Simple, programmable AV remote control
Discussion
Hi all
We have a TV, Projector, Freesat, Blu-ray player, Roku and AV amp in my lounge. That's 6 remotes which is annoying.
What are my options for very easy, wife friendly remotes?
The AV amp works perfectly other than the power on button on both remote and actual amp are knackered making it hard to turn on and off.
I rarely use all the amp DSP settings, only straight stereo or surround. TV is only ever on off or volume as we don't have an aerial nor use the smart functions. I guess we use Roku the most.
We have a TV, Projector, Freesat, Blu-ray player, Roku and AV amp in my lounge. That's 6 remotes which is annoying.
What are my options for very easy, wife friendly remotes?
The AV amp works perfectly other than the power on button on both remote and actual amp are knackered making it hard to turn on and off.
I rarely use all the amp DSP settings, only straight stereo or surround. TV is only ever on off or volume as we don't have an aerial nor use the smart functions. I guess we use Roku the most.
The answer is there is nothing available that won't be a bit of a ballache at some point. Yes, it 'should' simplify operation when you use it, but if you're out of the house and on the other side of the world, and it goes wrong (something doesn't respond to a command/an IR bug falls off/device goes into a deep sleep) you will receive an angry call from your wife, throwing insults and questioning why you installed this 'complicated system'. I speak from experience here 
The only DIY option is Logitech. It doesn't matter how much you spend on a control system, Crestron, Control4, Elan, RTI ... they all stop working at some point but at least if you get the most cost effective method of control, then you take comfort that you've not spent the earth.
The only DIY option is Logitech. It doesn't matter how much you spend on a control system, Crestron, Control4, Elan, RTI ... they all stop working at some point but at least if you get the most cost effective method of control, then you take comfort that you've not spent the earth.
Don't do it, unless you can try one first.
For the last 20 years I've bought loads of different ones, always ending getting fed up with them.
Mainly becase I want say 10 buttons on 1 remote which can control 5 devices, without changing the remote into 1 remote with all the functions.
So volume does TV
Program does TV
Arrows do Netflix
Backup does Netflix
But the one's I've had don't work like this, first you press TV - then volume - Then Netflix - then arrows - Then TV again for volume, then Netflix again for back up and so on and so on.
Might be me, but I've never gelled with them!
HOWEVER do quite fancy a wifi IR blaster so I could use my phonehttps://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&a...
For the last 20 years I've bought loads of different ones, always ending getting fed up with them.
Mainly becase I want say 10 buttons on 1 remote which can control 5 devices, without changing the remote into 1 remote with all the functions.
So volume does TV
Program does TV
Arrows do Netflix
Backup does Netflix
But the one's I've had don't work like this, first you press TV - then volume - Then Netflix - then arrows - Then TV again for volume, then Netflix again for back up and so on and so on.
Might be me, but I've never gelled with them!
HOWEVER do quite fancy a wifi IR blaster so I could use my phone
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&a...dundarach said:
HOWEVER do quite fancy a wifi IR blaster so I could use my phone https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&a...
Use your gut instinct .. you know throwing your phone against a wall is an expensive mistake! https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&a...We used to get customers asking to control their TV from an iPad/iPhone ... I 100% always advised against this.
"I want to watch something else ... "
Where's the iPad?
15 mins later, finds iPad ... Tommy has it in his room, his own has a broken screen
Press biometric button to open .. covered in some dubious looking fluids. Wipe clean.
Open iPad
Navigate to app
Open app
Battery flat, s
t!Put iPad on charge for 5 mins
Open iPad again
Navigate to app again
Open app again
Press required buttons
ZZzzzzzzz
Logitech Harmony are very good, especially the ones that use a combined IR blaster and hub - no need to point the remote at the devices, just mount the blaster somewhere that has a good view of all your kit. The remote talks to the hub using bluetooth or wifi, and the hub sends the actual IR commands.
I've got a fairly complicated AV setup, and I've not found anything that it can't do.
It's an "activity" based remote, so you just press a button on the remote to start an activity - watch TV, watch set top box, watch DVD, watch media player, listen to music, etc.
