much a loss if I do not like it. I do not need wifi or extenders, so it seems good for me. Only 2 TV's, 3 DVD players, 2 different Cable boxes, Yamaha DSP, Nakamichi stereo and a VCR. Right now I have 10 remote controls, it's getting confusing. Hopefully the 1000 will be good for my needs.

Where'd you get your 1000? It's not showing as shipped yet on Logitech's web site. If someone has it in stock I'll gladly cancel my pre-order from JR and buy it elsewhere. If I don't get a handle on the remote situation soon my wife is going to kill me!

I believe the hardware is finalized but the software is being tweaked. It seems very nice for the money. Nice build quality.

Word from Logitech yesterday was that a small number of units were being shipped to a select few BB/Magnolia stores. Not sure if they are just for demo or actually for sale.

Logitech is still saying that wider distribution will be another week or two. (Have we heard this before!?) I pre-ordered mine in early October, right after CEDIA, when they were saying that they would be out by the end of October. I hope it's worth the wait!

Cheers,
Tom

Woo hoo!!!

Just got an email from Amazon that my Harmony 1000 has shipped!! I should have it tomorrow!! :D

Cheers,
Tom

Lucky Duck!

Just got the email from Amazon also. Expecting mine tomorrow.

Congrats on Amazon coming through. JR still shows backordered with no estimate (from my pre-order last October).

Just got it on ebay for $40 less....claims authorized dealer....either way I am tired of waiting and thought I'd take a chance.

I got an email from Logitech today stating it's available.

Besides the touch screen, what makes this better than the 880? I have the 880 and am very happy with it.

Just wondering... I like keeping up with all the new toys

It has RF capabilities that the 880 does not. It's more like an 890 with the touchscreen. The RF is great if you have some of the home automation stuff like light switches that can be controlled remotely.

Actually it's closer to being a Harmony 890 with a touchscreen, as the 890 also has RF transmission in addition to IR. The 880 only has IR.

My preference for RF over IR is because inevitably right after I select an activity and the 880 starts its IR sequence, someone will walk through the IR beam interupting the sequence and leaving a component turned off or switched to the wrong input. It happens more with my family when one of them pushes a button initiating a sequence of commands and then they immediately set the remote down facing into the couch, or something, before the sequence has finished.

I also have components in two different areas of the room (some behind cabinets)and rather than having to aim the IR at each area separately (or run repeaters from one to another) the RF will reach both without "aiming."

You can use multiple RF receivers with both the 890 and 1000, so you can control multiple systems in different rooms from any location. You just need a separate RF receiver for each system.

As far as comparing the 880/890 to the 1000, I really prefer having just the most important hard buttons on the remote and leaving the others to the touchscreen buttons. Since I've only spent a little time at demos with the 1000, we'll have to wait and see how well it works in regular daily use. If the touchscreen or RF response is slow or inaccurate, I may have a different opinion. But if it's slow, at least I can set it down after initiating an activity and not have to keep aiming it at the components!

Cheers,
Tom

I got an email from Logitech today stating it's available.


This was the email...


From: Product_Availability@logitech.com
Date: 01/26/2007 04:33 AM
Subject: Logitech® Harmony® 1000 Advanced Universal Remote is now available
for purchase

Good news! You registered to stay updated about the availability of our new Logitech® Harmony® 1000 Advanced Universal Remote. It is now available for purchase. Please go to http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm?page=products/details&contentid=12498&countryid=19&languageid=1&ad=notify to order your Logitech® Harmony® 1000 Advanced Universal Remote now!

If you would be interested in receiving ongoing news, special offers and support information about this and other Logitech products, please register at http://www.logitech.com.

Thank you,

The Logitech Team
http://www.logitech.com

I got an email from Logitech today stating it's available.


I had subcribed but didn't get mine...oh, well....

Let's hope the Ebay guy ships fast. I've been waiting a while for this thing.

I saved $30 by going through Ebay. Looks like I may have to use Logitech for the extender though- can't find it anywhere else.

got the email today and placing my order today. perfect timing. since i set up my new receiver and new speakers for the first time yesterday. it should be here hopefully in time for the Super Bowl.

BB.com has them available for shipping today.

Also, if you buy together with a TV or Home Audio product now, they'll discount the Harmony 1000 15% off list.

Happy shopping!

:)

Mine shipped today. Suppose to be here on Tuesday.

I got mine this morning with the mail. Setup was simple...even with Vista Ultimate running on my pc. I thought this may be an issue, since most other HW/SW is, but no errors during the install. Went simple.

So Far I must say it is great. The Toshiba HD-XA2 controls perfectly, as well as all other components, and super easy top use! great..worth the $$ IMHO.

Added: The Touch screen works great too. simple, responsive and candyliscous

Sweet! I was hoping someone who got it would chime in. Can't wait for my new toy to come to play with. How is using the touchscreen with pvr controls?

Easy. Everything is easy! I have a Cable box DVR. Every single button that is on the remote, is now on the touchscreen. My Advice, if using a cable box DVR is to not use the PVR activity function, but use the manual remote function for the cable box remote. hard to explain. All the other activities work flawlessly. I may of had it setup wrong for PVR activity.

Honestly though it kicks butt!

I'm suprised it sorks with Vista, and Logitech auto recognized the Toshiba XA2

Very cool! One thing I'm horrible about is dropping remotes, so I think I might use this an excuse to invest in some theatre chairs so I have a nice spot in an arm rest for this remote. I would hate like hell to drop it and have it break. And with a 3.5 year old and 1.5 year old around it can't hurt to hide these things as they are slowly beginning to spend more time in the theatre.

Did you (or anyone else) get the IR extender? I was thinking about getting it or some xantech stuff to relocate my equipment out of the room to reduce noise. The logitech unit is actually a cheaper alternative but I was wondering how reliable it was.

It seems very well made, and the battery cover is very tight fitting, so I don't think dropping will be an issue.

I did not get the extender.

So far so good, works with everything flawlessly. 1 minor exception, on one of my DVD players, Samsung DVDHD960, when I press the skip forward button. It goes 2x, press again then it skips to the next chapter...not so for reverse chapter, then works perfectly. Another minor thing is the volume on my Yamaha YSP800 DSP, it shoots up or down very fast, so quick-tap only only remote. Other than those 2 minor things, ALL of my equipment, ALL, works perfectly and seamlessly. Just getting used to navigating through the topuvh sceen menus as only like 12 buttons per page. But most needed buttons are on the main.

Instead of me juicing the 1000 up because I love it, I wanted to point out some cons

1. Its not like a regular remote, and the lack of buttons, esecially while channel surfing, takes getting used to.

2. you have to look and click...can't go by feel

3. The main power button(real power button) turns off all equipment, not just the one thats being used.

4. with exception of RF connections, backlight, RC sound, and help agent, there is a lack of on board changes that can be made. Needs the PC for most settings

Other than these above, which takes getting used to, the 1000 is a winner. It's ease of use, great/functional touch screen, good battery life(seemingly), smart overall functionality really do the 1000 justice. Plus it is very very cool :D

added: the buttons on screen are about .5 inch by .5 inch with .25 inch space between....so if you have fat fingers it may take getting used to as well.

just realized: this has IR ports on top and bottom of unit, so it works when the unit is pointed in just about any direction...so it seems anyway. Also the 1000 is thinner and lighter than expected, although heavy enough to feel solid.

