 Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 45
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 45 |
I have so many remotes that I'm now having nightmares of them chasing me down the street, clicking at me, hurling themselves at me and finally catching up to me and...and...well...you don't want to know what happens next, but let's just say it's painful.
Can anyone recommend a decent uni-remote that will control all of my components? I need to control an Oppo DV-981HD, Yamaha HTR-5990, Sony DVP-C670D, Samsung LN-S4692D and a newer DirecTV high-definition receiver.
There must be one out there that works?
Thanks!
Steve
Axiom M60v2, VP100v2, SVS SB12-Plus
Yamaha HTR-5990, Oppo DV-981HD
Samsung LN-S4692D
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,339
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,339 |
Go to the Logitech Harmony site and test drive one: Harmony Remotes
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,833
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 6,833 |
Quote:
Go to the Logitech Harmony site and test drive one:
Harmony Remotes
x2
Rick
"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 45
buff
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OP
buff
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 45 |
Thanks for the suggestion. Those things are pricey, but my anxiety of zombie-like killer remotes in the night is more costly. This will require SIGNIFICANT WAF for one of these. Wish me luck. She just blew $12K on a new kitchen.
Without going into great detail, I'm assuming one connects to the Internet and downloads all the needed codes? I see one must hook it up to a PC for initial configuration. It does look like a nice remote.
Steve
Axiom M60v2, VP100v2, SVS SB12-Plus
Yamaha HTR-5990, Oppo DV-981HD
Samsung LN-S4692D
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301 |
You can find the Harmony remotes much cheaper if you do some searching on the internet. You connect the remote to the internet and enter what type of equipment you have and how it is setup, then it will program the codes into the remote, as well as what equipment is on or off for each function.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,349
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,349 |
Harmony x23782 I love my Harmony. If your wife just blew 12k on the kitchen, I'd think you can go buy a couple-hundred dollar remote to clean up the clutter.  My wife (ok, me too) hated having to do 'the remote shuffle' just to watch TV or listen to a CD. All solved with one click now.
M80v2 | VP150v2 | QS8v2
SVS Pci+ 20-39
Emotiva UMC-1 & LPA-1
M22ti + T-Amp, in the Office
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 93
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 93 |
Because I have an Xbox360 media extender, I got the Harmony 360 model and it's everything I thought it would be. Simple setup, simple programming, and they even had all the codes to my gear. It even passed the kids and wife test with flying colors. It's been weeks since they've asked me to turn anything on. One feature I really like is the help button. If, for whatever reason, the system didn't turn on as expected, you just hit the help button. It then goes through a series of yes/no questions and it's never failed to get things working correctly.
My only issue was that it's a web based programming interface and the web pages would sometimes timeout. Annoying, but not a deal killer. Added 15-20 minutes to the programming of the unit, which was completed in less than an hour (and that included me running up and down the stairs to find out what the model numbers of my equipment were)
I paid ~$70+sh at Amazon for it. To get anything better, you'd have to spend many more hundreds of dollars, imho.
Ken.
VaSSallo Series M60v2, VP100v2, QS8v2
SVS SB12-Plus
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 108
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 108 |
Best thing i ever did for my Theatre room was get the Harmony 880 , was easy to set up with the Web based Software and u can set the buttons up anyway u want to control your Devices , jus like anything takes time but it is really easy if i could do it so can u . To me it was a No-Brainer 5 remotes down to 1 .
If You Are Gonna Do It , Do It Right !!!
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 626
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 626 |
I highly recommend Harmony as well. I had the 880, but just upgraded to this beautiful bad boy and I absolutely love it! 
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 98
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 98 |
I'm with the group that love's there 880's. I also bought a 659 as a second unit for another room and now wished I had bought both the same....as there is difference in button placement, and I have to rethink which unit I am using.
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458 |
Sutter: I have to admit that I loved the looks of that remote since it first was announced...but I haven't heard many reviews or mention of it. Can you elaborate on "I absolutely love it"? Do you miss hard buttons that you can find in the dark? Is it extremely customizable? Any problems programming it? Is it definitely a two-handed design? How's the battery life? If you wouldn't mind posting an 8-10 page review, I would appreciate it!! 
Last edited by MarkSJohnson; 04/08/07 03:12 PM.
::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 626
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 626 |
Quote:
Sutter:
I have to admit that I loved the looks of that remote since it first was announced...but I haven't heard many reviews or mention of it.
Can you elaborate on "I absolutely love it"? Do you miss hard buttons that you can find in the dark? Is it extremely customizable? Any problems programming it?
