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Post by Boomzilla on Jun 5, 2018 4:37:24 GMT -5
To improve the listening experience and to simplify control requirements, I'm strongly considering a programmable remote.
The remote would need to control a minimum of four or five devices, and be sequentially programmable.
For example, to watch TV, the following sequence would be required:
Wake the Arcam AVR from standby Set the Arcam's audio & video inputs to the HDMI output of the Cox cable box Turn on the Samsung TV Set the Samsung TV's input to the Arcam's HDMI output Verify that the Cox cable box and the Samsung TV are talking to each other
To listen to stereo music, the following sequence would be required:
Wake the Mac Mini from sleep mode Mount the external USB library server drive Start the JRiver Media Center 24 software Set the audio output to HDMI Wake the Arcam AVR from standby Set the Arcam's audio & video inputs to the Mac Mini HDMI source Start the Samsung TV Direct the Samsung TV's input to the HDMI output of the Arcam As soon as the iPad's version of JRemote activates, cede control to the iPad Direct the Arcam's volume control to the remote
Make and model suggestions for the remote?
Thanks - Boom
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Post by ÈlTwo on Jun 5, 2018 7:29:26 GMT -5
With that degree of need for programming, I think you're going to need a URC remote. I have an older one (MX-850), but the MX-990 has gotten rave reviews by some on here.
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Post by musicfan on Jun 5, 2018 7:56:24 GMT -5
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Post by Boomzilla on Jun 5, 2018 7:58:56 GMT -5
Thanks, musicfan - I'll check it out now.
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Post by Boomzilla on Jun 5, 2018 8:01:25 GMT -5
With that degree of need for programming, I think you're going to need a URC remote. I have an older one (MX-850), but the MX-990 has gotten rave reviews by some on here. Thanks, ÈlTwo - i thought that ALL the Logitech Harmony line models were "universal." Is this incorrect? Who made the MX series that you refer to? Thanks - Boom
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Post by RichGuy on Jun 5, 2018 8:18:01 GMT -5
With that degree of need for programming, I think you're going to need a URC remote. I have an older one (MX-850), but the MX-990 has gotten rave reviews by some on here. Thanks, ÈlTwo - i thought that ALL the Logitech Harmony line models were "universal." Is this incorrect? Who made the MX series that you refer to? Thanks - Boom URC is a remote brand, one which has some of the very best remotes, quite a bit nicer than Harmony.
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Post by Boomzilla on Jun 5, 2018 8:25:33 GMT -5
Hi Again, @elwto -
Even the $70 Logitech Harmony models now offer custom sequencing and macros. Is the URC really worth the extra $$$? Or, rather, let me rephrase that question - for my needs, is the URC worth the extra money?
Thanks - Boomzilla
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Post by Bonzo on Jun 5, 2018 8:55:49 GMT -5
Unfortunately there is no such thing as the perfect remote. They ALL have high points and low points. Only you will be able to determine which works best for you and what your budget is.
My only suggestion is this, do not get a remote than can ONLY be programmed via the internet. Sounds like a great idea for simplicity sake, but it means you stand a chance of not getting everything you want. There is always that oddball command on some component you like to use that the internet just doesn't have. So make sure what ever you buy has the ability to do physical head to head learning. That way you can add any button from any remote to your universal one. Actually, I like the whole thought process of programming. That way I can make it 100% custom. I would easily pick a remote that only does head to head vs one that only does internet.
Hope this helps.
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Post by RichGuy on Jun 5, 2018 9:14:13 GMT -5
Hi Again, @elwto - Even the $70 Logitech Harmony models now offer custom sequencing and macros. Is the URC really worth the extra $$$? Or, rather, let me rephrase that question - for my needs, is the URC worth the extra money? Thanks - Boomzilla If you prefer to save money URC isn't for you, URC would be if you prefer to have a better remote and don't mind spending more for it. I feel they are well worth the extra cost, but not everyone wants to spend as much for their remote. Below is a link to a thread I created to show off the screen customization of my URC MX-990 remote. The MX-990 is a nicer made remote than Harmony, far more powerful and much more customizable. emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/52710/remote-customization-urc-mx-990?page=1&scrollTo=940929
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Post by indyscammer on Jun 5, 2018 9:21:30 GMT -5
Be careful with Harmony and your Mac Mini and JRiver requirements. Not sure how you manage them but if they are not already remote controlled it could be problematic.
As far as internet only goes, a good example is the UMC-1. The stock program on Harmony's website does not contain the zone 2 controls (which I don't understand). I called and they loaded a second UMC-1 set to my account only. Again don't understand since they clearly have the commands.
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Post by thrillcat on Jun 5, 2018 9:41:48 GMT -5
Check out the NEEO. I got in on the Kickstarter, so I've been using it for awhile. I really like it, and they're still adding more features and updates at a pretty good pace.
The hardware is far and away the best out there. Not cheap plastic.
Depending on your level of knowledge, they have a dev kit available for anyone to write their own add-ons for it.
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Post by mshump on Jun 5, 2018 10:20:39 GMT -5
I bought a Logitech harmony 650 refurb about 2 yrs ago, very easy to set up via computer/internet. The price was great and it works very well. My wife doesn't want to try and figure out what needs to be turned on and what inputs need switched etc etc, this remote fixes that for her. One button and everything switches for her.
