I'm sorry to be asking this again, as i'm pretty sure someone in this thread already answered this
is there no way to return to the menu without using the homebutton
i.e. playing music, and then starting a picture slideshow...

i thought i saw someone mention it, but i can't seem to find it now, and can't figure out what to search for to get the post i need...

NE1???

i have the PS3IRX1 (without PWR) but would like Home Button capability. I understand pressing stop (or Square) brings me back to the XMB but it stops play during music, photo, and movie playback, which I don't want.

Do I have to upgrade my PS3IRX1 to the one with power (PS3IRX1+PWR) to have Home Button capability even though i'm not interested in turning my PS3 on/off via remote (Harmony 720)?

I know the Logitech/Harmony remotes are very popular and easy to add the PS2 IR codes. What other makes/models are widely used and have the ability to add the PS2 IR codes easily?

I know the Logitech/Harmony remotes are very popular and easy to add the PS2 IR codes. What other makes/models are widely used and have the ability to add the PS2 IR codes easily?

Prontos and Home Theatre Master remotes are popular as well. I have a Home Theater Master MX-700 and have loved having it for years.

I'm on the fence about the powered version. I'm not sure I need it. I never turn the darn thing off. It folds 24/7. Since it's backordered I could save some money and just get the regular version. How many people got the regular version then upgraded?

I'm on the fence about the powered version. I'm not sure I need it. I never turn the darn thing off. It folds 24/7. Since it's back ordered I could save some money and just get the regular version. How many people got the regular version then upgraded?

You can't upgrade. It's a different circuit. However, if by upgrade you mean how many people have bought the base model and then later purchased the PS3IR+PWR, the answer is, quite a few. But I think this was primarily because it wasn't available initially. I have been surprised by how many people want the power switching. I expected it to be a smaller group, with most staying with the base model. I was way off!

I know the Logitech/Harmony remotes are very popular and easy to add the PS2 IR codes. What other makes/models are widely used and have the ability to add the PS2 IR codes easily?

Have you looked at the www.onlyoneremote.com site. It has a good selection of the other remotes. Pictures and all. From what I can tell, many serious home theater installers use these instead of one from Logitech. (That should start up some lively discussion).

i have the PS3IRX1 (without PWR) but would like Home Button capability. I understand pressing stop (or Square) brings me back to the XMB but it stops play during music, photo, and movie playback, which I don't want.

Do I have to upgrade my PS3IRX1 to the one with power (PS3IRX1+PWR) to have Home Button capability even though i'm not interested in turning my PS3 on/off via remote (Harmony 720)?

All PS3IR units shipped after 12/27/2007 have home key support but it is NOT enabled by Sony yet, if ever.

You can't upgrade. It's a different circuit.

I believe he meant bought the +PWR version as an upgrade (having already owned the regular unit). Not upgraded the unit they already have.

Have you looked at the www.onlyoneremote.com site. It has a good selection of the other remotes. Pictures and all. From what I can tell, many serious home theater installers use these instead of one from Logitech. (That should start up some lively discussion).

I believe that many installers use remotes like that instead of Harmony ones for 3 basic reasons.

they can charge money for setting them up (or more money) versus the harmony which basically anyone can set up. Also for maintaining (changing when components added or removed).
they are more flexible and easier to program exactly how you want (once you know how; the initial learning curve on programming is harder than the harmony)
the margins are higher and hence they make more money


having said that, I know at least one custom installer that uses Harmonies for any install that doesn't want to pony up for a Crestron system. he doesn't want to mess with anything in between. But I don't think that's necessarily the norm.

Excellent points all.

Actually I really meant "high end" home theater installers. As in big $$$. Their customers want custom graphics and all that. And, they prefer someone else to figure it all out. So everybody is happy in the end. It's really a different market entirely than what Logitech is aiming for.

Fortunately for installers, the various component vendors don't waste much time making sure products are compatible with each other or even with products in the same product line. I don't see this changing anytime soon. And personally, I like the little niche markets this attitude creates. It gives me a chance to be creative.:D

They can charge money for setting them up (or more money) versus the harmony which basically anyone can set up. Also for maintaining (changing when components added or removed).
Its funny you point that out. My cousin, who owns a construction company, came to my house and saw our harmony 880 and said, "Oooh a Harmony 880. I don't provide these to my customers because the customers don't need me to set them up or come back to make changes when necessary. No money in that."

Its funny you point that out. My cousin, who owns a construction company, came to my house and saw our harmony 880 and said, "Oooh a Harmony 880. I don't provide these to my customers because the customers don't need me to set them up or come back to make changes when necessary. No money in that."

Hmmm... seems like bad Karma to me. You'd think there would be other ways to keep the business goin'. Honesty is usually what keeps things going through tough times. But then, I've always been told that I wear rose colored glasses as well as have a musical sound track to my life.(LOL)

Update: It seems I totally misunderstood the comments. Sometimes you just say something in public that is so stupid. I profoundly apologize for my "Bad Karma" comment. Something tells me I'll be living that one down for a while...

I wouldn't call that bad Karma. Is it bad karma for a store to sell fish and not sell books on how to fish? If the guy told customers lies about the harmony's, intentionally sabotaged them or sold other brands at above street value, that's one thing; but just selling a different brand since he can make more on the installation? That's not bad karma; he's not being dishonest.

Hmmm... seems like bad Karma to me. You'd think there would be other ways to keep the business goin'. Honesty is usually what keeps things going through tough times. But then, I've always been told that I wear rose colored glasses as well as have a musical sound track to my life.(LOL)

Hey, just for the record, I agree with you Mike, and I'm glad you think that way since you have a company yourself. Says good things about it.

I'm using the Harmony 880 with the Nyko. Everything seems to work great with the exception of the 'X' button. Ideally, I'd like the center 'OK' button to map to the 'X' on the PS3 remote.

I loaded the commands from Logitech's database. Everything works except the 'X'. Has anyone else had issues with this? Any fix?

Thanks

I'm using the Harmony 880 with the Nyko. Everything seems to work great with the exception of the 'X' button. Ideally, I'd like the center 'OK' button to map to the 'X' on the PS3 remote.

I loaded the commands from Logitech's database. Everything works except the 'X'. Has anyone else had issues with this? Any fix?

Thanks

Just remap OK to X. You may also want to map X, O, Triangle, and Square to page one of your soft keys. This would come in handy browsing around in XMB.

I wouldn't call that bad Karma. Is it bad karma for a store to sell fish and not sell books on how to fish? If the guy told customers lies about the harmony's, intentionally sabotaged them or sold other brands at above street value, that's one thing; but just selling a different brand since he can make more on the installation? That's not bad karma; he's not being dishonest.

Yeah, I can see that. It is really important to know your market. Let Best Buy sell Harmony's and focus on what you do best.

Just remap OK to X. You may also want to map X, O, Triangle, and Square to page one of your soft keys. This would come in handy browsing around in XMB.

I've done this. The 'X' doesn't work no matter what key I map it to. It seems that the code I downloaded from Logitech's site isn't working for me. I don't have a PS2 or a PSP, so I can't "learn" the code.

I'm going to try and have the Harmony "learn" it from the Nyko.

I've done this. The 'X' doesn't work no matter what key I map it to. It seems that the code I downloaded from Logitech's site isn't working for me. I don't have a PS2 or a PSP, so I can't "learn" the code.

I'm going to try and have the Harmony "learn" it from the Nyko.

I might know what your problem is. Make sure you set up the device as follows:

Game Console with DVD / Nyko / Blue-Wave

Don't use the PS2 or PS3 codes with the Nyko and Harmony.

I might know what your problem is. Make sure you set up the device as follows:

Game Console with DVD / Nyko / Blue-Wave

Don't use the PS2 or PS3 codes with the Nyko and Harmony.

Got it working, thanks.

Or play DVD ? I checked the new Logitech One remote does not support PS3. But the salesman told me that just bought some kind of receiver (costs $10) and should work. Anyone knows?

Thanks.

Or play DVD ? I checked the new Logitech One remote does not support PS3. But the salesman told me that just bought some kind of receiver (costs $10) and should work. Anyone knows?

Thanks.

He's probably talking about an IR receiver over USB (a "dongle"), but most likely it will not power the PS3 ON or OFF. Unless you decide to go with something like this other one (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12341448#post12341448) (be sure to read that thoroughly).

for Nyko Blu-Wave owners. The blu-wave is supported by logitech. Just go to game consoles and choose Nyko as your system and Blu-Wave as your device

What does anybody think of this...

http://www.remotecentral.com/articles/ir4ps3_full_function_ir_remote.htm

I just received my IR4PS3 on Sat. from Ben. It works like a champ. I can do EVERYTHING the bluetooth remote can do via IR. :D

I am also using Daniel Tonks CCF codes for my Philips Pronto Pro TSU-9600 remote. No programming knowledge required. :D :D

I'm also working on a customized GUI for the 9600 that looks EXACTLY like the PS3 bluetooth remote. However, I need to rework it because the buttons are too small for a touchscreen once uploaded to the remote. They look great on the computer screen (640x400) resolution, but the remote uses a higher resolution than 72 dpi so things are much smaller. See the attached graphics.

Looks like fun. Nice work there. How long did it take you to get the IR4PS3 and did you have to send in your own bluetooth remote to be modified?

I just received my IR4PS3 on Sat. from Ben. It works like a champ. I can do EVERYTHING the bluetooth remote can do via IR. :D

How did you buy it? I emailed him and never heard back from him. Do I need to just keep emailing and hope to get through?

How did you buy it? I emailed him and never heard back from him. Do I need to just keep emailing and hope to get through?

So have I, emailed twice and never got a response, curious as to how ckenisell accomplished it.

I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but you're probably out of luck until he gets rev 2 going. I e-mailed him on the first day the article went out. I offered to beta test anything and give him all feedback possible and I also paid top dollar.

Rev 1 takes him a couple of hours to assemble, thus, he's decided NOT to mass produce them until he gets a process down for rev 2 (which is more conducive to mass production and it will be less expensive.)

Other bad news is that he's had around 600 e-mails since the article ran. So, your e-mail likely won't get a response.

The good news is that he's received over 600 e-mails so he has decided that there is, in fact, a market for his product. I believe he's decided to go all in and mass produce the rev 2 version. Now, he's just searching for manufactures of the parts he needs to get it going. I believe he's only weeks away from that, so you might want to just hang out and wait for that product.

Please do me a favor and DON'T bombarred him with multiple e-mails. He has been very nice and has come up with a fantastic fully-functional remote. Hang tight and you'll have am IR4PS3 before you know it.

you emailed him when the article first came out and only JUST got it? Ouch.

you emailed him when the article first came out and only JUST got it? Ouch.

We went through SEVERAL e-mails talking about things before I actually made a purchase. Once I actually placed my order with him, he had the product in the mail in no time. Also, consider it shipped ground from Canada to Houston, TX. His customer service for the actual purchase was excellent. Please don't turn this into a negative thread about him. He is doing the best he can to come up with a FULL solution for everybody and I have no doubt that his customer service will be top notch once he has a product he can mass produce.

Where do you buy the PS2-controller-to-USB adapter? I'm new at this, so I don't want to get the wrong product.

Thank You Bob H.

Where do you buy the PS2-controller-to-USB adapter? I'm new at this, so I don't want to get the wrong product.

Thank You Bob H.

I got mine at The Source (Radio Shack). They're on evil-bay as well;)

I got mine at The Source (Radio Shack). They're on evil-bay as well;)

I went to Radio Shack on line, they didn't have any that I could see. Can somebody give me a link to a site so that I can buy one. If I get the IR codes from the Pronto files at remotecentral.com that came from a 3rd party remote will this PS2-controller-to-USB adapter be all that I would need?

Thank You Bob H.

We went through SEVERAL e-mails talking about things before I actually made a purchase. Once I actually placed my order with him, he had the product in the mail in no time. Also, consider it shipped ground from Canada to Houston, TX. His customer service for the actual purchase was excellent. Please don't turn this into a negative thread about him. He is doing the best he can to come up with a FULL solution for everybody and I have no doubt that his customer service will be top notch once he has a product he can mass produce.

