Suggestion: Run away from Harmony!
When Logitech bought them out they removed all advanced direct access to the remotes
programming code. End result is you are at their mercy when it comes to getting codes
that don't exist in their "community support" database (read: added by other
endlusers by ir learning & interpreted by logitech) add short of ir learning or
calling TS to add a pronto code.
Top ten reasons why Harmony sucks:
10. Not all codes in DB & many don't match their labeled function.
9. No user exposed Pronto Code support, so Code not in DB & no original remote =
frakked, call TS beg them to add by PC.
8. Painstaking PITA "activity based" system vs. simple devices & macros.
7. No real macro support.
6. Slow as molasses doing batches of commands that starting/stopping
"activities" issue.
5. *one* **online** copy of configured remote, no revisions or backups.
4. Programming "client" is a disguised Gecko web browser, leading to various issues:
5min "idle" timeout w/o warning, 1990's era HTML forms/buttons vs. Web 2.0, poor
process flow, tedious button/device management, internet needed to program, etc...
3. Arbitrary limitations on what buttons can be assigned device functions like sound
+ buttons only being usable for display & audio device, not the device serving them
the signal; this despite being able to assign those under device mode setup which you
loose in activity mode.
2. Zero interest on Logitech's part to address valid user issues with interface,
function, and ability to offline program; A forum base of volunteer kool-aid drinkers
with their finger poised on the ban button for dissenters.
1. Expensive "rental" since the programming software is 100% on their web server so
they can switch to something new when it suits them leaving support in the dust like
they did mkb+mice with itouch/mouseware.
Sound angry? You bet, go read the forums before you drink the kool-aid! JP1
universals still offer way more flexibility & direct access to solutions at a lower
price point with open source programming software & strong community support. For
that matter real Pronto remotes are light years ahead & in same price range as fancy
Harmony's.
To be fair I have the Costco marketed low-end 6xx model, about $50 that I am still
struggling to like mostly because it has a nice programmable 6 button LCD that my JP1
remote lacks. If the offline programming capable hacked open source softwares ever
mature or Logitech wakes up, then I'd recommend it with slight reservation as it
still can't have it's firmware functionality end-user extended like JP1's can.
Sorry for long post but Logitech irks me on many levels!
Bobby Heid wrote:
Hey,
I'm looking at getting a universal remote. What do you all like in the way
of remotes?
I was looking at the Logitech Harmony SST 659, 690, and 880 models. Any
suggestions?
