AVS › AVS Forum › A/V Control & Automation › Remote Control Area › Official Logitech Harmony 900 thread
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Official Logitech Harmony 900 thread - Page 5

post #121 of 2664
8/14/09 at 8:06am
Can anyone clarify if the RF for the 900 is all new or same as to 1100? (I understand the 1000RF is the older 900mhz tech).
Reply
Reply

Gear mentioned in this thread:

post #122 of 2664
8/14/09 at 8:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dbbarron View Post

Can anyone clarify if the RF for the 900 is all new or same as to 1100? (I understand the 1000RF is the older 900mhz tech).

this has been answered a few times already....NO, it's not the same
the 890, 890Pro, 1000 and 1100 all work with the same extender using the 900mhz technology.

the 900 works with it's blaster on the ECNet protocol, using 2.4Ghz technology...

the 900 will NOT work with the older extenders, and the older remotes will NOT work with the new blaster
Reply
Reply
post #123 of 2664
8/14/09 at 8:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

it's not due to usage stats

Quote:
Originally Posted by EnzymaticRacer View Post

Sequences are nothing but a few extra lines of code... which they already have written..

it would take exactly ZERO effort for them to give the 900 sequence capabilities.

Logitech is going backwards as far as "customizability" goes from what I am seeing, and that is only going to drive more and more customers away...

Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwieder View Post

But if including sequences doesn't cost them anything more (how could it since it was already in the ONE), why would they exclude that feature? The only guess I can make is they needed the sequencing programming space for some of the new features (sleep timer, programming of the RF extenders, etc).

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

you're both making assumptions about an environment (their programming) that you know very little about....all I will do is point to the 1000 as an example and remind you that the 1100 was an update/new version of the 1000...and the 900 was built off the same platform as the 1100....and leave it at that.

There is absolutely no way that Logitech excluded sequences due to programming limitations. Sequences/Macros have existed in very cheap remote controls for ages now.

Since there is no valid technical excuse, the only logical reason would be a cost savings effort to eliminate customer support calls/emails related to creating and maintaining sequences. I would almost be cool with that if the remote was $49. But at $400, its unacceptable.

Maybe they could act like Tivo and give advanced users a 'cheat code' to turn on sequences and simply leave them unsupported. Win-win.
Reply
Reply
post #124 of 2664
8/14/09 at 9:36am
you are not listening...it had NOTHING to do with potential support costs
Reply
Reply
post #125 of 2664
8/14/09 at 10:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

you are not listening...it had NOTHING to do with potential support costs

OK, sorry, I didn't see that you already dismissed that idea. I realize that your agreement prevents you from flat out telling everybody, but the exclusion of sequences is so absurd, I just can't leave this alone. As far as I'm concerned, there is no rational reason to exclude such a basic feature. If it is as simple as "the new codeset is different", then that is just a pathetic design for a remote. I can create macros on any key with my nine year old $20 Radio Shack remote, even without my JP1 cable/software.
Reply
Reply
post #126 of 2664
8/14/09 at 10:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwieder View Post

Other than the RF capability, why wasn't the 900 built off the platform of the ONE? In more other ways, the 900 is like the One than the 1100. I would love to hear an explanation for that, too, from a Logitech employee.

Probably a long shot here but it makes you hope there's maybe a replacement coming for the Harmony One. Hopefully, a One with a clearer LCD screen and length of time you can set the screen to stay on, amongst other features. At the most, I would pay about $50.00 over the price of the current Harmony One.
Reply
Reply
post #127 of 2664
8/14/09 at 11:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Perpendicular View Post

Probably a long shot here but it makes you hope there's maybe a replacement coming for the Harmony One. Hopefully, a One with a clearer LCD screen and length of time you can set the screen to stay on, amongst other features. At the most, I would pay about $50.00 over the price of the current Harmony One.

really? I used the One for probably 3/4 of a year before I gave it to my parents and started beta testing the 1100...I never had a problem with the screen clarity...and I swear I remember adjusting the backlight duration in the software...how long do you want it to stay on?

as far as a 'hardware revamp' on the One? I doubt it. with the exception of the 1100 replacing the 1000, there really hasn't been an 'identical' remote replacement. and the One has so few problems I can't see them messing with it at all.

and for those with the arguement that 'a $20 universal can do macros, why can't a harmony do sequences'....this was EXACTLY what I told logitech the response would be. literally, word for word, I said this was what people would argue. the fact of the matter is that your $20 universal is doing a LOT less 'under the hood'...your harmony is doing a lot more 'under the hood'.
Reply
Reply
post #128 of 2664
8/14/09 at 12:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

we had beta testers there
also, because of the change to the ecnet protocol, the 900 WILL be allowed there, unlike the 890...and there won't be need for an "i" model like the 1000i or 1100i

Oh that's reassuring thanks Actuary!
Reply
Reply
post #129 of 2664
8/14/09 at 12:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

and for those with the arguement that 'a $20 universal can do macros, why can't a harmony do sequences'....this was EXACTLY what I told logitech the response would be. literally, word for word, I said this was what people would argue. the fact of the matter is that your $20 universal is doing a LOT less 'under the hood'...your harmony is doing a lot more 'under the hood'.

