Best Universal Remote - Page 2

Originally Posted by bguzman

I recently switched from Harmony remotes in my HT and living room. I am using this one,URC-RFS200, in my living room and this one, ARRX18G, in my HT. I too was a little worried about programing but if you read and follow the instructions it is pretty easy. The RF of the URC is rock solid if you require such a feature. The AR has PC software to assist in programing and offers more than enough features and flexibility to satisfy your needs. Google for best prices. I would recommend these for anyone looking for a good inexpensive remote, good luck.

Originally Posted by mdavej

Your examples look like 2 sequences to me. You just happen to be changing 2 setting while in the setup menus. However, you probably don't have to go through all of that on a universal remote. I don't know what receiver you have, but settings like dyn vol and midnight usually have discrete commands. Just because they aren't on your remote doesn't mean they don't exist. So in your examples, each setting would most likely be a single command, with no need to dig into the menus at all. If you post your receiver model, I can tell you for sure.

If it turns out you really do need the whole sequence, they can probably be rolled into activities. My guess is you don't change these settings several times inside an activity. You probably decide before hand whether you want dyn vol on or off. In that case, just make activities "Watch Movie Dyn Vol On" and "Watch Movie Dyn Vol Off". So there are still several solutions to get about any good universal working for your setup.

My favorite universal remotes aren't even on your radar but are very inexpensive and can do all you ask. So you may want to consider those as well. The cheapest is JP1 ($20 remote + $30 programming interface), and next is Xsight Touch ($50) that bguzman suggested. JP1 is very powerful and fast, but lacks an LCD, which is a deal breaker for many. The Xsight is a much better remote than the 700 or similarly priced URC, even better in some respects than a $250 900, like having practically unlimited macros. But unlike harmony, Xsight lacks state tracking. JP1 and higher end URCs do state tracking (JP1 is limited to 8 states it can track). But if your devices have discrete power and input commands, this is a non-issue.

To answer your other question, it's impossible to work pauses into a hacked sequence on an 1100, but they're no problem if you put them in an activity. The Xsight, JP1, and higher end URCs, can handle variable length pauses fine in any macro step.

So before you decide we need to determine if those discrete commands for dyn vol and midnight exist, possibly eliminating the need for your long sequences.

Originally Posted by mdavej

The harmony database does indeed have all DynVol discretes, so you won't need sequences for those.

Of course these (and many more) can be added to any remote that takes pronto hex, or you could add them to a $10 JP1 remote and teach them to any other remote.

Originally Posted by mdavej

Harmony will be the easiest to set up since the codes you need are already there. The others, including URC, will take some work tracking down and importing the codes. For harmony, check out the Chart link in my signature and find the model that has the right number of devices and is rechargeable (probably the 700).

Good luck

Originally Posted by ourmanritter

cool thanks again... I think 700 might be the best way to go for me at this point.

Originally Posted by pauleyc

I will say that I have had a lot of problems with two harmony 700s and that funky cable they use for charging. My dad has had nothing but problems with the charging circuits in harmony ones. Personally I think the 650 is a better option with some good batteries ... R50 is probably a better option but now we are getting into opinion.

Originally Posted by pauleyc

I will say that I have had a lot of problems with two harmony 700s and that funky cable they use for charging. My dad has had nothing but problems with the charging circuits in harmony ones. Personally I think the 650 is a better option with some good batteries ... R50 is probably a better option but now we are getting into opinion.

Originally Posted by SWEENSTER

I just bought and programed the Harmony One to control 61" Hitachi rear projector, Denon 5803 receiver, Denon 2010ci DVD/SACD, Directv HD64 box. All effective, very intuitive. Won't however work to control the Wii (obvious reasons) but will probably work for a PS3.
On sale @ SEARS for $163.00

Originally Posted by mdavej

The others, including URC, will take some work tracking down and importing the codes.

Originally Posted by holyindian

I recently brought a Harmony 1100, and have been using Xsight RF remote too. Can i use both the remotes togather with RF option?.. I mean not at the same time.. but having the Harmony Remote mounted on the side table, while using Xsight for changing channels and volume?

Originally Posted by soundwhat 

Not counting for harmony remotes since they are selling their product line,

Originally Posted by happycricket 

I don't think that a perfect universal remote control exists. A logitech harmony remote is great for turning on or turning off all of your equipment at the same time. And its also nice to be able to create custom buttons.

But at the same time, some of the new remote control apps do things that a harmony remote could never dream of. The directv app is a particularly good example. Not only can you change the channels and research shows, but you can also watch certain channels live from the app and even program your dvr from anywhere with an internet connection.

I'd say the perfect remote is a combination of things right now. A harmony remote combined with an ipad is probably the best option.

Originally Posted by jalyst 

You mean Logitech's ditching their Harmony line, that sounds like (potentially) great news, who's snatching it up, do you know?

Originally Posted by MNaudioguy 

Any thoughts? I will pay for an app, buy a remote, etc. I would like to keep it under $100 and hopefully something exists that doesn't require me to be a programmer to figure it out. I admit I have never used a Harmony line remote so dont have a frame of reference. Also, I would like to be able to do some macros so I can program something like (turn TV on, wait 2 seconds Turn AVR on, wait 2 seconds, Turn Cable on). Nothing too advanced like controlling lights (yet, haha). Also, i would like it to be able to perform other functions like initiate and do Auddysey setup as I change speaker configurations. Any help is appreciated!