This remote sounds great. Can't wait to get my paws on it.

Man you Americans are lucky again. I looked into that extender and amazon.com has a 75 buck rebate on it, but not valid in Canada.

Thanks for the extra thoughts. For me though

1. I don't even channel surf in the theatre where I will use this.
2. I've got so many darn remotes that I can't ever feel and click, I always end up needing to look so I like the idea of something lit up.
3. Pefect for me as I want an all off hard button for when I leave the theatre
4. While it is always nice to mess with things while sitting at the couch, I guess I can live with hooking back into the HTPC for setup changes. This is one remote I want WAF with so I don't want to be messing to much with it.
5. Not sure if I have fat fingers :P Would the button size and spacing be like a keyboard?

please make me stop! IT'S FANTASTIC.


I have 3 TV's, 4 DVD players,1 CD system, 1 Digital sound projector, 2 VCR's and and 2 cables boxes. All different brands and/or model numbers, and they all work super with the 1000. All were programmed with ease, just my telling the model numbers. Each room setup and be turned on/off just by a touch of 1 button. It's not so amazing that it does all this, but how easy it was to setup or to move rooms thats remarkable. This is where the touch screen shines, speed speed speed with the exception of putting in channel numbers manually...but this is easier and more responsive than expected.

Feel free to ask Q's.

Thanks for the extra thoughts. For me though

1. I don't even channel surf in the theatre where I will use this.
2. I've got so many darn remotes that I can't ever feel and click, I always end up needing to look so I like the idea of something lit up.
3. Pefect for me as I want an all off hard button for when I leave the theatre
4. While it is always nice to mess with things while sitting at the couch, I guess I can live with hooking back into the HTPC for setup changes. This is one remote I want WAF with so I don't want to be messing to much with it.
5. Not sure if I have fat fingers :P Would the button size and spacing be like a keyboard?


Well said. the buttons are a tad smaller then a keyboards keys. I have no issues with it. you are goona love it!

I say luck again because I can't cash in on a great deal on a bravo dvd player as they place only ships to Canada.

Ok I'm firing off some.

How customizable is the interface? IE. can I make up set up a button called play dvd, that will dim the lights, turn on dvd, switch correct inputs etc.? I'm not sure if that is called a macro or not.

Does the touch screen for each remote resemble the same layout of the actual components remote or is it generic?

If you are messing with the setup at all, Does it have the remote for an joytech switchbox in it's database? Or is that something you can have it learn?

I say luck again because I can't cash in on a great deal on a bravo dvd player as they place only ships to Canada.

Ok I'm firing off some.

How customizable is the interface? IE. can I make up set up a button called play dvd, that will dim the lights, turn on dvd, switch correct inputs etc.? I'm not sure if that is called a macro or not.

Does the touch screen for each remote resemble the same layout of the actual components remote or is it generic?

If you are messing with the setup at all, Does it have the remote for an joytech switchbox in it's database? Or is that something you can have it learn?

OMG, it's so easy "watch DVD" will do everything you want, except I think dim the lights, unless you have the extender, and I'm not sure if that will dim the lights. Although I did see something something during setup that said lights, but I'm unsure if thats real since I dont see anything on the remote that mentions lights...but i do not have th extender.

When you turn the remote on it shows a screen with macros. Example:

"Watch TV", "Watch DVD" "Play DVR"etc.(you can have multiple of each for each room or dvd player as example), It turns all needed units on, changes inputs etc. It could not be easier, even a dunce can do it. Plus setup is so so so easy.

Hard to put into words how easy it really is. You know how you if one goes into a friends house and you have to turn on the TV, but don'know how because there are a million remotes, and 1 complex multi remote. No more. just pick the remote up, and a nice graphic with words ask you what you you want to do/watch....it does the rest.

Cool! I don't think the extender has anything do with lights, but I could be wrong. Thanks for all great information. I"ll be checking my email just waiting for a shipping notice!

In the setup software I can add lighting, climate control etc.....I'm just not sure how it works in the remote itself...i guess you need to have that type of equipment to find out.

added: after playing with it, I think its possible to turn the lights on/off but to dim I think you would have to go into the"device" button and dim them there.

Sounds like the remote I have been waiting for for a long time. $500 is bit much though.

How hard was it to setup with the 8300 DVR? .

How hard was it to setup with the 8300 DVR? .

Simple, and works beautifly with DVR functions.

Simple, and works beautifly with DVR functions.

Congrats on your purchase.

I have one on order with the TivoCommunity Store but they are claiming they can't provide a due date yet....:(

http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/506/IMG_06581111.jpg

http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/506/IMG_0659.jpg

Cool thanks for the pictures. I hope my retailer gets it as quick as amazon, but I have this terrible feeling I'll still be waiting awhile as I imagine they are way down on the pecking order after places like BB and CC. Wait did I already whine about living in Canada in regards to electronic purchases? :P

ANyone find a good deal on these?

People have been asking me, even doubting its ability to change macros. For exapmple. I wake up and press "watch TV"; The TV, cable box, and receiver turn on and to the correct input....then if I change my mind and want to watch a DVD, I press"Watch DVD"; the remote turns on DVD player, but keeps the TV and reciver turned on, and moves everything to the right input. IT DOES NOT TURN OFF THE TV AND RECEIVER!

Lets just say it makes a mistake a does turn the TV off; all one has to is pres "help" on top of the screen, once, and it would turn the TV back on.

I wanted to clarify this, my friend does not believe me when I say this. It's very cool!

ANyone find a good deal on these?

Best deal I saw was the tivocommunity store for $360 ---where I ordered from but they dont know when they'll get their shipment in...

http://store.tivocommunity.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EA&Product_Code=2808&Category_Code=WNDVPA02

http://stores.*********/DigitalEtronics-Superstore

I can't link it so replace ebay dot com where **** are

at store do a search for harmony 1000

I got mine from this guy..but was a tad cheaper on pre-order, I paid 375...now 429...but is in stock!

Mine shipped thursday and got it saturday by USPS priority mail.

Can you edit the button name? Say "Watch TV" change to "Watch PJ" or is the button name is a preset only? Or can you make your own button with whatever name you want? Thanks!

Sure, you can change what they say..you have it "turn the TV on darn it" if you want. Also you can edit what buttons are available in the activity, so you dont have to go into the device itself to find a function button.

ITs pretty sweet: I have it set to "TV bedroom", "Watch HD DVD" ,"Nakamichi" etc.

you can also upload your own background, which is so sweet, but I havent yet.

The Harmony 1000 is truly amazing, and works great too..nice bonus.

Thanks, thanks a lot. You've just made it tougher not to get one. Last year I wanted the URC MX-3000 'til I read out this about 4-5 months back and wanted one so I waited. But I read on remotecentral that the buttons are preset and can't be edited, so I was disappointed. But no longer, thanks for clearing that up. So we can make out own customer button and put whatever commands on it?