It turns everything on that's needed for that activity, sets the right inputs, and changes the button layout to suit.
Most of the buttons can be reassigned if you don't like the defaults it picks for you.
You can add delays to the commands to allow for things like TVs that are slow to switch on.
You can program a button to send a sequence of commands, like getting your PVR to show the list of recordings with a single press.
The programming software is quite easy to use these days, unlike their earlier versions (before Logitech took over Harmony). Even works on Apple Macs, and there's a mobile app too.
Some models can control "Smart Home" devices (Z-Wave).
I've been using programmable remotes since the days when the only choice was a Philips Pronto, and wouldn't be without a Harmony now.
I've got a fairly complicated AV setup, and I've not found anything that it can't do.
It's an "activity" based remote, so you just press a button on the remote to start an activity - watch TV, watch set top box, watch DVD, watch media player, listen to music, etc.
It turns everything on that's needed for that activity, sets the right inputs, and changes the button layout to suit.
Most of the buttons can be reassigned if you don't like the defaults it picks for you.
You can add delays to the commands to allow for things like TVs that are slow to switch on.
You can program a button to send a sequence of commands, like getting your PVR to show the list of recordings with a single press.
The programming software is quite easy to use these days, unlike their earlier versions (before Logitech took over Harmony). Even works on Apple Macs, and there's a mobile app too.
Some models can control "Smart Home" devices (Z-Wave).
I've been using programmable remotes since the days when the only choice was a Philips Pronto, and wouldn't be without a Harmony now.
I too would echo the suggestions re Harmony. We've had a couple over the last 10 years or so and found them great. It must've taken me 50+ hours (literally!) to set my first one up but the investment paid off in terms of reliability and only very rarely has it upset the wife, and nothing a quick press of the 'Help' button hasn't sorted (failures once fully set up are inevitably down to synchronisation issues - eg a command not being seen - and so Help just asks a few questions about what's not working and replays the 'missing' commands accordingly).
We're still on the 555 / 665 type and are sticking with them due to the convenient screen and the fact that it doesn't eat batteries. I simply couldn't get on with a remote that needed to sleep on a charging stand which seems to be the case for the latest, flashiest, models. I may end up going for a hub-based replacement one day for easier support of Bluetooth devices though (but not necessarily if one of the workarounds like IReTV to IR-enable the likes of an Amazon Fire Stick can do what they claim).
We're still on the 555 / 665 type and are sticking with them due to the convenient screen and the fact that it doesn't eat batteries. I simply couldn't get on with a remote that needed to sleep on a charging stand which seems to be the case for the latest, flashiest, models. I may end up going for a hub-based replacement one day for easier support of Bluetooth devices though (but not necessarily if one of the workarounds like IReTV to IR-enable the likes of an Amazon Fire Stick can do what they claim).
I have found Harmony remote is a marmite product. I love them, although they are expensive now as they are on a par with more specialist rivals.
IMO You need to get your head how it works to get the best out of it and there are several tricks that are well hidden, so if you don't know they exist your wouldn't find them.
I am just about to move over to ProControl for my installs, but unfortunately it is not a diy authorised product.
IMO You need to get your head how it works to get the best out of it and there are several tricks that are well hidden, so if you don't know they exist your wouldn't find them.
I am just about to move over to ProControl for my installs, but unfortunately it is not a diy authorised product.
VEX, what systems would you recommend a DIY AV bloke looks at?
I have Smart Things controlling Z-Wave light modules and some Amazon Smart Switches that link to ST through their linked apps. Alexa then joins in the part also for voice commands.
The Old skool Harmony One remote does some of the AV system, but I still find myself reaching for the Processor remote for general volume control and the PS4 controller does the apps/films etc.
I have Smart Things controlling Z-Wave light modules and some Amazon Smart Switches that link to ST through their linked apps. Alexa then joins in the part also for voice commands.
The Old skool Harmony One remote does some of the AV system, but I still find myself reaching for the Processor remote for general volume control and the PS4 controller does the apps/films etc.
miniman said:
Conversely, I found the Harmony mediocre at best. Clunky, temperamental, slow.
