Hi. Here's another question I need help on - anyone have suggestions on a fairly simple (m wife and daughters will use it more often than me) universal remote to control:

Sony Receiver
Toshiba A20 HD-DVD Player
Philips LCD TV
Playstation 3 (to be used primarily as a Blu-Ray player)
DirecTV HD-DVR

I'd appreciate any suggestions VERY much!

I've said it before, the Harmony 880 is awesome.

I have the Harmony 880 and like it very very much. Obviously I still need a remote for the PS3, but otherwise, it is fantastic.

Another vote for the Harmony 880.

Initial set-up isn't necessarily simple, but once you've got it programmed it can do anything with ease.

Nice! Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'm gonna spend the $$$ on it.

So, two more questions have popped up:

1. If this remote doesn't control a PS3, is there one that does?
2. How does it control things like lights in my house?

This looks awesome - thanks again!

PS3 uses bluetooth (thanks to Sony's brilliant insight), all remotes use RF or IR.

Aw crud! Oh well... Anyone know about the lights?

Thanks!
Steve

Buy from Amazon. They have the best price by far.

I've been contemplating getting the 880, but is there any real reason to not spend the extra $$$ and get the 890?

I use this, which allowed me to program my 880 to to control my PS3.

Can anyone please enlighten me about this Harmony 880? I have been searching high and low for a replacement remote that will work with my receiver, Harmon Kardon 525 which has an on-screen display. Every universal remote I've tried so far will not activate it. Does anyone think the Harmony will fit the bill? That's the only way I can turn on the back surrounds, and at the moment, they're turned off, so no EX and ES tracks for me.

I would think so. Logitech has a user forum, I'd check with the folks there. You might also try the Remote Central forum:

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin...rmony/list.cgi

Keep in mind, if you don't want the color LCD and the like you can grab a lower level Harmony remote.

I love my Harmony 676 ($80 IIRC), had it for 2-3 years now. I wasn't in need of the color LCD nor did I want a recharging dock...I like using rechargeable AAAs.

Thanks for the link Bretski. My search continues.....

No worries. I have a Harmony 550, and I added the AVR-525 as a device to see what functions it comes up with. There were a couple that I think might solve your dilemma:

"Menu"
"SurroundChannels"
"SurroundToggle"

My guess is that last one will do what you want.