Thanks, thanks a lot. You've just made it tougher not to get one. Last year I wanted the URC MX-3000 'til I read out this about 4-5 months back and wanted one so I waited. But I read on remotecentral that the buttons are preset and can't be edited, so I was disappointed. But no longer, thanks for clearing that up. So we can make out own customer button and put whatever commands on it?


Sure!! I know you can change the text and function of buttons, but I don't think you can change what the buttons look like. thats about the only thing thats not customizable..but who knows down the road for even that. it's as easy as a software update.

I can even edit actions...example: If I'm watching TV, and I want to watch a DVD. I press "watch DVD", The Cable box turns off or I can set it to keep it on. Things like that are cool, plus lots lots more. It's a lot more customizable then what I originally thought, even after using it at first.

added: IMO the only thing it lacks is a printed instruction manual, only in software help menus and getting started manual.

The Logitech 1000 uses software version 7.1, the 890 and 880 uses 7.0, so there must be some difference.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/downloads/categories/US/EN,CRID=2109

If you are getting the 1000 and use a cablebox/DVR combo to watch TV, make sure you set it up as a PVR and not a settop/cable box. Also when setting activity select "Watch PVR". Even though the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD is listed on both and works with both fully, you'll run into problems when adding buttons,only when adding buttons. No big deal, but will save you about 30 mins of trying to figure out why you have an error.

Can you create your own devices, such as a lighting system and teach the codes to your customized button labels like you can with a pronto? Or do ir codes have to be in the "software database" of logitech? A true "learning" remote? :confused:

I wish this thing had a manual we could read instead of asking these questions.

OK, after having 2 full days to play around I must say that this gets 9 out of 10. not a full 10 because of no user manual and other very minor things too hard to explain. It really does kick major butt though.

Once you get it home, plan on spending an hour or two getting it setup perfectly, the way you want it. IE button customization and settings, but it's worth the effort. Charge the battery fully before first use, just in case. Keep a pen and paper handy to write down what buttons for what devices for what activities that you want quick access to, favorite channel lists, etc. Lastly, keep the USB cable handy because you will be going back and forth until you get it perfect, and understand how this works fully. Experimentation is a good thing.

Once all this is done, you will be so psyched. I was psyched before I fully customized it, but the harmony 1000 is the best thing in remotes since sliced bread IMHO. IT'S FANTASTIC!!!!

gordong11,

Congrats and thanks for the review! A few questions pls:

(1) By "button customization", do you also mean button layout? For example, while watching a DVD, I would like to have the following buttons available on the same screen: subtitle, FF, REW, Chapter Skip, Light Dim/Bright...etc AND in the order I want. Current Harmony remotes order the buttons based on the order of the device.

(2) You don't happen to use any Z-Wave device, do you?

The way it works is that lets say I'm in the "Watch DVD" activity you all have 3 main screens for it. 1 is stop FF etc, 1 is 0-9 numbers, 1 misc functions. you can edit any button for any device in the misc functions menu, I think its pretty much unlimited buttons, but not sure. the numbers and stop FF screens is limited I think. But if you want to control everyhting, in whatever order from the misc menu, you can. I think you can edit the buttons on the other 2 screens as well, but are limited to the design of that screen.

The answer is yes, but it's hard to explain in greater detail.

No Z device for me. sorry.

No offense to the posts in here so far about the 1000, but most seem to be from people who have never used Harmony remotes so far. Almost all of the posts seem to talk about functions that are available on other Hamony remotes like the 880. Can anybody who is already very familiar with the capability of Harmony remotes comment on the differences and pros/cons? Any additional functionality for setup? I already have an 880, but need to move to RF as well as buy another remote for my basement HT I am constructing right now. Here are a few of my major questions:

1. Is the 1000 fully Z-wave compatible and has anybody tested in on a Z-wave compatible lighting system yet?
2. Is anybody using it in RF mode with the Harmony or other RF receiver? Will it work with another brand of RF reciever/IR blaster?
3. How customizable is the button locations, etc on the screen layout, as this has traditionally been one of Harmony's biggest weekness. Their default layouts for most devices usually stink and you must totally redo them.


Any comments appreaciated.

I can only answer q3: yes you can put any button for any device on any function and call it what you want.

I'm the only one that has one it seems, and I don't have Z or RF. you'll have to wait till more peeps get it, most stores do not have it in stock yet.

Another question from someone who has never owned any type of after market remote: I wanted to know what power on times were after pushing the power button. Does it go into a "sleep" mode to conserve battery life? Does it wake up after you pick it up or do you have to power on again? Best Buy had one running a demo, this looks to be one sweet remote, I just wish the RF adapter wasn't an additional $149.

I just bit the bullet and bought the RF adapter. Cheaper than buying all the xantech equipment I guess and the RF vs IR is nice so it can sit in my lap.

It would be nice to know if it is compatible with anybody elses RF reciver/IR blaster, as logitech's is so overpriced. You could buy the 890 with the RF reciever included for the mid to low $200's online and at least have another nice IR remote for another room.

Talking to Logitech at lunch today they say that the 1000 is fully Z-wave compliant, although there is a total of 15 device limit, that may start to be a problem if you want to control a lot of lighting. I have at least 6 AV pieces which would leave 9 devices for dimmers. Hopefully somebody else has a Z-wave network to comment on how well the 1000 plays with it.

It would be nice to know if it is compatible with anybody elses RF reciver/IR blaster, as logitech's is so overpriced. You could buy the 890 with the RF reciever included for the mid to low $200's online and at least have another nice IR remote for another room.

Talking to Logitech at lunch today they say that the 1000 is fully Z-wave compliant, although there is a total of 15 device limit, that may start to be a problem if you want to control a lot of lighting. I have at least 6 AV pieces which would leave 9 devices for dimmers. Hopefully somebody else has a Z-wave network to comment on how well the 1000 plays with it.

I sure do hope that the 1000 will work with the 890 RF receiver, as that's what I am planning on doing. I'll be replacing my 890 with the 1000 as soon as it comes into Best Buy so I can use my employee discount. I'll be pretty pissed if it doesn't.

Any suggestions on good Z-Wave dimmers that work well with the 890/1000?

The friendly UPS man just delivered mine.

I'm very non-technical so I should be a good test case as to whether this is as user friendly for set-up and use as advertised.

Unit is in its charging cradle now for the next 8 hours to charge up before its first use as recommended in the Getting Started documentation.

Can't wait to see what this baby can do!

:)

Just got mine also and it's charging right now like they say to do.

Only thing is how do you turn it off? It's in the cradle but i cant get it to turn off. Nothing happens when i push the power button. It just keeps going through the demo.

Talking to Logitech at lunch today they say that the 1000 is fully Z-wave compliant, although there is a total of 15 device limit, that may start to be a problem if you want to control a lot of lighting. I have at least 6 AV pieces which would leave 9 devices for dimmers. Hopefully somebody else has a Z-wave network to comment on how well the 1000 plays with it.

From the logitech forums from a moderator

"The 15 devices as mentioned on the box refers to Infrared Home Theatre devices and does not refer to Z-Wave devices at all. Since almost all Z-Wave devices use the same command frequency with a different header there is not as much of a worry of the Harmony's memory being used. Whereas the infrared commands take up a great deal of the Harmony's memory and thus are limited to 15 devices.

