Harmony Remotes - Software/Firmware

[eriksmith200]

I don't use activities since I find the power states of my devices to be unpredictable. I am quite happy with only using the devices settings. I would however like to be able to add a button of another device (for instance add some buttons of my amplifiers remote to the tv device). The only way to do it now is to "learn" the other device's buttons, even though they are in logitech's database.

One added benefit of this would be if one has a htpc: One can add an almost infinite amount of buttons from whatever random device, and on the htpc link this to specific commands or actions.

[rhachey]

The problem with learning commands from another device to another device in Device mode that this will eventually get into the database and foul it up for other users.  They will end up with commands for their device that don't work with their equipment. This is how the database is updated from users like you and me.

[hhatkin]

Activities exist precisely to give you the functionality you're looking for - different buttons controlling different devices.

It would be interesting to hear in what way power problems prevent you from using Activities.

[eriksmith200]

Very simple: a lot of appliances only have a power toggle option, not separate IR commands for on and off. So if my amplifier is on and my tv is off, and I choose the activity "watch television", my amplifier switches off and my tv switches on.

The idea of activities are nice but it should work in the real world, and for me it doesn't.

There are so many people who have this complaint, forcing people to use technology in only a single way by not implementing obvious features is not consumer friendly.

Implementing a feature (the use of devices) and then telling people they shouldn't use it makes no sense.

@ rehaz1 I add commands to device from different remotes a lot. This means I'm fouling up the database for everybody?

Message Edited by eriksmith200 on 11-08-2008 09:49 AM

Message Edited by eriksmith200 on 11-08-2008 09:50 AM

[hhatkin]

You're looking for something that's "consumer friendly" - look no further - you already have it, it's called Activities.

Set up Activities, hide away your original remotes, use only the Harmony, and it will effortlessly and accurately do all the powering on and off you'll ever need - how consumer friendly is that?

That's the way that Harmonys are meant to work - as the publicity makes clear - and most users find it a thoroughly satisfactory way - if novel at first and needing some time to get used to it!

The Devices area is for one purpose, testing commands; the Activities for another, normal use of the remote.

It's perfectly reasonable to suggest to - not "force" - the user that each should be used for its own purpose, only.

[eriksmith200]

I explained why activities don't work for me.

Using devices works a lot better for me, some small improvements would make it even better.

I'm really happy with my remote, I just wanted to make some suggestions. As that doesn't seem to be appreciated, I won't do it again.

[hhatkin]

I do understand that,  but don't understand why, in that case, you chose a Harmony of which the main selling point is that it provides - at considerably higher cost than other universal remotes - Activities as its operating method.

However, it's good to see that you are happy with it, so don't feel that because one idea doesn't fit in with the Harmony method, though it IS an interesting idea, you shouldn't offer any further ideas, or ask any questions - they will always be very welcome.

H H

Message Edited by hhatkin on 11-08-2008 03:20 PM

[eriksmith200]

Ok I will not buy a harmony remote anymore then. I like devices that are flexible and customizable, I mistakenly thought that a harmony remote would be a good choice. I'm actually quite happy with my remote but I'll take your advice and return it.

[hhatkin]

I wasn't clear enough when I said you already have what you want.

Harmonys ARE flexible and customisable enough to provide just that, and a lot more when wanted.

An Activity can become a Device in anything but name.

Set up each device to be "always on" and for its inputs all to be "none".

Set up a "utility" Activity for each one and you can add commands from any other device as you please.

I was clear though that it's good that you're happy with things they way they are, and that I was not advising you to do anything!

[JaSqid]

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eriksmith200 wrote:

Very simple: a lot of appliances only have a power toggle option, not separate IR commands for on and off. So if my amplifier is on and my tv is off, and I choose the activity "watch television", my amplifier switches off and my tv switches on.

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I dont post much here, but I had to step in on this. This is EXACTLY why you want to set up an activity.  The activities control what devices stay on and off. You have the ability to make an activity for "Watch TV". And say you have a Sat. or Cable DVR box. You need 3 devices on for this avtiviy. Your TV, AMP, and DVR box. When you start this activity. All these devices turn on. Then you kids come into the room and want to watch a DVD. If you have "Watch DVD" activity, Click this activity and your TV stays on, you AMP stays on, your DVR box shuts off and the DVD turns on. You can even add a secondary command that when you start this activity, the DVD tray opens and waits for the disc!!

It just takes some time to set them up pefectly. There are advanced option at the end of the wizards to tweak the activiy. You can "always leave a device on" for all activites. Several of my devices have a power toggle too. You just have to go through the details.

Then if there is a specific button/feature you need from one of the devices, you can map that button to one of the programmable ones at the top for the activity you are in.