FYI I wasn't trying to say anything bad about him; I was saying ouch because I thought he had that many orders stacked up.

I went to Radio Shack on line, they didn't have any that I could see. Can somebody give me a link to a site so that I can buy one. If I get the IR codes from the Pronto files at remotecentral.com that came from a 3rd party remote will this PS2-controller-to-USB adapter be all that I would need?

Thank You Bob H.

Nyko at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-3-Blu-Wave-Remote/dp/B000R5H7KE******pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1203087176&sr=8-3), PS3IR at Schmartz (http://www.schmartz.com/product.sc?categoryId=1&productId=2) from Mike (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12341448#post12341448).

FYI I wasn't trying to say anything bad about him; I was saying ouch because I thought he had that many orders stacked up.

That's okay Erikk. I kinda figured you weren't. I just didn't want others to start saying negative things because of it. Thanks for the clarification though.

I just received my IR4PS3 on Sat. from Ben. It works like a champ. I can do EVERYTHING the bluetooth remote can do via IR. :D

I am also using Daniel Tonks CCF codes for my Philips Pronto Pro TSU-9600 remote. No programming knowledge required. :D :D

I'm also working on a customized GUI for the 9600 that looks EXACTLY like the PS3 bluetooth remote. However, I need to rework it because the buttons are too small for a touchscreen once uploaded to the remote. They look great on the computer screen (640x400) resolution, but the remote uses a higher resolution than 72 dpi so things are much smaller. See the attached graphics.


ok I havent ben following this for awhile, but this doesnt do anything for the people whi own lofitech harmony remotes, does it? I thought the whole issue was not having to have multiple remotes. does this IR4PS3 intergrate itself to one of the harmony remotes - am i missing something?

ok I havent ben following this for awhile, but this doesnt do anything for the people whi own lofitech harmony remotes, does it? I thought the whole issue was not having to have multiple remotes. does this IR4PS3 intergrate itself to one of the harmony remotes - am i missing something?

The harmony will send the command to the official PS3 remote (modded with the IR4PS3), which will inturn send the command to the PS3.

I went to Radio Shack on line, they didn't have any that I could see. Can somebody give me a link to a site so that I can buy one. If I get the IR codes from the Pronto files at remotecentral.com that came from a 3rd party remote will this PS2-controller-to-USB adapter be all that I would need?

Thank You Bob H.

You need something like THIS (http://www.sourcingmap.com/usb-adapter-converter-for-sony-ps2-ps3-controller-p-10693.html)
to plug the PS2 IR receiver into. Then, use the codes from the PS2 remote.

I can't link to e bay, but there are lots on there, for under 5 bucks.

The harmony will send the command to the official PS3 remote (modded with the IR4PS3), which will inturn send the command to the PS3.

so you will still need an additional remote, correct?

so you will still need an additional remote, correct?

The way I understood it is that you do need the Bluetooth remote from Sony, but you don't really use it, it just sits there, within IR range of your universal remote, to capture the IR command you send and translate it/send it over Bluetooth to the PS3. The Bluetooth remote needs to be modified, of course.

So, you do need to buy it, but you will not use it.

The way I understood it is that you do need the Bluetooth remote from Sony, but you don't really use it, it just sits there, within IR range of your universal remote, to capture the IR command you send and translate it/send it over Bluetooth to the PS3. The Bluetooth remote needs to be modified, of course.

So, you do need to buy it, but you will not use it.

It will be interesting if that is the case. The way it is shown on their website, it is a simple box that receives the IR commands and converts them to BT. I didn't see any mention that it uses the Sony BT remote.

Ben uses a new Sony bluetooth remote and mods it to include an infrared receiver and the necessary hardware to accept the IR commands and trigger the bluetooth remote. Just think of the Sony remote as an IR receiver (similar to a USB adapter found in other solutions). The difference between Ben's solution and other solutions found elsewhere, is that the IR4PS3 gives you EVERY button available on the Sony bluetooth remote. I have the colored buttons, home button, select, start, etc. There are also macros that will go through the command sequence that will turn off the PS3.

Pretty nice if you ask me.

It will be interesting if that is the case. The way it is shown on their website, it is a simple box that receives the IR commands and converts them to BT. I didn't see any mention that it uses the Sony BT remote.

Oh, I'm sorry... it was my mistake. I was also talking about Ben's solution and not the one in the link, which I oversaw.

Speaking about the solution in the link, it says there that it's a nice way to recycle your PS2 controllers, so you do need one.

And the solution I was talking about was the one ckenisell just explained, which I also find pretty neat.

Harmony 550 and PS3IRX
I have tried several different ways, but I can't get the OK/X key to work. When playin movies, the ok button--x-- just brings up track information. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, I'm sorry... it was my mistake. I was also talking about Ben's solution and not the one in the link, which I oversaw.

Speaking about the solution in the link, it says there that it's a nice way to recycle your PS2 controllers, so you do need one.

And the solution I was talking about was the one ckenisell just explained, which I also find pretty neat.

Just to clarify, the one I was talking about was the IR2BT http://www.ir2bt.com which is still working its way to production. Depending on the price, this one could be the best solution for all those universal remote users. You don't need any other remotes and there's no modding to the PS3 (or PS2/PS3 remotes). They have a YouTube link showing the device in action.

Until this one comes out and I've had a chance to see some feedback, I'll survive with using my controller to manage things.

Just to clarify, the one I was talking about was the IR2BT http://www.ir2bt.com

I wish I had seen that sooner. I developed something that is just about identical and has already been sent out for fabrication and assembly. It is not the same enclosure as the one pictured but similar. I am planning to start posting updates as soon as I've qualified the device.

Edit: Fortunately mine has a different name.

I wish I had seen that sooner. I developed something that is just about identical and has already been sent out for fabrication and assembly. It is not the same enclosure as the one pictured but similar. I am planning to start posting updates as soon as I've qualified the device.

Edit: Fortunately mine has a different name.

Let us know how it works out! Im also in Austin, TX, so PM me if you want some help testing or just want to see how the avg joe would use your device.

I wish I had seen that sooner. I developed something that is just about identical and has already been sent out for fabrication and assembly. It is not the same enclosure as the one pictured but similar. I am planning to start posting updates as soon as I've qualified the device.

Edit: Fortunately mine has a different name.

Maybe you can price it better. That would give you some customer's preference.

I wish I had seen that sooner. I developed something that is just about identical and has already been sent out for fabrication and assembly. It is not the same enclosure as the one pictured but similar. I am planning to start posting updates as soon as I've qualified the device.

Edit: Fortunately mine has a different name.

The more the merrier! :)

I wish I had seen that sooner. I developed something that is just about identical and has already been sent out for fabrication and assembly. It is not the same enclosure as the one pictured but similar. I am planning to start posting updates as soon as I've qualified the device.

Edit: Fortunately mine has a different name.

That is interesting. That makes 4 different products. 1 in Canada and 3 in the US (2 just in Austin!). The PS3IR-PRO will remain at the $100 price point even with competition. I don't see how anyone can make a reliable product and support it long term for any less. Producing and supporting a product like this is a full time project and then some.

I have applied for a patent and have achieved patent pending status (US 61/022,597 - Method of Controlling Bluetooth RF Devices with Infrared Commands) on this type of device.

It's going to be interesting to see what all shakes out. Even if there is a price war, this will be OK for the folks that just want something for nothing and don't realize the importance of long term support. For the installers and everyone else, I'll stay in it. I have other IR products to support anyway.

I don't see how you could sell enough of these for $100. The convenience just isn't worth that kind of money.

I've been working on my own electronic device, and I know the money sinks. The case is one of them. Custom plastic work isn't cheap at all. But all of these IR to bluetooth translators are either using a modded PS3 remote or a standard plastic case with an IR window available in a ton of different form factors for very cheap. But circuit board startup costs aren't nearly as expensive. I'm not sure how this sort of thing could add up to $100 worth of components, labor and reasonable profit.

It sure is interesting to see all of these IR to Bluetooth adapters coming out. Seems like the most logical solution if you want to be able to get ALL of the buttons available on the Sony remote.

I don't see how you could sell enough of these for $100. The convenience just isn't worth that kind of money.

I've been working on my own electronic device, and I know the money sinks. The case is one of them. Custom plastic work isn't cheap at all. But all of these IR to bluetooth translators are either using a modded PS3 remote or a standard plastic case with an IR window available in a ton of different form factors for very cheap. But circuit board startup costs aren't nearly as expensive. I'm not sure how this sort of thing could add up to $100 worth of components, labor and reasonable profit.

I fully expect there are others who share your opinion. I have learned that there is a very loud but very small minority that want something for nothing. And they post early and often. There will likely be a cheaper version offered for them. Then that outfit will go belly up in a while when they realize they are losing money and can't afford to stay around and provide support. There is something for everyone.

The market I am serving understands the need for great support and they are willing to pay for it. In fact, any knowledgeable buyer should be suspicious of something cheaper in this smaller niche market. This is a mid to low volume boutique item. So, nobody will be selling millions of them. For this kind of product, it's extremely difficult to turn a real profit after you factor in all of the costs, even when it "seems" pricey.

But some of us are like electronic cobblers who just enjoy providing solutions and interacting with everyone. What little profits I have seen from sales is being reinvested in the release of the BT version. You have to just love what you do. It's not the get rich quick scheme it appears to be. But it is fun! And in the long run, I think I'll be able to derive a decent living. That, for me, is a lifelong dream come true.:D

I fully expect there are others who share your opinion. I have learned that there is a very loud but very small minority that want something for nothing.

I'm more like you, actually. I'd just rather make my own than pay $100 for one.

Generally, DIY types aren't the type to pay exorbitant amounts of money for some limited functionality.

I mean, hacking up a bluetooth remote and attaching an Atmel AVR and an IR receiver isn't that hard if you have the time and inclination. If $100 is indeed the price floor for these things, then I'll just make my own. If it is $50 or less, I'll probably buy one.

Harmony 550 and PS3IRX
I have tried several different ways, but I can't get the OK/X key to work. When playin movies, the ok button--x-- just brings up track information. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

anyone?

anyone?

Beetle, it sounds like you have your center button mapped incorrectly to the PS3 controller's 'select' button. Look at this post (which is the dedicated Schmart solutions thread) http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12341448#post12341448

There are some PDF's attached which show you the commands availalbe. You'll notice the select button is listed as a display function, which is what you have. You need to remap that to the 'x' button.

I'v tried that before. It has worked for me once--if I recall, the stop button isn't working correct either. I'll have to try when I get home to verify that.

I'm more like you, actually. I'd just rather make my own than pay $100 for one.

Generally, DIY types aren't the type to pay exorbitant amounts of money for some limited functionality.

I mean, hacking up a bluetooth remote and attaching an Atmel AVR and an IR receiver isn't that hard if you have the time and inclination. If $100 is indeed the price floor for these things, then I'll just make my own. If it is $50 or less, I'll probably buy one.


Cool! Have fun. You are lucky to have the ability to develop your own.

I figured it out--use PS2 instead of PS3.

I don't see how you could sell enough of these for $100. The convenience just isn't worth that kind of money.

I've been working on my own electronic device, and I know the money sinks. The case is one of them. Custom plastic work isn't cheap at all. But all of these IR to bluetooth translators are either using a modded PS3 remote or a standard plastic case with an IR window available in a ton of different form factors for very cheap. But circuit board startup costs aren't nearly as expensive. I'm not sure how this sort of thing could add up to $100 worth of components, labor and reasonable profit.

That is interesting. That makes 4 different products. 1 in Canada and 3 in the US (2 just in Austin!). The PS3IR-PRO will remain at the $100 price point even with competition. I don't see how anyone can make a reliable product and support it long term for any less. Producing and supporting a product like this is a full time project and then some.

I have applied for a patent and have achieved patent pending status (US 61/022,597 - Method of Controlling Bluetooth RF Devices with Infrared Commands) on this type of device.