Customers are free to add more than 15 devices (including Z-Wave devices) provided the amount of infrared home theater devices does not exceed 15."

Just got mine also and it's charging right now like they say to do.

Only thing is how do you turn it off? It's in the cradle but i cant get it to turn off. Nothing happens when i push the power button. It just keeps going through the demo.

Ditto for me.

Figure it's best to leave it charging overnight and deal with it tomorrow.

Should be fully charged then...

Sorry, but gotta ask. What is Z-wave?

Sorry, but gotta ask. What is Z-wave?
It's a new wireless technology for home automation devices such as lighting, security, and Air Conditioner. Since it's RF, you don't have to point the remote at any particular spot/receiver.

Another question from someone who has never owned any type of after market remote: I wanted to know what power on times were after pushing the power button. Does it go into a "sleep" mode to conserve battery life? Does it wake up after you pick it up or do you have to power on again? Best Buy had one running a demo, this looks to be one sweet remote, I just wish the RF adapter wasn't an additional $149.

You can set sleep mode for 10-60 secs.....turns on by touch or press.

Just got mine also and it's charging right now like they say to do.

Only thing is how do you turn it off? It's in the cradle but i cant get it to turn off. Nothing happens when i push the power button. It just keeps going through the demo.


WOOT! Congrats..yes let it charge......it takes a while to get it setup, as it's so customizable. Don't be freightened by demo..is normal.

Thanks, pdn. Sounds good!

I sure do hope that the 1000 will work with the 890 RF receiver, as that's what I am planning on doing. I'll be replacing my 890 with the 1000 as soon as it comes into Best Buy so I can use my employee discount. I'll be pretty pissed if it doesn't.

Any suggestions on good Z-Wave dimmers that work well with the 890/1000?
What are your main reasons for updating? Is it simply the cool factor or do you see any improved operation? I am a bit concerned about how easy it is to change channels, etc. without the hard buttons. It will drive me crazy if it takes twice as long to find and execute the major functions such as mute, pause, FF, rewind, skip, etc.

I also spent time on the phone with smarthomeusa.com today at lunch and they suggested to wait until mid February when Leviton comes out with their entire linup of Z-wave dimmers. They are supposed to be about $75 and have a lot of the normal Leviton features such as LED on the sides and remember previous setting etc. Mid February meets my construction schedule and if they are late, I will put in dummy units until they are released.

From the logitech forums from a moderator

"The 15 devices as mentioned on the box refers to Infrared Home Theatre devices and does not refer to Z-Wave devices at all. Since almost all Z-Wave devices use the same command frequency with a different header there is not as much of a worry of the Harmony's memory being used. Whereas the infrared commands take up a great deal of the Harmony's memory and thus are limited to 15 devices.

Customers are free to add more than 15 devices (including Z-Wave devices) provided the amount of infrared home theater devices does not exceed 15."
Thanks for the update as that 15 limit sounded very stupid to me for the same reason you mention. It is a shame that their tier 2 level of customer support doesn not even understand their own product as that is who I talked to at lunch today!!!

Is anybody using the 890 now with Z-wave dimmers? How do you raise and lower the light level on each dimmer, and do you simply name each dimmer? Lastly, how does it handle the scenes? Is it easy to link a scene for multiple dimmers to an activity? For instance can you raise three different dimmers to a preset light level (ie 30%) when you press the pause button during playback?

What are your main reasons for updating? Is it simply the cool factor or do you see any improved operation? I am a bit concerned about how easy it is to change channels, etc. without the hard buttons. It will drive me crazy if it takes twice as long to find and execute the major functions such as mute, pause, FF, rewind, skip, etc.

I also spent time on the phone with smarthomeusa.com today at lunch and they suggested to wait until mid February when Leviton comes out with their entire linup of Z-wave dimmers. They are supposed to be about $75 and have a lot of the normal Leviton features such as LED on the sides and remember previous setting etc. Mid February meets my construction schedule and if they are late, I will put in dummy units until they are released.

Channell surfing is easier than I expected, and I had same reservation. It's very responsive and easy...plus if you put the base next to where you sit, you never have to pick it up..just a slight touch, no pressing! and it works no matter what direction it faces. granted you have to look and can no longer go by feel, but other than that, it excels at surfing.

What are your main reasons for updating? Is it simply the cool factor or do you see any improved operation? I am a bit concerned about how easy it is to change channels, etc. without the hard buttons. It will drive me crazy if it takes twice as long to find and execute the major functions such as mute, pause, FF, rewind, skip, etc.

I also spent time on the phone with smarthomeusa.com today at lunch and they suggested to wait until mid February when Leviton comes out with their entire linup of Z-wave dimmers. They are supposed to be about $75 and have a lot of the normal Leviton features such as LED on the sides and remember previous setting etc. Mid February meets my construction schedule and if they are late, I will put in dummy units until they are released.

Mainly because the people that use it are people that are really not technology-friendly, and the most basic controls are the best ones. Also, they're 60+, so the touchscreen should be much easier to see then the 890. On top of that, it's just cool :).

Hopefully it'll be pretty easy to control after a small learning curve? I can't see it being too bad, as touchscreen remotes are considered to be the "best" in terms of ease of use. I can't see the Harmony being any different.

Thanks for the Leviton update. Does Leviton make Z-Wave dimmers now, and what's different about these new models?

I just wanted to say that I really love it, having never owned Harmony before it's hard to tell how much of an upgrade it really is. I can say that it's hard for me to imagine a remote control working any better. It is different, and needs tweaking so maybe not all will love, but for pure functionality it controls my 12 devices extremely well, but I have nothing exotic. My advice is this: If you can afford it and have a need buy it, if you can afford it and only have slight need or want, buy it from easy retirn store. If money is tight, then use your instincts.

Mainly because the people that use it are people that are really not technology-friendly, and the most basic controls are the best ones. Also, they're 60+, so the touchscreen should be much easier to see then the 890. On top of that, it's just cool :).

Hopefully it'll be pretty easy to control after a small learning curve? I can't see it being too bad, as touchscreen remotes are considered to be the "best" in terms of ease of use. I can't see the Harmony being any different.

Thanks for the Leviton update. Does Leviton make Z-Wave dimmers now, and what's different about these new models?

Leviton makes the dimmers for the AVL-300 unit from Monster Cable that they rebrand under Monster for $130 each. They only have released a wall plug in unit at this time. Their full line up releases in mid February supossedly as you know that product releases tend to slip behind schedule so we will see.

I would sell out all harmony users as technophobes. I switched from a Home Theater Master MX500 after I was sick of spending more time doing macros than using the system after upgrading to new units all the time (ie new Directv DVR, new Yamaha reciever, new TV etc.) There are not many things that I can not do with the 880, although the power user setup items are far too hidden in the software.