Same here. Added my TV / Projector / CD player(s) / AV Amp / Stereo Amp / Bluray(s) / Laserdisc(s) to the device then stuck the original remotes away. That lasted about a fortnight. I just couldn't get on with it at all. "Clunky" is the how I'd describe it as well. Sixtyten said:
Same here. Added my TV / Projector / CD player(s) / AV Amp / Stereo Amp / Bluray(s) / Laserdisc(s) to the device then stuck the original remotes away. That lasted about a fortnight. I just couldn't get on with it at all. "Clunky" is the how I'd describe it as well.
What did you find clunky about it?Granted, the setup procedure is a fiddly faff, not helped by the app, but you only do it once.
I've had a Harmony Elite controlling my home cinema system for a few years now, and we have a Harmony Companion in the living room with no issues whatever.
The Companion is brilliant - you press the desired activity button and it'll fire up your gear and switch everything to the right input. You press the 'off' button when you're finished.
I also find the Harmony's very good - and this is coming from the fully programmable Philips Pronto's a few years back.
My only complaint is that - for reasons I really don't understand - they need an internet connection to work properly. My broadband has gone down a couple of times in the last year or two - and that causes me problems. The activities either don't work, or become very very slow (e.g. it will literally take a couple of minutes to turn everything on). Very annoying.
But they are pretty easy to setup, and if you replace / add a device it's pretty painless.
My only complaint is that - for reasons I really don't understand - they need an internet connection to work properly. My broadband has gone down a couple of times in the last year or two - and that causes me problems. The activities either don't work, or become very very slow (e.g. it will literally take a couple of minutes to turn everything on). Very annoying.
But they are pretty easy to setup, and if you replace / add a device it's pretty painless.
-Ad- said:
VEX, what systems would you recommend a DIY AV bloke looks at?
I have Smart Things controlling Z-Wave light modules and some Amazon Smart Switches that link to ST through their linked apps. Alexa then joins in the part also for voice commands.
The Old skool Harmony One remote does some of the AV system, but I still find myself reaching for the Processor remote for general volume control and the PS4 controller does the apps/films etc.
Honestly, the Harmony is the only real flexible diy product.I have Smart Things controlling Z-Wave light modules and some Amazon Smart Switches that link to ST through their linked apps. Alexa then joins in the part also for voice commands.
The Old skool Harmony One remote does some of the AV system, but I still find myself reaching for the Processor remote for general volume control and the PS4 controller does the apps/films etc.
I have two of these, both bought second hand:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Logitech-Harmony-1100-A...
Easy to program, and I have different start up sequences depending on if we are watching TV, blueray or Amazon firestick. The combination of touchscreen and physical buttons works well, and is all configurable, and the wife is comfortable using it too.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Logitech-Harmony-1100-A...
Easy to program, and I have different start up sequences depending on if we are watching TV, blueray or Amazon firestick. The combination of touchscreen and physical buttons works well, and is all configurable, and the wife is comfortable using it too.
I had a similar problem:
Smart TV, firestick, set top box, blu ray and av receiver. Wife not a happy camper.
I took a punt on this, asi figured I'd only be £30 down
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9393907
It's gone nearly a year without being thrown at the wall.
Disadvantages
- took a while to set up..the huge book of codes wasn't perfect, so has to "teach" it some functions
-some functions on the AV receiver (sound modes etc) don't have an equivalent button on the universal remote. In fact I had to abandon routing all sources through the age, and instead direct them into the TV because the controller was struggling with changing the source on the avr whilst synching to the features on say the STB or Blu-ray
- it won't control the firestick (or any other network device - IR only, though more expensive models might)
- it couldn't do the smart TV functions well either (eg Netflix button)
- I didn't get the macros to work (ie select movie and it will set the AV sound, the input source etc) just set up using source button or a programmed button
- it's a big laggy .the devices turn on/off sequentially so you have to hold the "power" button for 3 or 4 seconds
- you have to keep your eye on it..ie check what device is being controlled. Sometimes it won't turn on the STB, so the wife will then wonder why it's "not working" but repeated pressings of the power button then turns other things off again... that's when the fun starts!
