What are the experts opinions on this forum as to which is the better remote?

I know that the H1 is computer programmable but which do you think is the best all around remote? Taking into consideration, ease of setup, ergonomics and everyday use.

I have used an older model MX-500 in the past.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve

You should take a look at the MX-450 - nice step up from the old MX remotes and has graphics. It's a little more customizable than Harmony and since it can control using RF it's more versatile.

Vincent

Go with URC and be happy.

Any more suggestions? I thought this was a remote control forum!

There is surprisingly little in remote controls in that price range. At least that's worth talking about.

The H1 is subjectively the "more powerful" remote of the two. However I would also classify it as "less customizable", simply because it really likes to do things its way, and changing that can be difficult.

Did you LIKE the MX-500?

You could also do a search in here regarding both of these remotes. You probably aren't getting the feedback you are looking for because it has been given many times before. Just because this is a remote control forum, it doesn't mean we like saying the same thing over and over.

I'll agree with others who say that there aren't a whole lot of options in the lower price range of say, the H1.

So if that leaves you with a choice between the H1 and the URC... I would strongly recommend the URC.

In my experience, Harmony remotes have about a years worth of usefulness, and then they simply wear out. Buttons stick, housing cracks, the remote doesn't sit well on the charging base, batteries swell and go bad, etc.

URC remotes on the other hand, have a build quality far better than a Harmony, their simply built to last longer, which is pretty important because remotes take a lot of abuse if you really think about it.

Harmony also has serious issues with RF.

In the end, even if the URC is twice as expensive, at least you'll only cry once, as opposed to crying every day using a poor quality Harmony.

Very well put, Keith, and welcome to RC.

Can anyone compare the lighting between these two ?
I know the Harmony says it lights up when picked up. That could be a real + to me.

Thanks

Wow Bob, you would take the H1, which no one is reccomending, over a URC if it lights up better? Have fun with that.

The Harmony 1 isn't what i would consider 'PC programmable'. You have to use a web based wizard to configure it. PC programmable (to me) means you have complete control over customization. That does not exist with Harmony as your confined within predetermined parameters as to what you can make it do.

To Harmony's credit.. the predetermined parameters will cover most imagined scenarios. Harmony is the more powerful device because the two fall in under different classes. The MX-450 would be a better comparison but if your after the most powerful of the two (Harmony One vs R50) i would vote Harmony One.

I wont comment on build quality because i have never owned a harmony one or an R50. My MX-850 was pretty much indestructible. I think it could stop bullets but i was unwilling to test the theory. My MX-950 seemed just as durable but i only owned it for 6 months. Point being that i have had good luck with the build quality of URC products.