Which Harmony unversal remote?

grampus · Post by **grampus** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 09:14

Any recomendations on which Harmony to use?
Currently I have a 550.
Seems to me that the BW remote is a little more unique than most, and I don't think I'll be able to put everyting that is needed onto the front buttons.
Things that come to mind are the "Live" The colored buttons, pop up, file manager.

Any suggestions?

AndyCullen · Post by **AndyCullen** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 09:46

I replaced my Harmony 880 with the Harmony 785. The 785 has the coloured buttons.

http://pcmaniacs.com.au/product_info.ph ... ts_id=3794

http://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/sea ... armony+785

The soft buttons I have configured for the BW are

LIVE
POP-UP
FILES
AUDIO
TV-OUT

Foxtail · Post by **Foxtail** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 10:59

I did exactly the same thing due to the 785 having the colour buttons, on the 880 had to keep them in the Harmony window so it left little for other most used buttons.

capnstoobie · Post by **capnstoobie** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 11:45

I've got the Harmony Xbox 360 remote (which also has the coloured buttons). The soft keys I've got programmed are: Beyonwiz Power Toggle, Guide, Live, Playback. I've assigned the Pop-Up button to a hard key.

Gully · Post by **Gully** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 13:03

I've got the 555 which has the coloured buttons.

I think my soft keys are include Live File Play Pop Up and Subtitles (There is a dedicated Guide button)

trevsy · Post by **trevsy** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 13:22

I have the 880 but I want to upgrade to the 895 from the UK(not available here) because it has the coloured buttons.
http://www.trustedreviews.com/multimedi ... Control/p1

grampus · Post by **grampus** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 14:09

Thanks all. I think I have the picture.

trevsy · Post by **trevsy** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 14:34

Here http://www.beyonwiz.com.au/phpbb2/viewt ... highlight=

JKramer · Post by **JKramer** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 15:06

I have Logitech Harmony 525.

It's great functionality-wise, great features, configurability and everything.
It even have motion sensor, so if you pick it up in a dark room it will light up.

But one huge drawback.
The buttons are nightmare. Logitech used those hard clicking switches for buttons.
Those buttons are hard to press and require significant pressure and precision to press. Most of them, like Channel, Volume are flush into remote's body so it's even harder to use.
To get you an idea- BW remote buttons are "good" ones. When you pick up BW remote after using Logitech you get a feeling of relief.

On Logitech 525 some of buttons are "real" remote buttons, but not most-used ones. Numbers, menu, guide buttons are good ones, but channel, volume, "ok" are not.

There is "Logitech PVR remote" that apparently has "good" type buttons and PVR dedicated layout. But it's not sold in Australia.
Logitech only sell like 3-4 remotes in Australia and all of them has those dreadful buttons.

astevens · Post by **astevens** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 17:29

Currently (a couple of days ago) Officeworks in SA had Logitech 360 remote controls for $70. I already have one of this model and am very happy with its performance.

Cheers Alan

Scumbag · Post by **Scumbag** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 16:55

For those that are not aware, all Harmony remotes have equivalent functionality - and you can download the configuration onto any model.

Originally I bought an 880 for my mother-in-law because I was unsure whether I would like the "Activity" concept. Anyway, I was impressed - basically they came up with the right design (assuming you get the thing setup correctly). So I bought a 520 and transferred her configuration, and kept the 880 for myself. (Hey, I've got more Home Theater stuff and needed the colour screen.)

I was also able to test a configuration for my parents on the 880, and once I was satisfied that things were working, I bought them a 525.

Neon Kitten · Post by **Neon Kitten** » Thu Nov 22, 2007 22:57

By the way, I have a Harmony 880, barely used, for sale if anyone's after one.

It simply turned out it wasn't the remote for me, though I appear to be very much in the minority

jeffro186 · Post by **jeffro186** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 17:30

785 for me too.

fat · Post by **fat** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 21:51

I have a 1000 and even though it looks nice wish I had gone for the 785

brazam · Post by **brazam** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 15:14

fat wrote:I have a 1000 and even though it looks nice wish I had gone for the 785

Oh i here ya, i took mine back after 2 days and now have the 785. Having to go from screen to screen was way too anoying when on the more clunky and less techno lookin 785 most of the buttons are right there infront of ya.
Matt

bryceb · Post by **bryceb** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 19:18

fat wrote:I have a 1000 and even though it looks nice wish I had gone for the 785

I had a similar experience, the 1000i actually looks quite impressive, but it is not really usable as a remote control, I found it sluggish and the touch screen temperamental.

I ended up selling it and purchasing an 880, which I am quite happy with.

trevsy · Post by **trevsy** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 20:53

I have read on a few remote forums that logitech will soon be releasing a number of new universal remotes early next year. I was going to update but now I will wait.

jammin · Post by **jammin** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 22:09

Was just about to buy a 785, and came across this:
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/remot ... 8&cl=au,en

Anyone know anything about the Harmony One?

