Dose anyone know if you can you use 3rd party IR buds with logitech Harmony, if so do you have a spec of the 3rd party buds to be used ?

I have used Zantech and others without problems.

Also, if you need a lot of IR emitters, you can use an IR distribution block, especially if you need to send the signal a long distance. If you just need a splitter, you can do that, too. If you need several in one area, Vanco sells a 1 in, 4 out splitter.

This is true, with the only problems likely to occur if you're using visible IRLEDs with a control system that runs at 5 volts instead of 12 volts. Some visible LEDs are an IR LED in series with a visible LED, so they need a higher voltage than a non-visible LED.

I've found that all sorts of random time-wasting stuff happens when you mix brands of IR stuff, especially sensors of different brands. For me it's simply not worth any savings you might enjoy by combining parts of different brands.

I have used a half dozen models of emitter with harmony and they all work fine.

To be clear i am talking about 1 output = 1 emitter. If you are trying to stack emitters or use blinking emitters you may need to read post 2 and 3 again.

You also need to think about the IR jack on the back of the "hub". You didnt mention a model and i dont have experience with all versions of logitech harmony but some (maybe all) have mini mono 2.5mm jacks instead of the typical 3.5mm emitter jack that most IR emitters have.

[Link: a.co] will solve that issue for you.

For clarity, the 3.5mm connector originally was known as a 1/8" headphone plug and a miniature headphone plug, usually shortened to "mini plug." The 2.5mm was a 3/32" or subminiature plug.

Also, please don't call the thing at the end of a wire a "jack." It's a plug. The receptacle for it is a jack. (Mac got it right -- I'm just adding detail to his description.

If you want to know more about how to distribute IR, ask me. I could go on, but I'll wait to be asked.

I don’t want to sound rude, I honestly don’t know this answer but are custom integrators using harmony? I remember using harmony back in 2009 & thought I was the shiz nit haha. I quickly learned how unreliable & unprofessional to recommend or sell them. I don’t know anything about what they are now. Are they still DIY based remotes or have they gone more custom?

I still don't use them for anything, but as time has gone on, occasionally someone discusses them here. The same problems seem to be part of the product.

My impression is that custom installers don't want to sell them because they want to be able to complete the installation and know that everything will WORK without constant fiddling and, for instance, resynchronizing the power state of the components. Repeatedly.


A customer who won't spend more, if you can get him to let you off the hook for repetitive irritating fixes, can be a successful Harmony customer. That's what I get from posts here over the years.

BrettLee3232,

There was an interesting CEDIA 2018 presentation by Harmony building a case to use them in low end systems with the goal of "get in, get out". Some presenters claimed that they could do multiple systems a day. These were simple systems, hang a TV, cable box, and maybe a disc player. Harmony has support for pros. I haven't set up any of these systems, but it was an interesting presentation. At the end of the presentation I won a raffle and they were supposed to send me a system to play with, but I'm still waiting.

I share your opinion of the early Harmony's. The end user interface was terrible.

Recently, I encountered a Harmony that was programmed by someone else. The end user interface was not as bad as I remember, but I still didn't like it. I don't know if this is intrinsic or just bad programming.

Yes, they are a DIY favorite.

12/04/18 Edit: As he stated in his post below, Brett reached out to me. I wish more manufacturers would participate in the community.

Take a look at them again. They have a pro version available via distribution. They are not URC/RTI etc. You can't completely customize the interface but it's good enough. They provide a solid control option for budget systems. It includes mobile/tablet interfaces that are built automatically so you if the remote breaks over the weekend you don't have to roll a truck or have an angry client.

I have used the Harmony elite pro recently on some jobs.. Honestly, its pretty damn good. Customers love it. Easy phone/ipad interface as well. They can remote control system from outside the home and so can I. I like that I can access and program remotely. Do a quick setup of the hub and then program remote from home. Scans wifi for IP devices it can control. Then setup other devices.

I can pull up all the accounts on my phone and control. No issues. There is IP control for Sony TV's. They need more IP control for other products too. Right now I wish they had Samsung.

It has come a long way. Yes there is a lack of total customization but for a remote not tied to a control system it does its job well. Much better then the original Harmony's of old.

Also, the account can be operated or adjusted remotely, preventing a trip. It really helps when troubleshooting with the client on one end of the phone and the programmer on the other.

They have a Pro Portal for keeping all of the accounts in one place and they have more cool things coming.

Hey Buzz,

Brett over at Logitech here. I thought we got all the remotes out after CEDIA, apologies if it didn't get out to you. I'll DM you in a minute to get your details, and get one out to you this week.

Appreciate your comments on the presentation though. I've refined it further recently as we continue to get feedback from dealers.

As Buzz mentioned, the growth in the low/mid-end market is dramatically faster than any other section, and the level of control possible with a Harmony remote now is far and away better than anything in the past. The goal is to create quick easy to install solutions for dealers looking to do the same for their clients. For most dealers looking to grow their business, having the ability to create efficiencies that allows the business to scale and better manage things like labor rates, returns, and truck rolls, is just a different way than many dealers have classically looked at their business. Opening up a market that is exponentially larger than the high-end, and has a client base looking and willing to pay for expertise allows the dealer to continue offering their current C4, Creston, and other high-end solutions, while having a solution strategy for those not willing to spend as much, but still want help. Those customers may grow with you later, and in the meantime, those jobs help to level out what can sometimes be a cyclical CI business model.

Just to add in a bit of perspective, Harmony Hub based remotes, control over 2.4 million lights, 500k Sonos devices, and have over 500k voice integrations. Most integrators are still thinking about IR only remotes getting out of sync because they are controlling toggle only devices, which just isn't the case now as technology has changed (Plus we're talking about $400 Pro remotes, not an IR based 650, which is still a great workhorse IR only model). I control 40 Lutron Ra2Select lights, 10-12 zones of audio, a surround receivers, and have thermostat control and voice control in my home. I agree the app can use some work, and once we launch our new dealer portal this month, that is likely one of our next projects. Did I mention the dealer portal where a dealer can manage all of his clients, and program off-site without rolling a truck if the client wants to update any of their programming (maybe add a new favorite channel, or a new scene for the holidays)

As always, anyone is welcome to reach out if they have any questions. I started in the industry about 18 years ago at Goodguys, working on Prontos and Mits Diamond rear projection TVs so I've seen the changes in the industry, and just want to help continue to grow it with some new opportunities.

Have a great evening everyone, appreciate the time. Buzz, I'll message you in a minute.

Brett Bjorkquist
Head of CI/Pro Services
Logitech
[email protected]

Brett,
thanks for the update. It's nice to hear that another player is worthy of investigation, at least much more worthy than a few years ago.

Back to the point: Can you use 3rd party IR buds with logitech Harmony ? That's LEDs, IR emitters, of course.

Really? That was answered in the 2nd and 4th posts.

URC has added a 'Help' button to their MXHome Pro remotes- what does it tell you?

The URC trainer mentioned RTi once, Harmony several times. I think they're feeling some serious loss on market share- they re-launched the MX Home Pro, with physical changes and they stopped charging for the app.