Hi

I plan to buy Harmony 688 in the next week to replace my Pronto Tsu-2000 which has been sitting in the closet.

I got a new 42'' plasma screen, DVD recorder and new receiver, and saw that all my devices are supported in the IR Database.

I saw that Amazon has best price and second day delivery. Is it more important to buy from a place that provides good service and support?

Where do you recomend to buy the remote, I plan on getting 2 units and 4 activity buttons are enough for me.

Thanks

Eran Carmon

Buying from a Harmony-authorized dealer (look undere where to buy on their website) will assure you of getting warranty support (as in for repairs - they'll support the software no matter what) and most if not all authorized dealers have excellent return policys.

I recommend surfremotecontrol.com - they're active here and they're authorized.

Why the 688? Most people don't like the buttons. Have you considered the 676 or 680? Or even the old 659. The buttons are much better and I think they're cheaper. Functionality is identical - only the buttons are different.

The reason I've decided on the 688 model is because I understand it has special buttons for DVR control - do the earlier models have this functionality? Also, what I've read about the 680 implies that it is meant to be used with Windows Media Center - is this correct? I'm open to other models, and while price is important, I'm willing to go for a more expensive remote if it gives me the best fit for what I need.

With the components listed in my original post (also an extra DVD player and two separate satellite/decoder boxes), which model remote would you recommend?

Thanks,

Eran

The 688 is the second oldest model in the lineup. The 680 and 676 were released together and are newer. For DVR's most people like the 680, but you should conisder all four 6XX remotes - the only differences are button layout and cosmetics.

Do all the 6XX remotes have the same # of activity buttons ? from what I read the 688 has 4 and the others have 3.

Eran

I decided to splurge and ordered harmony 880 from Crutchfield.com

Thanks for your help

Eran Carmon

Since I ordered my 880 I decided to get a backup unit. can you please answer my questions.

1. Do all the 6XX remotes have the same # of activity buttons ? from what I read the 688 has 4 and the others have 3.

2.The reason I've decided on the 688 model is because I understand it has special buttons for DVR control - do the earlier models have this functionality? Also, what I've read about the 680 implies that it is meant to be used with Windows Media Center - is this correct?

Eran

1. What you have read is correct.

2. The earlier 6XX model (the 659) does not have this functionality. However, the later models of 6XX (the 680 and 676) do.

The 680 is designed for Windows Media Center use, but all 6XX remotes have the same functionality under the hood and you can use any 6XX with a DVR without issue. Many of us are perfectly happy with a 659 and a DVR.

1. You are correct that the 688 has 4 HARD activity buttons and the rest have 3, but all have a More Activities button that allows you to scroll through a virtually unlimited number of activities in the LCD screen.

2. I am one of those who use a 659 perfectly well with a DVR - the SA8300HD. I use the LCD screen to house the A, B, and C buttons (used for choice confirmation, guide functions, etc.), as well as the PageUp and PageDn buttons for browsing the guide. I have the Live and List buttons mapped on either side of the '0' number key. With all the remotes being the same inside, it comes down to button layout and figuring out which would be most intuitive for the way you are used to controlling your equipment.

I'm sure you've already come across it when reading other threads, but here is a link to a great image that allows you to see all the buttons on each of the models:

Thanks

I ordered 676 from amazon $104+shipping less $20 rebate.

Eran