Looks nice, but can't see it available anywhere. I love the button layout, it looks much more robust than the 785.

Several oz online retailers have it listed, but none have it in stock.
http://www.shopbot.com.au/default.asp?k ... ion=search

Gully · Post by **Gully** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 22:26

I think there are some posts about it but reviews I have read note the lack of colour buttons, the fact that the touch screen generally only fits 3 buttons on it and that there really isn't much new about it.

Stang65 · Post by **Stang65** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 16:27

I am looking to make my first Univ. remote purchase and am a bit stuck choosing between the 525 and the 785. The 785 obviously appears the better unit, but considering I can get the 525 for $87 and the 785 is around $225 I was hoping to get peoples feedback that have used both on whether the 785 is really worth over 2.5 times the price of the 525.

Thanks

grampus · Post by **grampus** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 16:45

Not able to coment on the 525, but I have a 785, and am very happy with it.
My understanding that the XXX5 has the coloured buttons. An absolute requirement for ease of use for a universal remote.

I think I've seen it said that these are easier to use on the 785.

Jammer · Post by **Jammer** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 18:55

The Harmony One definitely looks a lot better than the 785 but I'm with Gully - the lack of coloured buttons and the small screen (only 3 functions!) would be an issue for me. At least it's rechargeable, unlike the 525 and X-Box Logitech remote.

As far as 525 vs 785....the main differences for me are the bigger screen and rechargeability of the 785. Believe me, the bigger screen comes in extremely handy as you'll definitely have a bunch of extra functions that don't fit the available hard keys. And if you're anything like me, your activities may involve 3-6 devices (including A/C) and end up with 7 pages of soft key functions! As for being rechargeable: it's so easy to simply place the remote in the charging cradle and not ever have to worry about the decreasing signal etc as the batteries wind down. The coloured screen on the 785 is also a plus.

I think it's worth the extra $$ to buy the 785 if you're a serious remote-junky and want a good quality remote (not best quality, but good quality), but I wouldn't bother if you'd be happy with something that'll still do the job well without the extra bells and whistles i.e. the 525 or even the X-Box remote.

Stang65 · Post by **Stang65** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 19:38

Thanks for the feedback. Looks like I will go for the 785, otherwise I am sure I will regret it.

duke · Post by **duke** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 20:46

The Harmony 880 is better IMO.

C0i0nel · Post by **C0i0nel** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 15:48

grampus wrote:Any recomendations on which Harmony to use?
Currently I have a 550.
Seems to me that the BW remote is a little more unique than most, and I don't think I'll be able to put everyting that is needed onto the front buttons.
Things that come to mind are the "Live" The colored buttons, pop up, file manager.

Any suggestions?

I have just bought a Harmony 1000i. I upgraded from a 525 and adjusted a few of the buttons to accept sequences which I use as channel change buttons and there is now four pages I need to go to for all the functions but all easy to follow. The upshot is that it has sofar worked seamlessly and flawlessly. Even my kids (who hate gadgets) are impressed at how easy it was to use. The reviews were not too flattering, and I have only had it for a couple of days (like the DP-P1) but so far it is great.

GarFin · Post by **GarFin** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 09:40

Hi Guys,
My Pronto remote is playing up, so looking around for a replacement. Sounds like the 785 could be the one for me.

Does anyone have a copy of what is in the supported devices database? (Harmony s/ware will not complete install, without detecting a remote, so i cant simply d/load and install the software to take a look.)

Otherwise, could someone with the harmony software installed, please confirm if these devices are supported?

Beyonwiz DP-P1
Mitsubishi HC3100 DLP Projector.
Kenwood KRF-V5570D Amplifier.
Kenwood DVF-3070 DVD Player.

Gully · Post by **Gully** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 09:50

There was a trial option - is that no longer there?

GarFin · Post by **GarFin** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 09:55

Gully wrote:There was a trial option - is that no longer there?

Not that i can find, alas.

Ultrasmart · Post by **Ultrasmart** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 21:35

GarFin wrote:Hi Guys,
My Pronto remote is playing up, so looking around for a replacement. Sounds like the 785 could be the one for me.

Does anyone have a copy of what is in the supported devices database? (Harmony s/ware will not complete install, without detecting a remote, so i cant simply d/load and install the software to take a look.)

Otherwise, could someone with the harmony software installed, please confirm if these devices are supported?

Beyonwiz DP-P1
Mitsubishi HC3100 DLP Projector.
Kenwood KRF-V5570D Amplifier.
Kenwood DVF-3070 DVD Player.

GarFin, your listed components are certainly listed on the Harmony database. Cheers, A.

