Logitech Harmony 670 Remote
So I was in the market for a new Universal remote, my old one had died (five years of abuse) and was no longer in production, and I was getting sick of all the remotes (at bare minimum 1: TV/DVD, 2: Amp/DVD, 3: iPod Dock, 4: Digital TV Box)
So the remote I ended up purchasing was the Logitech Harmony 670 at about 150$CAD
First impressions, very similar to my old remote with a basic LCD with side buttons that let you access buttons with no match on the remote, and devices.
The big thing with this one is you plug it via a USB patch cable and use your computer to set it up.
The software used is good enough I'd say for 90% of users, those last 10% that would like more control are atm SOL.
Basically you add the devices by model and manufacturer (no more old code book to search through), I had no problems adding my TV, amp, DVD, Digital Box, or 360. the iPod was anal (there is no real drop box for docking stations), and because I did not get the 400$ remote, it's not base rechargeable and able to activate device via BT (like the Wii)
Next there are actions, single hit buttons, that turn on what you need, turn off what you don't and set the proper inputs for it all.
This is both really cool, but in odd ways weak.
As an example, it could be better about the preset buttons being assigned where they'd be useful, the Digital box button don't work till I put to that device, which makes my volume no longer work with the amp (which is how I adjust my volume).
Actually the volume thing is a real piss off, as soon as you change to any device the volume buttons no longer control the amp, the only way to control volume on my system, wish there was a way to lock them.
Also it does not get all the buttons 100% the first try, there is an in remote help, which resolves many issues, but I still can't get fast forward/rewind to work with my DVD.
All in all I think this is a better remote for people with simpler systems that lack the sheer diversity of my own, you average layman I guess.
The software is still in a state of upgrade so i hope eventually they allow better control of how it sets up actions as well as the ability to add odd devices... __________________