Total noob. Just bought a flat panel and will need to put components (cable box, DVD, AV) hidden in a cabinet. Was told by retailer I needed RF, either a $350 Harmony remote (+$125 to program and set it up) or an RCA3 Niles Audio for $225 +$125 to set up. Not sure which way to go. I've never had a universal remote, but i use my Cable remote to control all components and TV and it sort of works, but not great. Any help would be appreciated. thanks

Most here would recommend the 890. I have one that controls components behind a solid wooden entertainment center. It works perfectly.
It is very east to set-up and you don't need to pay for anyone to set it up for you.
You will be there mercy when you need to tweak your settings,and you will need to tweak them.

I agree, go with a Harmony 890 with the extender. You can program this very easily by yourself. Most other RF remote companies do not offer an easy programming option for the end user.

You could always go IR still if you run a cat5e cable from your component closet to your TV. There are some excellent IR equipment solutions, but you have to have a cable ran from one location to the other.

I disagree. Get an IR repeater and use ANY harmony remote (or any other universal remote) AND still be able to use the OEM remotes. If you get the 890 you'll be locked into it or buying a whole new RF remote setup each time.

The Harmony One is far superior to the 880/890 in ergonomic terms.

What is an IR Repeater and how does it work with a Harmony Remote? Thanks

Agreed with akirby, unless of course you won't have line of sight (then you'd want RF).

Harmony One is superior in build and ergonomics to any of the Harmony remotes IMO. IR repeaters work in 97% of situations without any additional adjustment, though in some instances you do need some minor tweaking to get the Harmony working 100%.

An IR repeater (aka IR extender) consists of 2 modules: an IR sensor and an IR emitter. The sensor is placed in the line-of-sight of the IR remote, and the emitter is placed near the IR equipment using a single flood emitter and/or individual stick-on emitters. There are 2 kinds of IR repeater: wired and wireless. The wired kind is more robust but you need a long wire to connect the 2 modules. The wireless kind uses RF to "connect" the 2 modules, but it's prone to RF interference.

the components will be in a cabinet that is not in sight of where we will sitting and using the remote. it's hidden behind a couch so there is no straight line to the components. the TV will be on a wall about 10 feet from the components. Is the IR repeater still the way to go over the 890? thanks for all your responses

Yes, just placed the tiny sensor (Niles has very small ones) in the line-of-sight.

And if I place the sensor near the tv in line of sight, I assume I have to then run a wire from the sensor to the IR repeater, correct? And then I can buy the Harmony One and use it to control all my hidden components? If so, is that better than simply buying the Harmony 890 and not using an IR repeater? Thanks again

Yes, Yes, Yes unless you prefer the button placement on the 890 and don't mind the extra $. Based on many, the Harmony One so far has the best built and the best ergonomic when compared to the other Harmony models.

What they're not telling you is that you have to pay attention to what IR repeater you're going to use, and using RF gives you much better overal consistent control of your devices.

Flat panels produce their own IR, which can disrupt the IR reception of some IR systems. I'm not saying it's going to happen in your case, but you should be sure to purchase a flat panel friendly repeater. Just to cover the bases.

Although akirby's opinion on the use of IR repeaters does have merit. RF is the better option for reliable control. IR is hit and miss at the best of times, whereas RF once tested and functional, won't have the issues you'll always face day to day with IR. Myself...I've used both, and RF is better. I doubt you'll find anyone that's actually used both, with a differing opinion. Yes, you'll be locked into a set remote system, as akirby has stated. This is something you will have to decide on whether or not it's a concern for you.

Out of your two remote choices, I cannot offer an opinion. I haven't used either one. What I will suggest is that you post your query within the "Which Remote Should I Buy" forum. You'll get a much less biased opinion there as compared to this forum that's in place for Harmony users. For all you know, the Niles option may be better for you, and it's been completely ignored so far in this thread.

Best of Luck...!

thanks for the input. actually, the Niles system is an IR repeater kit (RCA3), so I was trying to see what advice people with experience could offer on which is the best way to go to deal with controlling hidden components, IR Repeater or Harmony 890.

If you already have the Niles IR repeater and you don't have problems controlling your components with the OEM IR remotes then get a cheap 670 or a nice Harmony ONE. OTOH if you want the ability to use the remote in a different room or not have to point it at the IR sensor all the time or you just like the 890 then go for that. I think you understand all the trade-offs at this point.

Anyone know if the Samsung LN55A950 (LCD) produces an IR that may interfere with an IR repeater system (let's say the Niles Audio RCA3)? Thanks