GarFin · Post by **GarFin** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 22:42

Ultrasmart wrote: GarFin, your listed components are certainly listed on the Harmony database. Cheers, A.

Cheers for that, i was just logging back in to say that i went and borrowed a neighbours Harmony, so was able to install software, and yes, all items are infact listed. All the same, i'm now leaning towards an MX-500 remote.

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 17:05

GarFin wrote:i'm now leaning towards an MX-500 remote.

I prefer my MX-500 to my harmony 525. Though I've lost enthusiasm for reprogramming the MX-500 each time I get a new device.

joez71 · Post by **joez71** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 10:37

Just a heads up anyone looking at buying a 785 should checkout ebay, theres a large dealer with quite a few new units listed, you should be able to pick one up for about $170 delivered with insurance pretty easily...

joez71

GarFin · Post by **GarFin** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 08:18

joez71 wrote:Just a heads up anyone looking at buying a 785 should checkout ebay, theres a large dealer with quite a few new units listed, you should be able to pick one up for about $170 delivered with insurance pretty easily...

joez71

Dick Smith.... 525 on sale $74 until 8th April.

Post by **Wiz Support** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 11:59

There was a new MX-700 on eBay (USA) this week that went for US$100 plus US$40 for insured delivery to Oz ($167 AUS).

diesel · Post by **diesel** » Fri Apr 25, 2008 23:25

I use a 525 and find it pretty good alternate to the standard Wiz remote.

Kezza · Post by **Kezza** » Fri Apr 25, 2008 23:58

I just got the Harmony One, so far so good but I've only had it one day.

Kezza

empirebaypete · Post by **empirebaypete** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 12:19

G'day all.

I'm taking a look at the 785 on ebay at the moment.
the majority of sellers are saying 12 months manufacturers warranty.

But the logitech website and some other websites state 24 months.

I'm asking the sellers why the discrepancy, but have yet to have an answer.

are the sellers just too lazy to check out the 2 year warranty and automatically put
1 year. or should I be concerned?

Thoughts anyone?

pjc3 · Post by **pjc3** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 15:44

empirebaypete wrote: are the sellers just too lazy to check out the 2 year warranty and automatically put
1 year. or should I be concerned?

Thoughts anyone?

Are they offering their own "in house" warranty for a direct import?
Philip

empirebaypete · Post by **empirebaypete** » Thu Jul 24, 2008 16:22

well it says manufacturers warranty.

take a look http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... :IT&ih=019

but I was once told by someone who worked for Panasonic (Hagemayer, I think)
that although Panasonic stuff is sold on ebay supposedly with a warranty in fact
if you bought a Panasonic product off ebay, the chances are it would have been
an import with no Australian warranty whatsoever.

I can buy a harmony from Crazy Sales for $181 delivered with 2 year warranty.
I'm thinking this is the way to go.

Still no reply to my question regarding the warranty on ebay from the sellers.

but I just took a look at their feedback.......

They said Logitech give warrenty, Logitech wont cover it,check before buy Buyer:
blackcobra19 ( 84 [Feedback score is 50 to 99] )
09-Jul-08 23:31

*
Reply by buy24-7online (10-Jul-08 14:00):
Item is under warranty, please follow our warranty process!

NEW LOGITECH X-530/X530 5.1 SPEAKERS AND SUBWOOFER LH1 (#290238769901)

Starionx · Post by **Starionx** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 19:46

I just purchased the 785 off ebay for $152 (including shipping) from Xcelicom. I got it in 2 days. Works fine. Not sure how the warranty will work, but for me, these are throw away items. Besides, I still have my trusty mx-500 (just wish it had more hard buttons, and a separate select/ok button).

empirebaypete · Post by **empirebaypete** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 10:34

I just purchased off of shopping square, 169.95 delivered.

With it says 2 year manufacturers warrantly.

Before buying I spoke to Logitech product information.

they told me the following. there is a two year warranty, however the units are not repaired just replaced, and this has to be done at point of sale.

so if (heaven forbid) my unit goes wrong, I have to contact logitech and then exchange via shopping square. Apparenty Logitech give "the online seller" a replacement code. I've been told by logitech that on line sellers aren't always exactly easy to contact and replacing isn't always that easy. I did ask what happened if the unit went wrong under warranty and the seller was no longer in business. Logitech say the unit will be replaced, but it's a lengthy process, and wouldn't go into detail.

This point of sale business seems a bit strange to me, because last year I took back an elderly neighbours LG dvd player to JB HiFi and I was told at JB, even though it had 12 month warranty it was nothing to do with them. it was between me and LG. Stood my ground on that one and got my neighbour a brand new unit.

And has anyone ever been to Big W and seen the flyers on the front desk with the phone numbers of all the suppliers. If you tried to take back a TV to Big W after 6 months, they'd direct you to the Bicycle department, and say on your bike sunshine.

