Harmony Remote Replacement? (1 Viewer)

[NewlyRetired]

My trusty old Harmony 880 has finally given way as multiple buttons are failing.

I had assumed when this happened I was just going to replace it with a similar Harmony model but from the reviews, people seem to hate the Harmony Ultimate One. It looks like the placement of the touch screen to be in the middle of the remote was a poor one.

I went on to Ebay to look for 880, or the original Harmony One (which people loved), but the prices have skyrocketed due to the supply and demand.

Any suggestions for a good solution to replace the Harmony 880?

 

[SmoovySmoov]

I've had a Harmony 900 for about 4 years, and I love it. That one might be an option for you.

 

[MaxThreshold]

I bought this to replace my aging Harmony One. Much better response times and feels better in the hand.. They also have a digital screen version too.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I've had a Harmony 900 for about 4 years, and I love it. That one might be an option for you.

The Harmony 900 is basically the same as the original Harmony One. Neither are in production any more and were replaced by the Harmony Ultimate One.

Harmony 900's/Harmony One's, if you can find them new, have gone up in price. If I could find a 900 at a reasonable price I would jump on it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I bought this to replace my aging Harmony One. Much better response times and feels better in the hand.. They also have a digital screen version too.

I was looking at this as a possible replacement. I was confused though because I have some older components that could not be controlled via the app. But if the simple remote gives me the basic "Watch TV", "Watch DVD" type functionality that my old 880 had it would work.

Is the simple remote backlit?

 

[MaxThreshold]

I bought this to replace my aging Harmony One. Much better response times and feels better in the hand.. They also have a digital screen version too.

I was looking at this as a possible replacement. I was confused though because I have some older components that could not be controlled via the app. But if the simple remote gives me the basic "Watch TV", "Watch DVD" type functionality that my old 880 had it would work.

Is the simple remote backlit?

No backlight, that's the only downside. It comes with a hub and the hub is what communicates with the devices. The app communicates with the hub. Would that make a difference?

 

[NewlyRetired]

I bought this to replace my aging Harmony One. Much better response times and feels better in the hand.. They also have a digital screen version too.

I was looking at this as a possible replacement. I was confused though because I have some older components that could not be controlled via the app. But if the simple remote gives me the basic "Watch TV", "Watch DVD" type functionality that my old 880 had it would work.

Is the simple remote backlit?

No backlight, that's the only downside. It comes with a hub and the hub is what communicates with the devices. The app communicates with the hub. Would that make a difference?

I was just reading about the hub. Does the hub act as an IR blaster? I have components in different locations (some under tv and others in a cabinet on side of tv) and am worried I won't be able to find a single location to put it.

Is this something that would be a concern?

 

[MaxThreshold]

I bought this to replace my aging Harmony One. Much better response times and feels better in the hand.. They also have a digital screen version too.

I was looking at this as a possible replacement. I was confused though because I have some older components that could not be controlled via the app. But if the simple remote gives me the basic "Watch TV", "Watch DVD" type functionality that my old 880 had it would work.

Is the simple remote backlit?

No backlight, that's the only downside. It comes with a hub and the hub is what communicates with the devices. The app communicates with the hub. Would that make a difference?

I was just reading about the hub. Does the hub act as an IR blaster? I have components in different locations (some under tv and others in a cabinet on side of tv) and am worried I won't be able to find a single location to put it.

Is this something that would be a concern?

The Hub acts as a blaster but it also comes with an extra IR Blaster with a long cord. In fact, it has a port for a 2nd IR Blaster as well if you needed to buy an extra one.

I have my Hub sitting on top of my cabinet while my DVD and DirecTV devices sit inside the cabinet with no issues at all. I don't even have to use the IR Blaster.

If your devices are a bit further away then you may need it, but it really all depends on how thick your cabinet is and how far away your devices are.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I bought this to replace my aging Harmony One. Much better response times and feels better in the hand.. They also have a digital screen version too.

