Looking for a remote.

Current system is
Denon 2802 AVR
Toshiba DVD
Scientific Atlanta 3800HD DVR/Cable box
Vizio plasma
plan to add in a universal DVD in the future

What I need is the ability to have 1 touch macros for the family to perform
DVD with AVR
DVR/Cable Box with AVR
DVR/Cable Box w/o (using plasma set sound)
If I could custom label these, the better as my family will quickly forget what to push.

While still having the ability to control each device's specific functions as well. Been reading through the forum the last few days and this seems to be a potential gap with what I have read so far for the DVR.

Any thoughts on what I should be looking at? I may deploy some lighting. I do not believe I need RF, but I may not know enough yet to make that call.

This will be my 1st remote of this type, so I do not have a preference between hard or soft buttons. I feel comfortable with the idea on spending the time needed to set the remote up correctly. Would feel comfortable using the PC for this, or enhanced programming of the remote. Would prefer something with a street price of under say $300.

And I have already gone through the remote picker. Gave quite a range of options.

Consider Harmony.

Any specific model? Was looking at one that appears it hasn't been released. Alos looking at MX-500, MX-700, Pronto TSU3000 and UCommand 626.

With a Pronto you can do whatever you want, but it will take some programming effort. And you can't 'feel' what you are pressing. If you like the coolness of the touchscreen and the infinite design capability, that can overcome the weaknesses very easily.

Sounds like you want more macros than the MX-500 can handle, the 700 would work better. These remotes have a great layout, the best 'feel' around, and are esp well designed for DVRs. There are many in this series now, with slightly different layouts and RF options.

The Harmonys are pretty much all the same in performance. They are different, but very capable from what I can tell. Very friendly for those who don't want to remember what button does what fancy macro. It's all built in, you pick DVD or cable or whatever and the remote figures it out.

So Spiky, what do you use, and how did who come to that conclusion?
After more research it seems to be coming down to the Pronto TSU 3000 or MX 700.

Right now, I am having trouble visualising the labeling of the Macros in plain English for the family on the MX 700.

I have MX-500s. Only need a couple macros at this time and love the layout for surfing and my Tivos. Price was a huge factor, too. My kids are too little for me to really justify the price of either of those against the danger of breakage. I've already lost one MX-500 to crazed toddlers.

mapatton,

Either the Harmony or the HTM would be a good choice. You need to pick a budget and decide how much time you want to spend learning to program it.

The HTM software is fairly straight forward, but the Harmony programming interface is an absolute breeze. The tech support is good, and they have a new model with a color display and a recharging dock that is kind of sexy. The H659 is the model that I sell the most of because of the price point.

There are a few advantages that HTM has over Harmony. RF capability is one of the main ones. Harmony has yet to release an RF capable piece. If you have line of sight or an IR repeater, this shouldn't be an issue.

Harmony is naturally Activity Based, and has pre labeled buttons to make them happen. THe HTM stuff has a main page where it lists devices and you embed macros under the buttons that happen automatically when you press the device button. The main difference is that the Harmony's SST funcionality remembers whether a device is on or off, and either changes state or doesn't based on that. With the HTM you have to try and find discrete codes for your equipment so that your macros don't turn something off when you are switching activities. This is sometimes a little tricky depending on your source equipment. The Harmony even has a help function that will straighten you out if things get out of whack.

That being said, I use an MX-700 at home, and push them to customers. I probably sell more Harmony's, but that is a price point issue. I have a Pronto TSU3000 and at least one Harmony lying in a basket under the end table in my living room.

After you pick one out, there are loads of posts on this website to help you customize your new remote. Have fun with it, but try not to over analyze it. It's only a tool to help you do what you started out to do in the first place, enjoy your A/V equipment.

Le me know if I can help you after you decide.

John

John and all, thanks for your replies. I contacted Harmony. After talking and emailing them I decided against them as they could not offer how I could have 2 different watch TC activities with different sound options. Also to have full ability with my DVR, they said I would need to wait for their next product due in Spring/Summer.

From there it was MX700 vs Pronto TSU 3000. Wasn't certain how I could label the Macros in easy English for the family. A call to company didn't provide much insight as the labels are limited in characters.

Was leaning slightly towards the TSU 3000 and determined to do more research.

I was discussing my GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) with a co worker. Another co worker entered the office and picks up on the conversation. All of a sudden she says "You're talking about the remote we have. I hated using our stuff until we got that. Now you only push 1 button and there it is, and I don't even have to remember what button it is because it says "Watch DVD", Watch TV, Watch TV with Surround, or "Listen to CD", etc. It even turns things off and on and all the switching stuff. I Love it!

Needless to say I am curious about what specific remote she is really talking about. Well it turns out is was a gift she bought for her husband and knows the details. It was a TSU 3000.

I just ordered my TSU-3000. It may not be the ultimate right choice, but it is a good choice at this time I feel with my current understanding of what I need, what I want, and what my preferences are (which right now between hard vs soft button is neutral).

Yes I did get the charging docking station for it as well. The charging docking station is a refurb off of Philips site for $36. (A few beans saved)

Already downloaded the software and some configs to play with.

Many Thanks to all

I hate that you got that answer from Harmony.

You just set up two different activities based on the way that you watch them (i.e. an activity named 'watch Satellite' using the AVR for volume and the DVR to switch channels and another activity named 'Watch TV' that would use the TV tuner to change channels and either the AVR or the TV speakers for volume) and just choose which activity you want.

Not as familiar with the DVR you have, but the Harmony works really well with the SA 8300HD's that I have been putting in for the Cox Cable Customers around here. Even with the annoying A,B,C buttons and the page up/page down functions of the SA boxes.

I have this in place in at least 8 customer locations.

Not trying to change your mind, just letting you know that it is something that is easily done.

I understand the limitations of the labelling on the MX-700, you do only get 5 characters. DVR, RCVR, TV, DVD, CD, TIVO, CABLE, etc. have worked for me.

Good luck, and let me know if you run into snags in the Proonto programming.

John

mapatton: with the harmony you can have any nuber of activities, I would guess the person you talked to made a mistake

as for remotes, I have a Pronto TS-1000 and a Harmony 768.

I think the Pronto NG TSU-3000 is a good remote and a good choice. And dl the sw and configs now is a good way to start. Also visite the Pronto NG forum, lots of help there