Logitech SST-688 remote for Hughes HDVR2

MikeSh · 11-28-2004, 02:51 AM

Does anyone here use the Logitech Harmony SST-668 remote on the DirecTV Hughes HDVR2 (DTV with Tivo) ?

If so does it let you FF? How about 30 second skip?

What is the overall functionality versus the Hughes/Tivo peanut?

Any negative comments on this remote other then small buttons?

All info is appreciated before I plunk down a 160USD.

Thanks,

MikeS.

Stephen Tu · 11-28-2004, 05:43 PM

Get the 676 or 680 instead. Clearly better button layout than the 688.

Since it's a universal, of course it can do anything your original can do.

Mike Boniferro · 11-28-2004, 11:37 PM

With the Harmony's, anything that it can't, or doesn't, do with the default settings/button layout, you can tell to do by reassigning the function of buttons on the remote, or programming custom buttons into the LCD.

Tim Jin · 11-29-2004, 10:43 AM

I am also looking at this remote to replace my Sony RM-AV3000. I can't stand the touch screen any longer and the codes are out dated.

Does the Harmony update their codes for future new products, such as DVR's and Cable boxes?

Is it hard to program?

Dean_S · 11-29-2004, 12:37 PM

The Harmony is the easiest remote to program. I has pleasantly surprized that Harmony had the codes for all my equipment even the new and more obscure pieces like the HD-Tivo, Onkyo CP802 Universal Changer, and Kenwood 7000 sirius tuner...all my other equipment is "normal". If the codes don't exist at Harmony then you learn them and Harmony stores them for other users...this will take longer if that happens but it's very easy to do if you have the OEM remote. I have the 688 and got it for $147 from newegg.com. At first I was a little disappointed with size of the buttons and how close together they are but after a few days I got used to it and decided to keep it instead of trading for a different Harmony remote.

**HTF Ads**

Alf S · 11-29-2004, 05:37 PM

I've been using the newest Kameleon and it works great with the DTivo HDVR2.

I like it because it already has all the Tivo buttons built in and you don't have to teach different no name button to do for example "Live TV" becuase the Kameleon already HAS that button.

For the price, it's well worth it.

Here's the review at remote central: KAMELEON

Sorry for the big pic, but wanted you to see the available Tivo type buttons...

Mike Boniferro · 11-30-2004, 12:29 AM

The other cool thing with Harmony, if you purchase something that they don't have the codes for and you DON'T have the original remote (hardly ever going to happen), you call them and give them a model #. They guarantee that they will find 99% of these products within 7 days and have them ready for you to download.

Tim Jin · 11-30-2004, 01:20 AM

If I buy an older model, like the 680, will they still update the codes for new devices?

My main concern is that the remote will be out dated in a few years, if I get another piece of equipment.

Right now, I have my HDTV, reciever, DVD player and a Time Warner HD DVR box.

I need to get another universal remote because the Sony is hard to use and it doesn't support the HD DVR box.

It seems like the 688 has more buttons, but the 680 has a better layout. Will I miss those extra buttons for my HD DVR or future upgrades?

Stephen Tu · 11-30-2004, 04:00 PM

- The 680 is not an "older model". It is their newest model.

- universal remotes like these never get outdated since they are learning remotes & can learn IR codes from your new equipment remote. They only run into trouble if the new equipment uses highly non-standard frequencies or protocols. For 99% of new equipment you'll always be able to learn or download from their website as long as Logitech/Harmony is still around.

Tim Jin · 11-30-2004, 04:14 PM

I thought that the 688 was their newest model.

Which model do you prefer?

The 680 seems to have a better layout and the buttons are more spread apart.

MikeSh · 12-04-2004, 03:00 AM

So I bought the 688 and received it Friday. So far it is great. It was easy to setup on the web and then DL into the remote thru the USB cable provided.

So far the wife likes it. Easy to use for watching a DVD or the VCR.

I've asked a couple more questions in a new thread here, maybe you can help out there?

Thanks,

MikeS.

louHamilton · 12-08-2004, 10:04 PM

The 680 is one of the newest remotes. The difference (besides button layout) is that it is preprogrammed to immediately be able to control the Windows Media Center Operating System on your computer. In my opinion, the 659 would be a better choice unless you are a major geek and have a A/V setup with your home PC running that software.

I plan on just getting a D-Link Digital Media System to control my photos and mp3's on my home computer system. It's wireless and the Harmony will control the system (already checked that the codes are in the system.

My 688 should be here Friday or Monday.