I was looking at this as a possible replacement. I was confused though because I have some older components that could not be controlled via the app. But if the simple remote gives me the basic "Watch TV", "Watch DVD" type functionality that my old 880 had it would work.Is the simple remote backlit?

No backlight, that's the only downside. It comes with a hub and the hub is what communicates with the devices. The app communicates with the hub. Would that make a difference?

I was just reading about the hub. Does the hub act as an IR blaster? I have components in different locations (some under tv and others in a cabinet on side of tv) and am worried I won't be able to find a single location to put it.Is this something that would be a concern?

The Hub acts as a blaster but it also comes with an extra IR Blaster with a long cord. In fact, it has a port for a 2nd IR Blaster as well if you needed to buy an extra one.

I have my Hub sitting on top of my cabinet while my DVD and DirecTV devices sit inside the cabinet with no issues at all. I don't even have to use the IR Blaster.

If your devices are a bit further away then you may need it, but it really all depends on how thick your cabinet is and how far away your devices are.

Thanks!Two more questions if you have the time.

1) Do I have to start from scratch programming the simple remote and the app or is there a way to carry over the setup from my 880?

2) I read that the hub can also talk to the PS 3. Does the hub have blue tooth built in?

 

[MaxThreshold]

I bought this to replace my aging Harmony One. Much better response times and feels better in the hand.. They also have a digital screen version too.

I was looking at this as a possible replacement. I was confused though because I have some older components that could not be controlled via the app. But if the simple remote gives me the basic "Watch TV", "Watch DVD" type functionality that my old 880 had it would work.Is the simple remote backlit?

No backlight, that's the only downside. It comes with a hub and the hub is what communicates with the devices. The app communicates with the hub. Would that make a difference?

I was just reading about the hub. Does the hub act as an IR blaster? I have components in different locations (some under tv and others in a cabinet on side of tv) and am worried I won't be able to find a single location to put it.Is this something that would be a concern?

The Hub acts as a blaster but it also comes with an extra IR Blaster with a long cord. In fact, it has a port for a 2nd IR Blaster as well if you needed to buy an extra one.

I have my Hub sitting on top of my cabinet while my DVD and DirecTV devices sit inside the cabinet with no issues at all. I don't even have to use the IR Blaster.

If your devices are a bit further away then you may need it, but it really all depends on how thick your cabinet is and how far away your devices are.

Thanks!Two more questions if you have the time.

1) Do I have to start from scratch programming the simple remote and the app or is there a way to carry over the setup from my 880?

2) I read that the hub can also talk to the PS 3. Does the hub have blue tooth built in?

1) Yes, you can transfer your settings from your existing remote (Here is a pdf - info on Page 14).

2) yes, the hub has bluetooth built in - that's how your phone communicates with the hub. and it works with the ps3

You can also customize the app screens on your phone to your liking as well.

 

[belljr]

My 880 didn't last a year the channel and volume buttons stopped

 

[NewlyRetired]

My 880 didn't last a year the channel and volume buttons stopped

Got at least 5 out of mine thankfully. I did have to remap the volume buttons once though to the up and down arrows after about 2.5 years or so. Remapping got me another couple of years of use but now too many are having issues.

 

[belljr]

My 880 didn't last a year the channel and volume buttons stopped

Got at least 5 out of mine thankfully. I did have to remap the volume buttons once though to the up and down arrows after about 2.5 years or so. Remapping got me another couple of years of use but now too many are having issues.

yep...they were the only 2 buttons that caused issues ... my one has been awesome

 

[NewlyRetired]

I bought this to replace my aging Harmony One. Much better response times and feels better in the hand.. They also have a digital screen version too.

I was looking at this as a possible replacement. I was confused though because I have some older components that could not be controlled via the app. But if the simple remote gives me the basic "Watch TV", "Watch DVD" type functionality that my old 880 had it would work.Is the simple remote backlit?

