I agree that the page up and page down keys need to be in a vertical orientation. However, I would think that users would use the volume buttons much more than the page buttons. If that is the case, they need to be in a better location.

As for the raised buttons, since I was not at CES, I can't comment on how much I would or wouldn't like the way the remote feels. The only comment I can make is that with all the buttons blending together (raised or not) it is very difficult to use the remote without looking at it.

Brian

I guess I'm not sure what you need Page Up/Down buttons for? On any of my current systems (cable, satellite and Tivo), Page Up/Down is controlled by Channel Up/Down for on-screen menus.

Using Dish Network as an example, the standard remote has both channel up/down and page up/down. However, in my case I don't have a need for the channel up/down buttons because I do all my channel changing with the navigation buttons (and usually within the program guide). I've actually mapped channel buttons on my 768 to page up/down.

Depending on the device and the user there may be a need for both sets of buttons, but for my purpose a single set is fine.

With a rumored March 1 availability (last I saw) time to move the SST-688 thread back up top.

Here's a new picture I found w/google (they are an authorized vendor)..
[Link: bestbuyplasma.com] (click on the small pic to see a larger pic)


Anyway, the new pic shows some changes including the vol and page keys being swapped.

I actually would prefer that they kept the original design they had. To me Paging is logically up and down, and since the on screen volume bar on my TV goes left/right I don't mind those keys being laid out that way.

Also, all the references I saw on the web have the MSRP at $229 (instead of the previously mentioned $249)

This message was edited by davisdog on 02/22/04 14:50.

Will this new remote have the same available feature set as the SST-768 (replacement for) or the SST-659? Does anyone know yet if it will be offered with free TV listings or will you pay after two months? Thanks.

It is another in the line of "family" remotes, hence it is along the same lines as the 659. There will be no scroll wheel like the 700 series has. I believe it is probably slated to have the same TV/CD/DVD listings structure & pricing as the 659.

From what I have read and from what I can tell with the pictures, the 688 is basically just a superficially changed 659. The transport buttons, and a few others, are moved and it is, of course, a different color. As far as what it will control, and how it will control, I believe it will be programed and operate exactly the same as the 659. Looks like they have made good use of user input though.

It will be programmed exactly the same as a 659. Here's another picture of the new layout. I don't know if you can see it here, but there are raised "bumps" on the Vol, Page Channel and |<< and >>| buttons :



Mike
www.SurfRemote.com

Looks good. I returned my SST-659 because of the location of the transport buttons. Being a Tivo user they were just not practical. I think this will be better. Has anyone see the Gun-Metal Black that they talk about on www.bestbuyplasma.com? I think the Metallic Silver is a little to monotone.

Mike I noticed your pic does not have the color buttons that are shown on www.bestbuyplasma.com, is it a older pic?

Clayton

I have the other picture as well, but it's from a product data sheet and its lower resolution. The ones at CES did not have the color keys, but they might have changed it. I didn't get an answer on which was newer yet, but I'll check back tomorrow. Here's what the black one at CES looked like:



BTW, the projected release is now mid-March.

It's still no good because it doesn't have dedicated Red, Green, Yellow and Blue buttons. Anyone using digital TV and Teletext (at least in the UK) will be familiar with using these, particularly the Red button to access interactive content. I know you can create these on the LCD, but for a truly family friendly remote that can easily replace all others it must have the following layout (IMHO)

TOP
Off, Help
Activity Buttons (nice if they could be relabelled somehow)
LCD and buttons (with proper response, not too wobbly or near the edge, and of course all 6 usable)
Mode buttons (device, picture etc)
Navigation and select control
Exit, Menu, Guide, Info
Volume rocker, Mute, Channel rocker
Transport (chapter back, rewind, play/pause (big button), ffwd, chapter fwd)
Repeat, slow, advance/skip, record, stop
Red, Green, Yellow, Blue
1-0, 10+
BOTTOM

I think this would be my ideal layout and would be quite familiar to many people.

I like this design. The skip buttons were one of the biggest things keeping me from the 659. I'm glad they moved the volume buttons in the new design. That would have been a killer for me. I prefer the traditional up-down volume control on this design.

I saw the colors at the top. I'm not a big fan and I think they make the remote look gimmicky. Perhaps the black color won't have the colors at the top. Or, perhaps they will serve another purpose. Maybe my wife might like them.

I was looking for something to replace my MX-500 that I could program on my computer. I was considering the IRClone but I think I will try this remote out first. My wife really never got the hang of the MX-500 and this remote just might be the ticket.

BestBuyPlasma.com shipped my 688 yesterday. I'm hoping I'll get it today or Monday. I'll report back to y'all what I think.

I had the original device and gave up on it after a month or so. Too inflexible. I have a shiny new GoVideo DVD/VCR VR4990 burner/recorder (which I LOVE, btw), a DishNetwork PVR/receiver 941, the big Sony picture-tube tv (MBX 5000 or something), a SliMP3 music server, and pc running J.River's Media Center software.

I'm particularly interested how it will handle the dual vcr/dvd burner. I'm hoping the PVR issue has been forever laid to rest and I can finally, really, use ONE remote and have the rest of the family be able to run stuff as well.

Yup, we look forward to your review. I signed up for stock nofication with Bestbuyplasma but they still show out of stock online (I havent ordered)....Surfremote didnt think they would be out for another few weeks.

Looks like two model numbers sst-688B and sst-668s are available (difference is black or silver remote...most pictures online show the activity buttons as being colored..not sure if I like that).

With all the hoopla over Authorized vs Unauthorized dealers (and warranty vs no warranty) its always puzzling to see how Big Stores like Buy.com are showing it now (for $199, but they are not authorized according to harmony...how do they get hold of them then...I'm sure its through ingram micro but harmory ought to be able to control that...at least this early). Also Etronic.com is showing it...many have bought other harmony's through them but they arent authorized...they show it at $144!! (and 659 at $129..which is similar to what you can get it through some authorized dealers if you "ask"). Hopefully the sst688 price will be similar from authorized dealers

It's been mentioned elsewhere that Harmony has a MAP (minimum advertised price) requirement for their authorized dealers. That's why you see all the "e-mail or call for special pricing" comments on the authorized dealers' websites.