When I'm in an Activity mode, what else is the 900 doing under the hood compared to the One? Are there other new features that I'm not aware of? I understand that the new codeset has moved some of the compile work off their servers and over to the remote ... is that chewing up processing power and memory to the point where they are forced to drop features in the normal operating mode. Once again, I'm fishing here.
Reply
Reply
post #130 of 2664
8/14/09 at 12:51pm
you have to stop comparing it to the one
it's nothing like the one internally
recall, internally it's like the 1100...which was built to "correct" the 1000

I can't say anything more
Reply
Reply
post #131 of 2664
8/14/09 at 1:36pm
I've been reading the thread here and the one on the Logitech blog -- as an aside Wannabe Actuary seems to know a lot and be everywhere -- and I am somewhat confused as to whether the Harmony 900 is worth the increase in price. the 890 has the RF signal that will go into a cabinet but not the "blasters". Is this the only difference? How important is it? Is the only downside to the Harmony One that it doesn't have RF? Is there a Logitech remote that you can update via Wifi? Is there one in the works and if not, why not?

Thanks in advance! I am replacing an old Sony universal remote and I think it is time...
Reply
Reply
post #132 of 2664
8/14/09 at 2:01pm
wanna,
it's kind of hard not to compare the 900 and one especially their sharing the same form-factor. i know where you're coming from with the os comparison, but stepping back and viewing from a consumer perspective, the 900 is, for all intents and purposes, an updated harmony one.
,r

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

you have to stop comparing it to the one
it's nothing like the one internally
recall, internally it's like the 1100...which was built to "correct" the 1000

I can't say anything more
Reply
Reply
post #133 of 2664
8/14/09 at 2:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by IWANTMY1080PTV View Post

I've been reading the thread here and the one on the Logitech blog -- as an aside Wannabe Actuary seems to know a lot and be everywhere -- and I am somewhat confused as to whether the Harmony 900 is worth the increase in price. the 890 has the RF signal that will go into a cabinet but not the "blasters". Is this the only difference? How important is it? Is the only downside to the Harmony One that it doesn't have RF? Is there a Logitech remote that you can update via Wifi? Is there one in the works and if not, why not?

Thanks in advance! I am replacing an old Sony universal remote and I think it is time...

increase in price from which remote? the 890 or the One?
the 890 is several years old, so current price isn't a good indicator
the One price lacks the rf hardware, so you have to decide if it's worth the cost for you

as far as differences in operation of the 890 and 900, the 900 has a sleep timer and many more settings can be changed on the remote itself, requiring less updates...bub both can reliably control ir devices without line of sight to the remote

my 1100 and extender works just as well as my 900 and blaster


I know nothing of future remote plans, but if I did, I wouldn't be allowed to disclose anything
as of now, there are no harmony remotes (can't speak for other companies) that can update via wifi

the new blaster updates via rf from the remote, but the remote still has to be connected

given that this is possible, I suppose a future step could be something that's left plugged into the computer that then pushes the update to the remote and blaster like the remote now does with the blaster
Reply
Reply
post #134 of 2664
8/14/09 at 2:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

increase in price from which remote? the 890 or the One?
the 890 is several years old, so current price isn't a good indicator
the One price lacks the rf hardware, so you have to decide if it's worth the cost for you

as far as differences in operation of the 890 and 900, the 900 has a sleep timer and many more settings can be changed on the remote itself, requiring less updates...bub both can reliably control ir devices without line of sight to the remote

my 1100 and extender works just as well as my 900 and blaster


I know nothing of future remote plans, but if I did, I wouldn't be allowed to disclose anything
as of now, there are no harmony remotes (can't speak for other companies) that can update via wifi

the new blaster updates via rf from the remote, but the remote still has to be connected

given that this is possible, I suppose a future step could be something that's left plugged into the computer that then pushes the update to the remote and blaster like the remote now does with the blaster

