Harmony 700 - Page 7

I have an Emotiva UMC-1. Its remote allows continuous adjustment when the arrow keys (up, down, right left) are held down, like the volume keys. The arrow keys (using code from Harmony database) on my 700 provide for only one adjustment at a time. I tried relearning the arrow keys from the UMC remote but it did not change the operation. Any thoughts?

I'd try normal learns (not raw) and use the shortest presses it will recognize. That should give you a clean analyzed learn of one repeat so when more repeats are applied it will make sense to your device.

I know that user cannot do that adjustment. But for example my receiver required to press the 7 key for 3sec to bring up the menu. Just send a message to their tech support people describing what you want and they can adjust the setup to your remote.

How do I do a normal learn rather than a raw learn? I don't see the option for that on the Learn IR screen.

^^^

I think you get a raw option if you pick the custom button. Since you didn't know about it, you are doing normal learns anyway. So unless shorter presses do the trick, I'm out of ideas. Support may be able to help you otherwise, like another poster said.

I just received a 700 as a present. I updated my account and the remote to do the initial programming. Now, however when I plug in the remote I get an error saying the USB device is not recognized. Anyone ever have this issue?

Ok nevermind, apparently the remote won't work when plugged into my hub for some reason.

I had 9 devices with my old harmony (some obsolete too) and I was thinking to delete them and keep 6. I decided to keep them and wait to be asked to delete some. But the surprise is that all 9 were copied and work well. I can neither add any other RC nor replace them (in a comfortable way).

I find very bad from Logitech to artificially limit to 6 when it is proven that the RC can handle much more (probably 12-16 like the older ones). Memory should not be a problem those days. I am thinking to send a mail to Logitech to complain about it and tell them that if they do not unblock the limit I'll be back to the old RC and bring the 700 back. But just one person doing it is not enough. What about if we do a massive request? Someone else likes the idea?

I have a question about using a Harmony 700 remote with the Onkyo TX-SR608 receiver. I set up my new Harmony 700 last night and had everything working great except for one thing: input switching on the 608. So far my setup consists of a Scientific Atlanta 8300HD (PVR) connected to the CBL/SAT input and an LG BD550 (Blu-ray player) conncted to the BD/DVD input. When I select view m.ie on the Harmony 700 the BD550 turns on, but sometimes the 608 stays on the same input it was already on. The same thing happens with the 8300HD. Yet sometimes the 608 does switch to the correct input. I can't really see a pattern to it and the 608 responds perfectly every time to its own remote, so it has to be a Harmony issue.

After 3 hours of trial and almost all error, I'm frustrated enough with this that I am considering returning the Harmony and using the stock remotes (but I really don't want to). Any suggestions?

Read the sticky post at the top of this forum.

I think their most likely response to that would be to "fix" their online software so that when you go from one harmony to another, you can't keep all your devices.

They clearly are set on a strategy of price differentiation based significantly on the number of devices authorized to be controlled (despite the fact that it's merely an artificial limit and the limited remotes are actually capable of handling more devices).

FYI... The Harmony 700 is now $60 after a $35 mail in rebate at select Fry's Electronics this weekend. I've been jonesing for a URC R50 (not a fanboy --just prefer backlit keys) for awhile. I decided to save myself $30 (the R50 is $90 at Fry's) and get the 700 (normally $130) instead.

---
Edit: My bad...the numbers are backlit--the full keys aren't but the numbers definitely are. Still getting used to it.

^^^

Thanks for the heads-up allargon! Just picked up one of these at Fry's for $60 (after rebate) just like you said. Killer deal. Only problem is it's going to take me a week to get it set up like my old harmony since the replace remote wizard doesn't get all my custom button mappings. Bummer. But the upside is I've now got a 12 device 700 since my old remote had 12 devices

12 devices? Do tell. I'm considering returning my 700 because it only controls 6 devices.

^^^

Apparently, if you replace an old remote with a 700, the software lets you keep all your old devices. So I had 12 devices on my old harmony 360 to begin with. I asked logitech support to clone my account. At that point I had my original 360 account and a copy. On the copy, I picked "Replace Remote" in the software and took the option to keep all my activities and devices. When I was done, my 700 had the same 12 devices my old 360 had.

The drawback is your additional devices are kind of set in stone. If you ever delete one, you'll never get it back. However, if you keep your old remote, you can add/change devices on it and go through the whole copy process again to get them on you 700.

I don't think there's any way to get extra devices without first setting up another remote and going through the replace wizard to pull them over.

Is it only deleting a device that causes heartache or are there limitations on the reprogramming you can do with the "additional" devices - i.e., do you have the freedom to change settings and reprogram activities without losing the devices?

^^^

I don't think there are any other issues. Right now I get a message in the software about having the max number of devices. I suspect after deleting a device (I'm not going to try that), I'd be prevented from adding one in it's place so long as I'm over 6 devices. However, I've already changed activities and the devices in them with no problems. So it appears to be as flexible as any other 12 device harmony.

Even though it seems like a bug, I bet they let you keep all your devices when you "upgrade" to a new model on purpose. I'm convinced the device limit is just a marketing tool to make first time buyers with lots of devices get the more expensive models. The only problem is they cripple their high end models in other ways, like no sequences on the 900 and 1100. So even if I wanted to get a high end model, it wouldn't work. So whatever marketing games they're playing by limiting certain features actually backfires on them because it's forcing me to buy a lower end model to get the features I need.

I have been reading these forums for sometime and have found them very informative. Anyway; I am thinking of getting the Harmony 700 remote, but need some advise.