- feel wise...not great. Plastic rather than soft touch buttons, hasn't got the weight or comfort my hisense(!) TV controller has
Advantages
- it does everything else.
- once the wife was trained, she can use it most days without wobbling.
- you can set common activities, so for TV, volume does avr, channel does STB, or movies, play, pause etc does blu ray
So overall it does 85% to a "reasonable" standard, but does feel cheap. I got most of my av set up second hand, but if you've just put down £5k on a home cinema then you might think it spoils the effect a little bit.
Smart TV, firestick, set top box, blu ray and av receiver. Wife not a happy camper.
I took a punt on this, asi figured I'd only be £30 down
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9393907
It's gone nearly a year without being thrown at the wall.
Disadvantages
- took a while to set up..the huge book of codes wasn't perfect, so has to "teach" it some functions
-some functions on the AV receiver (sound modes etc) don't have an equivalent button on the universal remote. In fact I had to abandon routing all sources through the age, and instead direct them into the TV because the controller was struggling with changing the source on the avr whilst synching to the features on say the STB or Blu-ray
- it won't control the firestick (or any other network device - IR only, though more expensive models might)
- it couldn't do the smart TV functions well either (eg Netflix button)
- I didn't get the macros to work (ie select movie and it will set the AV sound, the input source etc) just set up using source button or a programmed button
- it's a big laggy .the devices turn on/off sequentially so you have to hold the "power" button for 3 or 4 seconds
- you have to keep your eye on it..ie check what device is being controlled. Sometimes it won't turn on the STB, so the wife will then wonder why it's "not working" but repeated pressings of the power button then turns other things off again... that's when the fun starts!
- feel wise...not great. Plastic rather than soft touch buttons, hasn't got the weight or comfort my hisense(!) TV controller has
Advantages
- it does everything else.
- once the wife was trained, she can use it most days without wobbling.
- you can set common activities, so for TV, volume does avr, channel does STB, or movies, play, pause etc does blu ray
So overall it does 85% to a "reasonable" standard, but does feel cheap. I got most of my av set up second hand, but if you've just put down £5k on a home cinema then you might think it spoils the effect a little bit.
tomsugden said:
I have two of these, both bought second hand:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Logitech-Harmony-1100-A...
Easy to program, and I have different start up sequences depending on if we are watching TV, blueray or Amazon firestick. The combination of touchscreen and physical buttons works well, and is all configurable, and the wife is comfortable using it too.
I am firmly in the harmony is easy camp. I would suggest those that are having issue need to go back to the set up. Someone mentioned earlier in the thread that they had to press the TV button to change the volume and then go back to netflix to control that. Not the case with harmony.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Logitech-Harmony-1100-A...
Easy to program, and I have different start up sequences depending on if we are watching TV, blueray or Amazon firestick. The combination of touchscreen and physical buttons works well, and is all configurable, and the wife is comfortable using it too.
I have been through 10+ harmony products over the years. First IR then IR/RF and now IR/RF/Bluetooth. I have loved them all. The only thing I have to say is that the one Tom has above drove me insane and I gave up very quickly and sold it on for more than I paid. It was not ergonomic and my experience of that particular remote was in line with the criticisms on this thread.
h0b0 said:
I am firmly in the harmony is easy camp.
Ditto this. I've got a harmony ultimate (?), one with a hub and blaster things. I've all sorts linked up to my av amp, three consoles, dvd player, Shield, chromecast, fire stick, sky etc. One button press turns on the TV sets it's input, sets the amps input, sets the appropriate RGB colour for my 13p light strip behind the TV and turns on/controls the appropriate device. Once you get your head around the setup process it really is fairly simple and although it can take a while to get things 'just so' it's massively easier than having lord knows how many remotes. I'm surprised by some friends who spend lots on devices then have a collection of remotes that they're fumbling through to change between settings.
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