No backlight, that's the only downside. It comes with a hub and the hub is what communicates with the devices. The app communicates with the hub. Would that make a difference?

I was just reading about the hub. Does the hub act as an IR blaster? I have components in different locations (some under tv and others in a cabinet on side of tv) and am worried I won't be able to find a single location to put it.Is this something that would be a concern?

The Hub acts as a blaster but it also comes with an extra IR Blaster with a long cord. In fact, it has a port for a 2nd IR Blaster as well if you needed to buy an extra one.

I have my Hub sitting on top of my cabinet while my DVD and DirecTV devices sit inside the cabinet with no issues at all. I don't even have to use the IR Blaster.

If your devices are a bit further away then you may need it, but it really all depends on how thick your cabinet is and how far away your devices are.

Thanks!Two more questions if you have the time.

1) Do I have to start from scratch programming the simple remote and the app or is there a way to carry over the setup from my 880?

2) I read that the hub can also talk to the PS 3. Does the hub have blue tooth built in?

1) Yes, you can transfer your settings from your existing remote (Here is a pdf - info on Page 14).

2) yes, the hub has bluetooth built in - that's how your phone communicates with the hub. and it works with the ps3

You can also customize the app screens on your phone to your liking as well.

Awesome! I think I might get this once I research the hub's ir strength a little more.

I assume using an Ipad is ok right? I always have my ipad next to me when watching tv.

 

[NewlyRetired]

My 880 didn't last a year the channel and volume buttons stopped

Got at least 5 out of mine thankfully. I did have to remap the volume buttons once though to the up and down arrows after about 2.5 years or so. Remapping got me another couple of years of use but now too many are having issues.

yep...they were the only 2 buttons that caused issues ... my one has been awesome

I would love the Harmony One. Best price I can find is in the high $300's for new (and I won't buy this used or refurbed, too scared of button issues).

 

[belljr]

My 880 didn't last a year the channel and volume buttons stopped

Got at least 5 out of mine thankfully. I did have to remap the volume buttons once though to the up and down arrows after about 2.5 years or so. Remapping got me another couple of years of use but now too many are having issues.

yep...they were the only 2 buttons that caused issues ... my one has been awesome

I would love the Harmony One. Best price I can find is in the high $300's for new (and I won't buy this used or refurbed, too scared of button issues).

interesting my 880 was a refurbished but cost me 40 bucks. Ones are 300 that's insane!! The one you are researching looks pretty cool

 

[NewlyRetired]

My 880 didn't last a year the channel and volume buttons stopped

Got at least 5 out of mine thankfully. I did have to remap the volume buttons once though to the up and down arrows after about 2.5 years or so. Remapping got me another couple of years of use but now too many are having issues.

yep...they were the only 2 buttons that caused issues ... my one has been awesome

I would love the Harmony One. Best price I can find is in the high $300's for new (and I won't buy this used or refurbed, too scared of button issues).

interesting my 880 was a refurbished but cost me 40 bucks. Ones are 300 that's insane!! The one you are researching looks pretty cool

Refurb is probably why the buttons went quicker on yours. High 300's are the lowest I can find. Some serious gouging going on because of the issues with the Harmony One Ultimates design.

I would be happy to spend $250 on a new Harmony One. I need to scour Ebay more.

If I can't find it, I may try the simple remote/app that was recommended earlier.

I have no idea why Harmony changed a design that was beloved.

 

[MaxThreshold]

My 880 didn't last a year the channel and volume buttons stopped

Got at least 5 out of mine thankfully. I did have to remap the volume buttons once though to the up and down arrows after about 2.5 years or so. Remapping got me another couple of years of use but now too many are having issues.

yep...they were the only 2 buttons that caused issues ... my one has been awesome

I would love the Harmony One. Best price I can find is in the high $300's for new (and I won't buy this used or refurbed, too scared of button issues).

