Hi, All: I've just gotten into an integrated approach to audio-video: new HDTV, new DVR, new A/V receiver, etc. Problem is that I can't get the Dish Nework VIP622 DVR remote to control the Marantz SR3001 receiver, and I'm not sure how to find out what the issue is.

I tried the remote's "scan" function and apparently went through all the available codes. So what's the next step? Is it possible that the Marantz receiver needs a different kind of code or frequency than the DVR remote is able to send out? I don't even know which company to start with for inquiries, or what exactly to ask.

It's likely that the Marantz remote could be programmed to control the DVR--the Marantz manual offers lots of Dish code options--but I really don't like the Marantz remote's uninspired button layout.

Thanks for any tips!

David

If you've already done a manual scan and haven't found a match, the Marantz receiver may not be in the Dish remote's library. Your best option may be to find an universal remote that can do a lot more.

It's been a little while since I dealth with a SR3001 remote. I thought they were not programmable. Did they switch to the remote used with the SR4001/5001? The silver skinnier one is the one that is programmable, unless they changed something.

Thanks for these replies. I gather that sometimes a programmable remote just won't be programmable enough?

As to golovemd's question: yes, I am sure that the Marantz remote is probrammable. I just find that its button configuration is poor and not a solution as a central remote.

Should I look at the Harmony brand? Seems to be much discussed in this forum.

David

a universal controller is a great idea, however I would look toward a company that specializes in that area if you want truly great performance

Yes, I've started to look through the Harmony line and the Universal. There's too many Harmony models for me to know what's up or down in their line-up. I'll do more study. But I'll also appreciate any tips. I went to the Harmony website and they don't make it simple to see how their remotes relate to each other, it seems. They don't list a 676, for instance, that I see at Sam's, but they do list a 670.... And so on.

Marantz's site confirms what I stated:
http://us.marantz.com/Products/2090.asp

The SR3001 comes with a precoded remote, not a learning a remote. If you wish to consolidate, you will have to go the universal remote route. I am not a big fan of the Harmonys as I have mentioned in the past. I much prefer URC. However, if you don't like going through the entire programming process, meaning writing your own macros and such, then you would be happier with a Harmony.

Yes, I've started to look through the Harmony line and the Universal. There's too many Harmony models for me to know what's up or down in their line-up. I'll do more study. But I'll also appreciate any tips. I went to the Harmony website and they don't make it simple to see how their remotes relate to each other, it seems. They don't list a 676, for instance, that I see at Sam's, but they do list a 670.... And so on.
- All of the Harmony remotes function the same way and are programmed the same way. The only difference between the Harmony remotes are the button layout and battery type. The 890 also has RF.

Thanks for this feedback! My A/V dealer suggested that the Marantz remote should be programmable. But perhaps my low-end receiver comes with a lesser reomote than he realized.

Is URC that tokerblue mentions the "Universal" remote control? I'll try to search your comments on it, or the Harmony. I'm not averse to demanding set-up issues, but I certainly would like to know why I should go to any extra troubles.

Downside to the Harmony line is that it is not customizable. You fill in the products and inputs and you get what they give you. I am in the business so we use RTI and Crestron which allows us to do whatever the client wants. But this also comes with a cost.

URC has consumer computer programmable remotes that come at a lower price point. Philips has the Prontos which are also consumer programmable. They are going through some product changes, so do some homework.

What does your A/V pro offer?? Being they set you up with an OEM remote to use as a all in one makes me question their ability right off the bat to be honest with you.

Any time you want to do any kind of customization I would suggest you use a remote that you or your A/V pro can customize to your liking... Yes it usually costs more, but such is life...

Downside to the Harmony line is that it is not customizable. You fill in the products and inputs and you get what they give you. I am in the business so we use RTI and Crestron which allows us to do whatever the client wants. But this also comes with a cost.
- The price difference between a Harmony and an RTI or Creston is quite substantial. Add in programming and it's even more. I don't think anyone expects the Harmony to be better than those.