Mark
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Post by ÈlTwo on Jun 5, 2018 10:31:40 GMT -5
I like the URC brand, and the ability to customize exactly the way I want. RichGuy has me considering the MX-990.
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butchgo
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Post by butchgo on Jun 5, 2018 10:41:13 GMT -5
I have 2 of the URC MX-900s and they work great.... Programming is pretty straight forward.
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hemster
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...still listening... still watching
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Post by hemster on Jun 5, 2018 22:33:01 GMT -5
You-Are-See...
I second the recommendations for URC. Great build quality.
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Post by mgbpuff on Jun 5, 2018 23:27:58 GMT -5
I recommend a Logitec Harmony Ultimate One. It has a screen and handles 8 devices and if you get a Harmony Hub the device count is increased to 15. Just about any device on the market is in their download library and, IF not, any remote can be duplicated head to head. I love mine, the home theater sequences are perfect for my needs (I have nine devices). The screen is a little small if you have fat fingers and programing is therefore a little delicate, but if you have the Hub also, you can do your programming on your phone or pad device and the remote magically shows the same programs. There are sales on it almost all the time.
P.S. I think the Harmony Elite is the same remote packaged with a Harmony Hub. P.S.2 - If you get the hub, it all works with Alexa.
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Post by ÈlTwo on Jun 5, 2018 23:31:08 GMT -5
Hi Again, @elwto - Even the $70 Logitech Harmony models now offer custom sequencing and macros. Is the URC really worth the extra $$$? Or, rather, let me rephrase that question - for my needs, is the URC worth the extra money? Thanks - Boomzilla Sorry it took so long for me to reply. I've had Harmony remotes, before and after the URC MX-850, and I keep coming back to the MX-850. I used to have a very specific sequence and pause time between specific components turning on in order for my setup to work correctly (think UMC-1 and Sony KDS-60A2000)and I couldn't get a Harmony to get it exactly right, but the URC could. Yes, they are more expensive, but you can get them used (I did get mine that way), and I think they're worth it. Depending on the model (a used 990 is cheaper, but not cheap), it could still be under $100. I know there are other 900 series remotes out there, at least the 900, 980 and 990.
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Post by RichGuy on Jun 6, 2018 1:23:26 GMT -5
I have two URC MX-990's and two URC MRF-350 RF/IR base stations. I think that URC lists the MX-990 for $549 each but I think I paid $379 each for my MX-990's new. URC MRF-350 RF/IR base stations list for $249 each, but are pretty easy to find for around $50 or less. Base stations are needed to utilize the RF capability. Certainly not inexpensive but you'd be surprised how much they can improve operating your system.
Most of URC's remotes are meant to be programmed by a professional customer installer, however if you are willing to take a little time to learn how to program them yourself and are good with software programs etc. There is no one who can customize the remote to the extent that you will be able to do for yourself, like designing a web site it can be 100% customizable to do what you want, how you want.
One MX-990 can control up to 255 devices, the design and build quality of URC remotes is far better than Harmony and you can do so much more with URC than you can with Harmony, URC is really in another league all together.
One thing about URC is you must be sure that you will have the software to program it if you want to program it yourself. Since they are meant to be programmed by a professional installer URC does NOT include the software with the remote, so you must be sure the seller will include the software or have other access to it. Programming the remote is not extremely difficult but definitely not for the meek either. If you're willing to take the time to learn you will be amazed what a good remote is capable of.
There are also a wide variety of URC remotes ranging from inexpensive fairly basic models to very high end models.
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Post by Boomzilla on Jun 6, 2018 5:49:01 GMT -5
Although the URC models are definitely superior, I don't think they're for me. I have enough things that need programming that I'm not much interested in adding more. Yes, the URCs may well be better-made, but at the rate that my significant other drops them, spills things into them, and sits on them, I think that a disposable is a better option.
After all, if I try a $70 Logitech and it doesn't work, I'm out but $70 and I can always upgrade to a URC. But if I try a URC (and buy the programming language, and spend the time programming it, and train my wife to use it) and she decides that she wants the Cox Cable remote instead, then I've wasted a lot more money (and time).
So if I failed to make it clear in the beginning, this remote is for my wife. I don't care, personally, if I need to deal with a plethora of remotes. But the wife wants ABSOLUTE simplicity. She's (finally) beaten the learning curve on the Cox Cable box remote (and it took her six months to do that), so anything that taxes her patience (conspicuous mostly in its absence) will have her calling "live-in tech support" (me) on a routine and very, very irritating basis. So either this system remote will have "one-button convenience" or else it'll get donated to the thrift shop.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jun 6, 2018 6:50:58 GMT -5
I agree with the logic of trying the Harmony (Logitech) first. I’ve used them for over ten years and while they're not perfect they always get the job done. We have an Elite w/Hub for the main system, and a lesser one who’s model escapes me in the bedroom. While I usually make changes, my wife can program both of them (though she’s very smart and tech savvy). As you see, the URC is always recommended as well, but I think you’re correct that the learning curve is steeper and the cost higher (though the better Harmonys aren’t cheap).
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