I recently upgraded my receiver, at which point I was reminded that my MX-700 cannot "learn" commands - it can only be programmed from a computer. Unfortunately, I no longer have any computers with serial ports, nor have I been able to find the HTM software to program the MX-700. Soooooo - it looks like time to get a new remote.

So far, the button layout on the Harmony One looks to be the most comfortable for me. But I have one issue that has pushed me away from Harmony (and other "task based") remotes so far. All of my A/V components are in a separate room from my TV. I get IR codes to the components via Powermids. In order to avoid interference problems, the Powermid sender is on the side of the room (the TV is in front).

With the MX-700, it was no big deal to turn on the TV and set the input, then point the remote to the side to control everything else. But with a task-based remote, how do I manage this? I can try moving the Powermid closer to the TV, but I'm not sure it will work reliably if I get it too close. How broad is the Harmony One's IR signal? I'm concerned that the signal broadcast won't be as wide as the distance I have to place the Powermid from the TV's IR receiver.

If you want to keep the MX700 you could look for a USB to serial adapter.

Answer to question is I have only aimed the remote near the the devices and the accept the commands. Somtimes I can point it away as a bounce off the wall. SO the I guess the definitve answer is that it spreads a very large IR beam.

Could you clarify your interference problems. Are you saying IR commands meant for the TV are also acted upon by some of your other A/V components?