It's going to be interesting to see what all shakes out. Even if there is a price war, this will be OK for the folks that just want something for nothing and don't realize the importance of long term support. For the installers and everyone else, I'll stay in it. I have other IR products to support anyway.

So do either of you have more info about your products? Have a website? Projected cost, availability, features?

While it's great that Sony is proud to be pushing a new technology it seems that they are also missing an opportunity to throw out another $50 accessory that many PS3 owners would buy.

So do either of you have more info about your products? Have a website? Projected cost, availability, features?

While it's great that Sony is proud to be pushing a new technology it seems that they are also missing an opportunity to throw out another $50 accessory that many PS3 owners would buy.

I'm at Schmartz.com but, I haven't put the BT device up yet. I have learned it's good to wait until you can fill the orders in a reasonable time frame. But since everyone else has pre-announced, I may rethink my strategy and start taking orders.

I just bought the Harmony 880. im just wondering which ir receiver should i get? the nyko the ps2 one????? mostly i want it to watch movies, like to change subtitles, and just normal stop pause and play features, a menu key wont be bad either thanks :)

I just bought the Harmony 880. im just wondering which ir receiver should i get? the nyko the ps2 one????? mostly i want it to watch movies, like to change subtitles, and just normal stop pause and play features, a menu key wont be bad either thanks :)

I'd hold off until at least the end of March and see how people feel about the IR2BT product.

I just bought the Harmony 880. im just wondering which ir receiver should i get? the nyko the ps2 one????? mostly i want it to watch movies, like to change subtitles, and just normal stop pause and play features, a menu key wont be bad either thanks :)

I got the PS3IRX1 from Schmartz and am very happy. For $35, I think this is the best solution out there. I had trouble with the Nyco grabbing controller one and some games require the use of controller one.

I don't know what some of the upcoming Bluetooth/IR solutions discussed are going to cost, but I have to think it will be far more than $35.

http://www.schmartz.com/product.sc?categoryId=1&productId=2

I really don't understand why anyone still wants IR remotes these days. Everything should be RF or Bluetooth, IMO. I hate all these old devices that require line of sight to work with the bloody remote.

I really don't understand why anyone still wants IR remotes these days. Everything should be RF or Bluetooth, IMO. I hate all these old devices that require line of sight to work with the bloody remote.

BT is better, but until more HT components use BT, having that extra remote is a bit of a pain.

BT is better, but until more HT components use BT, having that extra remote is a bit of a pain.

I have like 12 remotes here. Doesn't bother me any. How do people operate DVD recorders and such with universal remotes, anyway? I'd think you'd be missing a few buttons.

IR is the standard. It works with universal remotes. It is cheap to implement. Therefore it is desirable.

RF and bluetooth do not work with universal remotes. They are not standard. They are not as cheap to implement. Therefore I don't want either of them.

It's as easy as that.

I have like 12 remotes here. Doesn't bother me any. How do people operate DVD recorders and such with universal remotes, anyway? I'd think you'd be missing a few buttons.

My remote has an LCD screen with 8 assignable LCD buttons on it. I set one to be aspect ratio, one for subtitles, etc...

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/remotes/universal_remotes/devices/372&cl=us,en

If 8 isn't enough (sounds like an 80's TV show), you can page back and forth between button screens.

Works great.

On top of this, with a Harmony, you NEVER have to scroll through TV or stereo inputs again. You just hit "Play DVD" and it will turn on your TV, turn on your DVD player, turn on your receiver, then select the correct TV input, and then the correct receiver input. If you have home control, you could even have it automatically dim your lights, or bring down your front projector screen.

After that, if you want to watch your cable box, it will turn off the DVD player, turn on your cable box, select the right TV input for the cable box, and select the right receiver input.

Sure beats having 7 remotes on the coffee table.

Sure beats having 7 remotes on the coffee table.

Yeah, but it's kind of fun having people go "HOLY ****! WHAT ARE ALL THOSE FOR???" when they walk into your room. ;)

My remote has an LCD screen with 8 assignable LCD buttons on it. I set one to be aspect ratio, one for subtitles, etc...

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/remotes/universal_remotes/devices/372&cl=us,en

If 8 isn't enough (sounds like an 80's TV show), you can page back and forth between button screens.

Works great.

On top of this, with a Harmony, you NEVER have to scroll through TV or stereo inputs again. You just hit "Play DVD" and it will turn on your TV, turn on your DVD player, turn on your receiver, then select the correct TV input, and then the correct receiver input. If you have home control, you could even have it automatically dim your lights, or bring down your front projector screen.

After that, if you want to watch your cable box, it will turn off the DVD player, turn on your cable box, select the right TV input for the cable box, and select the right receiver input.

Sure beats having 7 remotes on the coffee table.

I love my 880, and I've gone through probably a dozen different universal remotes, the Harmony is powerful, yet easy to program and use. Probably get a One when the prices are better.

mike, i just wanted to say that i've been following your progress on these boards for just under a year now, having bought my ps3 last spring. i've always wanted to nab one of your devices, and as things progressed and i made obsevations about my personal use of my ps3, i decided that the non-powered PS3IRX1 was the one for me (there are a TON of days that i am in mid-game, but wanna take a sipsons-break or what-have-you and don't want to power off!)

i ordered mine in the wee early hours on march 6th. by mid-afternoon on the 8th, i've got it in hand, installed, and kicking ass. i mostly used the setting posted by beerstalker here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12746374#post12746374 and a couple of wife-friendly additional buttons on the screen on my harmony880. and i JUST put the BT ps3 remote in the drawer-full-of-remotes.

i simply can't believe just how quickly this got to me. and just how excited i am to finally have one in hand.

so this is just one more thanks-for-a-great-product to add to the pile. all of us HT dorks owe cats like you a great deal of honor and respect. you're finding solutions to all of the problems that drive the rest of us crazy!!!

I have a Harmony One remote and bought the Nyko BluWave remote yesterday. Sorting through all these posts I have 99% of everything setup, but I have a few functions that are quirky. The "stop" button want stop but the virtual "Circle" on the touchscreen works. I have mapped the stopped button to the circle command with no luck. Like I said I can push the "circle" on the touch screen so I do have a work around. I also can't get the "info" function to work at all. I did the learn for the "info" button on the Nyko which is labeled "Select" on the Nyko remote. All learned commands are Analyzed...none are RAW. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I might know what your problem is. Make sure you set up the device as follows:

Game Console with DVD / Nyko / Blue-Wave

Don't use the PS2 or PS3 codes with the Nyko and Harmony.

This post is a life saver. I was trying to program my Harmony remote using PS2 codes and then I came across this post. I didn't realize the Nyko Blue-Wave was actually in the list so this is the best possible program for this device. If only there was a simple way to add power functionality.

This post is a life saver. I was trying to program my Harmony remote using PS2 codes and then I came across this post. I didn't realize the Nyko Blue-Wave was actually in the list so this is the best possible program for this device. If only there was a simple way to add power functionality.


Just buy a PS3IR+PWR

This post is a life saver. I was trying to program my Harmony remote using PS2 codes and then I came across this post. I didn't realize the Nyko Blue-Wave was actually in the list so this is the best possible program for this device. If only there was a simple way to add power functionality.

There are a few options coming to market (IR2BT) and one already on sale (PS3IR+PWR). Heck there are even a few hobbyists building their own.

Pfft, yeah, I'd concur about going IR on the PS3, since the Bluetooth remote that the PS3 has is just too ubersensitive all of the sudden. Just one bump, and it automatically turns on the console without your permission. I mean, I like the PS3 remote, but with the highly sensitive controls on there, I just feel that a more "controlled" remote control would be a good thing to look into.

Man, this PS3 is really pissing me off. I bought it strictly as a Blu-Ray player (costs Sony more if I buy one w/o buying games or accessories) and it's failed miserably so far. Now I find out that even if I get an IR remote to work it works only while in the movie. I can't power the device on, navigate to the disc and launch the Blu-Ray player. Urg. Even though I was sticking it to Sony and protecting myself from the inevitable likelihood that Sony will change up the format to utilize a more efficient format. The PS3 is upgradeable (even though I've heard lots of rumors that Sony is toying with the idea of a format that the PS3 wouldn't be able to firmware upgrade to given the current hardware configuration) so it keeps me 'future proof' unlike stand alone units. I don't have to pay another $100 for HDMI cables and various parts to make an IR remote work half ass either though. I'm torn on which way to go now.

Hitting the PS button will turn on your PS3 if it is off.

Hitting the PS button will turn on your PS3 if it is off.

Yep, on the controller. I'm trying to eliminate the use of the stupid PS3 controller entirely.

I can't power the device on, navigate to the disc and launch the Blu-Ray player.

You can power the device on with some of the newer devices such as the PS3IR+PWR or even do more with the IR2BT device which should do power, home button, and the color buttons.

With any of the USB dongles such as the Nyko BluWave or the PS3IR (with or without the power functions) you can navigate with the arrow keys the same way that you would with the controller. This also includes launching a Blu-ray disc and even using the PS store.

I agree that it does suck that the PS3 doesn't come with an IR solution out of the box or even an official IR dongle accessory such as the original PS2 remote.

Man, this PS3 is really pissing me off. I bought it strictly as a Blu-Ray player (costs Sony more if I buy one w/o buying games or accessories) and it's failed miserably so far. Now I find out that even if I get an IR remote to work it works only while in the movie. I can't power the device on, navigate to the disc and launch the Blu-Ray player. Urg. Even though I was sticking it to Sony and protecting myself from the inevitable likelihood that Sony will change up the format to utilize a more efficient format. The PS3 is upgradeable (even though I've heard lots of rumors that Sony is toying with the idea of a format that the PS3 wouldn't be able to firmware upgrade to given the current hardware configuration) so it keeps me 'future proof' unlike stand alone units. I don't have to pay another $100 for HDMI cables and various parts to make an IR remote work half ass either though. I'm torn on which way to go now.

What IR upgrade are you using? There are several IR upgrade products that work properly in the XBR so you can navigate wherever you want. And the PS3IR+PWR will also turn the PS3 On and Off. Soon there will be several IR to Bluetooth solutions in production as well. I understand the frustration. I designed the PS3IR products as a service for this select group in hopes of reducing the inconvenience of using the PS3 as a Blu-Ray player in your home theatre.

Man, this PS3 is really pissing me off. I bought it strictly as a Blu-Ray player (costs Sony more if I buy one w/o buying games or accessories) and it's failed miserably so far. Now I find out that even if I get an IR remote to work it works only while in the movie. I can't power the device on, navigate to the disc and launch the Blu-Ray player. Urg. Even though I was sticking it to Sony and protecting myself from the inevitable likelihood that Sony will change up the format to utilize a more efficient format. The PS3 is upgradeable (even though I've heard lots of rumors that Sony is toying with the idea of a format that the PS3 wouldn't be able to firmware upgrade to given the current hardware configuration) so it keeps me 'future proof' unlike stand alone units. I don't have to pay another $100 for HDMI cables and various parts to make an IR remote work half ass either though. I'm torn on which way to go now.
Jeremy.... CALM DOWN! How has the PS3 failed miserably as a Bluray player for you? Is it just the power on issue? While I would agree this is annoying but unless you already have a Bluray disc loaded you have to walk up to the PS3 and load it anyway. So, hit the power button, load your disc and sit back and relax! If you don't like to use the PS3 pop up menu to navigating/controling the DVD, then buy yourself a separate remote or like many Harmony owners have done, invest in the IR-Blutooth adapter from schmartz.com that can even offer the remote power on/off capability you feel you need. I also bought my PS3 as a Bluray player first and a game console second and I think you are making too much about the power on feature...

Jeremy.... CALM DOWN! How has the PS3 failed miserably as a Bluray player for you? Is it just the power on issue? While I would agree this is annoying but unless you already have a Bluray disc loaded you have to walk up to the PS3 and load it anyway. So, hit the power button, load your disc and sit back and relax! If you don't like to use the PS3 pop up menu to navigating/controling the DVD, then buy yourself a separate remote or like many Harmony owners have done, invest in the IR-Blutooth adapter from schmartz.com that can even offer the remote power on/off capability you feel you need. I also bought my PS3 as a Bluray player first and a game console second and I think you are making too much about the power on feature...

