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Newb Just trying to learn.... conneting everything with on Touch screen remote

post #1 of 5
11/17/09 at 5:28pm
Thread Starter 

Im tired of using 5 remotes. I wanted to invest in getting a touch screen controller system.for lcd,stereo,lights,ect, but i dont want to spend 10000 dollars. anyways i dont have a clue of how to hook these up. anyone could explain or point me in the right direction would be great. i apperciate it ,

thanks
shawn

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post #2 of 5
11/18/09 at 4:47am
You want a universal remote.  Look at the Logitech Harmony line.  They aren't cheap, but they'll fix your problem.  They are programmable, and even better, you can connect to their site, tell it what makes and models you have, and it programs in the codes.  You can even micromanage the control of the components; say if you have a components plugged into a switched receiver, you can tell it to turn on the receiver first. 
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post #3 of 5
11/18/09 at 6:17am
I use a Harmony 880 that is a combination LCD/hard button remote.  Those touch screen remotes are nice but you can't work them by touch alone.  It takes me about 2 seconds after grabbing the remote to figure out which button I need to press.  And this is in complete darkness.  I could turn on a feather that will light up the remote when I grab it but I only used that while I wasn't as familiar with it.

If I had to do it again, I'd use the IR/RF model 890.  This would allow me to hit a button without having to aim it at the equipment rack.  That additional feature is worth the extra cost.
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post #4 of 5
11/18/09 at 7:26am
Another vote for Harmony remotes.  Simply the best out there.  Buy the best model you can afford and never look back.
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post #5 of 5
11/18/09 at 9:17am
I use a Harmony 890 and the pros are that it has a simple LCD interface with side buttons that automatically turns on and sets up the devices used for any activity including input selection with one button. Moving from one activity to another will turn off everything you don't need and turn on everything you do need. Even your baby sitter can figure it out even if you have an intimidating HTS. Super easy to program an activity through their website via connecting the remote via usb. I've even programed it to control an oscillating fan, basically anything that uses IR. My 890 also communicates though RF to a RF/ IR converter which is really nice when you have an A/V closet like me and most of my devices are out of sight.
The cons are that its almost too automated. manual control of your devices is clunky by having to page though lists of controls to find the right one and if you happen to make a mistake by not pointing the remote correctly at the TV or if your TV's reading the IR signal wrong. You can't just push the button again like tradition remote, you have to use the "help" button and go through the screens to re-sync your remote with the devices. Overall it's worth not having 17 remotes and that one button experience if the rest of family isn't as HTS savvy as you are.
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