Thank you for that prompt and detailed response. Can you elaborate a little on the settings that can be changed directly on the remote itself? If the sleep ability is the main difference, I think I would go with the old outdated and cheaper model rather than being a first adopter for once. I almost can't even believe that I was able to write that last sentence...
Reply
Reply
post #135 of 2664
8/14/09 at 5:14pm
themes, the entire rf network setup is done on the remote, choice of favorite channel icons or commands showing first for activities that support them...those are some examples...I'm sure there are more I'm forgetting at the moment
keep in mind that the 890 lacks colored buttons that are common for BR players and sat boxes, which means assigning them as labels on the display
it also lacks LCD screen images for anything other than favorite channels
the 900 has a pretty good assortment of images that you can assign for commands on the LCD (note activity images are not customizable on any harmony)

having had the 880, 890, one and 900, I can say that the screen quality is the best on the 900...it really makes the 800 series screens look terrible (and I thought they looked great back in the day)

as far as the sticky ir blaster tip cables from the old extender, those can be plugged into the back of the new main blaster with the correct adapter (the old blaster cables are 3.5mm, the ports on the blaster are 2.5mm mono)

I do highly recommend the 900 with two caveats
1. the 890 supports sequences and the 900 does not
2. the 890 supports the uploading of a csv file for display of a media list for things like a DVD jukebox....the 900 (and any harmony lacking a physical "media" button) lack this feature....there is a nice harmony model comparison here that has images of all the remotes so you can see which ones have the media button and which ones don't

http://bevhoward.com/Misc/IR/HarmCompare.html

if those two features are needed by you, go for the 890...otherwise I would suggest the 900
Reply
Reply
post #136 of 2664
8/14/09 at 8:29pm
Sorry if this has been answered, but I can't find clear information. What is the situation with using RF light switches and the Harmony 900.

If there's a 1000w dimmer I can buy that will take RF commands from the 900 then I'm ready to upgrade my 520 and get rid of that ugly emitter wire hanging off my current IR dimmer.

Thanks
Reply
Reply
post #137 of 2664
8/14/09 at 10:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

as of now, there are no harmony remotes (can't speak for other companies) that can update via wifi

I tested and reviewed the ESPN remote, for Amazon. Which at the time cost more than The One. It does all it's magic via WiFi. I wrote in my review that I wish Logitech had bought this company to merge the WiFi news features of the ESPN Remote with the excellent remote capabilities of The One. The ESPN Remote's price eventually dropped like a rock as The One just settled in on a nice discount. I still say it's a great concept, but now I'd base it on the 900 because of the better screen.
Reply
Reply
post #138 of 2664
8/15/09 at 6:01am
In the last two months, I've replaced my television, CD player, and A/V receiver, and purchased a Blu-ray player. I was looking around this morning to see about purchasing a Harmony remote control and ran across this amazing Harmony 900 discussion.

From reading this thread, it seems Logitech picked up a gun and proceeded to fire it between its eyes with this new and "improved" Harmony 900. Guess I can press the "Off" button on buying a Harmony 900.
Reply
Reply
post #139 of 2664
8/15/09 at 7:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jadeonly View Post

Sorry if this has been answered, but I can't find clear information. What is the situation with using RF light switches and the Harmony 900.

If there's a 1000w dimmer I can buy that will take RF commands from the 900 then I'm ready to upgrade my 520 and get rid of that ugly emitter wire hanging off my current IR dimmer.

Thanks

no, the 900 can only send RF to it's blaster...nothing else.
Reply
Reply
post #140 of 2664
8/15/09 at 8:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by stevenfromtexas View Post

from reading this thread, it seems logitech picked up a gun and proceeded to fire it between its eyes with this new and "improved" harmony 900. Guess i can press the "off" button on buying a harmony 900.

+1
Reply
Reply
post #141 of 2664
8/15/09 at 9:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by StevenFromTexas View Post

In the last two months, I've replaced my television, CD player, and A/V receiver, and purchased a Blu-ray player. I was looking around this morning to see about purchasing a Harmony remote control and ran across this amazing Harmony 900 discussion.

From reading this thread, it seems Logitech picked up a gun and proceeded to fire it between its eyes with this new and "improved" Harmony 900. Guess I can press the "Off" button on buying a Harmony 900.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Perpendicular View Post

+1


assuming you guys are referring to sequences...be sure to hope over to the logitech site and sign the petition...I've received confirmation from logitech that feedback from THAT thread will be passed on to the development team. it might not change the 900's or 1100's lack of sequences, but it definitely will be taken into consideration on future remotes...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

for anyone upset about sequences, please see this petition
http://forums.logitech.com/logitech/...hread.id=34758
Reply
Reply
post #142 of 2664
8/15/09 at 9:39am
Has any of the testers posted what the button on the base station does yet? EMW2K
Reply
Reply
post #143 of 2664
8/15/09 at 9:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by joe221 View Post

Has any of the testers posted what the button on the base station does yet? EMW2K

button on the base station?