I just wanted to say that I really love it, having never owned Harmony before it's hard to tell how much of an upgrade it really is. I can say that it's hard for me to imagine a remote control working any better. It is different, and needs tweaking so maybe not all will love, but for pure functionality it controls my 12 devices extremely well, but I have nothing exotic. My advice is this: If you can afford it and have a need buy it, if you can afford it and only have slight need or want, buy it from easy retirn store. If money is tight, then use your instincts.
Yes, the activity based programming with state memory of the harmony remotes is pretty nice. Most if not all of the features you mentioned are already available in the 890, so I will have to wait for somebody who upgraded from an 880 or 890 to get their detailed impressions. It is nice to hear that surfing is not that hard on the unit though. I am going to have to buy a fully capable RF remote with Z-wave technology for my Home Theater project in my basement, so I will spending a $200 - $400 anyway. As far as I can tell my only real choices at this point are the 890, 1000 or Monster Cable AVL-300.

So anyone think it would be worth the $500 bucks to upgrade to the MX-3000 IR/RF Color Touchscreen Remote, over the Harmony 1000?

Thanks

pricegrabber.com has mx3000 remote under $600. who knows thopugh.

pricegrabber.com has mx3000 remote under $600. who knows thopugh.

Yeah, but you should read some of the posts from those of us who bought a URC product at a discount. URC is a sleazy company, I'd stay away from their products.

Plus, the MX-3000 has got to be one of the tackiest designs for a remote anyone (well, apart from some of the new Monsters:-) ever dreamed up. It would stick out like a sore thumb in any half-way stylish house.

Not to defend URC but what they are trying to do is control the integrity of the brand and to prevent unauthorized sellers from undermining their MSRP like Denon does with their receivers. URC has said that they will not release updates to software for programming unless the remote was purchased at an authorized dealer, yeah it sucks for those of you who want to program a MX-3000 but I have neither the time, expertise, or patience to program one myself. I have been quoted $400 to program one in addition to the $999 price
this is why the Harmony 1000 looks atractive to me.

I can not get the Harmony 1000 to communicate with a PPC iMac. I spent about an hour on the phone with tech support yesterday with no luck. I used my PC laptop to finally configure and get it working with my home theater with the RF extender and I love this set up. The 1000 work flawlessly with my theater. I have a Samsung LNS4696D LCD TV, a Pioneer Elite VSX-84TSXi receiver, a Motorola HD Comcast box, a Pioneer DVL-909 Laserdisc player, a Sony HDPS501P DVD player, a Sony SDP-E800 surround processor, and a Tivo DVR. Everything is being controlled with the RF extender because all of the components are behind doors in my cabinet. I will try to set this up using an Intel Mac and see if it works with it. No go on a PPC iMac, 1.8GHZ, 1.25GB ram, OSX 10.4.7.
Samsung LNS4696D LCD TV, Pioneer Elite VSX-84TSXi receiver, Motorola DTV-5100 HD Comcast box, Pioneer DVL-909 Laserdisc player, Sony HDPS501P DVD player, Sony SDP-E800 surround processor, Tivo DVR

On setting up the unit, it took me about 4 hours total to get it working counting the hour I spent to no avail using my mac. So 3 hours in total setting it up and tweaking it to do everything I wanted. I will probably spend another couple of hours fine tuning and really customizing everything when I get a chance this weekend. I have it controlling everything fine and all functions working now, I just want to personalize more.

On setting up the unit, it took me about 4 hours total to get it working counting the hour I spent to no avail using my mac. So 3 hours in total setting it up and tweaking it to do everything I wanted. I will probably spend another couple of hours fine tuning and really customizing everything when I get a chance this weekend. I have it controlling everything fine and all functions working now, I just want to personalize more.


So cool. Only with the 1000 can one spend 3 hours setting it up, and still not be totally customized. I think that speaks to the flexibility of the unit. let us know your thoughts once finished.

I did my setup differently. spent about 1 hour initially, got accustomed to to using it, then decided what customizations i wanted. in total i spend about 2 hours...but i have a few more i need to do. I just love it, more and more everyday.

Not to defend URC but what they are trying to do is control the integrity of the brand and to prevent unauthorized sellers from undermining their MSRP like Denon does with their receivers. URC has said that they will not release updates to software for programming unless the remote was purchased at an authorized dealer, yeah it sucks for those of you who want to program a MX-3000 but I have neither the time, expertise, or patience to program one myself. I have been quoted $400 to program one in addition to the $999 price
this is why the Harmony 1000 looks atractive to me.

URC and the "dealers" that support this move can get bent. It was bad enough when they cut off updates, but to flood many forums with fake "support" of their decision was just tacky.

I sold my URC remote's (had two) and will not buy another one of their products. I will get up, walk across the room (oh, the horror!), and change the channel manually before they see another dime of my money. That's even if they revert this incredibly stupid decision.

Extreme or not, I am even limiting the shopping of my new Sony 1080p projector to non-URC dealers.

The Harmony 1000 seems like the way to go, for ease, price and on-par capability, seems to be a better solution. Unless there is a specific need that the 1000 can't handle. Plus Logitech is doing its firmware job well....I already have had 2 firmware updates!

It sounds like a few of you already have the 1000. I'm seriously considering it, along with an extender, but I really want to review the complete user manual first before I spring for that many bucks.

The 1000 is the only HT all-in-one remote that the boss (my wife) will even consider. (she is intimidated by too many buttons, but also with too many remotes kicking around on our table now.

Harmony Remote Sales tells me the 1000 manual is on the Installation Disc, which means I would have to buy it first; so I called their tech support, but nobody there can help as they haven't seen the user manual and really know almost nothing about the 1000 - well, at least not yet.

I've been able to download a user manual for their 890 from their website, but the only thing there now for the 1000 is the two page "quick start guide" that comes packed with the unit.

Does anyone have a digital copy they could somehow share with me, say as an attachment to an email? If so, please let me know, perhaps in a PM, and I'll share my email address back the same way.

I hope someone out there can help me.

Thanks.

Bob VH

Well, I have had my mx-3000 for about 15 months and I got it to work just enough to control most of my equipment, and that took me about a week of going back and forth from pc to theater. I got my 880 2 months after getting my mx and have used nothing else since. I just received my 1000 today and I will be putting it through its paces to make sure there is nothing im missing. The mx-3000 is a great remote if you have the time to really understand and program it. I understand urc position, but they should have grandfathered in anyone who had already owned one. Just my 2 cents

steve

I understand urc position, but they should have grandfathered in anyone who had already owned one. Just my 2 cents

steve

Yes, i'll agree with you there. In my earlier post I wasn't trying to defend URC but to try to make sense of it. I did not have a dog in the fight so to speak. It is telling that you ditched the 3000 after your 880 came in and are moving on to the 1000. I'll let you early-early adapters iron out the bugs (if any!) but when I jump, it will be to the 1000.

I don't think their is a manual. I think gordonng11 mentioned that awhile back in the thread.