I had two Harmony One's and while both are allright, I had serious issues with response times. that's why i replaced them for the smart control.

 

[belljr]

My 880 didn't last a year the channel and volume buttons stopped

Got at least 5 out of mine thankfully. I did have to remap the volume buttons once though to the up and down arrows after about 2.5 years or so. Remapping got me another couple of years of use but now too many are having issues.

yep...they were the only 2 buttons that caused issues ... my one has been awesome

I would love the Harmony One. Best price I can find is in the high $300's for new (and I won't buy this used or refurbed, too scared of button issues).

I had two Harmony One's and while both are allright, I had serious issues with response times. that's why i replaced them for the smart control.

i did too then I went in and edit the response time down to 10 ms. Everything is much better

 

[NewlyRetired]

My 880 didn't last a year the channel and volume buttons stopped

Got at least 5 out of mine thankfully. I did have to remap the volume buttons once though to the up and down arrows after about 2.5 years or so. Remapping got me another couple of years of use but now too many are having issues.

yep...they were the only 2 buttons that caused issues ... my one has been awesome

I would love the Harmony One. Best price I can find is in the high $300's for new (and I won't buy this used or refurbed, too scared of button issues).

I had two Harmony One's and while both are allright, I had serious issues with response times. that's why i replaced them for the smart control.

i did too then I went in and edit the response time down to 10 ms. Everything is much better

I remember having to edit something similar on my 880 way back when. That type of customization is great to have.

 

[jhib]

My trusty old Harmony 880 has finally given way as multiple buttons are failing.

I had assumed when this happened I was just going to replace it with a similar Harmony model but from the reviews, people seem to hate the Harmony Ultimate One. It looks like the placement of the touch screen to be in the middle of the remote was a poor one.

I went on to Ebay to look for 880, or the original Harmony One (which people loved), but the prices have skyrocketed due to the supply and demand.

Any suggestions for a good solution to replace the Harmony 880?

I'm in the same boat. I've had mine for years and have always loved it, but the channel buttons are going. Number 5 started it off, but I opened it up and made an adjustment and got another 6 months or so... now that button and some others are tough to get to work. They actually still don't bother me too much, but the wife is getting really frustrated with it.

I also was bummed out when I saw how much they are going for on eBay. I was wondering if I could just get by with a 700 from Amazon for a bit over $100.

 

[Godsbrother]

After 2 Harmony's going bad on me before their time I went with the Universal R50. It isn't programmable via a PC but it has a much stronger signal than Harmony's and is built like a tank.

It isn't hard to program but it is a PITA compared to the Harmony. However once is it set up it is a better built remote IMO.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Got this one for $119 at the time (Nov 2012) and I absolutely love it. Hopefully Ebay has some cheaper.

 

[Godsbrother]

Isn't Harmony a bit of a stickler about buying only from authorized resellers?

 

[NewlyRetired]

After 2 Harmony's going bad on me before their time I went with the Universal R50. It isn't programmable via a PC but it has a much stronger signal than Harmony's and is built like a tank.

It isn't hard to program but it is a PITA compared to the Harmony. However once is it set up it is a better built remote IMO.

I don't mind if it is a pain to program as long as it is flexible. Can the R50 do the similar state based programming that the Harmony does or is it more macro based? I changed modes a lot and would prefer the state based designs.

For example if I am watching Direct TV and want to switch to watching a blu ray, is it smart enough to not turn the tv off and back on again?

I like the layout of the R50 and the price is great.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I decided to go with the Harmony Smart App and use it with my ipad.

Hopefully I can find a good spot for the hub and ir blaster to cover my equipment.

 

[MaxThreshold]

I decided to go with the Harmony Smart App and use it with my ipad.

Hopefully I can find a good spot for the hub and ir blaster to cover my equipment.

I have two of the Smart App remotes so I have two extra IR blasters that I don't use. If you need more than the extra one that comes with the hub let me know and I can send it to you. No need for you to pay for an extra one if you need it. I'm not using them anyways.

