Alternative RF remote to Logitech Harmony

PFarrey

PFarrey

PFarrey

Associate
Joined
18 Nov 2009
Posts
192
HI,

I have used Logitech Harmony remote controls for 5 years now but keep getting quality issues. Is there an alternative out there? I have searched the Internet but there doesn't appear to be many alternatives (if any!).

Money is not an issue so I don't mind spending £100's on it. It must have RF capability or some other way of communicating with equipment behind solid doors.

Thanks in advance :)
 
Specifically what Harmony Remote as your using?

The latest Harmony Hub range are, in my opinion, a cut above all their previous remotes with the Harmony Smart Control (http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18631835) being my particular favorite due to it's lack of dock and touchscreen (which I'm never fond of on a remote).

For £63 you really can't go wrong.

Saying that, if you're willing to spend £100's then Lucid will hopefully have some great suggestions!
 
This might not be your cup of tea, but I do good business with used used Philips Pronto remotes and URC Nevo remotes where customers want the features of a proper fully programmable remote but haven't got Control-4 / RTI / Crestron / AMX money.

I'd recommend something along the lines of the Pronto TSU9600 touchscreen panel with the RFX9400 RF wireless base station. Compared to the rather restrictive programming method of wizard-/template-based remotes such as Harmony, a Pronto or Nevo gives you a blank canvas that allows you complete free reign to have any combination of buttons on-screen. It's rather liberating.

The limitation though with this older tech is you'll need a Win7 or earlier OS to host the design programme. Like I say, this might not be your cup of tea. Maybe you're looking for something with less programming work or you're fully Win8/Win10 so changing OS software really isn't a practical consideration. But if you have an older PC or laptop sitting redundant then certainly the Philips PEP editor is worth a look, and its a free to download so it'll cost nothing but a bit of time. Oh, the software also includes an emulator so you can see and try your design as it would actually appear to work on a real remote.

Have a look on Ebay to get an idea of prices.
 
Just be aware pros and cons of full touchscreen remotes, I've had both and from my experience I'd go for a hard button + LCD screen, rather than full touchscreen.

Imagine using your phone as a remote, with lights down, and not looking at the phone, just doing it through touch. Impossible

Then have a remote with hard button and LCD. You can use this remote without looking at it, so you won't miss things onscreen, but if you do, the LCD is there for less used controls. Play pause, stop, volume is on the hard buttons

I've been using URC MX-850 for a few years, and MX-700 before that. Nice remotes, although a bit dated now (IR database not updated- which isn't a problem as such as you learn IR codes) But it's not rechargable and have to programme with serial port (use a USB to serial adapter)
 
I know you say other than a Harmony, but the Ultimate and the Elite are a cut above the 900 and IMO shouldnt be discounted.
 
PFarrey said:
I am currently using a logitech harmony 900 with rf. Happy to spend £100's
Click to expand...
the 900 a very old remote now.

The newer Ultimate & Elite are far better plus the software for them is much better..

I still have all three remotes the 900 & Ultimate & Elite ..
 
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