Harmony recommendation requested

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Rikkitic

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#195861 9-May-2016 09:28

I have an old Harmony One remote. It still works fine but I expect it will die one day. I have devoted a significant portion of my life to programming this device, and it controls everything I depend on. If it did abruptly die, the magnitude of the disaster would be incalculable. So it occurs to me that it might be smart to upgrade before the unthinkable happens.

What I want is something that resembles the Harmony One as closely as possible. I don't need or want anything new and improved. What I need is something with the same buttons, in the same places. This is important because some of my devices depend on the physical layout of the Harmony. So is there still anything like this? What modern Harmony resembles the One as closely as possible?

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wasabi2k

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#1548542 9-May-2016 09:55

I have the previous version of this: http://www.logitech.com/en-nz/product/harmony-companion?crid=60

It is radio from remote to hub, all action happens at the hub (IR Blasting etc). This is MILES better that using the remote as an IR blaster (can use remote under a blanket, under a cushion and it still works).

If you want a screen on the remote you will have to buy the super ultra mega model: http://www.logitech.com/en-nz/product/harmony-elite?crid=60 - haven't used that one sorry.

Jaxson

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#1548546 9-May-2016 10:01

Watching this topic also. I'm in the same boat, and love how this remote has constantly evolved with me over time.

Single best thing I did AV wise, as no one in the house (including me) needs to know what's connected to what and how now, we just need to know what we want to do with the gear, eg use Tivo with speakers on, use PS3, Use Chromecast, Use TV without stereo speakers on etc.

I see a lot of phone integration, but I'm unsure how that would work with multiple phones, and frankly I don't mind finding the one device to rule the lot. With kids that's quite easy to remove also...

trig42

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#1548555 9-May-2016 10:23

Unfortunately, the Harmony One is no longer, and I think it was their best laid out remote.

The Harmony Ultimate, and the Harmony Touch are the replacements, but IMO the PVR buttons (FF/RW etc) are in the wrong place. I have got used to it, and wouldn't be Harmony-less, but the One was better.

OP, I wouldn't worry too much about replacing your One just now (unless it is dying). Replacing a Harmony is really easy, the software does it for you - just log in, connect the new remote and tell the software you are upgrading from another remote. There may need to be a couple of little tweaks, but it takes about 5 minutes to upgrade.

cshwone

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#1548565 9-May-2016 10:45

I was running a Harmony 1000i for a long time and have now moved to the Harmony Elite and cannot fault it. The physical remote is well laid out plus we have ipad and android apps, the PS3 is now natively supported. Cannot fault it.

Edited to add:

Plus I could transfer all my 1000i settings across to the Elite during set up with no issues. Just had to add the PS3. Took half an hour total.

MikeB4

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#1548584 9-May-2016 11:09

I have a hardly used Harmony floating around here somewhere, I found it too much of a faff to program it when a device remote was easier

Jaxson

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#1548587 9-May-2016 11:14

cshwone:

the PS3 is now natively supported.

That's pretty cool. Can't believe Sony's approach to the PS4, with no ability to even turn it on externally via a remote (outside of using hdmi CEC control, which is normally turned off to help the harmony know for sure where everything is at).

Xbox one though has IR input from memory...

Rikkitic

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#1548641 9-May-2016 12:15

MikeB4:

I have a hardly used Harmony floating around here somewhere, I found it too much of a faff to program it when a device remote was easier

What model? If it's a barely-used One I might consider making an offer.

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#1548705 9-May-2016 14:21

I upgraded my Touch to the Elite and so far feel that it's a really tangible improvement. The hub is fantastic, and the button layout is significantly better.

I would warn off any who are thinking about getting a Touch or touch-like styled remote. The ergonomics aren't what I would call good in my medium sized hands. Smaller hands have been found to struggle and often need two to navigate it smoothly.

FYI, you can use y-splitters and generic cat5/6/audio cable to extend the IR emitter distance by easily 20m or more. But beware that the hub needs to be close to where you are going to use the remote. I tried to put my hub in the comms cupboard about 7m (through walls) from the lounge assuming that as the hub was on the wifi, the remote would work fine. Not so. The hub seems to need to be within 4-5m (through walls) of the remote to not have connectivity issues. YMMV.

MikeB4

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#1548706 9-May-2016 14:24

Rikkitic:

MikeB4:

I have a hardly used Harmony floating around here somewhere, I found it too much of a faff to program it when a device remote was easier

What model? If it's a barely-used One I might consider making an offer.

If I can find it you can have gratis, I will go hunting.

MikeB4

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#1549122 10-May-2016 11:07

I will have to wait until my wife gets back from China next week, she will have to climb up to the storage areas I cannot reach.

Rikkitic

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#1549244 10-May-2016 12:45

That's ok, no hurry. I appreciate the offer.

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