there is no button on the base station/charger...there is a white light, just like the base for the One.

interestingly, many people liked that there was a 'switch' on the base of the One that allowed the light to be turned off...there is no such switch on the base of the 900...the light on the base is always on.
Reply
Reply
post #144 of 2664
8/15/09 at 10:54am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

you have to stop comparing it to the one
it's nothing like the one internally
recall, internally it's like the 1100...which was built to "correct" the 1000

I can't say anything more

I understand what you are saying (and that you can't say more), and its unfortunate that CNET didn't note this in their review. The CNET review seemed to portray it as a One with RF+Extras. They didn't even mention the lack of sequences in their 'cons' section. If the CNET reviewer assumes its an upgrade from the One, then I'm guessing 99% of consumers will also make that same assumption.
Reply
Reply
post #145 of 2664
8/15/09 at 11:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by edpowers View Post

I understand what you are saying (and that you can't say more), and its unfortunate that CNET didn't note this in their review. The CNET review seemed to portray it as a One with RF+Extras. They didn't even mention the lack of sequences in their 'cons' section. If the CNET reviewer assumes its an upgrade from the One, then I'm guessing 99% of consumers will also make that same assumption.

sadly, I learned long ago that most reviewers at CNET are general reviewers and not necessarily 'experts' in any one category...

quite simply, in terms of progression...it has to be thought of as:
880 -> One
890 -> 900

but remember, the 900 is built off the basis of the 1100 (in the 'starting' body of a One)
quite confusing, but that's how it is
Reply
Reply
post #146 of 2664
8/15/09 at 11:29am
All things being equal I would buy the 900 but for less than half of the price I think I may go for the 890 or just wait 6 or 8 months for the 900 price drop.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

themes, the entire rf network setup is done on the remote, choice of favorite channel icons or commands showing first for activities that support them...those are some examples...I'm sure there are more I'm forgetting at the moment
keep in mind that the 890 lacks colored buttons that are common for BR players and sat boxes, which means assigning them as labels on the display
it also lacks LCD screen images for anything other than favorite channels
the 900 has a pretty good assortment of images that you can assign for commands on the LCD (note activity images are not customizable on any harmony)

having had the 880, 890, one and 900, I can say that the screen quality is the best on the 900...it really makes the 800 series screens look terrible (and I thought they looked great back in the day)

as far as the sticky ir blaster tip cables from the old extender, those can be plugged into the back of the new main blaster with the correct adapter (the old blaster cables are 3.5mm, the ports on the blaster are 2.5mm mono)

I do highly recommend the 900 with two caveats
1. the 890 supports sequences and the 900 does not
2. the 890 supports the uploading of a csv file for display of a media list for things like a DVD jukebox....the 900 (and any harmony lacking a physical "media" button) lack this feature....there is a nice harmony model comparison here that has images of all the remotes so you can see which ones have the media button and which ones don't

[url]

if those two features are needed by you, go for the 890...otherwise I would suggest the 900
Reply
Reply
post #147 of 2664
8/15/09 at 11:55am
my recommendation would be to wait...the difference in screen quality alone makes the 900 worth so much more
Reply
Reply
post #148 of 2664
8/15/09 at 3:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

interestingly, many people liked that there was a 'switch' on the base of the One that allowed the light to be turned off...there is no such switch on the base of the 900...the light on the base is always on.

Yet, one more reason to pass on the 900.

I agree with the Cnet review comment about the 900 being a souped up One.
Reply
Reply
post #149 of 2664
8/15/09 at 3:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

really? I used the One for probably 3/4 of a year before I gave it to my parents and started beta testing the 1100...I never had a problem with the screen clarity...and I swear I remember adjusting the backlight duration in the software...how long do you want it to stay on?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wannabe Actuary View Post

my recommendation would be to wait...the difference in screen quality alone makes the 900 worth so much more

After you stated to me that the Harmony One was enough screen resolution? Maybe, for your eyes. Not for mine. Then, you make the second comment. Puuuulllleeeeeze!!
Reply
Reply
post #150 of 2664
8/15/09 at 4:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Perpendicular View Post

After you stated to me that the Harmony One was enough screen resolution? Maybe, for your eyes. Not for mine. Then, you make the second comment. Puuuulllleeeeeze!!

you do realize that the second comment was in reference to him passing on the 900 in favor of the 890. The difference between the screen quality of the 890 and the 900 is amazing.

the difference between the One and 900 is there, but not nearly as noticeable.

for the record, I'm 26 with 20/20 vision
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Remote Control Area

Gear mentioned in this thread:

AVS › AVS Forum › A/V Control & Automation › Remote Control Area › Official Logitech Harmony 900 thread