You have to admit that a entertainment device that launched at $600 not having IR is pretty damn ridiculous, not to mention stupid. Considering Sony does stuff like removes USB ports from later PS3s (what does that save, 11 cents?) it wouldn't surprise me if the PS3 didn't have IR to save money. It's even more annoying when you consider Sony's flagship universal remote won't control the PS3.

You have to admit that a entertainment device that launched at $600 not having IR is pretty damn ridiculous, not to mention stupid. Considering Sony does stuff like removes USB ports from later PS3s (what does that save, 11 cents?) it wouldn't surprise me if the PS3 didn't have IR to save money. It's even more annoying when you consider Sony's flagship universal remote won't control the PS3.
I agree with you about the $600 launch price but that's always the price you pay for buying any new technology when it first comes out. Does the Apple iPhone pricing sound familiar? I also agree that Sony should have made the PS3 with IR. However, I must admit there are advantages to having Bluetooth for me as I use both a bluetooth headset and bluetooth keyboard that work flawlessly with the PS3. I just think it's unfaur to say "... the PS3 fails miserably as Bluray player." On the contrary, now that PS3 prices have come down to the $350 range, I think it's a great value as a combination Bluray player/game console. I have a Harmony remote and will shortly invest in an IR to Bluetooth device for the PS3 to make life just a bit simpler!

Regarding Sony's flagship remote not working with the PS3--now that's inexcusable, unless that remote came out before the PS3 launched.

I am very very pleased with the PS3. One of the new features, resuming a movie where you left off, (even after the PS3 was shut off!) is amazing. Very cool. I still find the fan exceedingly loud, so I moved the PS3 to a different room, and that solved that problem. Happy customer.

Maybe you can price it better. That would give you some customer's preference.

I've posted the details at its site, http://www.ps3toothfairy.com. The no-solder retrofit will be less than $50. I don't have a final price as I am getting some more quotes from assemblers, but even with the ones I already have that price will work. I do agree with Mike though that it is difficult to price things sub $20 (like what you might buy at the local discount store) when you are doing small volume. I did not want to hijack the threads of others, so I started one Here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1019556), but I'll continue to read both.

USB InfraRed IR Dongle for $5.59 (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5510)

It looks like this little dongle is supposed to be used for Irda data transfer. Does anyone think that it could be used with the PS3 for remote control with a Harmony? I have a Harmony 520.

USB InfraRed IR Dongle for $5.59 (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5510)

It looks like this little dongle is supposed to be used for Irda data transfer. Does anyone think that it could be used with the PS3 for remote control with a Harmony? I have a Harmony 520.

Extremely unlikely. You need a device that emulates a USB game controller in the interface it presents to the PS3. If the PS3 recognized this thing at all, it would probably be as a serial port.

I will not work with the aforementioned dongle. All of the solutions that I have seen (including the ps3toothfairy that I make) use custom front end electronics/firmware to interpret the IR commands and then retransmit the proper signals to the PS3 via bluetooth, USB, etc. So it is unlikely any device will work unless it has been designed for use with the PS3 and knows how to interpret the IR codes.

Does the PS3IRX1 able to shut power off to the ps3? Now i was looking at the site http://www.schmartstuff.com/ but the PS3IR+PWR is no longer available? Can you guys help me on this? I dont want the pro since i dont have the funds at this time for it. If there is a cheaper solution, please let me know. I want to be able to use my Logitech xbox 360 remote. Thanks.

Looks like they replaced it with this.
http://www.schmartstuff.com/ps3irpr3.html

Better solution.

Looks like they replaced it with this.
http://www.schmartstuff.com/ps3irpr3.html

Better solution.

How does this differ from the IR2BT? There is a significant price difference.

I have an IR2BT. Works great. Once I set it up, I haven't even been back to their web site. It just works. $50 for that solution.

How does this differ from the IR2BT? There is a significant price difference.

The biggest difference is that the firmware can be upgraded in the field. It is naive to think that this will not be an important feature over time.

Also, Schmartz.com has been around providing solutions for this market for over a year.

Finally, there are inputs to allow direct connection to some of the higher end remotes. However, the firmware for this feature is still being developed. A firmware update will be made available as soon as this is completed. The PRO is aimed at the high end Home Theater market. Custom features can be made available for specific remotes. For example, an RS-232 serial input is planned for the immediate future by popular demand. This will require a special cable to adapt the expansion output of the PRO to the standard RS-232 DB-9 connector. The RS-232 connector will be integrated into the PRO in a few months.

A new cost reduced version of the PRO, the PS3IR+BT, will be available in July. It won't have the extra inputs. It is meant for the consumer market and will be provided in a beautiful custom plastic enclosure. It will sell for around $50.

If you don't want the special features of the PRO , the other product would probably do for now. There is also a product called the IR4PS3. Basically, you can't go wrong. They all work as advertised. :D

Will the PS3IR+BT be able to turn the ps3 on/off? I dont need the extra inputs.

It is naive to think that this will not be an important feature over time.

Why would it be naive to think that? If that were the case, then Sony would need to come out with ANOTHER PS3 BT remote that has additional functionality. And I don't think that's going to happen. If your PS3IR-PRO really does do all of the functions of the Sony BT remote, then why would the PS3IR-PRO ever really need to be firmware upgraded?

I agree with you about the $600 launch price but that's always the price you pay for buying any new technology when it first comes out. Does the Apple iPhone pricing sound familiar? I also agree that Sony should have made the PS3 with IR. However, I must admit there are advantages to having Bluetooth for me as I use both a bluetooth headset and bluetooth keyboard that work flawlessly with the PS3. I just think it's unfaur to say "... the PS3 fails miserably as Bluray player." On the contrary, now that PS3 prices have come down to the $350 range, I think it's a great value as a combination Bluray player/game console. I have a Harmony remote and will shortly invest in an IR to Bluetooth device for the PS3 to make life just a bit simpler!

Regarding Sony's flagship remote not working with the PS3--now that's inexcusable, unless that remote came out before the PS3 launched.

Jeremy.... CALM DOWN! How has the PS3 failed miserably as a Bluray player for you? Is it just the power on issue? While I would agree this is annoying but unless you already have a Bluray disc loaded you have to walk up to the PS3 and load it anyway. So, hit the power button, load your disc and sit back and relax! If you don't like to use the PS3 pop up menu to navigating/controling the DVD, then buy yourself a separate remote or like many Harmony owners have done, invest in the IR-Blutooth adapter from schmartz.com that can even offer the remote power on/off capability you feel you need. I also bought my PS3 as a Bluray player first and a game console second and I think you are making too much about the power on feature...

Man, this PS3 is really pissing me off. I bought it strictly as a Blu-Ray player (costs Sony more if I buy one w/o buying games or accessories) and it's failed miserably so far. Now I find out that even if I get an IR remote to work it works only while in the movie. I can't power the device on, navigate to the disc and launch the Blu-Ray player. Urg. Even though I was sticking it to Sony and protecting myself from the inevitable likelihood that Sony will change up the format to utilize a more efficient format. The PS3 is upgradeable (even though I've heard lots of rumors that Sony is toying with the idea of a format that the PS3 wouldn't be able to firmware upgrade to given the current hardware configuration) so it keeps me 'future proof' unlike stand alone units. I don't have to pay another $100 for HDMI cables and various parts to make an IR remote work half ass either though. I'm torn on which way to go now.

I'm a proud owner of a PS3, and very impressed with it's capability. not only can I play game, and watch "BLU-RAY" movies i can also use it as a media server extender, now how cool is that. my PS3 replaced the computer I had hooked up to my tv, and now there is no harrware noise and i can keep my computers out of sight and my HT setup looks clean and superb. i was thinking about of buying a PS3 I did my research, I knew it didnt have an IR blaster (I HOPE PEOPLE ARE DILIGNET IN KNOWING WHAT THEY ARE BUYING BEFORE THEY BUY IT) I have a Harmony 880 remote, which I love, and even before i bought the system i researched logitech and their recomendatios. I ended getting the NYKO bluwave and it works like a charm. Like soneone said inthe post if you have to load a disc to it you have to bend down and insert the disc, as soon as the disc loads it turns on all by itself. But lets say I'm playing a game and but i have to leave or something, I juast leave it on and and when i come back it's already on for me ( I wouldn't do this if i knew i was going overnight or longer) but lets face it, if you are an avid game player HOW MANY HOURS IS YOUR SYSTEM ON FOR????? the thruth is you need to do your homework before you buy....

Now that you have a PS3 and you face some challenges, dont complain just find a solution...


BertBert

Why would it be naive to think that? If that were the case, then Sony would need to come out with ANOTHER PS3 BT remote that has additional functionality. And I don't think that's going to happen. If your PS3IR-PRO really does do all of the functions of the Sony BT remote, then why would the PS3IR-PRO ever really need to be firmware upgraded?

Having a field upgradeable unit, gives Mike and us owners, the ability to add features, as needed or wanted. For example, Mike could add internal macros to the PS3IR-PRO. For us harmony owners, the built in Macro/Sequence support is just plain horrible. There is no ability to add delays to any part of the macro. Mike could theoretically give us a Power Off Macro that is controlled by the PRO, not the harmony, as the harmony does a terrible job of maintaining the Power State of devices, if you turn them off manually from the harmony.

That's just one of the many possibilities, as I see it anyway.

Ed

Will the PS3IR+BT be able to turn the ps3 on/off? I dont need the extra inputs.

Yes, it will support all 51 functions the same as the Sony BD Remote, including of course, power ON/OFF and the PS key.

Having a field upgradeable unit, gives Mike and us owners, the ability to add features, as needed or wanted. For example, Mike could add internal macros to the PS3IR-PRO. For us harmony owners, the built in Macro/Sequence support is just plain horrible. There is no ability to add delays to any part of the macro. Mike could theoretically give us a Power Off Macro that is controlled by the PRO, not the harmony, as the harmony does a terrible job of maintaining the Power State of devices, if you turn them off manually from the harmony.

That's just one of the many possibilities, as I see it anyway.

Ed

Understood.

Why would it be naive to think that? If that were the case, then Sony would need to come out with ANOTHER PS3 BT remote that has additional functionality. And I don't think that's going to happen. If your PS3IR-PRO really does do all of the functions of the Sony BT remote, then why would the PS3IR-PRO ever really need to be firmware upgraded?

I would think the biggest reason is to add features and macros to support remotes that don't have really good macro capabilities. There are many out there.

But, who really knows what the future holds? For instance: for any reason (or no apparent reason), Sony could take a stand that using their IR codes in a competing device (not the same as a remote) is wrong and take steps to quash that. We would all have to change code sets. Or Sony could modify the PS3 firmware to only work with the BD remote. This is actually likely to happen by accident. They make a change and unwittingly rely on some minor behavior of the BD remote such as response times. In all cases it is still Bluetooth compatible but, the IR to Bluetooth converters would cease to function until we adjusted to that.

Here is an easy one to grasp. What if Sony decided to tweak a part of the pairing process or any other GUI type of thing. They would only need to change the PS3 firmware since the user instructions and response logic is all defined there. The devices would all need to be adjusted for this. Over time, Sony will do whatever they want to evolve the PS3 and the way it operates. They will test against their own devices, not any third party devices. So it is likely that at some point they will break something by accident.

Nobody can afford to do a recall of every device if something comes up in the future. That's why I have added this capability to the PRO (and soon the PS3IR+BT). If any mid size or smaller company was faced with recalling all it's product, there are few options available. Either leave the customer hanging or go out of business due to the cost of fixing the problem on such a large scale. It is just a risky business practice that is totally avoidable. My first product did not have field update capability either. But, over the past year, it has become clear how much better it would be to have this capability built in.;)

...as the harmony does a terrible job of maintaining the Power State of devices, if you turn them off manually from the harmony.

