Any Good Replacements for Logitech Harmony Remotes?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.พ. 2023
- Any Good Replacements for Logitech Harmony Remotes?
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Okay, here is the deal. Let's figure out how to get some smart people together and take over Harmony. They have to be willing to let it go for cheap. And some factory must still have the capability to start building it again with a reasonable reinstallation of some equipment. I am an installer in Alaska. Harmony had so much potential to disrupt the professional control systems. C4, RTI, Savant, Crestron, etc. Maybe not in every application, but in many. It was so easy to use. On one of his first jobs with us in 2019, I had him install a Harmony Smart Control in a custom theater. I showed him how to log in to the pro portal and left him with basic instructions at which of the buttons controlled what. Left to do some other work in the house. He probably asked me one question, and that was all. Not huge margin, but it was still so worth it because of ease of installation, ease of use, and almost no callbacks. Once in a great while, we just had to remind people to change the coin battery. With the pros, pretty much nothing. It could use IP control and even worked with AV matrices. I want it back. I am willing to do what I can to help if anyone is legitimately interested.
Caavo should ! Can you imagine what they could do to the harmony 🎉🎉🎉🎉
The "suits" responsible for killing the Logitech remote line should be taken behind the wood shed.
We as home theater enthusiast can’t understand why they discontinued it when they really had no other competition. What we fail to realize is Harmony was a VERY SMALL part of their brand. They make their money on keyboards, mice etc
@@Youthman probably needed too much supports from them and they didn't want to hassle with it on its small margins, bad Logitech products hurt their reputation so they prefer to shelve something they don't want to put the money into polishing.
also maybe they had a disagreement with factory and just preferred to kill the product instead of search for another solution.
We also don't know the cost to keep everything running, the devs to update the software, R&D for new hardware etc.
@@JoshuaKnab The ideal would've been if they just allowed people to upload learned codes from the original remotes, these could've been labelled as "user uploaded" so they wouldn't have to provide any support for them.
It's very frustrating there's no remote system/standard with an open database, IR(and even RF I suppose) codes are about the most basic thing in the world, and an online database would have minimal requirements.
Ironically home automation started off with seemingly a much more open system - X10, which is still going decades later.
If they were still making money, they would not have killed it.
Thanks for mentioning the YIO Remote Two. I went and added myself to the wait list, too late to pledge I guess so the cost just went up for me. I love everything I read there, like home automation integration, and no damned cloud crap but just local control. It also looks gorgeous. Maybe this will finally be an actual supported remote that does what I need. Almost bought a Sofabaton but the reviews are just not kind and I don't need some half-baked annoyance creator. I'll just roll the dice on the YIO.
I lucked out today and picked up a Harmony One remote - brand new in unopened packaging, for only $60. Battery was flat but charged up fine and the soft feel plastic back was sticky but isopropyl alcohol fixed that.
This is the biggest pain point in my setup. 50% chance of my system turning itself off right after I turn it on thanks to CEC. Seems like it's either junk or a locked up solution for very expensive or a system that will just die eventually when Logitech's bean counters pull the plug on Harmony. I have a SmartThings hub but the problem is finding a suitable IR blaster. Two things I can't IP control remotely are my projector and my Sony 4k Blu-ray player. Projector has RS232 control port but Blu-ray is IR only. I've even thought about running HomeAssist in a Docker off my PI but I don't think that would improve the situation much besides good support for my shield/denon avr which isn't fully present on my ST hub.
Since they no longer produce remotes, Logitech should tweak their software to allow off-line programming and full download of the IR database. Either that, or make the software open source so that someone else can do it.
open source would be amazing to keep these things alive. i'm surprised the servers are still online
Totally agree with this, but I cannot see that happening from Logitech unfortunately. 😒
When I saw the title for this I was hoping there was a solution. I've been waiting for a while for something, anything descent. I can wait a little longer. I'll cross my fingers on the YIO2... They will sell a ton if they figure it out.