That being said, I'm not sure why you say the Harmony isn't customizable. It can probably do 99% of what the average person is looking to do (state memory, discrete inputs, customized LCD, etc.). Especially if you start to tweak the settings after the initial equipment input.

My needs are not extreme, and as for the A/V pro's advice, I never addressed the "big picture" with him. Really, all this began when I just assumed, incorrectly, that my new DVR's remote (which I like fine) could operate my Marantz receiver.

But now that I research a bit,. I do like the idea of a remote that can do several things with one activity button.

Maybe call Dish and ask for a walk through of programming the remote?

I called Dish and they said I did what could be done.

Looking at URC remotes, I see they have a consumer and a professional line. Lots more to learn about.

[QUOTE=tokerblue]- The price difference between a Harmony and an RTI or Creston is quite substantial. Add in programming and it's even more. I don't think anyone expects the Harmony to be better than those.

Well being that we use RTI everyday I can tell you that they start at $299 which is more or less what a harmony goes for. (retail)
The difference is that I can make a RTI controller work right the first time, make it operate in the manner I want & not be mandated in the turn on processes like a harmony and I don't have to worry about a internet connection to program my controller.
Also I can expand on this unit any time I want with out having to change everything.
Oh and if I have a question I can speak with someone who's first langauge is english.
Also in my experience the button layout on the RTI & Crestron are way better than the Harmony

Well being that we use RTI everyday I can tell you that they start at $299 which is more or less what a harmony goes for. (retail)
The difference is that I can make a RTI controller work right the first time, make it operate in the manner I want & not be mandated in the turn on processes like a harmony and I don't have to worry about a internet connection to program my controller.
- The big difference is the programming fee. Around how much would it cost to program a normal setup? I'm guessing the billing rate is around $100-$150 for programming?

You can find a Harmony online for significantly less than MSRP without even trying or looking for a deal. Even Amazon has it for about 46% off MSRP.

I paid 99 for my Harmony 880... $300 is quite a difference, at least to me.

- The big difference is the programming fee. Around how much would it cost to program a normal setup? I'm guessing the billing rate is around $100-$150 for programming?

You can find a Harmony online for significantly less than MSRP without even trying or looking for a deal. Even Amazon has it for about 46% off MSRP.


well you do get what you pay for.........and programming starts at $150.00 for a basic setup, that can do everything easily with large, well laid out buttons that the babysitter, or grandma can figure out without having to ask a million questions. Also for the average person who is not familiar with the setup or operation of their gear a harmony is a terrible choice.

The Harmony 676 has been discontinued, which is why you did not find it on their website, but there are still some amazing $50 deals on it if you can get them.

Otherwise, my favorite right now is the Harmony 720 at Costco.com for $150, including S+H, if you are a member.


http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11121630&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US&s=1

I agree with other posters who say that, given you have not had a "true" universal remote before, the Harmony range will do everything you want and much more than you expect for a reasonable price (IMHO). Heavy duty purist "geeks" may advise other solutions.

P.S., I have used the 720 with a Dish Network VIP622 DVR.

... for the average person who is not familiar with the setup or operation of their gear a harmony is a terrible choice ...
I think this statement is somewhat misleading - JMO, so don't get excited ichbinbose! Harmony remotes do not compete with installers using URC or other similar brands. There are those of us who will never pay $200 or more to get a remote (no matter how good) just as there are those of us who will never pay extra to have our PC installed when we buy it (no matter how convenient) even if that can avoid some headaches.

If in any doubt, stores like Costco take back goods for a full refund with no questions asked. It is easy to buy and try in these cases and pay $0 for the effort.

well you do get what you pay for.........and programming starts at $150.00 for a basic setup, that can do everything easily with large, well laid out buttons that the babysitter, or grandma can figure out without having to ask a million questions. Also for the average person who is not familiar with the setup or operation of their gear a harmony is a terrible choice.
Well said. I gave up on Harmony and found an RTI dealer and my remote does exactly what I want it to do. Period.

Well said. I gave up on Harmony and found an RTI dealer and my remote does exactly what I want it to do. Period.
- Can I ask what the total including programming end up being?

- Can I ask what the total including programming end up being?

About $800.