Harmony remotes: 785, 885 or One???

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Harmony remotes: 785, 885 or One???

Asmodeus

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#29913 23-Jan-2009 10:32

Hi,

I want to get a harmony UR for my HTPC & home theatre setup. I dont want to get the base model (525) as I can afford to spend a bit more and would like a touch screen colour model. I cant really justify spending $400 or more on the 1000i right now though so thats out of the equation (unless you think it really really really is worth it!). That leaves the 785, 885 or One.

According to pricespy I can get:

785 for $186.50 from PCPacific

885 for $202.50 from OC Zone

One for $280.13 from XP Computers

Ive had a look at the spec sheets but was wanting to get subjective opinions and the kind of tips and info you can only get from people who have used/reviewed/researched them.

The price diff between the 785 & 885 is minimal so which would you recommend out of these 2? Is there much diff?

Other thing is is it really worth it to spend $80 to $100 more on the One? It looks nice but is it really worth the extra?

All suggestions and opinions welcome (including other models/brands)

Cheers in advance

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#191483 23-Jan-2009 10:54

Harmony remotes are a funny lot. 585 does pretty much all the same things, just screen not in colour. In my opinion you're just paying more for the look/pride maybe?

Get the One if you're looking to spend money.
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timbosan

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#191485 23-Jan-2009 11:00

I have reviewed both the 785 and the One for Tone magazine, so got to spend a couple of week with both, and I think they are both great remotes. However I feel the One is a LARGE increase over the other remotes. The touch screen is fantastic and more intuative than the 'buttons-next-to-the-screen' approach of the other models.

This is the remote I would buy (and will do so soon, however having just brought a new TV it will have to wait!). I also think that compared to the 1000i it is more like a traditional remote that others (wife, kids etc) can figure out.

Also, a general comment on the Logitech software that drives these, it is great and easy to use and seems to have an ever expanding database of products and remote codes, but you have to do it all online and it can take a while to get everything setup correctly. But once its done its saved online forever so even if you loose your remote and buy another, the software will update it. And it worked between models; when I reviewed the One I just downloaded the same settings I had created for the 785 and it was working in minutes.

Oh, one last thing, the One comes with a cradle that charges it, so you need power nearby if you keep it on the coffee table etc.

Asmodeus

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#191500 23-Jan-2009 11:38

Cheers for the replies guys

Thanks for that link too Jaxson, at that price I guess it's a no brainer to go for the One over the others

I dont mind spending a bit of time setting it up, I dont have very many devices anwyay, HTPC, TV & AV receiver.

Are there any other issues I should be aware of before buying?

nzkc

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#191501 23-Jan-2009 11:38

Jaxson: Get the One if you're looking to spend money.
Only do it right now/today:

www.offtheback.co.nz

I oohed and ahhhed just before Christmas about picking up a Logitech One. I dropped hints to TheWife? about getting me one for Christmas but that failed. So I've been holding off hoping a good deal might come along.

Just wanted to say thanks Jaxson for the heads up on this! Even TheWife? thinks its a good deal. :-)

Now cant wait for it to arrive!

magu

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BitSignal

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#191582 23-Jan-2009 15:28

I have a Harmony 880 and it's great, but it does suffer from some of the design issues mentioned here. Biggest one for me is the cradle that doesn't properly sit the remote correctly, so the contacts don't touch (I use a piece of foil to achieve the desired result).
Other than that, I would definitely go for the One. The database is same for all of the Harmony series. Just some of them have RF as well (1000i).

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Asmodeus

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#191595 23-Jan-2009 15:52

magu: I have a Harmony 880 and it's great, but it does suffer from some of the design issues mentioned here. Biggest one for me is the cradle that doesn't properly sit the remote correctly, so the contacts don't touch (I use a piece of foil to achieve the desired result).
Other than that, I would definitely go for the One. The database is same for all of the Harmony series. Just some of them have RF as well (1000i).

Youd think they'd fix a design fault like that! Do you know if its the same charger with the One?

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magu

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#191599 23-Jan-2009 16:07

Asmodeus:
magu: I have a Harmony 880 and it's great, but it does suffer from some of the design issues mentioned here. Biggest one for me is the cradle that doesn't properly sit the remote correctly, so the contacts don't touch (I use a piece of foil to achieve the desired result).
Other than that, I would definitely go for the One. The database is same for all of the Harmony series. Just some of them have RF as well (1000i).

Youd think they'd fix a design fault like that! Do you know if its the same charger with the One?

Luckily, they changed it right after the users found out. Logitech's forums are pretty good as well for answers.

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Asmodeus

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#191629 23-Jan-2009 17:25

Great, thanks guys

smarsden

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#191711 24-Jan-2009 00:48

I've had a Harmony 785 for just over 18 months or so now, and to put it simply, I can't fault it. Incredibly intuitive to use due it's activity based system, great battery life (I probably charge it every 3-4 weeks, and it's used every day), and no problems with it sitting in it's docking cradle.

The software to programme it is also very logical to work around, but does require a bit of time to do - although you're only going to control three devices, so it shouldn't take that long. Mine's handling seven, so depending on which activity I'm doing, they're all in different on/off states or on different inputs, and the remote remembers them all.

One tip: once it's all correctly programmed, hide the original remotes! The Harmony will get confused if devices are changed to different states or inputs with the original remote, or done direct on the device. However, it does have a handy Help menu built into it, which will ask various questions in order to get itself back on track, and get all devices in the right configuration for what you're trying to do.

