First time poster here. I've always gotten by on basic universal remotes to control my 4-5 devices. I had heard that Harmony remotes are very easy to set up, so I vowed to give them a hard look the next time I was in the market. I ordered a Harmony 650 and it is on its way, but have since read so many comments on lack of longevity, that it has me rethinking the purchase already. I also envisioned maybe adding a Next Gen RF Extender to the mix once the dust settled on the new remote, and lo and behold, Next Gen's site says that it does not work with the 650! (though I have also read several testimonies of people who have had success) I would love to eventually have RF, as my equipment is behind a cabinet, and I've had my share of repeater woes at times over the years. From what I understand, having macros programmed becomes "easier" with RF because the person doesn't have to keep the remote aimed in a certain direction. I'm on a pretty tight budget for this item, as I can't justify spending too much on a remote with a 4 yr old and 6 yr in the house. :)

Here are my needs:

1) Ease of use and programming
2) Reliable (works every time and for a long time)
3) Control Panasonic plasma, Denon X1000, Roku 3 (I have an IR Roku remote from which I can teach), Panasonic BD player, and an older Oppo DVD player (on rare occasions) that seems to handle some discs better.

Here are my wants:

1) Activities buttons
2) Backlit
3) RF capable, or at least could work with a Next Gen Extender as an add-on

Max Budget: $70 without RF or $100 with RF capabilities

I've been noticing info on these forums NEVO C2's on Ebay from China paired with an RF station. I've checked out reviews on the newer Harmony Smart Control model. I've considered just using my trusty Sony VLZ620 with a Next Gen Extender until something more convincing comes out. What I DON'T want is a remote that only lasts a few months that I have to send back, pay the shipping, remind the wife and kids how to use the old spare, etc., or worse, quits just after the one year warranty period. I know there are no guarantees in life, but I'm not looking to play remote roulette here. Any advice out there? Thanks in advance!

Nevo C2 is not RF. The C3 is RF. Huge price difference and far outside your budget. The C2 might work with Next Gen. I've never tried it.

For RF, consider the Harmony Smart Control. I think attempting to use Next Gen with a 650 or any other IR Harmony will fail. If you can live without RF, the 650 is the best choice.

Thanks...I cannot seem to figure out which direction to go, but I feel like I'm on the right track. Yes...I'd be looking at the C2 paired with the Next Gen if I went the Nevo route...can anyone confirm if they play nice together? I'm not too sure I'm a fan of the stiff "click" of the buttons I've heard about...would I likely find an XSight display at my local Best Buy to check out?

I'm warming up to the idea of keeping the Sony VLZ620 and just setting it up more like a Harmony with macros, much like this:

[Link: remotecentral.com]

However, if I do this, I really would like to grab the Next Gen for the RF because inevitably with several command sequences someone won't intuitively hold the remote right for line of sight.

I did get the 650 today, setup was a breeze "just as they say", and it really is a smart remote, and to think it is really a little brother in the family! I WILL say, as far as the needs/wants list goes, I'd give up backlighting to gain RF. The Smart Control looks like a great package for me...it would be pampering myself for sure, but the most encouraging part is that if the kids trash the remote, it's only $30 to replace, which is very doable.

Question: Being a person who doesn't want to use my smartphone as a remote, can the Harmony Smart Control control in "device" mode, or it is just "Activity" based? (I don't know how else to ask that question)

Sorry, I know very little about the Smart Control. I have no interest since you would still have to use your phone to do anything that isn't assigned to a physical button.