I'm a (relative) newbie with 1 yr HT experience using OFA URC9910. I purchased this remote because of a recommendation from A/V installer, low cost, and RF capability. It's now 1 year later, and I'm evaluating whether a switch to a Harmony 520 or 659 makes sense and welcome any advice. Which remote seems like a better fit?

Reasons for change:
- Tired of 'training' family members, visitors, and baby sitters on how to operate the OFA and having them look at me like I'm crazy. I normally hand over the original remotes instead.
- I've struggled to get all desired functions into OFA and have had to do too much learning from original remotes, eventually running out of memory and fogetting what keys control which functions.
- I do not have time / desire to learn JP1 (?) language
- RF capability is not as essential as originally believed as I end up opening cabinet holding components when using system for ventilation

Desired qualities for new remote:
- Under $125
- Toddler friendly (aka they can use as shot put and it won't explode upon landing)
- Ability to work with my components in what be a non-standard configuration (e.g., I don't use the receiver for switching video -- use TV inputs instead)

Current setup
- Sony 34 inch HD CRT TV
- Comcast basic cable and separate OTA antenna for HD
- Onkyo 502 receiver
- Onkyo 702 DVD/CD changer
- Sony VCR
- 5.1 speaker system

No plans/budget for any additional component updgrades in the next few years.

Many thanks.

A) you don't have to use RF to control components behind doors - a simple IR repeater will work with the original and all universal remotes.

B) Any harmony remote will work for you - they all use the same activity model and same IR database. I'd recommend the 659 since you don't have a DVR. It has 6 LCD buttons instead of 4 and more memory than the 520. It's also cheap since it's the oldest of the 6xx and 8xx series.

Thanks akirby. Any other advice?

I'd probably second akirby's advice and suggest the 659. I had the 659 for about two years before upgrading to my 880. The 659 was pretty rugged . . . took a few falls off of the coffee table onto a hardwood floor. Has GREAT IR strength, and the hard buttons are great. I found the 659 also was just a BIT easier to get newbie's familiar with than the 880. Not really sure why, but . . . I think the screen throws them off.

Plus like he says, it's cheap, bugs are worked out . . . . good solid remote.

A 659 will be the most toddler resistant simply because its:

a) Proven to be reasonably tough
b) Comparatively Cheap

O/W any Harmony will do what you're looking for one to do.

The 520 may prove to be more rugged, but we just don't know yet.

Stop asking questions and go buy a 659 already!

Well, it's obvious the tribe has spoken!

Thanks.