Well, I have had my mx-3000 for about 15 months and I got it to work just enough to control most of my equipment, and that took me about a week of going back and forth from pc to theater. I got my 880 2 months after getting my mx and have used nothing else since. I just received my 1000 today and I will be putting it through its paces to make sure there is nothing im missing. The mx-3000 is a great remote if you have the time to really understand and program it. I understand urc position, but they should have grandfathered in anyone who had already owned one. Just my 2 cents

steve

Househusband36,

You are just the guy I need to talk to. I currently have an 880 as well, but need to move to RF. I would really appreciate your comments about ease of use, programming and features compared to the 880. Most of the guys here are using a Harmony for the first time, so they have no previous Harmony experience. Also I hope you get a chance to play with the Z-wave capability if you have any dimmers now. I look forward to your impressions.

gordong11 - Can you confirm if this remote has learning capabilities? thx...

gordong11 - Can you confirm if this remote has learning capabilities? thx...


Yes it does. If the software does not recognize the model, it asks you to point the manufacterers remote at it. Then f still is a problem is recommends alternative models.
Is this what you mean?

Also, mine Did NOT ship with auser manual, only getting started instruction pamphlet. Let's go pamphleteering!

Sorry I got stuck at work till 8pm.

Found another cool feature, not sure if other Harmony's do, perhaps you all can answer?

I was having an issue with my XA2, not turning on when pressing DVD activity. BUT you can actually edit the duration of the signal(in ms) from the 1000, now I have no issues. That is very cool!

Yeah, I think you can edit not only the intra-device signal duration but also inter-device. Features like this that makes you keep tweaking to get rid of that last ms delay to speed up the activity actions.

I'm also interested in the opinions of previous Harmony owners on the 1000, particularly on the Z-Wave intergration and control.

Househusband36,

You are just the guy I need to talk to. I currently have an 880 as well, but need to move to RF. I would really appreciate your comments about ease of use, programming and features compared to the 880. Most of the guys here are using a Harmony for the first time, so they have no previous Harmony experience. Also I hope you get a chance to play with the Z-wave capability if you have any dimmers now. I look forward to your impressions.

Just set it up tonight and tested it once. I am going to sell my 880 so i just overidden in the options. easy enough, it would have been a pain to start from scrach. but doable. I played with it for about 10 mins, in that time it was very easy to use since it is well laid out and just enough hard butons to make things easier. Cant speak to RF dont have it but it seem it would be an easy upgrade. also the manual is in the software program. once you set it up you click on more help and then manuals its right there

steve

Well, i have been playing around with mine on and off today trying to set it up. I have to agree with everything Gordan has said, the remote is definetly awesome.

I have never had a Harmony remote before but this one is great. It does take some time to set up and tweak it to your liking but it's so easy to do. I have not looked at the manual once yet. You can pretty much customize everything on the remote. I like how you can put your own pictures and put them as the background image, a very cool feature.

Overall i thinks it really is a great remote.

Could the manual be sent via email then? Any chance someone who already has it could pm me and send it my way if it is possible? I've got mine on order but would love to read up on it before hand.

Yes, i'll agree with you there. In my earlier post I wasn't trying to defend URC but to try to make sense of it. I did not have a dog in the fight so to speak. It is telling that you ditched the 3000 after your 880 came in and are moving on to the 1000. I'll let you early-early adapters iron out the bugs (if any!) but when I jump, it will be to the 1000.


Sorry, that really was not a rant at you...just repressed anger over URC's idiotic tactics slipping out. Combined with DVDO's lack of addressing thier VP issues, it's getting hard to enjoy my own home theater right now.

I, too, tried to justify their (URC) initial move. But after recently seeing IP addresses and sources of multiple posts (coming from the same few posters registered under multiple names) at other forums, I have decided that URC is acting out of greed and not concern for thier "image" or dealers. If you need to "lie" to justify your own decisions concerning your own product- well, something is fundementally wrong.

I have a feeling (although retail branding is far from my area of expertise) that this move will end up being a proverbial shot in the foot that will ultimately be reversed. However, I think the damage has already be done in most peoples minds.

/end rant, tangent, and thread hijack :)

I have the 880 model and thinking of moving it upstairs and getting the 1000 for my theater room. Only thing that bothers me is that you have to buy the rf adapter sepertaly. that kind of makes me upset since the 890 comes with it.

Whats up with that.

My wife used the 1000 yesterday for the first time and loves it. She hates the Comcast guide so she uses the Tivo set up. I use the Comcast set up since my Tivo is not HD. I set up "watch TV" and "Tivo". She also loves the one button push to set up everything to play her exercise DVDs. I also set up TV only so my sound system is not on, just the TV and internal sound. I have an analog audio laserdisc setting, and a digital audio laserdisc setting. This remote is awesome. It does take time to tweak it to your exact liking though but I am glad I can get the level of tweaking they allow. I will spend way to much time with this thing personalizing it but that is what I like to do.

Anyone know where I can get one of these in Southern California, I am off from work for the day, and would like to play!

How about some pics? :)

Sorry, that really was not a rant at you...just repressed anger over URC's idiotic tactics slipping out. Combined with DVDO's lack of addressing thier VP issues, it's getting hard to enjoy my own home theater right now.

I, too, tried to justify their (URC) initial move. But after recently seeing IP addresses and sources of multiple posts (coming from the same few posters registered under multiple names) at other forums, I have decided that URC is acting out of greed and not concern for thier "image" or dealers. If you need to "lie" to justify your own decisions concerning your own product- well, something is fundementally wrong.

I have a feeling (although retail branding is far from my area of expertise) that this move will end up being a proverbial shot in the foot that will ultimately be reversed. However, I think the damage has already be done in most peoples minds.

/end rant, tangent, and thread hijack :)

Hey no problem, I wasn't aware of their practices but I think that every time Harmony makes a leap in technology and innovation such as with the 880, 890, and now the 1000 and that one can get 80% of the functionality of one of the URC remotes, the writing may be on the wall for their business practices or even their business.

Just set it up tonight and tested it once. I am going to sell my 880 so i just overidden in the options. easy enough, it would have been a pain to start from scrach. but doable. I played with it for about 10 mins, in that time it was very easy to use since it is well laid out and just enough hard butons to make things easier. Cant speak to RF dont have it but it seem it would be an easy upgrade. also the manual is in the software program. once you set it up you click on more help and then manuals its right there

steve


Thanks, I've been looking for that! but in all honesty, like 12 pages is not enough, its really just an overview. For instance, it does not tell you how to change the signal time, and lots of other features.

Could the manual be sent via email then? Any chance someone who already has it could pm me and send it my way if it is possible? I've got mine on order but would love to read up on it before hand.

