any good alternative to Logitech for remotes with activity buttons?
 

see thread title.

Re: any good alternative to Logitech for remotes with activity buttons?
 

It might help to know why you don't want a Harmony?

Most remotes outside the cheapies have them. They usually are just macros or called something else. URC is often mentioned as a competitor to the Harmony.

Re: any good alternative to Logitech for remotes with activity buttons?
 

maybe I've just had bad luck, but almost every Harmony remote I've had prematurely shit the bed on me, and I'm getting tired of throwing out $200+ for a remote.

Re: any good alternative to Logitech for remotes with activity buttons?
 

That is the big knock against Harmony. How much do you want to spend? There are many systems that are superior to Harmony, but they are not cheap. Or inexpensive.

You can also get a decent macro-capable remote that will come close to Harmony for activity-type control. I'm using a URC R50 (might "upgrade" to the R40) and am happier with that than a Harmony. But I'm kinda unique on all this stuff and am willing to cope with more programming difficulty. These are much less expensive. Or, URC also has computer-programmed versions for more cash. Those are supposed to be programmed only by pros (for a price), but if you find the software it is possible to do yourself.

Re: any good alternative to Logitech for remotes with activity buttons?
 

Had a Harmony for years - LOVED IT - but when it died I tried replacing it with a URC (highly recommended via a thread on this forum).

I just didn't care for the URC (I found the setup maddening), returned it and went back to Harmony.

Re: any good alternative to Logitech for remotes with activity buttons?
 

Still trying to nurse my original Harmony along. Already have a replacement ready to go, as I dont liek the style of their new offerings. I have yet to find another remote that is as simple to program and use as the Harmony.

Re: any good alternative to Logitech for remotes with activity buttons?
 

I am on my ~8th harmony remote and love them. No issues with premature failures usually a good portion of the buttons are severely worn before I replace them.

My current is a favorite and one of their cheapest, the Harmony Smart Control. Same ole easy programming with super basic and simple remote paired with a very capable base station and the ability to use your smart phone w/ an app. Ive seen them as cheap as $75. No IR comes out of the remote so you dont have to point it, buttons can be programmed with a Short push and a long push function (so small remote has a TON of capability). Batteries appear to last MUCH longer because there is no screen or backlights (I use my iphone for in the dark remoting).

May not suite you but I have grown to really like it.