 

[GregR]

Editing my original post as I was an important firmware update behind.

I have the Ultimate. The stuff about the touchscreen in the middle being a bad idea are spot on. Originally it was really bad to deal with, you would get unintentional commands sent all the time. Setting everything to default to the gestures screen and then setting all gestures to do nothing helped, but it was easy to bump the favorites or home button and go to those screens without noticing.

Now there is a firmware update that will auto lock the touch screen after X seconds, and it also locks Favorites and Home. So the annoyance should be gone. However, it still sucks that the only number keys are on the touch screen. I used to switch channels quickly punching in the numbers without having to look at the remote on my old Harmony. With the Ultimate it isn't worth the time of dealing with the touch screen where the numbers are at most of the time, I'll instead scroll through the DVR's channel guide to get to a channel which is slower than using dedicated number keys was.

 

[MaxThreshold]

I've got the Ultimate and the comments about the touch screen are spot on. You get 10x as many unwanted commands sent from it as you do times you use it. I have mine default to gestures and then set every gesture to do nothing which helps tremendously. But it's still easy to accidentally hit the home or favorites button which takes it to those screens instead of the gestures screen. Older versions were better with a screen for customizable functions but that still used a real button to trigger. Also, I hate having the numbers on the touchscreen. I used to frequently key in channel numbers by touch on older models to jump channels. Now I almost never do as you can't do it without focusing on the remote fully.

I'm not a big fan of the touch screens in the first place (hardly ever used them), which is why I bought the basic smart control. The only thing I wish it had was a backlight so I can see what I'm pressing in the dark. the good news, is that i've become really, really good at knowing where the keys are without looking (like typing).

 

[GregR]

I've got the Ultimate and the comments about the touch screen are spot on. You get 10x as many unwanted commands sent from it as you do times you use it. I have mine default to gestures and then set every gesture to do nothing which helps tremendously. But it's still easy to accidentally hit the home or favorites button which takes it to those screens instead of the gestures screen. Older versions were better with a screen for customizable functions but that still used a real button to trigger. Also, I hate having the numbers on the touchscreen. I used to frequently key in channel numbers by touch on older models to jump channels. Now I almost never do as you can't do it without focusing on the remote fully.

I'm not a big fan of the touch screens in the first place (hardly ever used them), which is why I bought the basic smart control. The only thing I wish it had was a backlight so I can see what I'm pressing in the dark. the good news, is that i've become really, really good at knowing where the keys are without looking (like typing).

I redid my post, I was behind a firmware update that adds an auto screen lock which should get rid of 90% of the worst parts of it for me. The only remaining thing is you have to use the touch screen to key in a channel by the numbers, rather than having dedicated number keys you'll learn to hit by touch.

I'm the same way, I never need to look at my remote after I've gotten used to it, though agree having it backlit is pretty nice normally.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Crap! I thought I researched this enough but I did not.

I have to return the Harmony Smart App remote. It is not compatible with my ipad.

:(

 

[NewlyRetired]

Now there is a firmware update that will auto lock the touch screen after X seconds, and it also locks Favorites and Home. So the annoyance should be gone.

once it locks, how do you get the screen to wake back up again? is it a dedicated hard button?

Do you have the Ultimate that comes with the hub or the ultimate that is IR based?

I could not find the information listed in these release notes

http://forums.logitech.com/t5/MyHarmony-com/Harmony-Release-Notes-UPDATED-June-24th/td-p/1039103

 

[NewlyRetired]

I decided to go with the Harmony Smart App and use it with my ipad.

Hopefully I can find a good spot for the hub and ir blaster to cover my equipment.

I have two of the Smart App remotes so I have two extra IR blasters that I don't use. If you need more than the extra one that comes with the hub let me know and I can send it to you. No need for you to pay for an extra one if you need it. I'm not using them anyways.

thanks for the offer! That was very nice of you.