Well, aside from finding it to be very cool looking, it's also very easy to use.
Although I really liked the 880, I'm really not too big on the standard looking remotes, or "hard button" remotes, whichever you choose to call them.
The new 1000 looks sweet, it feels good in your hands, it's very user friendly and yes, I find it a breeze to use.
The remote is just sweet as hell, that's all I can really say. I just got the puppy, so I'm still learning all the cool features that this thing has and what it's all capable of doing.
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 626
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 626 |
Quote:
If you wouldn't mind posting an 8-10 page review, I would appreciate it!!
Once I get a little more time under my belt with it, I can write a review on it. That is if there's any interest for one.
I doubt it'll be 8-10 pages though.
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463 Likes: 1
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,463 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I doubt it'll be 8-10 pages though.
Fine. Seven pages it is, then. Thanks Sutter!
***********
"Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458
shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,458 |
Quote:
Fine. Seven pages it is, then. Thanks Sutter!
Photos too, please. 
::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,854
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,854 |
Steve - hard to believe that nobody has mentioned the MX-850, MX-900 or MX-950, which are the other popular choices here. Do a search on the board - lotsa info on these.
Ray
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,301 |
That Harmony 1000 is one sweet looking remote, I'm very happy with my 880 but I'm having a hard time resisting upgraditis.
A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16 |
Can you download discrete pronto or mx codes onto the harmonies like you can the universal MX remotes?
How do the IR / RF models work, anyone have one??
I just about pitched my MX 850 against the wall last night. I am so sick and freaking tired of screwing around with these %%##^&$ remote flashers that I just can’t get to work right….
I’ve got six different components I’m controlling, and all with some sort of macro command to reconfigure stuff. If anything fails to start or switch when I’m not there to get it set up right, I get to spend a half hour on the phone trying to explain to family members what they need to do.
I’m about ready to try harmony if the RF works better than the Universal MX series.
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,331
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,331 |
Quote:
Steve - hard to believe that nobody has mentioned the MX-850, MX-900 or MX-950,...
Ray
Well, I'd have mentioned them, but Steve's reaction to the initial Harmony suggestion was "Those things are pricey." So, I figured he wouldn't be interested in the MX series. However, I was forgetting the MX-700 which can be had for $170 at Surf Remote Control In fact, they have an Open Box MX-700 for $135 . There is no need to be concerned about the "open box" classification. All that means is they took it out of the box to show a customer. I have an "open box" MX-700 and it arrived in pristine condition.
I owned a Harmony remote, and much prefer the versatility of the MX series. YMMV. The MX comes with computer software, and you can program the entire thing on your computer without having to go online. You can make your program as simple or as complicated as you wish. If you are interested, here is a .pdf version of the manual which will give you an idea of what the remote can do.
I also own the MX-850 which is a newer model that adds RF capability and is considerably more expensive. However, you will notice a link on the 850s page which says "Can I get a lower price"? If you click on that link you get instructions on how to inquire about available discounts. Should you buy any remote from Surf Remote Control, you should inquire about a discount on the model in which you are interested.
I do not use the "flashers." If there is a direct line of sight between the remote and your equipment the flashers are not necessary. However, if your equipment is hidden out of sight in a closet or cabinet, simply placing the RF Base Station in the closet or cabinet will often work fine. The IR signal bounces all over surfaces of the enclosed space and will often activate the equipment without using the flashers. Sometimes the flashers are necessary.
Jack
"People generally quarrel because they cannot argue." - G. K. Chesterton
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 160
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 160 |
Quote:
How do the IR / RF models work, anyone have one??
I just about pitched my MX 850 against the wall last night. I am so sick and freaking tired of screwing around with these %%##^&$ remote flashers that I just can’t get to work right….
I agree with Ajax. It;s most likely not an RF issue. If your IR blaster is good enough, you should not even need to use the flashers as long as the blaster is near the equipment. The IR signal just bounces all over the place.
Check out the link in my signature to see my setup. I have the MRF-250 sitting directly on top of one of the components in the cabinet and have no trouble at all. My receiver even sits on top of the whole entertainment unit and the blaster has no trouble sending an IR signal to the receiver even though the IR blaster is inside the cabinet.
Try not using the flashers and see what kind of results you get.
Shag
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,333
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,333 |
Quote:
Quote:
Steve - hard to believe that nobody has mentioned the MX-850, MX-900 or MX-950,...
Ray
Well, I'd have mentioned them, but Steve's reaction to the initial Harmony suggestion was "Those things are pricey." So, I figured he wouldn't be interested in the MX series.
