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Remote recommendation

post #1 of 13
6/8/07 at 7:53am
Thread Starter 
For my upcoming theater, I would like a recommendation on a remote.

The whole reason I want one is so it can literally control all my equipment. My concern is this. If I were to go buy say...the harmony 1000, would I get it home only to find out that it can't control a couple things I have because it's not listed in some database? For example i have a sucky plasma with an off brand name, and I'd be worried that's not there. It is an older Harsper 42" model, outdated now. I would like to hear some of your experiences with it (or other remotes like it)

Also let's say I want to set it up to play games. Will they only control things like recievers and tvs, or can they do things like the xbox or PS3?

$500 is a great deal for spend, and would be a big waste if I have to get up to turn on the one or two things my remote won't control.

Also If I want to go more advanced....like say control lighting later on, along with controlling my equipment, what kind of remote would I need for such a task?(excluding all the lighting equipment and mods)

Thanks guys, as always you are geniuses.
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post #2 of 13
6/8/07 at 10:08am
I havent worked with any Harmony remotes so I really cant comment on them, if you are truely looking for a learning remote then look at URC remotes, they have an expansive database as well as offer RF base stations to allow you to hide gear in a closet or cabinet, with URC you are able to learn IR codes from items that arent in the database...not sure if harmony allows...probably does.

Look at the MX900 or MX950 for a handheld or TX1000 for a tabletop style

Contact Mike at surf remote for a deal www.surfremote.com
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post #3 of 13
6/8/07 at 11:31am
Thread Starter 
Thanks I'm checking it out as we speak (or type)
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post #4 of 13
6/8/07 at 11:34am
Thread Starter 
One of the products on that page is the MX-3000. I can't link yet as I don't have enough posts

I believe I have seen that in people's theaters before and I always wondered which one it was. It stands out for sure.

Anybody here use it and can either promote it or demote it with your experience? Do tell!
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post #5 of 13
6/8/07 at 11:39am
Harmony most likely would work. The TV probably runs off some fairly generic freq's that you could program into the remote. I had to program our cable box to a sylvania TV that didnt have code info, worked on the third universal # listed with remote paperwork.

Havent programed the harmony other then computer, but there might also be a learn function, where you point the TVs remote at the harmony and tell the harmony TV - On/Off, hit the on/off of the tv remote and it learns it...

Best of luck
Matt
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post #6 of 13
6/8/07 at 12:41pm
Thread Starter 
Woops! My apologies. this should have been posted in the remote control section. I'm a n00b.

Someone can move it if need be.
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post #7 of 13
6/10/07 at 6:25pm
I personally use the MX-3000 and it is a fantiastic remote. The versatility of what it can do is almost endless. There are however, two large downsides.

The first obviously, is price. It is not an inexpensive remote. However, I do believe that you get what you pay for.

The second point would be that the programming is not meant to be done by the end user. Generally speaking, you are not supposed to even have access to the software. However, if you are able to learn how to program it, you can really grab a hold of your home theater. Or, if you are in the proximity of Wilmington Delaware you can come down, buy the remote from me (I work for an authorized dealer) and I will supply you with the software.

However, you will not be able to use it to program video game controllers. There are some IR codes available for the 360 (Power control, as well as DVD funcitonality), but that is about it. The PS3 unfortunately works entirely off of a bluetooth technology. So far I have not seen any remotes on the market that will allow you to do this.

If you have any questions, keep posting away.

-Yarney
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post #8 of 13
6/12/07 at 5:46am
Thread Starter 
Thanks Yarney,

How else would I get a hold of the software?

Glad to hear about the 360, as I only want the basics like poweron/off and dvd if we use it. The PS3 is a bummer as I have it as my blu-ray player.

Once you start to learn the software, can it control things like lights? I even heard of someone controlling their roomba with one! (which i just bought a few days ago)
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post #9 of 13
6/12/07 at 8:41am
RTI remotes are the best period. Will likely cost more than URC.
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post #10 of 13
6/12/07 at 5:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrl8zyboy View Post

RTI remotes are the best period. Will likely cost more than URC.

Agreed, as thats what we sell but its only available through an installing company, and software is not available to end users

I have RTI at home for my systems, I use a T1, T2C and a T3 with a RP-1 and a RP-6 and RM433 combo

Works well with no issues

URC is next with the MX950 or MX900 with a MRF-350..or MX850 with a MRF300
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post #11 of 13
6/12/07 at 5:17pm
I have the harmony 890 in my basement - easy to program and nice interface extensive list of products and does have the learning function
I have the URC mx 900 with the mrf 300 up stairs. Great remote extremely reliable and responsive as my AV stuff is relatively far.
Just picked up the TX1000 with the MSC400 to play with. Haven't had a chance to intergrate it with my home yet. I am hoping to use the RS232 stuff with my HAI system and a few other pieces of equipment.
I have programmed an MX3000 for someone as well. I really like the interface on it and in terms of programming its rather advanced but can be done rather easy. YOu can add amazing themes and icons.
Personally i dont like table top units though. I prefer ones that fit in my hand.
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post #12 of 13
6/13/07 at 9:02am
Thread Starter 
I think i've narrowed down my choices and I will likely go with the MX-3000. Are there any people in the chicagoland area who would be able to program one? I've been told that they are kind of a pain, and i'd rather pay someone to do it correctly instead of tinkering with it for 2 weeks. Building our theater will be enough of a problem

Also interested to know if anyone in the area is very familiar with lutron lighting, as I will probably use it, and I have tons of questions. If it turns out to be too complicated I'll probably hire someone for that too! (I'm not too handy).
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post #13 of 13
6/14/07 at 5:04pm
If your local Best Buy has a Magnolia Home Theater they will be able to program it for you. I work for a Magnolia Home Theater and we generally have them in stock on hand and ready to be programmed.

I would imagine there are other options in your area as well.

-Yarney
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