Ok, I have a home theatre that has steadily grown in complexity to the point where my wife would benefit greatly from having a programmable remote control to make things easier.

The specs of my setup are:

HTPC that outputs video into an HDMI switch, and audio via digital coax into a 5.1 receiver.

Bell Expressvu HD receiver that outputs video into an HDMI switch , and audio via optical into 5.1 receiver

Xbox 360 that outputs video into an HDMI switch, and audio via optical into 5.1 receiver

Second receiver receives input from split sub output to power couch shakers, "tactile transducers", this volume needs to be controllable.

HDMI switch feeds my Optoma Projector.

So here is what I think the remote needs to control overall:

1. 5.1 receiver volume, input, power
2. Second audio receiver power, volume
3. Sattelite receiver guide, volume, channel, info, etc.
4. Nothing for x-box because wireless controllers take care of that
5. Projector power only
6. HDMI switch, control which of 4 inputs is enabled
7. Computer power if possible, and basic movie watching functions like launch player, play/pause/etc
8. Would like to be able to control infrared lighting levels in the future

Now, which remote would suit my needs the best? I have a gift certificate for amazon canada, and the models available to me are:

520, 659, 680, 880

What are the differences in the models, the logitech site is not very helpful. Price is not the major factor, but if I can save $100 wit the 680 compared to the 880 and still do what I need, then that is great.

The Harmony remotes function and are programmed the same way. The only difference between them is the button layout, battery type and RF for the 890 and 1000. You should base your selection on the one that looks like it has the best button layout and design for you.

If you dont need RF I'd recommend you checkout the new Harmony One, it looks like they fixed a lot of the button and layout issues with the new design.

I found out that the 520 and the 659 do not control XP 2005 MCE, so I went with the 680 that does control the media center for my computer.

So for a HTPC with media center edition the model choice did make a difference. RF would have been nice, but not available at amazon dot ca where I had a gift certificate.

Can't wait to try out the 680!