Perfect for our setup
Pros:
Powerful, flexible, easy, combines multiple button steps into one "Activity" button, short setup time.
Cons:
A little expensive, could run into computer or hardware compatibility issues.
The Bottom Line:
If you have multiple remotes, internet access, and need a single, simple remote, then this is a perfect choice. Watch out for computer and hardware compatibility issues.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I purchased this remote for my father-in-law. I had purchased a combo DVD/Surround system for them to use with their TV and DirectTV box. Unfortunately, switching from DVD to TV with "stock" setup required multiple menu changes from 2 remotes, and finally using 2 remotes to control channel and volume. Not ideal.
This remote was recommended by the manager at our local Radio Shack. I was suspicious, but bought it intending to check Epinions before I decided to open it.
Based on reviews here, I went straight to the Harmony website and downloaded the latest version of the interface software.
Installation of the software, even on my in-laws mid-range XP system, was a snap. Steps and approximate time:
Initial software installation: About 15 minutes.
Setting up account information and gathering model numbers: About 5 minutes.
Programming the remote using the software: About 20 minutes.
Testing and troubleshooting: About 15 minutes.
Initial setup was very straightforward. Based on the model numbers it found all of the hardware correctly. The questions it asked were very clear regarding input selection, channel selection, which component controlled volume, etc. The purpose of this was to ensure that pressing the volume button on the remote adjusted the Surround volume, not the TV volume, for instance.
After that, next came "Activity" setup, which is basically a one-button way of changing all of your settings to watch DVDs, or TV, or music. For TV viewing, for example, hitting the "Watch TV" option turns on all three machines, sets the DVD/Surround box to TV audio, and sets the TV input to Antenna on channel 3. It was SO easy to set up these activities, that I went ahead and set up FM Music and CD sound, even though I had originally intended just to do DVD and TV options.
Now for the glitch.
Unfortunately, when switching to the "TV" activity, it kept switching to "0 Antenna" then to "3 Video 3" input source. The remote was very smart, however, and if I pressed the "HELP" button it would fix this itself, switching back to "0 Antenna" for the input source.
However, since I am turning this over to my in-laws, I wanted no extra steps involved. After some thought, I realized that it was trying to select the CHANNEL before the input menu left the screen, so it would switch to Antenna first, then it would hit "3" for channel but instead would cause the input to switch to "3" for Video 3.
I do not doubt there is a way to increase the delay between setting input and channel (I think I saw that option in there). As a quick fix, I cheated. I set the "Watch TV" activity to set the TV to channel 0. So now it sets the input to "0 Antenna" then since it is still in that menu when it tries to set the channel, it just selects "0 Antenna" again.
Like I said, not elegant, but functional. I'd bet I could figure out the real fix for this in another hour or so, but if this continues to work I won't even bother.
Overall, now that it is functioning transparent to my in-laws, I have no issue with that minor glitch. They are, frankly, overwhelmed at its ease of use. Totally worth the price.
As with all computer/tech items that are meant to work with numberless incompatible systems, you will always find it is a hit-or-miss proposition buying a "one-size-fits-all" solution like this. I would absolutely recommend trying it, based on my results.
