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macfantn · Dec 15, 2006, 09:44 AM

I am looking for a remote to control a comcast dvr, toshiba 42" tv and dvd, and yamaha receiver and ceiling fan/light control would be good but not necessary. I'd like to keep it between 50 and 100 if possible.

MaxPower2k3 · Dec 15, 2006, 09:48 AM

Monster Controller 300 reviewed: it's worth it - Engadget

badidea · Dec 15, 2006, 09:55 AM

Yeah but it's not between 50 and 100, it's more 5x100!

I recently looked into Logitech Harmony remotes but could't decide which one would be best for my needs since I didn't really understand the differences between those 1000 different models! Maybe the 555 or 885?

Dakar² · Dec 15, 2006, 10:02 AM

macfantn · Dec 15, 2006, 10:03 AM

i was just reading that engadget review before i posted this thread, not only is it expensive it's super ugly. i wouldn't want that on my coffee table I don't care how good it is.

macfantn · Dec 15, 2006, 10:04 AM

I currently have the Home Theater Master MX-500 it's kinda bulky and doesn't work so well with a dvr.

jlfspook · Dec 15, 2006, 10:16 AM

The Logitech Harmony 850 is great. I have a Samsung LCD, a Phillips DVD player, a Yamaha receiver, and a TiVo. It works well with all of these devices. Configuring the remote is extremely easy, especially since you configure it through software from your mac.

I'd hihgly recommend it. Target has it for $ 99.99, which is right at your price range.

Dark Helmet · Dec 15, 2006, 10:25 AM

ogitech Harmony 880. Amazing remote (and I have been through a ton of different ones).

starman · Dec 15, 2006, 10:28 AM

I don't know the model # but I have the Logitech Xbox 360 UR. Great remote.

macfantn · Dec 15, 2006, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by jlfspook

The Logitech Harmony 850 is great. I have a Samsung LCD, a Phillips DVD player, a Yamaha receiver, and a TiVo. It works well with all of these devices. Configuring the remote is extremely easy, especially since you configure it through software from your mac.

I'd hihgly recommend it. Target has it for $ 99.99, which is right at your price range.

I can't seem to find this remote at target.com or amazon.com can you post a link please?

Dark Helmet · Dec 15, 2006, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by macfantn

I can't seem to find this remote at target.com or amazon.com can you post a link please?

Just get the 880 as it is better and you can find it for under $150. In fact I think dell is selling it right now for dirt cheap.

It works with everything imaginable except the Wii and PS3 (as they are bluetooth)

Paco500 · Dec 15, 2006, 11:51 AM

I think I may be a bit thick, but I bought a Harmony something or other and could never get it to work properly and it ended up in a drawer. There was so much automation and srcipting- I just wanted a universal remote that worked like the dedicated device remotes.

Still looking.

jlfspook · Dec 15, 2006, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by macfantn

I can't seem to find this remote at target.com or amazon.com can you post a link please?

Sorry, I got the model number wrong. I'm not home right now, and for some reason 850 made sense.

It's the Logitech Harmony 520.

Here's the remote. You can search for it in your local Target store through the inventory feature.

badidea · Dec 15, 2006, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by Dark Helmet

Just get the 880 as it is better and you can find it for under $150.

Is this the same as the 885 (<- european model???)?
Do you know what the big difference to the 555 is?

885

555

Dale Sorel · Dec 15, 2006, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by macfantn

I currently have the Home Theater Master MX-500 it's kinda bulky and doesn't work so well with a dvr.