Love Harmony remotes! My first was a 688, then a 620 & 670 (these have great buttons and are my favorites). Unfortunately after very long usage periods they do wear down (mainly the button contacts). Currently I’m living off a couple of Harmony 665’s….hope they’ll last until something as good comes around 😬…..I still have the old worn out ones and plan to clean/repair the buttons.
Order those keypad repair kits and some T-7000 adhesive. Nothing compares to even the most basic entry level Harmony.
Thanks for this needed to be updated on this important and overlooked part of home theater systems
I’m glad you enjoyed the video Nick
Thank you for the info, I just finished building my own home theater last Friday and I’m new to all this . I’m looking for a remote that can control all my equipment. Can’t wait for that remote you mentioned.
I have The Ski 1s by FLIRC preordered, fingers crossed is at least better than the Sofa Baton
This is a growing problem. I only use harmonies in my home. I own 3 and bought 2 extra before they were gone. So I'm fine now. But how long will the Logitech servers be running? Worse, when friends get convinced to get an AVR, which is so pretty basic an upgrade, I have no options to give them besides remote juggling. One friend has 6 remotes! Consumers need something in this space badly.
I already was hurt, they discontinued their mac client shortly after the announcement, nothing I can bypass, but my main work machiine is a mac, so go figure!
The soon as there is a viable alternative, I will jump ship. And I have the same concerns, my harmony works fine and if the battery needs replacement, I probably can fix it as well, but how long for will the servers run for customization, new devices get added how long will they be supported etc...
The timebomb is ticking and after that we need a solid replacement!
Harmony Elite is now selling second-hand for over $1000. Everyone is sort of relying on mobile phones to be used as a remote now - but that is not great if you want to leave it on the table for anyone to use. Using a google home with voice commands works fairly well - but you do have to be willing to let google listen to your conversations all day - and it is not easy for grandad to use.
Still using my Harmony 700 & Elite remotes.
if some of these dealers like Savant just offered basic set up for harmony it would make options easier or URC can get the harmony database then just offer a basic remote programming software like harmony and boom easy peasy, the problem with harmony is consumer support and with companies like roku and amazon not supporting it its become almost too expensive to keep going
URC CCP software requires a dealer login.. Which I believe was implemented in a July 2021 update. Buyer beware..
I am still using/loving the Harmony 880. As replacement 880's are harder and harder to find, I will just snap up Ultimates and Elites as people abandon them on eBay, etc. I prefer old reliable tech. If I need anything new, I can just have the remotes learn the codes.
there are a few DYI IP controller for tablets and phones. I use DemoPad, but there is a learning curve to all of them.
I remembered these being available about 10 years ago. Searched the App Store and nothing came up. Googled Roomie Remote and found their website, but wanted an alternative. Don’t mind the learning curve so long as it works and is reliable.
Smart home systems like Google Home, SmartThings, home assistant and many others seems to be able to control everything in the house except TV and home theater devices? 🤔
The unique thing I appreciated about the logitech harmony elite, was the ability to control the tv over the Internet. Whilst helping my elderly mother, this was invaluable. Not aware of anything else that could do this...
I use Home Assistant, a lot to learn but strongly recommend. For media gear, IP control of receiver, IR/RF control through Broadlink RM4 pro. Automations and scripts are pretty easy allowing a single click to initiate a range of commands on multiple devices at once. Everything is controlled through my phone, or any computer.
Sorry for the duplicate question, just posted this on a different video of yours like 10 min ago... I know you mostly do HT showcases and reviews, but I would love to hear about "How To" on IR repeaters/extenders. Is there something like that already out there on TH-cam? My rack is in the back of the room, 20-23 feet back from the front of the room where the TV will be. I'm guessing I will need to control my processor (that I don't have yet, but most have IR in/out) from the front of the room... Would love to see some ins n outs of IR solutions... Any thoughts?
