Hi everyone,

I wanted to ask the professionals so I created this account. I typically find things I like that eventually are phased out...for instance: I still own an iPod 'Classic' because I want my music and phone to be separate & I don't like iOS.

That being said I have a Harmony 890 Pro, and love it. It still functions, and I have everyone in my home learned up on how to use it. I wanted an H1000, then an H1100 when they came out. Recently i have been looking for a tablet style remote again, and it seems like the field of options is quite limited (not a surprise since it was never really popular).

It appears that Philips has dropped their tablet style. although I don't see any remotes more recent than 2010 on their site so maybe the quite making remotes?

URC still has the MX-3000 on their site (I can get the software) but I was wondering if there was something in particular that caused the MX-6000 to be discontinued. The 3000 is a lower iteration of numbers, is it older than the 6000? Does that speak to the 3000's quality?

I don't want a andoid/ios option, I want a dedicated remote. Can any of you experts answer any of these questions or offer suggestions? I don't have any RF devices, but I do have hidden devices. I am also working on an XBMC build, but I can find a card/interface that will work with whatever remote I end up choosing. I have a PS3 and a Panasonic Plasma, so interface with those is required. I also have a Comcast cable box.

And.........GO!

Hello,

There used to be a good variety of "Coffee-Table" style remotes on the market. I hesitate calling them "Tablet Style" because that is what separates these types of products from IOS and Android style options. The tablet is much flatter and provides a high degree of battery life and extra options which make it a standalone option. Not sure what your reasons are for not wanting a dedicated tablet which is Android or IOS, but there are many settings / options that can really dedicate them to the control system strictly without even interacting with the OS. Plus, they are a anywhere from a third to a small fraction of a cost cheaper than a professional coffee table style remote with similar screen real estate.

That being said, my next question to you is if you want this product to be a professional series item which you need a dedicated professional or company to handle the programming / calibration / product / warranty of if you are looking for something like this online or in a big box store? If your equipment warrants a "two-way" remote which provides feedback and the ability to interact with the equipment better, the closest thing you will find is the MX-3000 from URC. The 6000 was discontinued because of a difficulty in manufacturing parts, which is a constant variable in the industry. You may be able to score the now discontinued used MX-6000 or RTI T4+from someone, which is heavier and more of a two-handed option. Three companies that are still very much dedicated to this style of remote are AMX, Crestron, and HAI.

You have to understand that Apple or Android tablets are becoming so popular because the control companies do not have to go overseas and sell product that has a short shelf life. The warranty, repair and manufacturing process is so expensive that the profit margin is weak. These companies would rather develop software and other control equipment than worry about these fragile remotes. The rise of these tablets have given companies a chance to really expand in terms of software, what they can control and exciting product developments.

My advice to you is to embrace the Android / Apple style remotes which work great with AMX, URC, RTI, Bitwise, Command Fusion, Crestron, AMX, C4, Savant, Claire Controls, Compass, and some other other leaders. Companies like iRule, iRoom, Harmony, and some of the more DIY options are there for you as well if you want to go that way. Maybe you dont like the more fixed design of the Apple tablet, but perhaps you can find an Android style tablet (which come in a greater variety of sizes/shapes).

Otherwise, be prepared to spend a good amount of money from some of the leaders and hope that the remote solution does not become obsolete in less than two years. That is just how it works. Good luck and feel free to call on us if you have any questions.

Total Control Remotes LLC