Although I've not seen or used the 'One' in person, from the pictures, the one, or should I say, four things that seems to be missing are the coloured buttons for teletext / Sky operation. The 785 has these, and appears to be the only Logitech remote with them (as shown on their NZ site, anyway). This may not be that big a deal, but if you use Teletext at all, I can only see it being a problem - unless you code the four buttons as additional custom buttons on the screen - anyone else got some hands on experience around this issue?

eluSiveNZ

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#191737 24-Jan-2009 09:12

Although I've not seen or used the 'One' in person, from the pictures, the one, or should I say, four things that seems to be missing are the coloured buttons for teletext / Sky operation. The 785 has these, and appears to be the only Logitech remote with them (as shown on their NZ site, anyway). This may not be that big a deal, but if you use Teletext at all, I can only see it being a problem - unless you code the four buttons as additional custom buttons on the screen - anyone else got some hands on experience around this issue?

The 'One' has the coloured buttons displayed on the LCD screen. Works well with MySkyHDi, I dont use Teletext, but can imagine it would be ok for this too.

The only drawbacks i find with the One - the Piano glossy black finish, turns it into a finger print magenet so needs to be cleaned after a while (not such a bad thing?)

Also, dont forget to visit http://www.iconharmony.com/icons/ to add your favourite icons for TV stations, all of the NZ and Sky channels are available and gives it that extra WAF appeal

magu

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#191747 24-Jan-2009 09:26

smarsden: I've had a Harmony 785 for just over 18 months or so now, and to put it simply, I can't fault it. Incredibly intuitive to use due it's activity based system, great battery life (I probably charge it every 3-4 weeks, and it's used every day), and no problems with it sitting in it's docking cradle.

The software to programme it is also very logical to work around, but does require a bit of time to do - although you're only going to control three devices, so it shouldn't take that long. Mine's handling seven, so depending on which activity I'm doing, they're all in different on/off states or on different inputs, and the remote remembers them all.

One tip: once it's all correctly programmed, hide the original remotes! The Harmony will get confused if devices are changed to different states or inputs with the original remote, or done direct on the device. However, it does have a handy Help menu built into it, which will ask various questions in order to get itself back on track, and get all devices in the right configuration for what you're trying to do.

Although I've not seen or used the 'One' in person, from the pictures, the one, or should I say, four things that seems to be missing are the coloured buttons for teletext / Sky operation. The 785 has these, and appears to be the only Logitech remote with them (as shown on their NZ site, anyway). This may not be that big a deal, but if you use Teletext at all, I can only see it being a problem - unless you code the four buttons as additional custom buttons on the screen - anyone else got some hands on experience around this issue?

My 880 has the coloured buttons on the screen as well.

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johna11

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#192087 26-Jan-2009 10:20

I looked at both the 785 and One. I ended up with the 785 which I am very happy with. Personally I prefer buttons to touch screen, but that is not necessarily normal or the case for everyone (I don't like the iPhone for the same reason).
Other than that I couldn't see where the extra money for the One would go, both remotes seem to have the same capabilities.
The programming is quite sophisticated and you can get the equipment doing some clever things, there is a lot of fun in just programming up special buttons etc to do things you want.
The backlit controls are great for using in the home theatre where it can be a bit dark at times for a normal remote.
Overall I am a happy customer and I am sure you would be happy with either device, just have a look at them in the flesh and see which one you prefer - I am sure they have the exact same abilities.

GReX

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#192808 29-Jan-2009 22:04

if you could afford the ONE, then it's definitely the ONE to go. i own this remote and i can't say enough about it. there are many raving reviews about it, from normal users as well as experts. definitely well-recommended and i would give it an A+ ! :)

harmony seems to be the best universal remote manufacturer and most of their remotes are very easy to use.

FullHD Proj : Sanyo Z2000
TV : Pioneer Kuro 508 + 435
Spkrs : AudioPro BRAVO FX-10, Vienna Acoustics Schoenberg, Paradigm CC-570, Kef Q2DS
Sub : Dynaudio Sub500, Velodyne SPL-1000R
Receiver : Onkyo TX-NR906
Remote : Harmony ONE
Power : Adcom 7805
Valve : ToneWin MC-100B
DVD/CD/MP3 : Pioneer DV-989AVi, Onkyo DX-C390
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Asmodeus

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#196056 16-Feb-2009 15:51

Just saw this:

http://www.dse.co.nz/dse.shop/en/product/G1329?id=pricespy

$50 off today only. I know its a little late but better late than never!

Dingbatt

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#196071 16-Feb-2009 16:22

magu: I have a Harmony 880 and it's great, but it does suffer from some of the design issues mentioned here. Biggest one for me is the cradle that doesn't properly sit the remote correctly, so the contacts don't touch (I use a piece of foil to achieve the desired result).
Other than that, I would definitely go for the One. The database is same for all of the Harmony series. Just some of them have RF as well (1000i).

The 1000i doesn't have RF. I believe it can be added as a kit. The one downside of my 1000i from my point of view is it needs two hands to operate it effectively (requiring you to put down your beer).

As far as harmony remotes in general are concerned, the internet based programming can be frustrating at times but it is hugely rewarding and powerful once you start to get things right and just want to tweak.

Incidentally I noticed the lab technician on Bones last night was using a harmony remote to operate her displays. Subtle product placement.... I wonder how much that cost Logitec.

“We’ve arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science technology. Carl Sagan 1996

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