My TV also has HDMI, but I haven't found any major disadvantage to using DVI, along with an audio cable to feed the TV (as I have the 990 for HT, anyway).

As far as the remote goes, Gonk is probably right, it may have been defective. I also have a Harmony and find I use both. As for its quality, the 990's remote is identical, I believe, to the one used with the $6,000.00 Anthem Statement D2.

I used my laptop to do the firmware update. If you don't have one, see if you can borrow one from a friend.

Don't give up on her .... and good luck,

John