The database varies by manufacturer and model #'s of other components.
So Who Makes a Great Universal Remote Control?
- Thread starter BroonsBane
- Start date
The database varies by manufacturer and model #'s of other components.
Yup. It's both actually.
Vintageman1
Well-Known Member
My eyes are so bad a remote is out of the question. Have cable only and will actually get out of the chair and change the station on the television itself. God, I am getting old..............Dave
uofmtiger
Addicted Member
Stange. I have some obscure stuff (JVC high def VCR, Neuros Mpeg recorder, IO Data Linkplayer, etc..) and it works with everything. It may have an occasional command missing that I want, but I just let it learn those from the original remote. The amp/preamp thing may just be an issue with where they put it. Occasionally, they have stuff put where you wouldn't expect it. I am pretty sure I have had to hunt around to find a couple of things that I own.
As it turns out it works my preamp anyway with the remote set to operate my Yamaha A/V Receiver. I don't really need it to change sources, I was pretty much just after volume control. the remote that came with my RX-V1400 kinda sucked anyways, especially the volume control.
Can I configure this remote to operate volume control of the Yammie regardless of what it is set to? That would be handy.
Thanks Mark. I'm really enjoying it so far. I've actually put away 7 remotes that used to live on the coffee table. This is the first universal remote (out of a few that I've had over the years) that I actually like. It can do a lot and I'm still learning.
Remotes? bah, humbug!
Hah, I am so old that I can remember when the "getting out of the chair" method was the only one. Some of the best channels were on a separate tuner within the TV (UHF 14-83). That one tuned like a radio.
Hah, I am so old that I can remember when the "getting out of the chair" method was the only one. Some of the best channels were on a separate tuner within the TV (UHF 14-83). That one tuned like a radio.
uofmtiger
Addicted Member
Yes. I have not set one up in a while, but if I remember correctly it does ask you what you want to use for volume for each activity. This has made it possible for me to have one "Activity" for "Tivo" (volume controlled on TV) and "Tivo HT" (volume controlled with receiver).
Hmmm...I use the HT receiver for TV audio as well as computer, gaming etc. What I want to be able to do is to adjust the volume regardless of what device the remote is set to control. As it is now, if the remote is set to control the TV I have to switch the remote to the HT Receiver and then adjust the volume. Having to flip around all the time is annoying. There must be a "pass through" feature with this remote, at least I hope there is.
There is, for me at least, the main objection to the many into one remote. I am hoping that as you learn more about the Harmony, you will let us know how it deals with that question.
I thought I saw in one ad that it would assign a series of button presses to one key, that showed up with the proper icon in its little screen. Sort of "learn this process". Have you found any evidence of that in the book?
Part of the problem here is that there is NO book. It comes with a cd but it is not nearly as intuitive as a book would be. I'd prefer something a little more straight forward as I'm far from a wizard at setting this thing up...still liking it though :thmbsp:
uofmtiger
Addicted Member
First you need to add the Yamaha to the devices. Next, assuming the 890 is similar to the 880, you can use the Yamaha volume for everything. When you setup an activity manually, you get a choice like:
"To Play CD, which device do you use to control the volume?"
At this point, you just choose the Yamaha from the menu.
Also, on the home page after you sign in, there is a "Support Center" link on the top of the page. If you click it, in the reference section, you can download the manual.
As a side note, this is one of the most important features of any universal and the Harmonys have a way to do it.
The Yamaha does control audio for all of my audio sources that are connected to it. It's the last part that I want but haven't figured out how to do yet. I'd also like to be able to flip between between Input Sources without having to put the remote to TV to do it all the time, that is a pain as well.
Thanks for the tip on the location of the manual, that will really really help.
uofmtiger
Addicted Member
I am sure you will figure it out. Once you set up a couple of "activities", it will become easier. Also, if you do not have everything you need when you set up the "activity", you can click on the customize button on the home menu next to the activity and then fine tune the setup manually.
BTW Believe it or not, this remote is tons easier to setup than the Pronto and the MX-700 I mentioned above. The Pronto setup can be so time consuming that it becomes more of a hobby than a task.