I need advice...I have a sony XBR HDTV ,a DVDR, a stereo, and lastly a PACE HD cable box with guide that has A,B, and C, and I use reminders favorites etc. My TV has Twin view, aspect ratio setting, pic mode, and index...I was interested in a remote like the 520 but Im realizing from the posts that certain remotes may not meet my needs. what do you think Thanks

This message was edited by curious2 on 10/19/05 23:58 ET.

Only the 800 series remotes will work with Pace cable boxes according to the Logitech support website.

Curious,
Sorry about the home and garden comment - it was that you had typed that you had an HGTV - evertime I hear that I think HDTV but - HGTV is far from that. Just thought it was funny the way you typed it.

ps. be sure to read the following posts - if you have a PACE cable box you might want to call technical support before you buy.

[Link: remotecentral.com]

Oh sorry! !hahaha.I cant type...Im watching Debbie Travis and I' m a little defensive....thought you were spying on me!! Thanks so much... I was afraid..... i would have to go the 800 series..its soo expensive

You might want to check the following link on the 880 pricing:

[Link: remotecentral.com]

I picked mine up off ebay for 179 - love the remote. I am on my second one post a LCD screen disorder. Logitech quickly shipped out the new one no problems. I will tell you, I can't believe that I have put all 6 remotes away and only have the 880. Works like a charm. I think if it will work with your cable box, you will be pleased with the remote and look back at the cost as well spent. Good luck.

Pace 520 boxes can emulate a number of other boxes. In curious2's case, its emulating a Scientific Atlanta Box (Has SA firmware.) We had a Pace 520 with Scientific Atlanta firmware when we first purchased our Harmony 659 - it worked just fine - we treated it like any other Scientific Atlanta box. (Though the configuration was under Pace 520.)

(If you're using a Scientific Atlanta Remote, then I can assure you that any Harmony will control it just fine.)

Given the fact that you're using a SA program guide with A, B, and C, I'd steer you away from the 520 as 4 LCD buttons just isn't enough - you need at least 6 - so go with a 6XX or an 880.

The 680 is pretty good for the more-or-less inevitable upgrade to an SA 8300 PVR, as is the 676. The 880 doesn't really offer any additional functionality, but only bling.

The IRDa firmware Pace boxes generally aren't found in the US - I think its more common with Sky network deployments in the UK and I think I've seen reports of some in Australia as well. As I remember the 520 was one of the first HD capable SA-compatible cable boxes, and seemed to ship in volume quicker than the SA boxes did. You don't see them at the cable office anymore, though.

wow shorthand you are almost losing me! my pace is a 551 model (by scientific) with a universal brand remote..what im concerned about is being able to use the functions on the sony remote( like the twin view) which i dont use because of the hassle and an older phillips DVDR which I could not get to run on the sony flip (no code)...... what bling do you mean exactly? every time I want to record what a hassle,its amazing what you get used to!1 I called the cable company and they dont recommend using another one... at all not surprised ...the 600 series ..680 or 676? thanks so much

Bling is a larger color screen with 8 buttons, tilt sensor and rechargeable batteries. The software underneath is all basically the same.

Got the 676 and am pleased ....it was 179$......just wish I could toggle the speakers on the TV on and off without going thru the menu

It hasn't been mentioned in this thread, but many Harmony owners find that its best just to use the reciever for sound at all times as the interface is now transparent and just leave their TV speakers off.

If you want two different ways to listen, then create separate activities for Watch TV w/ Stereo and Watch TV w/ TV speakers. At the beginning and end of any activity you can add a series of IR commands that will turn the TV's speakers on or off (navigate the menus for you).

The IR database for the Sony TV has a new command called "SpeakerToggle". I have not tried it since I don't need it (TV speaker always off).

you see I can just use the TVs menu no problem to turn off speaker ..thats what I have been doing... It works for DVD but when I play a CD thru my DVD{ the TV has to be on} the menu function will not completely work .it comes up but does not go right by the ring for selection.Im gone to have to call....I will check sony thanks

curious2 - jlet has already provided you with a solution - sony TVs have a speakertoggle command to turn on/off the built-in speaker. You have two approaches to consider - one is to map the speakertoggle to a button, and you can toggle the speakers as you see fit. The other option is to add commands to the beginning and end of activities to set the speaker state the way you want it for that activity, and revert it back to its previous state at the end of the activity.