PM me your email if you want the user manual......please only if you truly plan on buying one. I can't send out too many, too much time to uoload PDF file. they will be sent after 8pm EST.

i've received mine finally. was able to get it for $450 from amazon a few days ago. they also had a $75 rebate on the extended RF so it ended up only being $37 for that... pretty great deal but looks like they took it down already :(

this review may sound negative, but thats probably because i already had the 880 so the basic features of a harmony i was already used to

a negative i've noticed already is when swapping from play/pause menu to favorites or number menu there is about a second delay, its a little annoying as you think you didnt push the button. probably not a problem once you get used to it.

i cant seem to find anyway to add pages to the play/pause menu of my scientific atlantic 8300 HD. it looks like you can add more pages to the favorites section though. you can't change the text of the "hard wired" buttons for example on the play/pause page there is a guide, menu, etc buttons on the right. but you cannot change the names of those at all. the menu button does not even make sense as it just opens up the guide same as the guide button. instead menu should be list. so its frusterating you cant change simple things like that.

i also wish they'd allow at least a few custom buttons on the play/pause page for example. its obviously the main page you'll leave up on the remote, yet you'd have to go to the favorites button to do some basic tasks.

nintendo wii, playstation 3 cannot be operated of course since they are bluetooth controlled. most already know but just in case. it seems the xbox 360 is no problem to control.

i cant find anywhere in the harmony remote software to add a zwave device, which concerns me as a big selling point of the remote for me was zwave control. just sounds great.... but i cant find anywhere to add a zwave device, etc. might call logitech suppot about it, but i'm guessing that perhaps the remote is not updated for zwave just yet. which is very stupid considering it says on the box it can control lightning via zwave.

anyways, just one persons review. the remote is very cool of course and looks great my main complaint is having to figit to another menu to control basic settings as they did not provide any space for custom controls on the default page. which is something you can do on the earlier versions such as the 880 by using the buttons in the customizeable display. and of course the lack of zwave as far as i can tell (though i could just be missing it somehow)

but the remote looks very sleek, well made and has good weight.software and all is easy to use.

will post more info as i check it out more :)

i cant seem to find anyway to add pages to the play/pause menu of my scientific atlantic 8300 HD. it looks like you can add more pages to the favorites section though. you can't change the text of the "hard wired" buttons for example on the play/pause page there is a guide, menu, etc buttons on the right. but you cannot change the names of those at all. the menu button does not even make sense as it just opens up the guide same as the guide button. instead menu should be list. so its frusterating you cant change simple things like that.

I have an 8300 HD also and was trying to do the same thing you are. What i ended up doing was changing the "menu" button to the DVR list. Even though it says menu on the remote when i press it the DVR List comes up.

i was able to see how you'd add a device for lighting control. guess just need to play around in that area for controlling it. it seems pretty cool though. but i believe zwave control is also on the 890, so if you have that already not sure if the upgrade is worth it

I have an 8300 HD also and was trying to do the same thing you are. What i ended up doing was changing the "menu" button to the DVR list. Even though it says menu on the remote when i press it the DVR List comes up.

i did the exact same thing lol. there is no point for menu opening up the guide also, so might as well code it for list :)

My 1000 arrived today. Fresh from Ebay (in a BestBuy box). My pre-order (since October) still said backordered so I went elsewhere.

Can't wait to dig in tonight and get it set up (great excuse to not get the tax stuff together for the accountant). I'll post a review of the process as well as what I think of the product. So far, the form factor is actually quite pleasant and the wife even gave it a thumbs up (on looks).

I got my 1000 yesterday and can confirm one thing that it does work with my zwave lighting system. Very easy to add. I will play more, once the kids are off to bed. :D

...I was having an issue with my XA2, not turning on when pressing DVD activity. BUT you can actually edit the duration of the signal (in ms) from the 1000, now I have no issues...

I am having the same issue with my SONY DVP-NC85H 5-Disc DVD/CD Player.

Would you share how to edit the duration of the signal from the 1000 -- perhaps that will fix?

Thanks!

Is Lutron's "spacer system" lighting controls listed as an available component?
Does it have the four (4) scene buttons as well the other remote control features on the Lutron remote?

I am having the same issue with my SONY DVP-NC85H 5-Disc DVD/CD Player.

Would you share how to edit the duration of the signal from the 1000 -- perhaps that will fix?

Thanks!

Devices menu, settings on the device you want to change, then adjust the delays :)

I got my 1000 yesterday and can confirm one thing that it does work with my zwave lighting system. Very easy to add. I will play more, once the kids are off to bed. :D

m1fuller68, would love any information and reviews on zwave performance! i think lots here would... also what zwave lightning switch are you using?

I am having the same issue with my SONY DVP-NC85H 5-Disc DVD/CD Player.

Would you share how to edit the duration of the signal from the 1000 -- perhaps that will fix?

Thanks!


OK, what you need is Press troubleshoot at the top, pick the device. then "responding too slowly. I think that does it.

For those with the Harmony 1000, can you check compatibility for:

The monoprice 3 HDMI switcher. In the setup (of the demo) it does list the Monoprice 5 x1 but not the 3 x1.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=3029&seq=1&format=2&style=

Does the Harmony 1000 automatically detect the HDMI input? I selected the 5 x1 switcher anyway (as it's a demo right) but it never showed up on any of the lists for setup.

Also is PVR the same as DVR? I choose the same model (Scientific Atlanta 8300HD) for both cable set top box and PVR. Then when the demo ran each group of settings it showed only the PVR, not the set top box.

Simple, and works beautifly with DVR functions.

So for a cable box with DVR you just set up the Harmony 1000 for the cable box not the PVR correct? And you prefer that and use the manual functions on the remote?

I'm wondering how far the remote signal travels when bouncing off a projector's screen.
As an example, I have the remote for Toshiba's HD-DVD A-1. Point it at the screen and the signal bounces back across the room to the unit. Try it with the remote for the cable box (Scientific Atlanta 8300HD) and it doesn't reach.

Will the Harmony 1000 be able to reach the cable box?

anyone had any success at remaping the replay hard button on the remote? trying to make it into a simple play button as i find it very difficult to fast forward properly without being able to press play with a hard button. this is for the scientific atlantic explorer 8300 HD. dont know why they didnt at least put hard buttons for fastforward, rewind, play. big weakness - fastforwarding and then playing at just the right second with a touchscreen is not very easy.

if i go into devices, PVR and edit buttons for some reason it makes the "hard" reply perform the "last" function instead of a simple "play". seems like it could be a bug with the software? dont know why there isnt a simple map of the "hard" buttons so you can customize them easily.

if i go into devices, PVR and edit buttons for some reason it makes the "hard" reply perform the "last" function instead of a simple "play". seems like it could be a bug with the software? dont know why there isnt a simple map of the "hard" buttons so you can customize them easily.


You should be doing your button customizing to the "Watch PVR" ACTIVITY rather than the PVR DEVICE....they are customized independantly of each other.

m1fuller68, would love any information and reviews on zwave performance! i think lots here would... also what zwave lightning switch are you using?


Ciner, Not much time to play with it last night, but a few highlights.

I currently have 5 zwave switches throught out the house

Each had to be setup individually. Very easy

I am now able to turn off, on and dim each light.

Thats about it, I won't have time to work with it unitl the weekend.

I have a 1000 preordered, its currently listed as March 1st in the uk. Can anyone confirm how many background photo's you can add? I have heard you can only upload 2 images! I hope thats not true, I would like to have a photo of each device as the background for each device. I would also like to be able to add photos to buttons, for instance I have 5 remote dimmable lights, I would like to be able to add a photo of each light to each button controlling these lights. Somehow I think that isn't going to be possible which seems a pity with a remote with a screen this nice.

Has anybody tackled Panasonic px60 inputs with the 1000 yet? not looking forward to that! :eek:

So for a cable box with DVR you just set up the Harmony 1000 for the cable box not the PVR correct? And you prefer that and use the manual functions on the remote?

