[chinch]

I'm sure many of you (who allow your significant other(s) to use your HT can relate to this.


I need a simple, yet effective alternate remote to leave with my wife so she can on occasion use the HT without my assistance. It needs to be workable and idiot & toddler proof.... without first having to select which "mode" your remote is in or press other buttons in order to send a command. I'd can't have them click "amp" on the remote to control the amp, then "tv" to control the "tv", etc.). I'm thinking an inexpensive "softkey" type remote where you can label each command would work best for her?


Here is what is needed:

----------------------------------

turn on/off the PJ - dedicated key

turn on the AMP - dedicated key

turn off the AMP - dedicated key

select cable input on receiver - dedicated key

control the cable box - std up/down numeric basic keys, volume


bonus (she can get up and do this if necessary):

turn on dvd player (gotta get up to put in the DVD)

play/pause dvd


I currently use (without a problem myself) an RC-2000mkII and created a separate "page" for her but even that is too complicated it seems Nevermind the labels are 4-digit which makes "Turn off PJ" impossible to create.


Any and all suggestions are welcome

 

[Draven X. Byrne]

I like the HTM MX-700. The wife is extremely satisfied with it but it does depend on you programming it correctly (which really isn't all that hard to do). There is also a large community for those remotes as well with templates for tons of HT components.


DXB

 

[JZ50]

I second the MX 700 suggestion! However, I would recommend setting up macros that turn everything on and off. One suggestion though, if your cable box does not have descete on/off remote codes, leave it on all the time. I spent several months having my remote turn the box on and off and it was a real mess with the family. Good luck!

 

[MikeSRC]

While I agree with the MX-700 suggestions, you might also want to look at the Harmony 676 or 680 which is very family friendly with its activity based button setup (ie: Watch TV, Watch a Movie etc.).

 

[hraner]

I haven't tried MX- and Harmony series, probably they are much better. I'm using a One-For-All 8810 remote(only cost around $20) and I think it's pretty good. It supports macro and learning. Is there any unique feature on MX- and Harmony remotes so I can justify spending $50 or $100 more for it?

 

[Stephen Tu]

The biggest feature you gain with the more expensive remotes is properly labeled keys. You (or perhaps more importantly, others) don't have to remember on which button you stuck that DVD "subtitle" command.

 

[xmenxmenxmen]

I would say go with the One-For-All URC-6131, but one mod for JP1. Either mod it yourself or get it from this guy.

http://www.hifi-remote.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=413


Advantage is that's one of the few remotes that have button label for pvr, dvd and layout pretty nicely for her to use.


Check it out as well as other from the above link.

 

[herdfan]

Get her a Harmony. They MX Series are great remotes, but seem to be overkill for what you want to do. The Harmony has "Activity" based buttons such as "Watch TV" which will turn on every component needed, set the correct input, and give the remote command of the cable or sat box or TV as needed. "Watch a Movie" can turn on the DVD, set the correct inputs and give the remote control of the DVD player, while the volume control keeps control of the AVR.


Go to www.logitech.com/harmony and take the test drive.

 

[chinch]

thanks everyone for the feedback. just reading them all now


i have an MX-500 for our other TV which i'm trying to reintroduce to her. I bought it as a back for my RC-2000mkII and it's been mostly unused for a year.


i definately have the cablebox set ON and no way to turn it off by remote as that really creates needless confusion to some


it's been so long since i shopped remotes i didn't even realize "logitech" was in the remote market

 

[donrussell]

Logitech bought out Harmony not too long ago.


One problem with some newer cable boxes, like the SA8000 PVR used by Time Warner, Cox, and others, is that it turns itself off every night, so you would definitely need the "Power ON" command.

 

[Kid Red]

Quote:

Originally posted by xmenxmenxmen I would say go with the One-For-All URC-6131, but one mod for JP1. Either mod it yourself or get it from this guy.

Too bad that's PC only.

 

[AnthonyP]

Harmony is Mac compatible

 

[sic0048]

It all depends on your budget which no one has asked yet. If you are trying to do this cheaply, then the One for All remotes (OFA) with JP1 ability is your best bet. A remote can be found for $20 or less, and a JP1 cable to hook to your computer for programming is $30 for a pre-built model.


As stated, the draw back to this method is you cannot label your remote buttons. But you do have all the capabilities of a more expensive remote. For example, I use a OFA and if I press and hold (for about 2 seconds) a device button (DVD, VCR, TV, SAT, etc), it will turn on (or leave on if already on) and set all the applicable equipment to use that device. For example, press and hold the DVD button and the TV turn on, turns to the correct input, the DVD player turns on, and the HT receiver turns on and sets itself to play the DVD sound through 5.1 settings. This all happens regardless to the existing settings on each of the devices mentioned.


Press and hold the power button and it will turn off every piece of AV equipment in the room. This makes a great way to shut everything down.


If you want to advantage of labeling your buttons (as there is a huge advantage to this), then you need to look at one of the LCD remotes that can be customized (a OFA LCD remote will not fit this need). These are nicer and have more flexibility than a OFA with JP1, but also cost significantly more. So it just comes down to a matter of your budget...a JP1 remote can do everything you are asking for cheaply, but a programmable LCD remote can be easier to use (due to button labeling) and cost more.


And since you have a MX-500, I think you have started in the right place by pulling that out and trying to get it set up for your needs. Why spend more $ when you very well may have everything you need already. All of these remotes have a learning curve when it comes to programming them. You just need to take your time and really learn how to customize that remote to do what you want. It's a pain to learn, and you'll spend lots of time trying to program something and then testing and tweaking it. But once you have it right, you shouldn't have to mess with it again (until you change a piece of equipment ).

 

[jagouar]

For ease of use there is no better than harmony... esp for the non-involved home theater setups....


I have used the MX series and the harmony 659 and will get a 676 or 680 very soon.

 

[DaveInBerlinNJ]

chinch,


Where you at in NJ? If you're nearby, PM me, you can stop by and check out my system.


I just got a Harmony 659. I've haven't tweaked it at all yet... I still need to play with the setup... already it shows impressive ease of use. I have a PJ, DVD, digital cable box with PVR, amp for bass shakers, 2 dimmers. It handles them all with the press of a button.