I'm thinking about getting a Harmony remote, but I had a question I couldn't find the answer to. I've read that the remotes have macros, such as Watch TV, Watch DVD, Play game, etc., and a simple touch of the button will turn on the correct components, and switch the receiver to the correct component. I have a Panasonic plasma, and was wondering how the Harmony remote handles the TV/Video function. On the factory remote, you have to press TV/Video to scroll through the different inputs. Does the Harmony remote have to do this as well, or is there a way for it to go directly to the desired input?

Harmony remotes will ask you what type of TV you have and has different methods you can choose based on the way your TV accepts inputs. Such as, does it skip inputs that aren't connected? Do you need to hit the Input button and then the enter key? etc. If you're thinking about getting a Harmony remote and have a good deal lined up, then do it. You won't regret it.

My TV is the same way...

The remote can only use the functions of the original remote for the tv, so there will be no "quick input switch". However, the remote will scroll to the correct input and select it for you, saving you all the button presses.

With my TV I had to tweak the timing so that I could get it to switch the correct input in the minimum amount of time.

i dont really get your question and i have a harmony remote as well as a panny plasma.

when i press the tv/video button i use the arrows to scroll.

with the harmony you dont even need to scroll. when you press watch dvd, it changes the input for you.

i havent used the factory remote since i got the tv/had the harmony.

This is exactly true. I had the same issue with mine. Plus my TV doesn't skip channel 3 input even though nothing is connected. The Harmony will ask you which inputs are being used and you have to omit the ones that aren't in use. I had to tell my remote that channel 3 was in use even though it isn't or it will skip the correct input and jump to the next one. It will take a few attempts programming it to get it right, but once you're done...there's no going back.

Thanks guys, that answered my question.
I didn't know you could use the arrows to scroll after hitting tv/video. I always pressed the tv/video button until the correct input was selected. But good to know that the Harmony will take care of this for me.

Do all Harmonies do this (macros), or is it only certain models? I'm eyeing the 880, but unless I find a good deal, its probably a little too expensive for me. If I can't get one of those, I wanna be sure the cheaper models can do the same things.

Yeah, I've got the 550 that I bought on Amazon.com for like $85. Looks like it's only $75 now.
This same remote is $117 at Best Buy. Great remote.

you can get a refurb 880 for around $100. it is worth it.

All Harmony's use the same software, meaning they work the same. The difference is in button layout and in the case of the 880 it has a color screen and rechargable battery.

One more question (I think): Can the remote learn the "sleep" function for the television/receiver?

Thanks in advance