Ok, just purchased a Pioneer Elite Pro-1410HD Plasma for my parents. It was a floor model and we got a remote for a 50" elite, they didn't have the original remote. So, it works, but doesn't let me switch inputs, rather than buying the factory remote, figured I would get a better universal.

Equipment list:
Elite Pro 1410H monitor
Sonic Blue Replay TV DVR
Onkyo DVD Player
Yamaha RXV-2095 Receiver
Sony HD DirectTV Receiver

Basically, my parents are about 60, and have no idea how to work all these remotes, and have never had a TV without built in speakers.. So they need something that will help them easily switch inputs, handle using a receiver for sound, basically something as simple as possible, setup will be done by me, so that is not a big deal. Would the Harmony 550 be the right choice? Any other brands? Will I get full functionality of all my TV's controls, such as Picture Size, color Menu's etc...?? What about DVR functionality with Replay TV? Thanks!

I just received my 880 the other day. I am totally impressed by how good this thing actually works. The most amazing thing is that it only took about 30 minutes to set up. This remote is super simple to operate. It is actually much easier to operate than any of the remotes that came w/ my devices. I am not sure about the 550.

Also, after the initial set up, I have not had to do adjust any of the settings at all. Which would be nice for you, less tech support. :)


Amazon has a good deal on them now with the mail-in rebate for $30. Read the fine print, though. I thought I saw that the rebate needed to be postmarked by 1/31.

To answer some of you other questions.

I have full menu fuction on my panasonic, with my Harmony. I just have to select that device.

for instance: I want to watch tv. I select the "watch tv and pvr (cablebox/dvr)" button. The tv, receiver, and cable box all turn on. On the remote display it shows a combination of DVR and TV options. Aspect ratio being my most used tv button. Most of the remotes other buttons control the cable box/DVR. If I want more control over my TV, DVD player, or receiver, I just push the device button on the remote and the screen gives me the option to choose one. At that point the controller will control the device I choose. If I choose TV, then I would just push the menu button to reach the TV's main menu. From there I have control over all the color settings. If you need to change a input, you have to scroll though the LCD screen. I have tried to figure out if i can get the input menu up by itself. Really since the remote does all the input selecting by itself, I haven't had a need to use it.

Hope that helps.

Joshtee, that really helps. I'm gonna read up on the differences with the different remotes and price points, and figure out which to get. Sounds like Logitech is the way to go unless someone else can jump in and say go for a Univeral Remote, Sony, Pronto, Marantz, or something else. Thanks!

Anyone have any experience of the 550 vs the 670? Looks like I can get either from an online store for about 85-100, whereas I probably don't need the 880 which will run closer to 150 online. Really, seems you get a color display and the recharge station and a few other bells that I probably don't need to manage like 6 devices. Let me know, gonna order something tomorrow hopefully. Any like leftover models from last year that are being discounted or anything like that? Let me know, thanks!

Does this one control infrared remote dimmer light switches (lutron)?

JOSHTREE - Is that a Panasonic Remote that you are describing OR a Harmony?
Which Model Number is it?

TKS Michael

I just got my 550 delivered from Amazon but haven't had a chance to program it yet.

My general impressions from here and reading in other places, though, is that the Harmony is the way to go. Best functionality, best programmibility. Now as to which Harmony you want; that's just a personal choice. They're all going to work the same as far as the Activities and seamless control goes.

I see the differences thusly:
550: Solid remote. Nice and rectangular. Fits into one hand. Raised buttons.
670: Teardrop shape. Widely-spaced buttons. Is the best layout for DVR/DVD/VCR control. Has the bright Activities buttons on the top.
880: Teardrop shape. Rechargeable batteries. Smooth buttons. Has four additional LCD controls per screen. Color LCD screen. Looks the sleekest. Can do icons for TV channels and activities.
890: Same as 880 but can control RF devices.

If there's any of the above features that you think are really key, then there's your answer. If not, I would go to the store (ideally with your parents) and have them handle all of them and see what one they like the best. Because at a functional level, they're all going to perform the same.

I have the 550 and it controls everything in my cabinet and my Lutron lights. When you pull up a particular device, the remote will handle any command the original remote had (and then some). In my opinion, most of the Harmony remotes are the same as far as capability. It seems to be some cosmetic differences (button layout, color vs. monochrome screen, remote shape).

CYBEREEZE- I was talking about the Harmony 880 remote, not my panasonic remote. Sorry for the mix-up.

Hey everybody,trying to decide between Harmony 550 & 670.I know the 670 is promoted as being optomized for DVR usage,but how is the 550 for this.Does it have the page button function and so forth.I know the price difference isn't that great,lol but this is the last so called "toy" I'm allowed to purchase for now,as I have spent "too much" on home theater equipment the last few months.lol.Got to try to keep the wife somewhat happy you know!Thanks for any insight in advance...

Hey everybody,trying to decide between Harmony 550 & 670.I know the 670 is promoted as being optomized for DVR usage,but how is the 550 for this.Does it have the page button function and so forth.I know the price difference isn't that great,lol but this is the last so called "toy" I'm allowed to purchase for now,as I have spent "too much" on home theater equipment the last few months.lol.Got to try to keep the wife somewhat happy you know!Thanks for any insight in advance...

See the comments I posted in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9641916&&#post9641916) about the 550 compared to the 670.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9641916&&#post9641916

I was going back and forth between the two and ended up getting the 550. It has the same PVR buttons as the 670 (Page Up/Down and all the same transport keys), the only difference is how they're laid out. The 550 works fabulously for PVR functions (and everything else) on both my Moto 3412 HD-DVR and TiVo Series2. I never thought I'd be able to put away the TiVo's comfy peanut remote, but I've switched to the Harmony exclusively and haven't looked back.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b251/leigh13/temp/th_harmonyremotes.jpg (http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b251/leigh13/temp/harmonyremotes.jpg)

Sounds good to me,thanks for your reply.Like I said ,not much price difference but right now every penny counts with my boss!