 

[17seconds]

I went on to Ebay to look for 880, or the original Harmony One (which people loved), but the prices have skyrocketed due to the supply and demand.

WOW! I see that - $400 on Amazon. These things were $99 just recently. My 2nd one is still going strong despite 2 kids. Could get dropped on tile and broken at any time though.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I went on to Ebay to look for 880, or the original Harmony One (which people loved), but the prices have skyrocketed due to the supply and demand.

WOW! I see that - $400 on Amazon. These things were $99 just recently. My 2nd one is still going strong despite 2 kids. Could get dropped on tile and broken at any time though.

yeah so depressing :(

Even the newer Harmony Ones exploded in price once they were discontinued.

 

[17seconds]

I went on to Ebay to look for 880, or the original Harmony One (which people loved), but the prices have skyrocketed due to the supply and demand.

WOW! I see that - $400 on Amazon. These things were $99 just recently. My 2nd one is still going strong despite 2 kids. Could get dropped on tile and broken at any time though.

yeah so depressing :(

Even the newer Harmony Ones exploded in price once they were discontinued.

The price is so high... do people repair these things? I've got one with a cracked internal screen gathering dust. I'd unload it to a repair guy for $100. He could change out that part and turn around and sell it for $350.

 

[GregR]

Now there is a firmware update that will auto lock the touch screen after X seconds, and it also locks Favorites and Home. So the annoyance should be gone.

once it locks, how do you get the screen to wake back up again? is it a dedicated hard button?

Do you have the Ultimate that comes with the hub or the ultimate that is IR based?

I could not find the information listed in these release notes

http://forums.logitech.com/t5/MyHarmony-com/Harmony-Release-Notes-UPDATED-June-24th/td-p/1039103

I've got the one that comes with the hub. Been awhile since I set it up, I think the remote can do IR or radio... I have it set to radio and then let the hub and a blaster take care of the IR emissions.

After the touchscreen locks, you do a sideways swipe left or right to unlock it. It's been perfect so far, haven't accidentally unlocked it, but it's easy to unlock those rare times I do want to.

Unless you need the favorites menu or have to key in a lot of numbers, there isn't a lot of reason to use the touch screen after you've chosen your Activity. I can handle favorites through the DirecTV DVR, so don't really need the remote for it. Even though I did download better looking icons for some of my favorite channels.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Now there is a firmware update that will auto lock the touch screen after X seconds, and it also locks Favorites and Home. So the annoyance should be gone.

once it locks, how do you get the screen to wake back up again? is it a dedicated hard button?

Do you have the Ultimate that comes with the hub or the ultimate that is IR based?

I could not find the information listed in these release notes

http://forums.logitech.com/t5/MyHarmony-com/Harmony-Release-Notes-UPDATED-June-24th/td-p/1039103

I've got the one that comes with the hub. Been awhile since I set it up, I think the remote can do IR or radio... I have it set to radio and then let the hub and a blaster take care of the IR emissions.

After the touchscreen locks, you do a sideways swipe left or right to unlock it. It's been perfect so far, haven't accidentally unlocked it, but it's easy to unlock those rare times I do want to.

Unless you need the favorites menu or have to key in a lot of numbers, there isn't a lot of reason to use the touch screen after you've chosen your Activity. I can handle favorites through the DirecTV DVR, so don't really need the remote for it. Even though I did download better looking icons for some of my favorite channels.

Thanks!

I might give this a shot if I can find that the auto lock was put in the IR only model. Would you think that the IR only model and the model with the hub run the same software?

 

[NewlyRetired]

I went on to Ebay to look for 880, or the original Harmony One (which people loved), but the prices have skyrocketed due to the supply and demand.

WOW! I see that - $400 on Amazon. These things were $99 just recently. My 2nd one is still going strong despite 2 kids. Could get dropped on tile and broken at any time though.

yeah so depressing :(

Even the newer Harmony Ones exploded in price once they were discontinued.