I'm wondering how far the remote signal travels when bouncing off a projector's screen.
As an example, I have the remote for Toshiba's HD-DVD A-1. Point it at the screen and the signal bounces back across the room to the unit. Try it with the remote for the cable box (Scientific Atlanta 8300HD) and it doesn't reach.

Will the Harmony 1000 be able to reach the cable box?


Just the opposite, setup using "PVR Device" not a "cable box".

PM me your email if you want the user manual......please only if you truly plan on buying one. I can't send out too many, too much time to uoload PDF file. they will be sent after 8pm EST.

Thanks for the PDF

Any issues with the unit charging correctly? That's the one complaint I have about my 880 - doesn't want to charge consistently in the cradle.

Any issues with the unit charging correctly? That's the one complaint I have about my 880 - doesn't want to charge consistently in the cradle.

charges good, no issues like my 880 used to have. sits tightly in bottom of cradle

Ciner, Not much time to play with it last night, but a few highlights.

I currently have 5 zwave switches throught out the house

Each had to be setup individually. Very easy

I am now able to turn off, on and dim each light.

Thats about it, I won't have time to work with it unitl the weekend.

m1fuller68, sounds great. was hoping it would be easy. are you intending to try and make an activity that turns off all the lights or whatnot? how do you access them to control as is, under devices on the remote?

You should be doing your button customizing to the "Watch PVR" ACTIVITY rather than the PVR DEVICE....they are customized independantly of each other.

czzer,

i know, i tried first to customize buttons for watch PVR but there is actually no button at all for the "replay" hardbutton that is on the remote. i open up Watch TV's customize buttons and it just has no standard buttons called replay. so how can i customize it there if there is nothing? seems like a flaw in the software. anyone else with an Explorer 8300 HD been able to edit the command for the replay hardbutton on the remote?

I'm getting caught up on this remote and am I correct that you have to buy the RF extender seperate from the remote itself? So it's initially just IR and you have to pay for the RF feature?

I'm getting caught up on this remote and am I correct that you have to buy the RF extender seperate from the remote itself? So it's initially just IR and you have to pay for the RF feature?

Yes, and thats how it should be. I don't want or need the RF extender so I wouldn't want its inclusion to push the price up for me. I'm guessing most people wouldn't actually need one.

Unfortunately for me, my components are in a closet across the hall from the HT - no line of site, so it's either an IR repeater or RF for me. Still priced well, but adding the RF repeater takes it up another notch. Gotta give this some more thought and wait on a few more reviews before deciding on the 1000 vs the 890.

Unfortunately for me, my components are in a closet across the hall from the HT - no line of site, so it's either an IR repeater or RF for me. Still priced well, but adding the RF repeater takes it up another notch. Gotta give this some more thought and wait on a few more reviews before deciding on the 1000 vs the 890.

honestly if price is a big concern i'd go with the 890, cant see any real huge improvements with the 1000. and i think some people will find the touchscreen display a weakness as far as a remote goes as you really have to look to do some tasks instead of just feel. astetically it looks fantastic but its definitly a tradeoff as far as function in my mind in some ways. and since you can get an 890 for about half the price with the extender its hard to say if its worth it really.

Could someone please explain the RF repeater to me. Are you saying that you can't use this remote the way it is if your equipment is in another room? I thought that was all included and the extender only increased the distance that you could use it. I currently have a IR harmony and use the pyramids to send the signal. Thanks

On the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD cablebox, is there any way to maintain/retain use of favorite channels?

I currently have a IR harmony and use the pyramids to send the signal. Thanks

Then thats all you need, you don't need the harmony 1000 RF extender, what you have does the job just fine. The only advantage to buying the Harmony extender is its a one piece solution, i.e. the remote sends the signal in RF and the extender picks that up, converts it to IR and fires it at your equipment. In other words you wouldn't have to aim the remote at anything as you do with the pyramids, hardly a major issue if sat in the living room. You can see the advantage of such a system though, for instance you could control your equipment from anywhere in the house, not just sat in the living room infront of your pyramid, wether thats important to you is entirely up to you though.

I was looking at Harmony remotes and read some posts saying that the remote cannot control the Oppo dvd players.

Will the 1000 be able to?

Just got off the phone with Harmony technical support about a couple of issues with the 1000. They stated that there will be a web update on Monday to fix several bugs.

Also found out the the 1000 will control z-wave devices but the software is not complete to the same state that the 890 software is. They are working on completing it - no release date yet.

Howard

Maybe another reason for me to stick with the original plan - an 890 w/ RF - save some cash and its a more mature product.

Just got off the phone with Harmony technical support about a couple of issues with the 1000. They stated that there will be a web update on Monday to fix several bugs.

Also found out the the 1000 will control z-wave devices but the software is not complete to the same state that the 890 software is. They are working on completing it - no release date yet.

Howard

I was looking at Harmony remotes and read some posts saying that the remote cannot control the Oppo dvd players.

Will the 1000 be able to?

it really depends on your dvd player i suppose. mine is a Sony 5 disk DVD player and it opens it fine. i'd think worst case you could use the IR learn function to learn the ability from your remote.

by the way another thing about the extender is you have to update it everytime you update anything on the remote. so you have to update both, kind of annoying as you have to go unplug the RF extender and bring it to your computer, then update and then go plug back into wall and position it

Just got off the phone with Harmony technical support about a couple of issues with the 1000. They stated that there will be a web update on Monday to fix several bugs.

Also found out the the 1000 will control z-wave devices but the software is not complete to the same state that the 890 software is. They are working on completing it - no release date yet.

Howard


cool, hopefully the update will fix some of the annoying glitches i've found already.

Just got off the phone with Harmony technical support about a couple of issues with the 1000. They stated that there will be a web update on Monday to fix several bugs.



Did they say what they are going to fix in the update?

this review may sound negative, but thats probably because i already had the 880 so the basic features of a harmony i was already used to

a negative i've noticed already is when swapping from play/pause menu to favorites or number menu there is about a second delay, its a little annoying as you think you didnt push the button. probably not a problem once you get used to it.

i cant seem to find anyway to add pages to the play/pause menu of my scientific atlantic 8300 HD. it looks like you can add more pages to the favorites section though. you can't change the text of the "hard wired" buttons for example on the play/pause page there is a guide, menu, etc buttons on the right. but you cannot change the names of those at all. the menu button does not even make sense as it just opens up the guide same as the guide button. instead menu should be list. so its frusterating you cant change simple things like that.

i also wish they'd allow at least a few custom buttons on the play/pause page for example. its obviously the main page you'll leave up on the remote, yet you'd have to go to the favorites button to do some basic tasks.

:)

I was afraid of some of this. I am not sure the 1000 will ever be easier to use than the 890 unless they fully open up the custimization opportunities. This is just a simple design fact of touchscreen vs. hard button remotes. It would be a major design philosophy shift for Harmony as their main selling point is ease of set-up/use. They are in a bit of a catch 22, as the biggest benefit of a touchscreen remote is the customization capabilities, however, Harmony is built on simplicity and ease of use. Not sure if they will open up the programming more for advanced users while still keeping the basic setup easy. Stay tuned.