I realize it has only just been announced, but I'm very interested in the new Harmony remote. The big question I have is can IR emitters be connected to the hub? In my configuration I have equipment in two different cabinets (plus the TV on top of the cabinet), and I've found stick on emitters to be much more reliable than just a blaster solution.

If anyone knows more, please share!

Thanks.

According the the engadget article, yes.

It should significantly lower the barrier to entry for simple DIY jobs for RF based solutions.

The photo I have (check out the news article in the left bar) shows *two* wired IR outputs. Not sure how the cabling will work.

Those would be to use the Mini Blasters, like the 900 uses

Yeah, but how many heads are they going to spit into? Standard duals would only cover 4 devices on a 15-device remote (plus the main blaster, but that's of limited use).

Only two wired IR outputs just doesn't cut it. Ah, I see. If you look closely at the fine print below it all makes sense now.

Disclaimer: When using this remote control solution with more than 4 devices additional hubs may be required. The use of a Xantech IR connecting block and/or Xantech RT8/16 IR Router in conjunction with our hubs is not supported.

Seen option of controlling bluetooth devices with this. Does it include Google TV?

Funny question: Can we use this hub with URC remotes?

Hi everyone,

I'm Ian and am a member of the Harmony Product Management and Design team. I wanted to introduce myself and join the discussion about Harmony Ultimate and Smart Control and help answer any questions about the product features, how to use it, etc.

I see a couple comments about the IR-out from the Hub. Yes, the Harmony Ultimate ships with two IR mini-blasters and the hub itself blasts IR. Same general idea as Harmony 900. If you need more precise control or have your devices in multiple closed off cabinets, our Precision IR cables have 4 IR heads each. Those should be available on our website soon, if not already.

Tinsnow - Which GoogleTV device are you interested in controlling? Right now, the Bluetooth support is limited to PS3, Wii and WiiU. We started with those due to the overwhelming install base and the inability to use IR. Additional BT support will be looked at with the same goals. As for compatibility with URC remotes, no, that is not possible.

Lowpro - I'm curious, where did you see that disclaimer? Is that in reference to a Harmony product?

Hope this helps and if I can answer any more questions, let me know.

Cheers,

Ian.

That discalminer is false as I am presently controling 7 devices with just one Hub, and no mini blasters

HarmonyIan. Can you comment on whether the RF range on the Ultimate is better that the 900? I have a 900 and the range is very poor; only 10'.

Thanks!

Hi Kenny,

Quoting explicit RF range is very difficult as there are so many variables. Things like wall and cabinet materials, furniture and other RF interference make each home environment different.

Having said that, Harmony 900 and Harmony Ultimate should definitely perform well beyond 10'. Can you describe your room & cabinet situation and verify where you can and cannot use your remote from?

Ian.

Ian,

Thanks for the follow up. All my AV equipment is in a media closet about 15' from where I sit. The media closet is just drywall with a wooden door. I had to give up on using my Harmony 900 as the RF transmission was too unreliable. If I moved in closer it seemed to work. I am using SQ Blaster+ now over wifi and they work great. I was just wondering if the new Harmony Ultimate had better/stronger RF range. If it is the same RF radio as the 900 then it probably won't help me.

Hi Ian,

Can you tell me if it is possible to connect the Harmony Hub to a Xantech connecting block for further IR distribution?

I already have all my boxes hidden and connected this way and it would be a deal breaker if I couldn't link it to the hub.

Thanks.

Hi Kenny,

Although Harmony 900 and Harmony Ultimate were designed with the same RF use cases in mind (including yours), the RF technology is completely different between the two products. I expect Harmony Ultimate to work fine in the setup you described.

Ian.

I have a similar question, I have 5 directv boxes and i don't want to program them all with unique remote addresses, much rather just use IR emitters attached directly to the front of the receiver.

With only 2 IR outputs, this won't cut it. Is it possible to have multiple hubs? If so how do you add more hubs to the configuration