The price is so high... do people repair these things? I've got one with a cracked internal screen gathering dust. I'd unload it to a repair guy for $100. He could change out that part and turn around and sell it for $350.

the prices I was looking at were for new ones as I did not want to buy a used one due to the eventual button failures.

People sell things that are broken all the time on EBAY. Just look around to see what they are going for.

 

[GregR]

Now there is a firmware update that will auto lock the touch screen after X seconds, and it also locks Favorites and Home. So the annoyance should be gone.

once it locks, how do you get the screen to wake back up again? is it a dedicated hard button?

Do you have the Ultimate that comes with the hub or the ultimate that is IR based?

I could not find the information listed in these release notes

http://forums.logitech.com/t5/MyHarmony-com/Harmony-Release-Notes-UPDATED-June-24th/td-p/1039103

I've got the one that comes with the hub. Been awhile since I set it up, I think the remote can do IR or radio... I have it set to radio and then let the hub and a blaster take care of the IR emissions.

After the touchscreen locks, you do a sideways swipe left or right to unlock it. It's been perfect so far, haven't accidentally unlocked it, but it's easy to unlock those rare times I do want to.

Unless you need the favorites menu or have to key in a lot of numbers, there isn't a lot of reason to use the touch screen after you've chosen your Activity. I can handle favorites through the DirecTV DVR, so don't really need the remote for it. Even though I did download better looking icons for some of my favorite channels.

Thanks!

I might give this a shot if I can find that the auto lock was put in the IR only model. Would you think that the IR only model and the model with the hub run the same software?

I don't know enough to feel comfortable saying. There's a thread on each remote type over at AVS forums where someone could answer a lot better.

 

[17seconds]

I went on to Ebay to look for 880, or the original Harmony One (which people loved), but the prices have skyrocketed due to the supply and demand.

WOW! I see that - $400 on Amazon. These things were $99 just recently. My 2nd one is still going strong despite 2 kids. Could get dropped on tile and broken at any time though.

yeah so depressing :(

Even the newer Harmony Ones exploded in price once they were discontinued.

The price is so high... do people repair these things? I've got one with a cracked internal screen gathering dust. I'd unload it to a repair guy for $100. He could change out that part and turn around and sell it for $350.

the prices I was looking at were for new ones as I did not want to buy a used one due to the eventual button failures.

People sell things that are broken all the time on EBAY. Just look around to see what they are going for.

Did a quick search and looks like they sell in the $15-$40 range even if broken. Funny. People love these things.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Now there is a firmware update that will auto lock the touch screen after X seconds, and it also locks Favorites and Home. So the annoyance should be gone.

once it locks, how do you get the screen to wake back up again? is it a dedicated hard button?

Do you have the Ultimate that comes with the hub or the ultimate that is IR based?

I could not find the information listed in these release notes

http://forums.logitech.com/t5/MyHarmony-com/Harmony-Release-Notes-UPDATED-June-24th/td-p/1039103

I've got the one that comes with the hub. Been awhile since I set it up, I think the remote can do IR or radio... I have it set to radio and then let the hub and a blaster take care of the IR emissions.

After the touchscreen locks, you do a sideways swipe left or right to unlock it. It's been perfect so far, haven't accidentally unlocked it, but it's easy to unlock those rare times I do want to.

Unless you need the favorites menu or have to key in a lot of numbers, there isn't a lot of reason to use the touch screen after you've chosen your Activity. I can handle favorites through the DirecTV DVR, so don't really need the remote for it. Even though I did download better looking icons for some of my favorite channels.

Thanks!

I might give this a shot if I can find that the auto lock was put in the IR only model. Would you think that the IR only model and the model with the hub run the same software?

I don't know enough to feel comfortable saying. There's a thread on each remote type over at AVS forums where someone could answer a lot better.

ok thanks! I did just as you suggested.