I just purchased a Toshiba LED TV last month (April); the model number is
55SL500U and it is a brand spankin' new model (part of the 2010 line up). It is hard to find this tv anywhere on the web; not even listed on Toshiba's website yet. So, knowing this, I called Logitech yesterday and asked them if my tv model was supported yet and not surprisingly Logitech replied, "No". The did say that the remote could still be programmed to operate with my tv by 'learning from the original remote'. I also have the new Directv HR24-500 HD DVR receiver and wouldn't be surprised if that is not supported yet, either.

My question is if I go ahead and buy the Harmony 700 will it be difficult to program with my equipment (specifically the tv and hd dvr)? And will I have complete control of the equipment, i.e. volume with the tv, recorded shows with the dvr, etc.

Thanks for any input you can provide

^^^
I've never programmed using the "learning by original remote" method, but I understand it is not terribly difficult.

But I'd suggest that you won't even need to do that. Although Logitech may not support your particular models now, their programming is web-based and they update their database constantly. I'm confident that within weeks, both the Toshiba and HR24 will be supported on their website.

^^^

The HR-24 uses exactly the same codes as the HR20, 21, 22, and 23. So take your pick. Even if the 24 turns out to be in the database, I'd recommend the HR20 codes instead since they're known to be correct and complete. HERE's how to add some extra HR2x commands which aren't in the harmony database and probably never will be.

You can likely use an older Toshiba code set for your new TV as well. Just do a little homework and pick a recent similar model (doesn't have to be LED). If that doesn't work (I'd be very surprised if it didn't), then learn them. Post back if you need the pronto hex for discrete on/off and discrete inputs. Logitech support can add those for you.

Guess how new devices get into the logitech database. Bingo. Users like you learn them and do all their work for them. I've learned plenty of devices for my harmony. It's tedious, but not difficult.

Bottom line is any harmony, including the 700, will work fine.

Getting OT here, but the HR-24 actually comes with a very cool remote. It can actually download codes from your DVR and upload its config back to the DVR. So if a new device comes along, you can pick it from the screen on the DVR which then beams it to your remote (via IR, I think, the same way we JP1ers have been downloading/uploading from/to other UEI remotes via cables and sound files for years). Then your remote beams it's config up to the DVR, so if you ever get a replacement, just download the config and you're back in business with all your codes. Kind of a poor man's harmony, only wireless and macro-less (except for one). That being said, I'd still rather have a serious universal with at least learning and macros. But if your needs are simple, the new DirecTV remote isn't bad.

Are any of you using the 700 and the Next Generation Remote Control Extender? If so how well do they work together?
Thanks.

Just noticed the 700 is now $74 after a $30 rebate @Fry's (stores and website). Still not a bad deal.

It is also similarly priced on amazon right now. 77 I think after rebate

Should my H700 have come with a small plug to plug the hole on the front where the usb cable plugs in?



I just bought one and mine didn't come with anything and it would seem that every other device I have ever owned has something to protect the ports when the ports are not in use.

I've never gotten anything like that with any of my Harmony remotes.

i was wondering that too, but is seems that my 525 does not have any protection either
I guess I'll just find some rubber to stick in there (for example a fiber-optic protection cap)

Unless you have small kids that play with your remote in a sand box, I would not worry about it. The remote does not have any fan that would suck dirt into it nor the location of it make that your hand will rub on it.

I just purchased the 700 and so far I am only luke warm enthusiastic. For some this is a budget remote, for me it is high end. I could have gone with the Sony RM-VLZ620 $25, but wanted to step up, and like the idea of software programmable.

Initial setup was easy, the desktop software worked ok, and basic functionality was setup and easy use. However after a couple of tests I noticed that my AV receiver was not switching inputs under certain conditions, however help would always easily correct. After hours of searching online, I am down to having to contact Harmony support on Monday. The basic issue is, if I am on TV activity, and switch to DVD activity, then turn off everything, when I turn TV activity back on the AV receiver will still be on the dVD input and won't switch. Sometimes if I go from TV to DVD then try to go back the AV receiver won't switch. So I custom added the input buttons in each Activity and it easily changes input. This is annoying, because basic turn on and off functionality should be no issue with a product so seasoned as Harmony remotes.

Worse is the software, I remember have used 3rd party software for other types of remotes and they worked great. Showing the mapping of all the keys, and you could customize each key, including sequences, all from the same GUI single page map. So if I wanted to add a custom key for one of the color code keys, say red. Red would toggle inputs between Tuner AM/FM, or toggle inputs between DVD/TV, but so far I only see that I have to use two separate keys.

Frankly Harmony should allow 3rd party to develop programming software, and simply buy the best available or copy it.

I want to be excited, but the experience so far is harder than it should be.

I don't have my Harmony yet, but am curious to know if disabling HDMI-CEC on your AVR would help?

Also, how does the Harmony handle situations where the AVR wants to do one thing (e.g. use the last input before power-down as specified in the OSD/GUI) when the Harmony wants to do something else (e.g. power up AVR with a different input)? Do you have to program in a delay to allow the AVR to do its auto function before the Harmony issues its command?

Please check your TV power on delay. The default could be too short, so you may need to increase it.
Device -> TV -> Settings -> Adjust the delays -> Power on delay

A too short power on delay does not allow your TV to startup until sending the "change input" command.

About to switch from a 550 to a 700. I have 7 devices now, which will be fine, but plan on adding a new TV (42 to 55 inches) later this year or early next. Should I maybe consider adding potential TV's I have been eyeballing now with the 550's account so I don't hit the device limit when I do upgrade TVs?