I'm looking for a remote that can turn on and set up to watch/play with the press of one or two buttons. For example, press TV to turn on the TV and cable box and change to the proper TV input. Everything is in one room so the remote does not need to work outside of this room (through walls etc.). I've been reading about the Harmony remotes and the R50. Seems like the R50 may do this? Can't tell from the reviews if it truly does this or if you have to drill down to press the button for this funtionality? The Harmony One seems like the remote I'd want - the reviews for the 880 and some of the other Harmony remotes seem to be negative for their durability.

Here is my list of components:
Vizio LCD TV
Sony DVD player
Verizon FIOS cable box/DVR
Nintendo Wii
Denon Surround Sound Receiver
Sony CD Player

I'm not sure I want to spend the money for the Harmony One. I'd like to keep it under $120 if possible.

Any suggestions or input?

Thanks!

The URC R50 has macro capability that will control your equipment as desired. A lot will be determined by which devices have discrete commands (power/input). In your TV scenario, most people would suggest to just leave the cable box on all the time.

I second Joe's recomendation of the R50, it will still be around and kicking long after your neighbor is on his 4th Harmony.

Thanks for the replies!

If there aren't discrete commands does that mean I can't have one button functionality? How do I find out if I have discrete commands?

What would be the reason for leaving the cable box on - they don't typically have discrete commands?

If there are no discrete commands, you can always create "all on" and "all off" macros to simply power everything on or off at once. This should keep your system in sync.



Thank you,
Damon
Control Systems Consultant & Programmer

Not necessarily, but without specific model #'s you won't know what devices may or may not have discrete's. Same for the cable box, and since you don't own it, just leave it on...and get a new one if it crashes.

Depends on the Cable/DVR, but some DVRs won't record unless it is powered up. So the DVR is often left on all the time.

Thanks everyone! I've ordered the R50 - it's $74 at buy.com