CEC is what I use now and with my new TV I don't need a Roku anymore
The only thing plugged into my avr is the tv for ARC, because HDMI 2.1 I plug Xbox directly to tv
Haven't used harmony in 2 months and trash it anyway, it was dieing anyway
Is there no App for Apple or Samsung to control it all with a tablet or phone?
Most smartphones don't have an IR blaster (older smartphones did, my old galaxy S5 comes to mind)
But yeah, smartphones cant communicate with devices without Bluetooth or WiFi
Loooool funny timing, just got my sofabaton x1 yesterday. The setup was definintely buggy but after I got everything configured I had a functioning solution. I really like the shape of the remote and their included hub got signal to all my equipment without any blasters. I could see how people who have been Harmony users for years before would find it frustrating, though.
I hate my sofabaton this thing sucks...
Definitely not my favorite remote
I like the Sofabaton X1 as well. It still needs a bit of work - feels a bit "beta" but after the latest software/firmware updates and getting it set up correctly, It feels and responds better than the harmony. I only hope they continue to update it. The YIO looks impressive (saw a review today), but it's not a final product either. and I don't like the ergonomics of it, but with the ability to control smart home devices, it could be worth the extra $$
Waiting for The YIO2. Hopefully April
Me too. Really have high hopes for it.
I lucked out a few weeks ago with finding a local guy selling his harmony elite with hub and blasters for only $75. Keeping my 665 in the closet as a backup down the line
It’s coming ! unfolded circle ,remote 2 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I’ve been waiting. No word yet.
I’ve seen home theater enthusiasts use Alexa or Google to control their gear. Is that a better option?
It really depends on how much control you want. Certain things can be turned on and off, but to macros would be difficult to setup with voice control without something like Harmony remote with Hub
@@Youthman The one’s I have seen, they have all the control they want, turning on and off their entire setup. I guess that is up to the home theater owner! I still have Harmony remotes, in every room with a tv and other components. As long as Harmony/Logitech has a website to add or make changes, I will use it until it ends!
I sold my Harmony Elite remotes and hubs on Ebay and moved to URC Total Control for no additional cost. URC Total Control is some of the most reliable equipment. My wife and I both love it. My home with Total Control is much better than Harmony because it is less buggy with Z-Wave integrations. I also like the ability to turn my basement theater room on from upstairs.
Total Control does require dealer status to program yourself. Having an AV business made this a lower cost option for me than others.
Having worked in the industry for years I saw the durability issues with other manufacturers and went with Total Control over Crestron, Control4...
Just find a good used Harmony Elite. There are a lot of people out there who downsize their avr Equipment and have really good ones which only cost 50% of the original price.
There is no guarantee how much longer Logitech will keep their Harmony servers active. That was always a weak link with Harmony... you had to go through their online software to adjust anything of note. I could see that for downloading gear codes or updates, but everything else should have been offline.
I need a remote that can be program with hex code. Any recommendation? Thanks!
So what ever happened to YIO 2? Their kick starter is outdated, no updates on progress or anything anywhere. Is it dead?
After my five star original Harmony One crapped out a year ago I was forced to purchase a new one on eBay because all the alternatives were totally inferior.
Exactly. I had the One. The Elite is sooooo much nicer, especially with the Harmony Hub and App programability.
How was Harmony not spun Out
Spun out?
@@Youthman Bought out by another company or transfer ownership to its own subsidiary Harmony and see if that company could make money.
That would have been nice.
Wish Harmony (Logitech) would release their database of remote signals. That would allow the open source world to replace them.
Don’t we all. But I don’t see that happening.
I have RTi, and it's exceptionally frustrating, even with their newest programming software
I don’t have any experience with RTI myself.
@@Youthman you don't want it. It will do what Crestron does (almost) but simpler, it's just not simple enough. It's like they tried, had a good idea, and failed at the final details
Gotcha.
If the RTI is not working for you, it is all in the programmer/installer. You may need to find a better one. I have installed RTI in the past and still do on commercial jobs. Personally, we switched to Control4 in our business for residential. Just much easier programming for us. Both are still very dependent on your programmers/installers competence.
