Anyone have a Harmony 520 Advanced Universal Remote
10-04-05, 10:58 AM
#1
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Anyone have a Harmony 520 Advanced Universal Remote
Looking for a universal remote and this seems to have all the features I want
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...ONTENTID=10929
I think the difference between this and the 600 series is just the amount of devices it controls
anyone have this one? like it or dislike it?
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...ONTENTID=10929
I think the difference between this and the 600 series is just the amount of devices it controls
anyone have this one? like it or dislike it?
10-05-05, 03:43 PM
#2
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IHMO avoid the Harmony series like the plague. It's my understand the only way to program them is by logging into their website, doing the programming there and then downloading it into the remote[1]. On the plus side this does make programming a lot easier since it's theoretically a couple of clicks and it's programmed (not to mention the config is saved so if there is a problem w/ the remote it should be easy to restore). On the downside you've got the hassle of hooking it up to the computer, registering an account and depending upon your tinfoil hat quotient 
they have a record of your entire entertainment system now. On the more practical downside if you have any custom components or want anything usual (on other learning remotes for example since you can assign anything to any button you can do all sorts of custom things) I don't believe you can do it w/ this. Actually I didn't get even that far w/ the 880 I tried since the website was convoluted enough IMHO (read wouldn't let me do what I wanted to do 
) I just gave up on it and returned the thing.
So I guess if you don't mind the whole online thing and want a quick/user friendly remote then it might not be too bad. If you want the ability to do a more custom setup look at the Sony (bulky, limited customization wrt the LCD but I've never had a problem w/ them) or the Phillips Pronto (complete customization wrt the LCD from what I understand, programming is definately more complex though - this is just based on what I've read though, my first Pronto is in the mail as we're speaking).
[1] I noticed this one has a "learning port" but speaking w/ the Harmony tech support people it's my understanding that this is only for use in the context of establishing a new profile for the website, so you can't do any local programming. I could be wrong and maybe that doesn't apply to this specific version but the feeling I was getting is that it is that way for the entire Harmony line.
they have a record of your entire entertainment system now. On the more practical downside if you have any custom components or want anything usual (on other learning remotes for example since you can assign anything to any button you can do all sorts of custom things) I don't believe you can do it w/ this. Actually I didn't get even that far w/ the 880 I tried since the website was convoluted enough IMHO (read wouldn't let me do what I wanted to do ) I just gave up on it and returned the thing.So I guess if you don't mind the whole online thing and want a quick/user friendly remote then it might not be too bad. If you want the ability to do a more custom setup look at the Sony (bulky, limited customization wrt the LCD but I've never had a problem w/ them) or the Phillips Pronto (complete customization wrt the LCD from what I understand, programming is definately more complex though - this is just based on what I've read though, my first Pronto is in the mail as we're speaking
).[1] I noticed this one has a "learning port" but speaking w/ the Harmony tech support people it's my understanding that this is only for use in the context of establishing a new profile for the website, so you can't do any local programming. I could be wrong and maybe that doesn't apply to this specific version but the feeling I was getting is that it is that way for the entire Harmony line.
Last edited by nemein; 10-05-05 at 05:01 PM.
10-05-05, 04:27 PM
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I have a Harmony and love it. Previously used Sony Universals and tried a One for all with JP1 connection. NOTHING beats the simplicity of the harmonies for setting up and using. Heck I dont have to leave instructions for the babysitters anymore. Granted it gives me less control over macros but Im over that I can do everything I need to do and the less used special commands can still be done just not with a macro, no biggie.
10-11-05, 06:47 PM
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Was looking at getting one of these after seeing it. The looks actually look really nice and the cost is good. I will need to see what I get them for at work first before I run out and get one of these, but the price is right. I don't get too into macros and stuff with my old remotes so that is something I don't really need, but just the ease of not needing to power on a bunch of components without using a bunch of remotes is all I need.
10-13-05, 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Slowpc
Well , i "saw" it via a minireview and the logitech website. There is a list of all the walmarts that stock it on the logitech site.
yeah.. me too.. the walmart i think is mentioned on the list doesn't have it
