I'd like to buy a great universal remote as a xmas gift. I honestly don't know a thing about what items are on his system..all I know is he currently has about 4 different remotes to use to control his satellite, dvd player, plasma tv and stereo.

Do I need to know more information to be able to select a product for him? I was looking at harmony's line. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

You can spend anything from $20 to $1000 or more for a remote, it all depends on what you want it to do.

Do you want all hard buttons, or a touch screen. If a touch screen, do you want black/white or color?

My personal preference is the MX3000 from Home Theater Master (MRP $1099), but that may be overkill for only four devices. (But us gadget guys love them!).

MX500 is another decent remote for about $80, and it's a breeze to setup.

the MX-500 would be the perfect gift! You would enjoy it as well! It would simplify things to the extent that anyone could confidently 'watch TV'.

Its the gift that just 'keeps on giving'!

If your looking for a high dollar remote that is 'ultra cool', the MX-3000 is a great choice.

He's a toy boy for sure. I just know he'd like the most impressive "fun" one he can get his hands on...however I'd like to keep the cost to under $300 for it. So..hard buttons, touchscreen..doesn't matter......

This message was edited by nnclyn on 12/22/04 23:10 ET.

Hard buttons are easier to use on a day to day basis. You can develope a 'feel' as to where the buttons are. No need to look at the remote to operate.

By far, my favorite is the URC Home theater master MX-700 or MX-800. Both basically the same remote, but, the 800 offers RF transmition wich means the remote doesn't have to 'see' the equipment that it's operating.

They are easily programed with a computer. Check out www.SurfRemote.com Hotbuys or www.bluedo.com Openbox specials for some great buys. I believe the 700 is under $200 (lists for $350); the 800 for under $300 (lists for $500).
Either would make any man extremely happy.

A touch screen looks more impressive, can be more easy to use for someone else (friends/family) and can be configured any way he wants (with some time). The Pronto TSU-3000 is in your price range.


As for the Harmony remotes, they are great. Easy to set-up in minutes and very powerful.

Okay...I've looked through all of your recommendations and was wondering if you could help me narrow it down to 2 that you would wish were under your xmas tree :)

MX600
MX350 Oasis
Mx 500
Harmony HG 88
Pronto TSU 3000

Thanks so very much for all of your help !!!

There are some MX-700 on ebay right now for $149 Buy it now. Later Michael

1) I would not buy a new HTM or Harmony remote off of ebay, both those companies have an authorized dealer policy, and that means no warrenty

2) I like PC programmable remotes and inyour list that leaves the 3000 and the 688.

3) From what I heard in the Harmony forum more people tend to like the 680 to the 688 on the other hand I have not used neither of them

4) if you want a HTM remote you can find the MX-700 or an open box MX-800
---------------

some brake downon the remotes you chose

Pronto
- pro
... most custumizable remote
... you can have a lot of fun with it (can do more then remote stuff- just look at the pseudo games some developed for the 1000 and the 3000 has more capabilities)
... can be extremely easy to use if designed properly
... looks cool
- con
... you need to learn ProntoEdit (not hard, but you need to learn how to use it
... it is a blank slate, so you need to know what you want
... can take many hours for original work
... it is almost a new hobby and it overwelms some people

Harmony
- pro
... easy to set-up and web based
... Harmony support (fast and good, and if it is a real tough problem they will do everything they can to fix it)
... you can get an electronic programm guide if you want (I think it is 20$ or something like that) so you can click on the name of the show to pick it
- con
... no in built RF (not much of a con, but the mx-600 comes with an RF base and it is anaccessory for the 350 and pronto)
... you need internet access to edit the remote

MX-350, 600, 500
- pro
... good remotes and well liked
... 500/600 can be used with IR-clone and that makes them PC programmable
... 600 and 350 can do RF to a base
- con
... not PC programmable
... the 500 is IR only
... least cusomizable of all the remotes mentioned
... LCD screen is 5 letters/button

MX-700,800
- pro
... mucch more capable than the 500/600/350
... PC programmable
- con
... the 500 is IR only
... LCD screen is 5 letters/button

Thanks for your help! I ended up with the Pronto TS3000...and he loved it. Thanks again for all of your advice and direction.

Happy holidays!

glad to help