@@tibbified... don't get me wrong. I don't hate the form factor of my T2X, (it's a little long), I also know it's a fully capable platform. My gripe is solely on the efficiency of it's programming. Honestly, I feel that if they blended the device wizard from URC with their platform, it would be nearly perfect. The way control 4 programming works, with the intuitive device connections, is genius.
Honestly though, this day and age, companies need to get over themselves and create a uniform communication language, that they all efficiently and natively talk to one another on, without much human intervention.
I use Home Assistant as my universal remote with broadlink rf transmitters. It requires more setup than something like Harmony, but it is even more powerful than Control 4 and best of all it's free. With home assistant, by clicking one button or asking Alexa, my projector turns on, the receiver turns on to the proper input, my PC wakes up, logs in, and opens Kodi in full screen, and my lights dim. I can ask Alexa to play specific movies or use my home assistant app to control Kodi and search for movies. My JVC rs540 doesn't automatically switch to HDR/sdr depending on content when using Madvr dynamic tonemapping, so Madvr integrates with home assistant to detect the content and auto switch to the correct projector profile. Plus, using only Home Assistant, I have everything else in my home controlled like Sonos, thermostats, home security, 3d printer etc.
That is super cool Billy
I do the exact same!
But still, no hand held remote. For some of us, that does not cut it. Anything else besides a good remote is just a half-asked workaround. Especially since Harmony works with Home Assistant.
Sadly not any low budget universal remotes like Harmony
Elite was $250. Not exactly budget. Sofabaton is budget at $99. It just isn’t the Elite.
Genuinely interested, what does everyone love about the Harmony line?
I have a Harmony Elite and think the remote hardware is good but the Harmony software has always been really bad.
I’m opposite. Software is good in regards to ease of use and programming. Hardware is super slow and battery life it terrible even after replacing the battery.
@@YouthmanOh wow, interesting indeed. 🙂
I have noticed that most people seem to use the mobile app for Harmony which is probably much better than the PC app, which I have been using.
Youthman, I propose a challenge for all of your subscribers. Do not use a remote for 1 month. Manually turn on, off and switch inputs. The way it was done in the 70s and earlier. 😁
I personally will not volunteer as tribute 🤣
When I was a kid, I was the remote! you are triggering me now! haha
Good! Let's separate it into age group categories...Lol
@@SoCalVipers 🤣
Lol my TV has no buttons on the side of it. The only way to power on the tv is by using the provided remote.
I sold a new in box Harmony One a month ago roughly. Got $330+ for it. I still have my original one and it needs a few tweaks but luckily I know a guy who works on them for very reasonable prices.
Ever since Logitech bought it from the original Canadian company they made it more expensive but hardly better. Then they killed the product line...
You don't need to replace harmony remotes. Oh sure, the physical buttons are failing now. But you have your phones, fire tablets and the hub is still great. So thanks to harmony, alexa has no trouble with my new Onkyo 6100 based home theater setup.
Sorry NEVER paying to add something just bc I upgrade my tv or avr etc….
That would be difficult for me as well.
I think Logitech did not want to invest in better software and user interface features. Such as an app and downloadable updates like most companies have now. Basically made their money and ran
You think you're a pretty smart guy but you want a remote control with a touchscreen.
I’m not sure what you mean. I’m often not the smartest guy in the room. I like having both physical buttons and touch screen.
If only we all lived alone, without someone else living in the house who is not technically inclined. Before my Harmony remote, I did live alone, but none of my guest could figure out how to use the multiple remotes I used to control my Yamaha AV receiver, my Roku box, my television, my dvd player, and my cable box. With a Harmony remote, they select: Watch Roku, Watch Cable, Watch DVD, or Listen to Radio. All my devices go through my Yamaha, but ther is no need to change the sources yourself.
@waytospergtherebro What does that mean?