I've got the Home Theater Master MX500 that came with the Big Dogs and my wife's first comment was "great, yet another remote." Now that it's programmed for everything including the light dimmer, you would have thought I invented sliced bread. I'd love to get one of the lcd touch-screen units, but this will do nicely for now.
Scott
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 212
local
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local
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 212 |
Harmony 885 owner here. With wife and three girls who are all "remote control challenged". It was the perfect answer. Just like another poster mentioned ... First comment from the wife and kids ... "oh, great yet another remote, don't we have enough .. and how much did it cost!?!?!?"  Now all my other remotes are gathering dust and all these "remote challenged" family members use the Harmony like pros. I've had mine for about a year now so it is not one of those "gee wiz" things that they eventually just stopped using. In fact it took them about about 3 months to really start using it. Of course the fact that the other remotes suddenly were harder to find helped.
Last edited by KC23; 04/11/07 10:40 PM.
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,444 Likes: 16 |
I agree with Ajax. It;s most likely not an RF issue. If your IR blaster is good enough, you should not even need to use the flashers as long as the blaster is near the equipment. The IR signal just bounces all over the place.
Try not using the flashers and see what kind of results you get.
I’d love to ditch the flashers and just use the blaster fellas. Unfortunately, I didn’t think that far enough ahead when I built this house. See, my EQ rack is in the back of the room, facing into the room. I don’t have any choice with this because my HT room is a converted bedroom and the EQ rack is in a space that was going to be a closet. In other words, I just don’t have the room to do it any other way. Plus, I have a flasher on the projector that’s ceiling mounted.
I ‘think’ the higher end MRF’s with adjustable flasher output signals may be the fix I need. I’m just hesitant to put any more money into a sinking ship and I haven’t found anyone using one of the new MRF’s that can confirm my hopes or suspicions of failure.
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 45
buff
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OP
buff
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 45 |
Wow, I'm gone for a few days and this thread has gone to three pages. My deep thanks to all of you; great education here for me, and I sincerely appreciate it. I've learned a lot from all of you!
Price, really, isn't a deciding factor. What it amounts to is the more it's going to cost, the longer I'll have to wait. $300 forces a month is all.
Again, many thanks for your contribution in ideas and experience.
Very kind regards,
Steve
Axiom M60v2, VP100v2, SVS SB12-Plus
Yamaha HTR-5990, Oppo DV-981HD
Samsung LN-S4692D
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955 |
Quote:
I agree with Ajax. It;s most likely not an RF issue. If your IR blaster is good enough, you should not even need to use the flashers as long as the blaster is near the equipment. The IR signal just bounces all over the place.
Actually, a flasher is handy if you have something in a glass doored cabinet and one devices sensor is in a blind spot due to a handle or placement problems.
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,854
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,854 |
More agreement here. Introducing something additional in th emix can be a bit troublesome.
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 Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,745 Likes: 17 |
Old thread revived here. I really like this Logitech Harmony 890 remote but i have two issues with it: 1) It is so slick through the centre that gripping it makes it difficult to hold in one hand and press high or low buttons without having it slide back to the centre of your palm. 2) Why in St. Murphy's name must i ALWAYS have an internet connection to program it?  Heaven forbid i'm on dialup or for that matter, or am a country yokel without internet but one who owns a HT setup because getting into town for a bloody movie is too damn far!! There should be the option to connect to the net when searching for equipment codes and such, but the programming of the unit should be based out of the home computer, not solely via the net. I guess this is one remote i cannot recommend to my rural located, dialup-only-option father.
"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."
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Re: Remote Nightmares!
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955
axiomite
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axiomite
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,955 |
If you don't mind programming it yourself, I have the URC 300 with the programmable touch screen. While not 'necessary' I love that you can make and label your own touch screen buttons. It accepts preset codes if you know them, but I prefer to have it learn the buttons I want, where I want them, so that they stay consistent among the different devices. Macro sizes are crazy big.
It does take a long time to set up, but once it is done, things are PERFECT!
This is an older model, I think they have similar ones that are a bit easier to set up and make back ups via a PC now.
Not suggesting this is the brand to buy, just pointing out I agree with you. I'd rather spend some time programming and have it just the way I want it than have the ease of programming via the web.
The Harmonies do have their place though. I bought one for my mother in law and set it up for her. Her needs were simple. Switch from Sat. TV to DVD and back without getting confused with the 3 remotes. (TV sound only) It did a superb job of making things easy for her and the setup time was minimal for me.
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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