It doesn't do a terrible job of maintaining the power state of devices. It just isn't designed to track manual power state changes. Harmony's power state management is only done via Activities, the All Off button, and Help button. Any power commands via the Device screen commands, physically pushing the button on the equipment, or using the factory remote will not be tracked by Harmony's state management.

The main issue with the PS3 is that there isn't discrete OFF and ON commands so power state management issues cause more problems than with devices that have discrete power commands. Sending a Power Off command to a device with a discrete Power Off code will do nothing to that device. However, sending a Power Off command the a device without discrete power commands (just power toggle) that is in the off state will turn it on. (Sending a Power On command to a PS3 that is in the On state will not turn it off due to the the macro needed for Off, but that is unique to the PS3.)

It doesn't do a terrible job of maintaining the power state of devices. It just isn't designed to track manual power state changes. Harmony's power state management is only done via Activities, the All Off button, and Help button. Any power commands via the Device screen commands, physically pushing the button on the equipment, or using the factory remote will not be tracked by Harmony's state management.

Saying it's not a feature of the Harmony to monitor using a Power Button mapped in an activity or Device setup, does not mean it's not terrible. It is terrible. Why would you not monitor power button presses every where? There is no excuse for this poor implementation. Just as there is no excuse for the poor implementation of Macros/Sequences. The fact that the only way to add delays to a macro, is by calling Tier 2 Customer Support, is ridiculous. The first call I made, I was told Tier 2 was not available, they were down for system maintenance. The second time I called, I was on hold for 53mins before I decided to give up.

Other then those two BIG problems, I really do like the remote.

Ed

Using a power button mapped in an activity or device setup is usually done in order to turn on or off a device that the Harmony didn't get right when starting an activity. So basically, you are correcting the state of the device to match the state that the remote is already in.

Computers and game consoles are tricky things to get right for power settings. I'll often start a demo download on the PS3 and then switch over to DirecTV. In that case, I don't want the PS3 shutting down because (unlike the 360), the download will stop if I shut the PS3 down.

And my computer is sometimes on already if it is recording a show when I start the Media Center activity, and it only has a power toggle, not discrete on/off codes. So I don't want the PC to sleep if it is recording a show (it wouldn't do it anyway).

So for the PS3 and the computer it might be best to just have a power button set up as one of the LCD soft buttons.

That is what I do with my computer. But the PS3 is just a blu-ray player 9 times out of 10, so I let the Harmony/IR2BT turn it on and off, which it does very well. When I do download a demo and switch over to directv, I'll hit the DirecTV activity, but hold my hand over the IR emitter. Then I'll press help. When you press help, it won't attempt to shut down the PS3, but it will switch over my receiver and TV to the DirecTV inputs. So 2 button presses instead of 1. Still beats using the devices menu.

And it definitely beats having 7 remotes on the table.

Shape, you should just set up the Harmony to not turn off unused devices (the PS3) when switching activities. It will only turn off the device when the All Off command is sent. I think this is in the set up options of the device. I set all my devices to remain on when switching activities since I'm often paused in a movie or game and switch over to watch a show and then switch back. If I left the Harmony to do the default settings then it would turn off the movie or game when I switched to the TV.

Shape, you should just set up the Harmony to not turn off unused devices (the PS3) when switching activities. It will only turn off the device when the All Off command is sent. I think this is in the set up options of the device. I set all my devices to remain on when switching activities since I'm often paused in a movie or game and switch over to watch a show and then switch back. If I left the Harmony to do the default settings then it would turn off the movie or game when I switched to the TV.

Right, and this works for everything that has Discrete ON/OFF functionality, but not for devices like the PS3. When you hit the All Off button, it turns on the PS3, if it was off. Often times I leave my PS3 on, to download demos, but once it's done, I turn it off, and go back to what ever activity I was on. So, if I hit All Off, my PS3 comes back on. That's why many of us do not let the Harmony control the power of some of our devices.

Ed

Shape, you should just set up the Harmony to not turn off unused devices (the PS3) when switching activities. It will only turn off the device when the All Off command is sent. I think this is in the set up options of the device. I set all my devices to remain on when switching activities since I'm often paused in a movie or game and switch over to watch a show and then switch back. If I left the Harmony to do the default settings then it would turn off the movie or game when I switched to the TV.
what I have done is to set up on one of the pages the rest of the devices inputs. for exmple in the Watch TV activity I have 'tv input PS3' and 'tv input DVR' also the same for my AVR. 'avr input PS3 and AVR input TV/DVR' does it make sense? I have made this mod in all of the Activites, so no matter which activity I am in I can change inputs both on my tv and avr with out having to press activity or the device3 button...

I hope this makes sense...

I think the only potential change that Sony could make to the whole remote thing that would affect units in the field is

1) The tricks to shut down the unit, i.e. the 6 button and 3 button sequences
2) The pairing of the device
3) Button timing

I gave careful thought to this before spinning a device. I can't speak for others, but the ps3toothfairy doesn't know about the pairing protocol. Basically the Sony remote has to follow the Sony PS3 protocol that the controllers are using. That protocol allows for a large number of "single press" buttons (such as the audio and subtitle) as well as a very small subset of buttons that are supported "in combinations", like start+enter. My approach was to just allow the unit to transmit any set of combo keys. There is both a protocol limit and a hardware limit to what they could change it to -- rather than guess, I just made them all work correctly.

The shutdown tricks could potentially change, I added the macros into the device with some ability to configure and modify their behavior. The exact details of what you can do is not in the manual other than to change the sequence. If it comes up, then I may have to publish a "button sequence" to configure the device a little differently. Of course they could make changes that could not be handled, but that part of the PS3 has stayed consistent for a while now.

The button timing is interesting because the IR remotes and BT remote work in very different ways. When you hold a button on the IR remote, it continually transmits the key and that is how your DVD player, receiver, etc know you are holding the key, it just sees the same pattern over and over. The BT remotes don't do that. Basically they register two events, the key press and the key release. That is the only time anything is transmitted. So it is up to the firmware inside the PS3 to deduce if you are holding the key down or not.

How the device maps from IR "hold down" to BT press/release is really up to the developer -- there isn't really any hard and fast rule as to how it is done. And there are of course some design decisions that have to be made along the way. In the case of the ps3toothfairy it tries to be as smart as possible about it, but it still has extremely fast response time. The 2nd part is how does the device handle the signal timing from the Sony module. I didn't guess here either, I just designed it to work with a part way faster than would ever be needed -- In theory it can scan at around 80MHz, but the Sony module now and in the future won't ever likely go or need to go that fast.

Where there is a high probability of failure is if somebody emulates the bluetooth remote with a CSR radio or something. That would be great from a cost, ease of build, and integration with Girder or other HA apps, but Sony firmware could lock that out pretty quick (if they have not already) unless the developer used Sony's BT Remote MAC addresses. That is really not the right thing to do though. The last potential pitfall with this approach is if the remote can send some "as-of-yet-unseen" responses during the pairing and a firmware switch on the PS3 activated that. Having said all this, I am currently playing with it in my spare time to see if I could emulate the remote. Emulating the PS3 with Linux is an easy trick. If it does work I don't know that I would make it a product -- seems to risky on the surface. If anyone has done this already, though I'd like to see it go.

- ame

Right, and this works for everything that has Discrete ON/OFF functionality, but not for devices like the PS3. When you hit the All Off button, it turns on the PS3, if it was off. Often times I leave my PS3 on, to download demos, but once it's done, I turn it off, and go back to what ever activity I was on. So, if I hit All Off, my PS3 comes back on. That's why many of us do not let the Harmony control the power of some of our devices.

EdIf the PS3 is not a device in a current activity, and you press "all off", then the PS3 will not come on. If the PS3 is already on, that implies it is a device in the current activity, and pressing "all off" will indeed turn it off.

If the PS3 is not a device in a current activity, and you press "all off", then the PS3 will not come on. If the PS3 is already on, that implies it is a device in the current activity, and pressing "all off" will indeed turn it off.

Not for the 880 (that's what I use). It definitely sends the Power Off Cmd to All Devices used in All activities. I can reproduce this this consistently. I'm wondering if there has been a Firmware update for the 880?

Not for the 880 (that's what I use). It definitely sends the Power Off Cmd to All Devices used in All activities. I can reproduce this this consistently. I'm wondering if there has been a Firmware update for the 880?Really? I too have the 880. I thought that if a device was not in an activity, pressing "all off" does not send a power signal for that device? You are saying that even though you do not have the PS3 as a device in your activity, pressing "all off" still sends a power command for the PS3?

If so, this implies that pressing "all off" sends the 'off' command for every device in the 880 (for those devices that the 880 believes have power off/on commands).

Really? I too have the 880. I thought that if a device was not in an activity, pressing "all off" does not send a power signal for that device? You are saying that even though you do not have the PS3 as a device in your activity, pressing "all off" still sends a power command for the PS3?

If so, this implies that pressing "all off" sends the 'off' command for every device in the 880 (for those devices that the 880 believes have power off/on commands).

I think we are crossing wires here. My PS3 is in an activity, it's just not the Currently Active activity.

I know for a fact that my PS3 will not receive the OFF command if I don't use any activities that involve the PS3 when pressing ALL OFF. I often only hit Watch TV and then ALL OFF and the PS3 never responds. Only when I've used my PS3 activity does the PS3 respond to ALL OFF.

However, I have my PS3 set to not turn off between activities (power off unused devices option). Maybe that is the issue? I don't want my devices to turn off between activities because I will often pause a game or DVD to watch a program on TV and then switch back. With that option enabled I would lose that ability.

I didn't say I didn't turn On my PS3 with the activity feature, I just said it's not the Active Activity I'm using. I'll switch to a different activity, while the PS3 is downloading or Folding, then I'll switch back periodically to see if it has finished. If it has, I manually turn it off using the harmony. Then I switch back to the other activity (using the activity feature). Then when I press the All Off, my PS3 comes back On, even though it's not in the current activity.

That is your problem. If you manually turn off a device by using device mode, the Harmony does not track that button press, so it still thinks the device is on. So when you hit the power off button it will still try to shut the PS3 off.

Harmony remotes only track the power state of devices that are turned on by starting an activity, and turned off by the all off button.

It may be my problem, but it's due to Logitech's terrible design.

I'm a little behind on this thread, as it's been a while since I tracked it. But what unit are you (the last 3 guys to post) using to control your PS3, including power on/off, with your Harmony 880? I had planned on checking out the PS3IR+BT when it became available (in July I think), but maybe what you are using is just fine, and what I am looking for. And what device to you have in your 880 that maps to the PS3 controls? Thank you.

I know for a fact that my PS3 will not receive the OFF command if I don't use any activities that involve the PS3 when pressing ALL OFF. I often only hit Watch TV and then ALL OFF and the PS3 never responds. Only when I've used my PS3 activity does the PS3 respond to ALL OFF.

However, I have my PS3 set to not turn off between activities (power off unused devices option). Maybe that is the issue? I don't want my devices to turn off between activities because I will often pause a game or DVD to watch a program on TV and then switch back. With that option enabled I would lose that ability.To me, it sounds as though you have told your Harmony that you want to leave your PS3 on all the time. Or, that there are no power buttons for your PS3. If you choose to turn off your PS3 when not in use, then it will respond to the ALL OFF command.

For my TiVo, I've chosen, "There are no power buttons for this device". For my DVD player, I've chosen the same (because once I hit the ALL OFF button, I still want the power to open the tray and remove the disc - then while I'm there, I press the power button on the front panel).

It may be my problem, but it's due to Logitech's terrible design.

Sorry, but that is the way Harmony remotes have worked since they first came out. They only track the power of devices turned on by activities and off by the Off button. They do not track Power commands done in device mode because they treat those commands the same as any other button press.

One thing you might try is switching to the long power off macro. I have found that if I accidently send the long power off macro the first PS button press will turn the PS3 on, the two down button presses will just move the cursor on the XMB, then the PS hold for 3.5 sec, X, X, will turn the PS3 back off.