 

[jhib]

Just got a used one off eBay for $45 shipped. Came with everything but a battery, which was no big deal since I just swapped the one out from my old one. I'm pretty sure this thing was never really even used - perfect condition. It's a great thing when eBay works well.

 

[NewlyRetired]

After a few days of using the Harmony One Ultimate, I have to say I am very pleased, more pleased than I thought I would be.

The firmware change to lock the screen fixes the biggest flaw in the design for me.

I am getting used to the screen gestures so that I never have to look down.

The channel favorite icons are a nice addition when watching TV.

I still need to get used to the vibration but that will come in time I am sure.

 

[GregR]

After a few days of using the Harmony One Ultimate, I have to say I am very pleased, more pleased than I thought I would be.

The firmware change to lock the screen fixes the biggest flaw in the design for me.

I am getting used to the screen gestures so that I never have to look down.

The channel favorite icons are a nice addition when watching TV.

I still need to get used to the vibration but that will come in time I am sure.

Settings -> Remote -> Vibration -> Off if you prefer.

 

[GregR]

The one thing I think it took me awhile to figure out... while most things are set up via the website or the program on your PC, customization of I think it was button order on the touch screens is done on the remote itself. Like in the app I made an on screen button in each activity to cycle through my receiver's settings for keeping the volume at a set level, or letting it vary as the show has it. But getting it so it's one of the visible buttons at the top of the list is done in the remote itself, I believe.

You can also customize the gestures from that "i" button on the gesture screen.

With this firmware update, I've had to reboot the hub twice in the couple of weeks since I mentioned I'd gotten it. Normally I'm more likely to have the power go out and reset it than I am to have to reset it myself. So just a heads up.

Also, if the remote stops responding, which would happen maybe every other month or so, just hold down OFF continuously until it goes dark and the Harmony logo comes back on screen as it is rebooting. After reboot, it'll think everything is off so you might have go through Help to get everything back in sync. Most issues this was all I had to do to fix. Only recently that it wasn't enough and I had to reset the hub.

 

[NewlyRetired]

After a few days of using the Harmony One Ultimate, I have to say I am very pleased, more pleased than I thought I would be.

The firmware change to lock the screen fixes the biggest flaw in the design for me.

I am getting used to the screen gestures so that I never have to look down.

The channel favorite icons are a nice addition when watching TV.

I still need to get used to the vibration but that will come in time I am sure.

Settings -> Remote -> Vibration -> Off if you prefer.

yup I found that. I know the vibration is there to inform you that it recognized a screen touch. I might remove the vibration after a while.

 

[NewlyRetired]

The one thing I think it took me awhile to figure out... while most things are set up via the website or the program on your PC, customization of I think it was button order on the touch screens is done on the remote itself. Like in the app I made an on screen button in each activity to cycle through my receiver's settings for keeping the volume at a set level, or letting it vary as the show has it. But getting it so it's one of the visible buttons at the top of the list is done in the remote itself, I believe.

You can also customize the gestures from that "i" button on the gesture screen.

With this firmware update, I've had to reboot the hub twice in the couple of weeks since I mentioned I'd gotten it. Normally I'm more likely to have the power go out and reset it than I am to have to reset it myself. So just a heads up.

Also, if the remote stops responding, which would happen maybe every other month or so, just hold down OFF continuously until it goes dark and the Harmony logo comes back on screen as it is rebooting. After reboot, it'll think everything is off so you might have go through Help to get everything back in sync. Most issues this was all I had to do to fix. Only recently that it wasn't enough and I had to reset the hub.

thanks for the hints!

I believe you can customize the order of the on screen buttons on the desktop software as well. I just did that a few times earlier today to get things in the order I wanted.

Open desktop app -> choose your remote -> buttons -> screen options

from that menu level you can change, add, and reorder your soft buttons as much as you want

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I replaced my Harmony a few years ago with an MX450. Big improvement for my needs - controlling home theater with a few different zones.