That's what I have and I love it with my TiVo.

macfantn · Dec 15, 2006, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by Dale Sorel

That's what I have and I love it with my TiVo.

it's okay but i'm not too fond of it.

zerostar · Dec 15, 2006, 02:57 PM

I have this one:

Harmony Remote Products > Harmony� 670 Advanced Universal Remote

Great remote, $126 on newegg.com

macfantn · Dec 16, 2006, 07:17 PM

what is the difference between the 520 and 550 they look identical

Target : Logitech Harmony 520 Universal Remote

Buy the Logitech� Harmony 550 Advanced Universal Remote (966208-0403) and other Video Remote Controls at circuitcity.com

alligator · Dec 16, 2006, 10:34 PM

Go with any Harmony remote, they have won me (and my wife!) over. I own two.

macfantn · Dec 17, 2006, 12:11 AM

thanks I may just get the 520 at target it controls 12 devices the 550 controls 15 i only have 4...works for me.

Teronzhul · Dec 17, 2006, 12:29 AM

Functionally almost all of the Harmony remotes are identical. They share the same programming system and typically control approximately the same number of components etc. Button layout is the major difference between most of them. The 720/880 add a color screen and recharging cradle. The 890 adds RF capability.

The models ending with 5 are Euro models, and the only difference functionally is that they add teletext buttons which the American versions lack.

vmarks · Dec 17, 2006, 02:26 AM

520 and 550 are identical, difference being button colors and 520 is a target exlusive part number.

macfantn · Dec 17, 2006, 04:42 AM

look closely the 550 has more buttons

macfantn · Dec 17, 2006, 04:42 AM

also where is the mute button on the 520

BigBadWolf · Dec 17, 2006, 06:03 AM

Originally Posted by macfantn

also where is the mute button on the 520

Right above the d-pad, on the left

vmarks · Dec 17, 2006, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by macfantn

look closely the 550 has more buttons

Mute and Prev relocate and you gain up and down.

I have the 520 with the soft buttons at the LCD programmed for up and down, so functionally it's the same result, but I agree there is a model difference.

520 is still the Target specific part, 550 is the regular part sold everywhere.

Goldfinger · Dec 17, 2006, 08:39 AM

I have a Harmony 525. It looks like the 520 but has 4 extra buttons at the bottom for teletext (red, green, yellow and blue). And it has the rubber play/fw/rwd/etc buttons from the 550 and the activities button from the 550. It's essentially a mix between the 520 and 550.
It works wel but the thing tends to squeek when you press buttons or when you hold it firmly. Build quality isn't the greatest. The rubber buttons are good but the hard ones in the middle around the d-pad suck.
Cost me 70 or 80 euros about a year ago.
It looks raher nice as well IMHO. It feels very good in my hand, good weight distribution. It takes 4 AAA batteries.

It controls my:
TV
Receiver
CD players
DVD player
Digital Cable set top box
iMac (iTunes)

vmarks · Dec 17, 2006, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by Goldfinger

I have a Harmony 525. It looks like the 520 but has 4 extra buttons at the bottom for teletext (red, green, yellow and blue). And it has the rubber play/fw/rwd/etc buttons from the 550 and the activities button from the 550. It's essentially a mix between the 520 and 550.
It works wel but the thing tends to squeek when you press buttons or when you hold it firmly. Build quality isn't the greatest. The rubber buttons are good but the hard ones in the middle around the d-pad suck.
Cost me 70 or 80 euros about a year ago.
It looks raher nice as well IMHO. It feels very good in my hand, good weight distribution. It takes 4 AAA batteries.

It controls my:
TV
Receiver
CD players
DVD player
Digital Cable set top box
iMac (iTunes)

The hard buttons stink. I think they're cheap in feel.

The squeeking is also cheap.

But worst of all, I -hate- the way it rests in my hand. The profile of the back of it feels horrible to hold. I expect the peanut shaped 8xx series to be much better of a contour, but the 5xx series one is nasty.

I have it because I'm frugal.

badidea · Dec 17, 2006, 02:13 PM

If you want it exclusive get the way more expensive H/K version

vmarks · Dec 17, 2006, 02:59 PM

More soft buttons and color LCD. I still wouldn't pay more than I did for it, and I only paid that much out of frustration at less expensive ones that were difficult to program.