Considering getting this remote. Any opinions ?

After skimming the review at Remote Central, I'd say that it's one of the few remotes that I'd rank alongside my MX-500, although it is still almost twice as expensive ( $190 compared to $100 at Bluedo.com). It's the first Harmony that I would consider for myself. If you get one, I'd like to hear what you think of it.

Edit: it looks like some online sources have this puppy for a lot less than list, like say $125 . I'm not sure if it would work as well for me as the MX-500 (DVD recorder really is easier to use with the 20 LCD screen buttons for special functions), but it could probably still be made to work really well with most systems. Some of the user reviews at Remote Central didn't seem to think a lot of the web interface, but it doesn't sound like a real deal-breaker.

------------------
gonk -- 950 Review | LFM-1 Review | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | Saloon Links

[This message has been edited by gonk (edited March 21, 2004).]

I found it for $119 at Abe's of Main . I am seriously considering it. If I get it I will be glad to post a review. Harmony lets you test drive the web interface and I didn't see a big issue with it. I think the main issue is that you can't control it any other way. Previous Harmony's would allow power users to use XML to modify the remote. This model doesn't let you do that. I think the MX-500 is probably better for power users but this looks interesting and I think the Wife might find it easy to use.

please do post about the harmony if you get one, it caught my eye in a newspaper article the other day and peeked my interest. i too am looking for ease of use probably more than the ability to configure endlessly. i dont really like the look/feel of the mx-500 and its other similar models. itd be nice to find someone local with a harmony so i can check it out.

The harmony is sold at Circuit City and Best Buy if you have either of those close to you. I am trying to decide if I should pay more and get it at Circuit City in case I decide to return it or order from Abe's and get it for $119. I plan to see if Circuit City will come down on the price a bit.

ok, so i just checked out their site. says best buy and circuit city should have them in stores. i may take a look, although i hate to grace either of those stores with my presence.

posting same time as me i see, lol. a good method of testing and still buying it cheaply is buy it at circuit city (liberal return policy) and if you like it, return it, and buy off the web. i dont think my local store actually has it yet though, they said they should have them by the 8th and i have been in after that and didnt see anything.

[This message has been edited by curegeorg (edited March 22, 2004).]

I just ordered one from Abe's of Maine. I will let you all know how it worked out once I receive it.

Peace, LTK

I jumped in too. I ordered from Abe's. Hopefully it will be all that it seems to be. I will review as soon as I get my hands on it. Checked out Abe's first and they had quite a few BBB complaints but almost all were resolved 1 of 42 where not. Funny part is they are really in Brooklyn.

[This message has been edited by desperado (edited March 22, 2004).]

cool, let me know what model you guys got and how you like it when you get a chance to post. abe was apparently originally from maine... who wants to live in maine, i guess is why he moved. ;-)

after rereading the thread subject i see the model, but if you ordered a different one be sure to specify. i am a moron, lol.

[This message has been edited by curegeorg (edited March 24, 2004).]

The SST-659 arrived today. Good ol' Abe delivered. I didn't even pay extra for overnight shipping. Brooklyn is only an hour from me so I am now glad they moved from Maine.

I will give a full review soon however so far I love it. I think those of you used to macros may not like the "Activities" concept. So far I havn't figured out how to really configure activites to my liking. I didn't like the default configuration they provided after running the setup wizard but so far I have been able to fix most problems. More details will be in my full review. I am pretty sure this remote will cure my wife's inability to turn on the TV if I leave the TV setup for DVD and the receiver set to the CD player.

Desperado,

No Fair!!!

I ordered before you! Well that is the price I have to pay for living in a warm weather state, far from the chilling winds of the north. Good luck with your new remote and I hope to have mine soon.

Peace, LTK

I have had a SST-768 for about six months and I love it. If you're having problems with the programming, I found the Harmony customer support team to be extremely helpful. Another exercise that is worthwhile is to actually teach the remote yourself rather than rely on the database. The activity based system works great and has huge WAF appeal.

This remote is wonderful so far. I have posted a full review as promised.

Any feedback on the review is appreciated. You can email me at outlaw_desperado@hotmail.com or simply put your comments in this thread if you like. Let me know if there are any aspects of the remote you would like me to discuss.

Cool review, desperado. Sounds like a pretty good remote, too.

------------------
gonk -- 950 Review | LFM-1 Review | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | Saloon Links

Thanks Gonk. Your reviews inspired me to do the web based review.

I received my Harmony remote on Friday. Desperado your review was outstanding and very professional.

I just got off the phone with their tech support. I found them to be professional and knowledgeable. They helped me with two problems I was having and fixed both. I now have only one remote on my coffee table instead of four. I even think my eighty four year old mother can handle this remote the next time she visits. Well maybe not but I can hope cant I?

All in all I would recommend this remote as a possible solution for the multiple remote syndrome.

Peace, LTK

One word of warning !

I have learned from reading the remote central chat boards regarding Harmony that they do not honor their warranty if the remote is purchased from "unauthorized" dealers. "Abe's of Main" is not on their list. Check the Harmony website and select store locator. Then scroll the window down to see a list of authorized web dealers. Hopefully I will not have any problems with the remote. Then again since I paid half the price of the other dealers I guess I can afford to buy a new one if anything goes wrong.

[This message has been edited by desperado (edited March 31, 2004).]

I just had the same issue with purchasing my HTM MX-700. They've got the same disclaimer. However, I got the $349 remote for $149, so I'll live without the warranty

-Joe

------------------
Remember the Intellivision?
http://www.gotmaille.com/nostalgia/

Personally, in the case of the MX-700 I think its ridiculous that people make such a big deal about the warranty (on remote central). I mean, let me put it this way. If you were buying $150 dvd player at best buy and they offered you a one year warranty for $200 more dollars, what would you do? Especially if the dvd player has an excellent track record of being reliable. Even if it breaks I doubt it will cost anywhere near 200 to fix. OK, rant off.

Problem solved regarding warranties and un-authorized e-tailers. Go to www.bluedo.com, request an online coupon and get a price reduction down to $112 + S&H. Bluedo is an authorized online retailer for Harmony remotes.