I'm a little behind on this thread, as it's been a while since I tracked it. But what unit are you (the last 3 guys to post) using to control your PS3, including power on/off, with your Harmony 880? I had planned on checking out the PS3IR+BT when it became available (in July I think), but maybe what you are using is just fine, and what I am looking for. And what device to you have in your 880 that maps to the PS3 controls? Thank you.

I would suggest you check out this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1016741

I would suggest you check out this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1016741Thanks - lots of info in that link! The IR2BT seems to be a solution that fits my needs.

To me, it sounds as though you have told your Harmony that you want to leave your PS3 on all the time. Or, that there are no power buttons for your PS3. If you choose to turn off your PS3 when not in use, then it will respond to the ALL OFF command.

No, I told the Harmony to leave the PS3 (as well as my other components) ON when switching activities.

The setting is here:

Activities / Settings / Change Options / Turn Off Unused Devices / Leave On

You have to do this to all your activities where you don't want the devices turning off while switching between them. Basically once I turn a device on it will stay on until I hit ALL OFF. Some people may not like this, but I don't want my DVD or PS3 to turn off if I'm just switching over to watch a show on TV while my other devices are paused.

There has been a flurry of posts on the web about problems related to the latest PS3 firmware V2.4. I just want to assure all Schmartz.com customers that our PS3IR products have been tested and verified to work flawlessly with this newest PS3 firmware release.

Just got my PS3. Agree it is aggravating that I cannot turn it on or off without the controller or BT remote by using my Harmony. I understand that there are various ways to use a PS2 remote adapter and a Harmony remote to control all other functions (aside from on/off). One thing I was told was that the reason the on/off does not work is because the PS3 does not power up the USB outlets before it is on. Has anyone tried (I am sure they have), using a powered USB hub with the dongle plugged in it, then connected to the PS3? I guess there are a variety of ways to try to backfeed power to the usb slots, but just curious if it had been tried....

Just got my PS3. Agree it is aggravating that I cannot turn it on or off without the controller or BT remote by using my Harmony. I understand that there are various ways to use a PS2 remote adapter and a Harmony remote to control all other functions (aside from on/off). One thing I was told was that the reason the on/off does not work is because the PS3 does not power up the USB outlets before it is on. Has anyone tried (I am sure they have), using a powered USB hub with the dongle plugged in it, then connected to the PS3? I guess there are a variety of ways to try to backfeed power to the usb slots, but just curious if it had been tried....

Yes, a powered hub will supply power while the PS3 is off. However there doesn't seem to be a mapping of the relevant power controls to USB.

There are several IR converters that provide full control of the PS3. I would recommend my product, the PS3IR-PRO as it works well even with the latest PS3 firmware. But there are others out there so you may want to do your homework before deciding. Just Google it.

This is a very useful thread to help you research the different options available.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1016741

Off now works with the IR only solutions. 2.4(2.41) added "System Off" to the XMB. In the XMB, all the way left, all the way up.

Just thought I would share my experience. I received my IR4PS3 from Ben about a month ago and completed the assembly using the PS3 Bluetooth remote I already owned. Everything went as described and the system has workied flawlessly as programed on my Pronto Remote.

Tom
<><

So I was setting up a harmony 1000 for a friend after he bought the nyko blu-wave...I setup the bluewave and everything works great except the OK button the the 1000...it brings up the "display" on the screen..I tried to map the ok button to X and also tried learning the enter button from the nyko remote and mapped it to the OK button, but everything I tried it still brought up the "display" option...

any help is greatly appreciated.

So I was setting up a harmony 1000 for a friend after he bought the nyko blu-wave...I setup the bluewave and everything works great except the OK button the the 1000...it brings up the "display" on the screen..I tried to map the ok button to X and also tried learning the enter button from the nyko remote and mapped it to the OK button, but everything I tried it still brought up the "display" option...

any help is greatly appreciated.

Make sure that you are mapping the X button to the PS3 activity and not just the device.

So I was setting up a harmony 1000 for a friend after he bought the nyko blu-wave...I setup the bluewave and everything works great except the OK button the the 1000...it brings up the "display" on the screen..I tried to map the ok button to X and also tried learning the enter button from the nyko remote and mapped it to the OK button, but everything I tried it still brought up the "display" option...

any help is greatly appreciated.

I had the same problem with custom mapping buttons until I downloaded the 7.5 version update of the Logitech software.

So I was setting up a harmony 1000 for a friend after he bought the nyko blu-wave...I setup the bluewave and everything works great except the OK button the the 1000...it brings up the "display" on the screen..I tried to map the ok button to X and also tried learning the enter button from the nyko remote and mapped it to the OK button, but everything I tried it still brought up the "display" option...

any help is greatly appreciated.

Does power on/off work?

I'm having trouble getting the directional buttons to work on my in the PS3 XMB. The other buttons are working. I have the 360 Harmony remote and I am using the nyko Blue Wave IR. I have it set up with the nyko as the device, and I've tried learning the commands directly and in raw mode. Any ideas?

I'm having trouble getting the directional buttons to work on my in the PS3 XMB. The other buttons are working. I have the 360 Harmony remote and I am using the nyko Blue Wave IR. I have it set up with the nyko as the device, and I've tried learning the commands directly and in raw mode. Any ideas?

You might try deleting the Nyco device and install the Sony PS3 device from the Logitech database. I use that with the PS3IR IR receiver (similar to Nyco) and it works perfectly with my Harmony One.

Here's the solution I finally found. Completely seamless with many handy features:

www(dot)ps3toothfairy(dot)com

I took the chance and bought it from kind of a one-product company, but it works very well.

I've got a PS3IRX1 bought over a year ago. Now that the latest PS3 firmware allows power off via the XBR, how the heck do I access the XBR with my Harmony? As far as I know, there is no IR equivalent of the PS button, and isn't that the only way to get the XBR to come up anyway? Thanks for any/all responses!

I've got a PS3IRX1 bought over a year ago. Now that the latest PS3 firmware allows power off via the XBR, how the heck do I access the XBR with my Harmony? As far as I know, there is no IR equivalent of the PS button, and isn't that the only way to get the XBR to come up anyway? Thanks for any/all responses!

You don't. You have to exit to the XBR with your PS3 controller before you can use the remote to power off. Another option is to set the PS3 to shut down after X hours (which is also a new firmware feature). That way you don't have to bother shutting it down with the remote or controller.

Of course the best option is to get an IR to BT device...

Can you tech junkies help me out. I just set up my psuedo-home theater. My wife is hacked off because there are 4 remotes now and she likes simplicity (girls!?!?). Can someone recommend a remote for me?

The remote MUST operate:
My Onkyo TX-SR606 Receiver
My Tivo HD-DVR
My PS3 (for movie playback anyway)

additionally if it can operate:
My LG 52LG60 Television

Anyone? Bueller, Bueller?

Any Harmony remote will do what you need. You'll need either an IR to USB or IR to BT adapter for the PS3.

How much are you willing to spend on a remote?

if price doesn't matter then I highly recommend the Logitech Harmony One remote. I think you can get it for around $200 on amazon. It can control almost everything in your list and then some however, it can not control the PS3 (nor can any IR remote) unless you are buying one of the solutions mentioned in this thread.

Here is the AVS thread dedicated to the Harmony One: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=967841

There is more than one solution for you, but my opinion (because I'm familiar with them both, and they both work very well) is

Logitech Harmony 880
IR4PS3

I just recommended a complete av system for a friend (will install it all next weekend after I have all ordered components/accessories in-hand), and we found the 880 at Circuit City for $100 (!!!). Crazy price. Don't know if they still have it for that price, may have been Thanksgiving weekend/Black Friday only.

The Harmony One should function the same. I also chose the same Onkyo receiver as you have. I just finished programming the remote yesterday (he installed the software on his PC 120 miles away, I program the remote, and he updates, and it's finished and ready for installation day (except for some tweaking that will certainly need to be done).

I've had the 880 since Sep '05, and the IR4PS3 since July 18. My 880 controls 9 devices, all to perfection, and in exactly the way I want. Re: the IR4PS3, it's great to browse photos or imported music via my XMB, or watch a Blu-ray without having to use the PS3 controller. Awesome. Highly highly recommended.

The IR4P3 comes in 2 flavors - assembled ($68.20 plus shipping) or unassembled ($40 plus shipping). Assembled, including shipping with tracking from Canada (to northern Cal) was $91.21. Then the unit needs power - either a mini-USB cable or a standard power (brick) supply, and the proper power jack. I bought the power supply and jack from Radio Shack online for $29 (incl shipping), though afterwards I realized a mini-USB would probably have been less expensive, and a cleaner solution. It wasn't an option for my specific system in July, so it was out of my head when ordering for my friend (would have worked well with his IP STB, which is on 24/7 and has a USB out).

If you are interesting in the IR4PS3, you must email Ben at ir4ps3@hotmail.com. He only accepts payment via PayPal, and ships within 1-2 business days of payment. Hope this helps.

You can get a Harmony 880 refurb from Amazon.com for $75. On Monday they had it new for $80, but that deal has expired.

Ok, so the Harmony is a good way to go, but it doesn't control the PS3 unless I buy an adapter?

I'm a cheap ass, so I really didn't want to pay more than $50 or so. I know, I know.

I think I'll just tell my wife to deal with it.

You don't. You have to exit to the XBR with your PS3 controller before you can use the remote to power off.

The above holds true when playing a game, but why access the XBR and do all that scrolling just to turn the PS3 off when I could easily do that by holding down the PS button and select "Turn Off System"? I want to turn off EVERYTHING (plasma, receiver, PS3) with one motion (power off button) on my Harmony 720.

I accomplished this by programming the Power Off Macro as previously stated earlier in this post. I am now able to accomplish one-button power off whether I'm playing games or watching DVDs/BDs.

Playing games: Hit PS button to access superimposed XBR > press power off button on Harmony. Voila!

Watching DVDs/BDs: Quit playback to access nonsuperimposed XBR (On my remote, the "exit" or stop buttons accomplish this.) > press power off button on Harmony. Again...voila!

My remote uses the default speed delay settings, and I've had no problems.

QUESTION: How do I adjust the duration of a button press, specifically, a duration of 1000ms for DirectionLeft? My Logitech software (for Mac v. 7.5.0) only allows speed delays for power on (1500 ms), inter-key (500 ms), and inter-device (100 ms), but not for the length of specific button presses.

You're the one that asked how to access the XMB using the PS button with your IR to USB device. Why are you now saying "why access the XBR and do all that scrolling just to turn the PS3 off when I could easily do that by holding down the PS button and select "Turn Off System"?"

True that you could exit to the XMB from a movie by hitting exit first, but that isn't exactly the foolproof solution people are looking for. The proper solution shouldn't require any user input besides the off button.

QUESTION: How do I adjust the duration of a button press, specifically, a duration of 1000ms for DirectionLeft? My Logitech software (for Mac v. 7.5.0) only allows speed delays for power on (1500 ms), inter-key (500 ms), and inter-device (100 ms), but not for the length of specific button presses.Most (or all) Logitech devices have a response setting, on a scale from 0-5. Adjust this and it I believe it will give you what you want. I used this setting to adjust the amount my avr volume would increase or decrease, and it worked just as I hoped. You'll find the setting under the device's troubleshooting options.

Most (or all) Logitech devices have a response setting, on a scale from 0-5. Adjust this and it I believe it will give you what you want. I used this setting to adjust the amount my avr volume would increase or decrease, and it worked just as I hoped. You'll find the setting under the device's troubleshooting options.

I think he just wants to set the DirectionLeft to have the increased response only when shutting down. Changing the response in the device profile would make it practically uncontrollable doing normal tasks, such as browsing the XMB, other than shutdown.

Oh, I didn't realize he was looking for a solution to work only when shutting down. If that is true, then my suggestion would not do the trick.

To shut off the PS3 using the Schmartz PS3IR-X1 you should call Harmony support and ask them to add the following power off macro. You cannot do this yourself as user's don't have the ability to add pauses or button hold durations.

