Never bought a remote and I have only used the ones that have come with the equipment. The problem is I just completed a home theater and the equipment is in a closet around corner from the seating. So I need a remote that works w/o a direct IR connection or I can bounce 20 feet each way (seating is ~ 16 feet back from the screen).

I need it to control an Denon 2805; Comcast DVR/Cable box; DVD player and/or Xbox 360, and possibly X-10 for the lights and possibly control for Runco VX-1000ci (but since once it one, there is very little control it's not that important).

Mostly, I just want something that we can use in dark, easy to use, and can reach from the back row seating.

Not looking for a cadilac (or BMW is that is more of your thing) of remotes, more like a Honda/Toyota . . good value, covers the basic needs.

Help . . .

Thanks

Well, you'll need an RF remote.

Do you want a touchscreen or a non-touchscreen LCD?

I'd reccomend an MX-850 or MX-900 from URC.

As long as it is relatively easy to use and set-up, don't have a preference. What would be the advantage of a touchscreen LCD.

What about the Harmony 890 or URC 100/300 with and RF expander?

Many people like it as it allows you to plan your own button layouts, use pictures, etc. I personally am not a fan of touchscreens.


In my opinion, the Harmony is not nearly as capable as one of URC's MX's. They generally are not as reliable, don't last as long, and are much less capable as programming goes?


These models aren't PC programmable. PC programmibility allows for much easier programming, and discrete codes if you wish to set up macros. Otherwise, they're not bad remotes.

Harmony 890 is a great choice. Very easy to set up and use. In my opinion far more capable than a URC, especially if any of your devices don't have discretes.

I personally don't think that the Harmony offers the level of customization of a URC, and the capability isn't comparable. Evidenced by the fact that you program a Harmony through a webpage, while URC uses a real devoted software package.

However, you may find that it works well in this setup. I think that it actually would be a good choice in this situation.

Last edited by OTAHD on December 3, 2006 11:34.

Between the two different types what will be easier for me to initially set-up . . .havnig not done much more than input codes from devices in the past. I can follow instructions.

How does PC programing work . . .do you connect via and UBS port? Does it make significantly easier to set-up?

Harmony is definietly the easiest to set up. It takes you through a setup where you choose the equipment and what you want the remote to do.

Mx-850 connects thru serial. MX-900 thru USB. Harmony 890 is USB.