Anyway paid for the unit at an online store that i've seen slagged off on whirlpool forum. looking forward to it turning up ASAP and working for ever.

prl · Post by **prl** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 11:37

empirebaypete wrote:...
This point of sale business seems a bit strange to me, because last year I took back an elderly neighbours LG dvd player to JB HiFi and I was told at JB, even though it had 12 month warranty it was nothing to do with them. it was between me and LG. Stood my ground on that one and got my neighbour a brand new unit.
...

My understanding is that the retailer should be the first and normal place to go for warranty issues. You should only need to go to the manufacturer/distributor if the retailer goes out of business.

bryceb · Post by **bryceb** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 21:33

Kezza wrote:I just got the Harmony One, so far so good but I've only had it one day.

Kezza

Hi Kezza, how have you found the Harmony One? I am thinking of upgrading my 880 with this remote, (the touch screen seems like a neat addition).

Cheers

nexus7 · Post by **nexus7** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 09:45

My Harmony 525 Experience

The Good
It works with the Wiz.
Software for Wiz is on Logitec website and does not need 'learning'
Price OK - about $77
It has coloured buttons (well - coloured marks on silver buttons)
It does what it claims - turns on all devices and sets correct inputs.
It has quite a few 'soft' buttons - certainly enough for a Wiz.

The Bad
The buttons are a nightmare (as reported by JKramer in this thread)
They are hard clicking. Often it is uncertain the button has 'clicked'
Some are flush with the body of the remote.
The channel and volume are silver buttons on silver frame with white lettering - very difficult to see in the dark.
Some buttons are very small and close together - the play/pause group require a toothpick to select them.
Even the direction up/down <> OK group are far too small.
Macros are very slow to operate and are limited to 5 steps. Many of us would like to program 12 x 15 second skips for ads, but this cannot be done.
It has no dedicated PVR buttons such as 'File Play', Record, Pop-Up. (but soft buttons cover this OK)
Logitech web site is very slow- it takes time and patience to set up the software to suit your set-up.

IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED ON 525
Better layout, larger buttons, more space between. Rubber soft-clicking buttons.
Contrasting colour - ie Black buttons on Silver or White
Lettering to be contrasting colour (ie White on black buttons)
Lettering to be ON buttons, not above/below
Faster Macros with more steps.
Faster Logitech website.
Ability to 'save' an earlier setup, whilst experimenting with a new setup.

CONCLUSION
The 'Activities' concept is great.
The software is fairly good - generally does what it's supposed to do.
Buttons etc are a nightmare.
I bought it to reduce 6 remotes to just one.
Now I use 7! The Harmony to turn things on and off, and the original remotes for general use!

WOULD I BUY IT AGAIN
No - not a 525. Perhaps the more expensive Harmony models have a better layout, with softer buttons and easier to see in poor light.

kaanage · Post by **kaanage** » Sun Jul 05, 2009 00:56

I don't understand the most of the complaints that nexus7 and jKramer have posted about the Logitech 525. I've found it very easy to use, whether in lit or dark conditions.

I do agree that the Logitech website is very slow and that it would be nice to be able to save multiple configurations while testing but I don't have issues with the 'hard' buttons. Maybe my fingers are smaller than those of nexus7 and jKramer.

I went down from 8 remotes to 2 (can't be bothered using the Logitech for my a/c) and would hate to go back to using the original remotes + my wife would never be able to drive the HT system using the original remotes.

craigk · Post by **craigk** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 22:03

hey guys, is the 785 still a good remote HN had them on sale today for $110 only had 3 left but now I think about it I would like to get one.

thanks

grampus · Post by **grampus** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 23:02

craigk wrote:hey guys, is the 785 still a good remote HN had them on sale today for $110 only had 3 left but now I think about it I would like to get one.

thanks

yes, I've not been tempted to stray

prl · Post by **prl** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 09:40

I have a 785, and I have no wish to get something else.

simoncasey · Post by **simoncasey** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 18:34

I paid $400 for mine originally and was originally very pleased with it. At $110 it represents excellent value.

My main criticism with the 785 is the silver buttons aren't reliable as the other black buttons. Mine has been dropped on the wooden floor a number of times by our 3yo and it hasn't survived well. The thin edge has cracked and the silver buttons often pop out. Whilst nothing likes being dropped, this one is particularly susceptable.

I am now looking at replacing it as the left & right buttons no longer work and and I have had to program other buttons.

I have contemplated a harmony one, which has a much more robust feel and larger buttons. However it is $250 and doesn't really offer any more functionality than the 785. It also lacks the coloured buttons as physical buttons, they have to be programmed in to the touchscreen.

I will probably replace it with another 785, soon. Even with the potential for it to break, I could buy two 785s and still be ahead of a harmony one.

Cheers