DirectionLeft Duration in milliseconds 1000
DirectionUp Duration in milliseconds 500
X
Pause for 500 milliseconds
X

This has been tested and verified to work.

For people with other remotes you may be able to program in a similar macro, or use a series of DirectionLeft and DirectionUp button presses instead.

Hello everone,

I may be about to buy a Harmony One and I have a couple of questions about the Ps3/Nyko dongle issue. I understand from reading the last several pages that it still won't power the Ps3 on or off. I can live with that. But just how do I get the rest to work? I went to the Logitech product website where they give you the chance to test your components to see it they are in the data base. It wouldn't accept the PS3 and said why. It did accept the Nyko bluwave controller, but after that still didn't take the PS3. I understand that I was just on a test sales program and not the 7.5 software that I would use when I buy the unit.

How does that work? Once you enter the Nyko, will it then accept the PS3?
Once you tell it to load everthing into your remote, will all the controls to play discs be there, and will the PS3 be in your unit to include in the activities?
By selecting the "Play Blu Ray activity, does the controller think it has turned on the PS3 and likewise when you hit "all off"? But then you just go turn it on and off manually?

Also, if I'm in an activity and can't figure out, or don't want to take the time to figure out something I want one component to do, will aiming its own remote at it (the component) and performing the function in any way affect the Harmony?

Just one more. If I'm in an activity with say the TV, the receiver and the DVD player in use, and I'm controlling volume through the receiver, say aspect through the TV, and play/pause through the DVD, do I have to hit a button on the Harmony to change components I'm controlling everytime go to a different one?

Thanks much for your help.

It did accept the Nyko bluwave controller, but after that still didn't take the PS3.

Your Harmony is actually controlling the Nyko (not the PS3 directly), so this is fine. It will still work without a specific PS3 device configured. You can also rename the label applied to the Nyko device in the Harmony software to "PS3" if it helps.

Once you enter the Nyko, will it then accept the PS3? Once you tell it to load everthing into your remote, will all the controls to play discs be there, and will the PS3 be in your unit to include in the activities?

The Nyko controls the common movie playing buttons (stop, pause, directional arrows, select, forward, reverse, etc.), but you won't have the full Sony Bluetooth remote functionality directly - only the same stuff the game controller currently provides. But note that the PS3 has onscreen buttons for most of the missing Sony remote buttons, so it isn't a huge loss - it is just a multi-step onscreen sequence rather than one hard button on the Sony remote.

By selecting the "Play Blu Ray activity, does the controller think it has turned on the PS3 and likewise when you hit "all off"? But then you just go turn it on and off manually?

You turn the PS3 on manually, wait for it to start up and then activate a Harmony activity, such as Watch Movie to do the rest. To power down, you use the harmony "All Off" button and then power down the PS3 manually using the button on the PS3. Alternatively, you can power down PS3 from the XMB menu and then use the harmony "All Off" button to power down everything else.

Also, if I'm in an activity and can't figure out, or don't want to take the time to figure out something I want one component to do, will aiming its own remote at it (the component) and performing the function in any way affect the Harmony?

You can manually go into Device mode and send commands specifically to any device, even after you've entered a Harmony activity. It you manually power off a component, for example, the activities mode might get confused, though. The Help button on the Harmony can usually fix things in that case.

Just one more. If I'm in an activity with say the TV, the receiver and the DVD player in use, and I'm controlling volume through the receiver, say aspect through the TV, and play/pause through the DVD, do I have to hit a button on the Harmony to change components I'm controlling everytime go to a different one?

The harmony can map any hard or onscreen button to any device included in the activity (it comes with some defaults for the buttons and you can customize them), so you do not need to go into a receiver device/mode to change the volume while watching a movie, for example.

If you want on/off, decently fast menu navigation, and other advanced functionality, I'd suggest investigating the more capable, but more expensive options like these (in no particular order):
http://www.schmartstuff.com/
http://www.ps3toothfairy.com/
http://ir2bt.com/

Your Harmony is actually controlling the Nyko (not the PS3 directly), so this is fine. It will still work without a specific PS3 device configured. You can also rename the label applied to the Nyko device in the Harmony software to "PS3" if it helps.

You can manually go into Device mode and send commands specifically to any device, even after you've entered a Harmony activity. It you manually power off a component, for example, the activities mode might get confused, though. The Help button on the Harmony can usually fix things in that case.
url]http://ir2bt.com/[/url]


Thanks Anagoge,

What I meant to ask about controlling a component individually was referring to using its own clicker to do something. Say you start an activity that uses the TV but it fails to turn on. Could you just pick up the TV remote and start it? The TV's remote wouldn't send some signal to the Harmony that would confuse it, or would it? Wouldn't the Harmony think the TV was anyway?

After you get your Harmony you won't ever need your old remotes. If there is a command missing from the Activity then you can either add it or go into Device mode and select it. Your LCD screen has multiple pages available for those commands so you might as well get your money's worth and use it.

In general you probably want to keep your Activities streamlined with the most used commands and then use Devices as a fallback. Your daily used commands should be in Activities and other stuff left in Device mode.

For your PS3 you want to make sure you map the Triangle button either as a soft key (LCD) or a hard button (menu or guide?). This will pull up the misc commands that the Nyko cannot directly control. Getting one of the IR to BT devices linked above solves those issues, but lightens your wallet.

Also, as stated in the prior post you do not add a PS3 device since it is actually the Nyko that you are controlling. Just rename the device to PS3 if it makes you feel better.

Thanks Anagoge,

What I meant to ask about controlling a component individually was referring to using its own clicker to do something. Say you start an activity that uses the TV but it fails to turn on. Could you just pick up the TV remote and start it? The TV's remote wouldn't send some signal to the Harmony that would confuse it, or would it? Wouldn't the Harmony think the TV was anyway?

That is what the Help button on the Harmony is for. If something gets skipped you hit help and it will typically switch all the inputs to the proper settings and ask if that worked. You hit yes or no, if you hit no then it will more than likely start resending the power on commands.

If all of that fails to work or you wish to override anything then just go to device mode and choose the command or map that command to your activity.

The remote isn't two-way so it doesn't receive anything from the devices. You need to spend quite a bit of money to get that type of functionality. The Harmony tracks the state of the components as you use Activities keeping up with what is on or off. If you manually change something then it will get confused. Using Help will get state management resynced. However, this is typically not a problem if your devices have discrete power on and off buttons. The Harmony can send multiple power on commands and the device will always be in the ON state. If the device only has a Power Toggle command then multiple power ons will lead to an out of sync device.

I have my Harmony set to NOT power off my unused devices. I often pause a game or movie to watch a TV show and do not want the remote to turn off that device as I switch to the TV. As an example of an override I have my XBox 360 Activity with a Power Toggle mapped to a softkey. This way if I do switch to the TV and I'm not paused in a game or movie then I can manually power it down since the fan noise can be annoying. The state management doesn't get confused if I do an ALL OFF command since the 360 has discrete power commands so it gets sent a power off command (which does nothing in this case). If it didn't have discrete power commands then the ALL OFF would actually turn it back on. This is the case of a PS3 with an IR to BT device since ANY command sent to the PS3 through a BT remote will turn the PS3 on.

A new option for the PS3 is to set it to power down after a period of inactivity. Now you have a (delayed) power off.

A new option for the PS3 is to set it to power down after a period of inactivity. Now you have a (delayed) power off.

Yes, I read that a few pages back. I also read it requires a software update, and then I read there have been problems with the most recent one. Is all that true? I only use my PS3 to play Blu Ray occasionally, so I don't want to fix ( but break) what already ain't broke if you know what I mean. Should I go ahead and update or leave it alone? And how do you do a software update? Thanks much.

Yes, I read that a few pages back. I also read it requires a software update, and then I read there have been problems with the most recent one. Is all that true?

The latest PS3 firmware works great for me for both movies and games. There will be minor problems with every release, but none that would stop me from upgrading to the latest firmware at this point. The recent upgrades have been very stable, for me.

The latest PS3 firmware works great for me for both movies and games. There will be minor problems with every release, but none that would stop me from upgrading to the latest firmware at this point. The recent upgrades have been very stable, for me.


Ditto for me. I've updated to every release they've had since release and have had 0 issues. I'm also one of the "beta" users for PS Home which is quite cool and have never experienced a drop or network issue while online. I'd say definitely update and see what happens.

TigerDirect has a Harmony remote for $49 bucks:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2155680&sku=L23-7112&cm_sp=Right%20Nav-_-DOD2-_-Electronics_L23-7112


Will this thing work a ps3? plus my Onkyo 606 and Sharp DT-510 and DirecTV HR20 box?

just bought a ps3 so need a blu-ray remote, if that thing works I'd go for it over paying 20 bucks for the ps3 brand

Will this thing work a ps3? plus my Onkyo 606 and Sharp DT-510 and DirecTV HR20 box?

No. No universal remote will control the PS3 without some other device to convert the IR signals. You need either an IR to USB converter or an IR to Bluetooth converter. The USB ones are the cheapest, but are limited in what they can do. The Bluetooth ones are the most expensive, but can do everything that the official Sony remote can do.

No. No universal remote will control the PS3 without some other device to convert the IR signals. You need either an IR to USB converter or an IR to Bluetooth converter. The USB ones are the cheapest, but are limited in what they can do. The Bluetooth ones are the most expensive, but can do everything that the official Sony remote can do.

thanks,

so the whole controversy with the ps3 universal remote thing boils down to having to buy this IR kit thing and its an issue for people who only want 1 remote to control everything? versus a universal remote plus a ps3 blu-ray remote?

This is the case of a PS3 with an IR to BT device since ANY command sent to the PS3 through a BT remote will turn the PS3 on.Just an FYI: The above statement is not true anymore. The IR to BT converters are coming up with ingenious ways of making discrete offs. For example, the PS3IR-PRO for which I use, now uses an old non used PS2 command to initiate the power off sequence for the PS3 to be emmitted by the converter. At the same time, the box goes down into shutdown mode and can only be awoken with the PS button press. It will respond to NO other commands, thus accidental turn on and out of state errors are a thing of the past. I know the other competitors are coming up with similar ideas too.

hi all, does the PS2 remote method described in the first post work for powering on and off the PS3?

hi all, does the PS2 remote method described in the first post work for powering on and off the PS3?

No.

I just ordered the ir4ps3. Ben the ir4ps3 guy was really quick at answering emails that I sent and shipped the following day. I cannot wait to check out this device.

Just got my ir4ps3 and I can say the quality of the product is really nice. Very easy to setup as long as you read the PDF that Ben sends you via email.

I just got the PS3IRX1 from Schmartz, Inc. and confirm it works with the universal remote provided from DirecTV. Just program it using the Remote Setup menu on the DirecTV box as a generic Sony DVD player on either AV1 or AV2 as instructed. Sorry but I can't remember which remote code number I used off hand. Play, Pause, FF, REV, Stop, Menu, Exit, Select and all the navigation arrows work perfectly! Thus you can navigate the XMB and scroll all the way to the left for Power Off. For basic DVD/Blu-ray playback it covers every command you'll ever need I think. The unit itself is tiny and simply plugs into the front USB port of the PS3, there is nothing to download or configure. I've got no complaints so far... $40 well spent. Shipping took 3 days.

After a VERY long wait, the 'PS3ToothFairy' IR device is now back in stock...

http://www.ps3toothfairy.com/ps3toothfairy_com/store/

After a VERY long wait, the 'PS3ToothFairy' IR device is now back in stock...

http://www.ps3toothfairy.com/ps3toothfairy_com/store/

Ok... not any more... they still have the BARE model available, but the ELITE's are sold out.

FYI, The PS3IRX1 and the PS3IR-PRO are in stock and shipping same day (as always).

http://www.schmartz.com

I just ordered the ir4ps3. Ben the ir4ps3 guy was really quick at answering emails that I sent and shipped the following day. I cannot wait to check out this device.

