Remote Advice: RF or IR?

Hi Everyone.

I have an Onkyo TX-606 (soon to be replaced), an XBox360, a Scientific Atlanta DVR and a Samsung LCD. We currently use an older Logitech Harmony IR remote which is starting to have issues and I am about to put my A/V components inside a cabinet.

I am wondering whether I should get an RF remote or go with IR and blasters.

1. I am trying out a URC RF20 but after going from my Harmony that remembers the state of devices, this RF20 is a real pain. The macros seem to be useless. My wife will never be able to figure it out if the devices get out of sync with the operating mode (Watch Cable, Watch a DVD, etc.).

2. I saw the Harmony 900 which is nice (and RF) but it is $250.

If you recommend RF, is there anything between the RF20 and the Harmony 900 on the price scale? Is anything going to remember device state when switching modes? Is anything going to be able to use 2-way communication to keep things in the proper mode?

I have an older iPhone I am not using so iOS options are available if you think they solve my problem.

Thanks in advance for your help.

J

It seems like the XBox and the Cable Box have a power toggle rather than a discrete on/off.

I noticed that Next Generation system but my current Harmony doesn't take a AA. Does the Next Generation system work well and - if it does - any recommendations on a remote that can work with it?

Thanks.

J

Thanks for the tip on the cable box. That's a good idea.

My Harmony only has an on/off toggle (maybe it's too old to have a discrete on/off code).

Assuming I leave the cable box on and can have a discrete on/off for xbox, do you recommend I go IR and - if so - what remote do you recommend?