Just got my ir4ps3 and I can say the quality of the product is really nice. Very easy to setup as long as you read the PDF that Ben sends you via email.

How long did it take to get to you after it shipped? Mine was sent out on Friday and I'm getting impatient. Stupid Post Office and their minimal tracking.

Hi, I just got the nyco blu-wave today. I had my harmony 620 (720) set-up as game console with dvd and tried to make it learn IR and wasn't to happy with the results as some buttons weren't working and some other problems people mentioned. So what I did was deleted my first game console PS3. Next I selected add device. Select DVD. Then select nyco for manufacturer and model # which is on the back of the remote 83040-F09. Once I input this info harmony found it as Sony Playstation 3 Blu-wave. Now everything works perfect. No lag at all and everything works normal. Now I have one remote that controls it all and I'm very pleased. Not sure if this method was mentioned before but if not I hope this helps others out with a quick install.

I'm just curious, how do you turn the PS3 on and OFF?

I'm just curious, how do you turn the PS3 on and OFF?

You manually have to turn it on but you have to put in a disc most of the time anyway, so know big deal. To shut it off just scroll all the way to the left on the PS3 xmb and click turn off.

I'm just curious, how do you turn the PS3 on and OFF?

;)

You manually have to turn it on but you have to put in a disc most of the time anyway, so know big deal. To shut it off just scroll all the way to the left on the PS3 xmb and click turn off.

I bought the Nyko about 6 months ago and I havent had any issues with it. it does everything I need it to do. Very pleased...

The Nyko solution is decent if you don't plan on using the PS3 as a media server. Once you start using streaming media then the "I have to get up to put a disc in anyway" argument goes out the window. Also, I hate that it always takes controller slot 1 and you have to rely on the Triangle button for special features.

The Nyko solution is decent if you don't plan on using the PS3 as a media server..
I would have to disagree with this, all of my music and videos are in a NAS and I havent had any issues with it. I can navigate and select anyfolder and/or get my music to stream without any issues. when it comes to playing BD and getting the functionallity I can acces all menus with the the "menu" button on my 880 I dont have to select the triangle button for anything unless I want to change the the audio application to bitstream or LPCM, but besides that there isnt much.

Also, I hate that it always takes controller slot 1 and you have to rely on the Triangle button for special features.

the whole controller one thing isnt a big issue. when I want to watch a movie I dont need the controller at all, and when playing a game I usually turn the unit on with the controller anyways. I pick it up and turn it on and on I play the games. it usually get the slot one if done this way.

I would have to disagree with this, all of my music and videos are in a NAS and I havent had any issues with it. I can navigate and select anyfolder and/or get my music to stream without any issues. when it comes to playing BD and getting the functionallity I can acces all menus with the the "menu" button on my 880 I dont have to select the triangle button for anything unless I want to change the the audio application to bitstream or LPCM, but besides that there isnt much.



the whole controller one thing isnt a big issue. when I want to watch a movie I dont need the controller at all, and when playing a game I usually turn the unit on with the controller anyways. I pick it up and turn it on and on I play the games. it usually get the slot one if done this way.

I was talking about turning the PS3 on and off with the remote. I also have a NAS connected to mine streaming Twonky. The point is that when streaming there is no reason to get up and turn your PS3 on by other means as you would with a DVD or BRD. This is where an IR to BT converter is a better solution than an IR to USB converter.

I was talking about turning the PS3 on and off with the remote. I also have a NAS connected to mine streaming Twonky. The point is that when streaming there is no reason to get up and turn your PS3 on by other means as you would with a DVD or BRD. This is where an IR to BT converter is a better solution than an IR to USB converter.

I guess you have a point there...

What Sony should have done was put an IR receiver on the back of the PS3 remote. Then it could have accepted IR signals from standard remotes and pass them on to the PS3. All you'd then need have to do was leave the PS3 remote in a convenient place line-of-sight with your viewing position.

Hopefully someone is reading this...

What Sony should have done was to put an IR receiver on the PS3.

Your solution is sort of already out there, but not sold by Sony. You can get the PS3 Tooth Fairy and put the PS3 remote's guts into its case that has an IR receiver.

I use the Intec solution (similar to nyko blue-wave) the package I got came with a free HDMI cable and a free BR movie for $49.99. No, it won't turn the PS3 on, but I leave mine on 99% of the time anyways as I keep it folding@home. No lag or anything, works great...

What Sony should have done was to put an IR receiver on the PS3.

Your solution is sort of already out there, but not sold by Sony. You can get the PS3 Tooth Fairy and put the PS3 remote's guts into its case that has an IR receiver.Well, yes, obviously they should have put IR receiver in the PS3 itself, but making a PS3 remote with an IR receiver built in is an easy solution for everyone who wants it.

I just bought nyko remote to work with my harmony 880 but I cannot figure out how to set up the 880 so that when I hit the power button it will turn off ps3. Can someone please tell me how to do it?

I just bought nyko remote to work with my harmony 880 but I cannot figure out how to set up the 880 so that when I hit the power button it will turn off ps3. Can someone please tell me how to do it?

You need to do this, which may take a call to Harmony support to set up: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15822712#post15822712

Actually this is a better shut down macro to use. You will have to contact Harmony support by phone/email to get it set up, but it works great.

DirectionLeft Duration in milliseconds 1000
DirectionUp Duration in milliseconds 500
X
Pause for 500 milliseconds
X
Direction Down
X

Thanks to mspace for figuring out how to allow for shutdown after download completion.

Check this out:

"Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3" (http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/logitech-harmony-adapter-for-playstation-3-answers-a-million-pra/)

Check this out:

"Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3" (http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/19/logitech-harmony-adapter-for-playstation-3-answers-a-million-pra/)

Nice, I was just gonna post that.

Of course, this happens 2 months after I finally break down and get an IR4PS3.

I wonder how much it will be. Anything over $50 would be too much I think.

I just got the new Madcow PS3 IR remote with USB dongle from dealextreme.com.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.21183
It has ALL 15 controler buttons on the remote, including the PS key!
It works great and I used it to program my universal JP1 remote (URC-8910).
I uploaded my upgrade file to the JP1 file section for those that need it:
http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=6469
Hopefully these links are posted correctly.
I haven't seen other cheap IR remote solutions that include the PS button, so I think this may be a first.
I took a gamble and ordered it, I'm happy I did.

I just got the new Madcow PS3 IR remote with USB dongle from dealextreme.com.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.21183
It has ALL 15 controler buttons on the remote, including the PS key!
It works great and I used it to program my universal JP1 remote (URC-8910).
I uploaded my upgrade file to the JP1 file section for those that need it:
http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/dload.php?action=file&file_id=6469
Hopefully these links are posted correctly.
I haven't seen other cheap IR remote solutions that include the PS button, so I think this may be a first.
I took a gamble and ordered it, I'm happy I did.

Does the PS key turn on the system.

No, the USB ports aren't powered when the ps3 is off, so this is not possible with any of the ir usb dongles. You need a bluetooth based product to power on the ps3.

I have ordered one to check it out. I'm guessing it's a Chinese version (based on the rather bad english in the documentation). It's a great price! Too bad it has a butt ugly dongle though (IMHO). I can't imagine someone wanting that phalic symbol sticking out of their PS3. It's even worse looking than the BlueWave. LOL But as long as it helps more people solve their PS3 IR problem, it's a bonus. I think we can officially say that this market is well covered now.

Originally, we had the PS key working with the PS3IR-X1 but, unless we used Sony's USB vendor ID, the PS key was not enabled by the PS3 firmware. In other words, Sony purposefully blocks the use of the PS key for non Sony products. It will be interesting to see if they are using Sony's USB VID.

BTW, we have repeatedly tried to contact Sony to arrange for our VID to be added to the list of products with the PS key enabled. We have had no luck though.

I have ordered one to check it out. Obviously it's a Chinese version (based on the rather bad english in the documentation). It's a great price! Too bad it has a butt ugly dongle though. I can't imagine someone wanting that phalic symbol sticking out of their PS3. It's even worse looking than the BlueWave. LOL

Originally, we had the PS key working with the PS3IR-X1 but, unless we used Sony's USB vendor ID, the PS key was not enabled by the PS3 firmware. In other words, Sony purposefully blocks the use of the PS key for non Sony products. It will be interesting to see if they are using Sony's USB VID.

You are correct about the ugly dongle! And it's BIG. I'll need to get a USB hub to hide the thing more easily ;) I'll check out the USB vendor ID later today...

I have since found out the remote signals are identical to the BigBen PS3 remote (BB 251548) sold in Europe and Asia. The BigBen remote and dongle are much nicer looking, and it also has the PS key. It seems to have been on the market for more than a year, but I never heard of it before.

You are correct about the ugly dongle! And it's BIG. I'll need to get a USB hub to hide the thing more easily ;) I'll check out the USB vendor ID later today...

I have since found out the remote signals are identical to the BigBen PS3 remote (BB 251548) sold in Europe and Asia. The BigBen remote and dongle are much nicer looking, and it also has the PS key. It seems to have been on the market for more than a year, but I never heard of it before.

I have the Nyko and I have to say it wasnt very noticeable at all. it actually blended in with the PS3.

You are correct about the ugly dongle! And it's BIG. I'll need to get a USB hub to hide the thing more easily ;) I'll check out the USB vendor ID later today...

I have since found out the remote signals are identical to the BigBen PS3 remote (BB 251548) sold in Europe and Asia. The BigBen remote and dongle are much nicer looking, and it also has the PS key. It seems to have been on the market for more than a year, but I never heard of it before.

Here's the Vendor ID details from Windows XP:
HID\VID_0738&PID_8821\6&23B09182&0&0000

0738 is Mad Catz, though this is labelled MadCow

I got a PS3 for Christmas last year. I imagined I might game on it a bit, but the main reason for the purchase was blu-ray. I pulled out the remote, discovered it was bluetooth, packed everything up, and swapped it for a BDP-S300. I have a home theater master remote which I LOVE, and more importantly, the wife LOVES. Not being able to program the PS3 to run with the MX700 was a deal breaker.

Now I've got a CRAPPY Blu-ray only player that plays about 30% of blu-ray discs correctly. Did anyone figure out who was the A**hole who thought bluetooth was a good idea for this remote? He/she needs a good punch the face!

I'm using my mx700 with my ps3 by using the ir4ps3 bluetooth adapter. Works great. I know it sucks ps3 doesn't have ir. I suspect they did it on purpose to encourage dedicated blue-ray player sales. Don't know really, but there are solutions out there.

I suspect they did it on purpose to encourage dedicated blue-ray player sales.
Sense game console manufacturers always make more money off the sell of games and console accessories then the actual console itself; I always suspected Sony did it to sell another accessory to people (their PS3 bluetooth remote).

I can unequivacally say that the PS3IR-500 and the PS3IR-1000 are now the best solutions available. The PS3IR-500 is the least expensive Bluetooth solution by far. It looks the best, operates flawlessly, is always in stock for overnight delivery, and customer service is pleasant and readily available in the rare case that help is needed. Setup is easy since it automatically pairs with the PS3 within 2-3 seconds.

The PS3IR-1000 has these features and more including precise power sensing of the PS3 ON/OFF state via a cable. And you can control the PS3 via a simple program that provides easy configuration of the 12 internal macros and provides a virtual BD remote window on the PC so you can operate your PS3 via mouse clicks or via your own custom program. The device looks like a standard USB HID device so no drivers are required and the API is very easy to integrate into your PC based AV center. It also works fine with an Apple OSX based computer. The API is provided and has already been utilized by third party developers.

Both models are supported with configuration utilities that work right out of the box. Just run the small executable directly with no installation needed at all. It automatically updates the firmware on your device in less than a minute. There are no .NET or device drivers involved. It's like the good old days. It just simply works. In fact it runs just fine from a USB memory stick. For installers, the macro setup can be saved to a file for reuse on a later installation.

Hats off to everyone that has been providing solutions for this problem in the past. But finally there is a reasonably priced and professional product family available that make all of the earlier devices (including our own) look crude in comparison. It just took a while to get there.