Harmony Remotes

[marcumg]

I currently have the Harmony 520 remote, and need to replace it because I cracked the screen.  Some of the number buttons do not work well (the unit is over 5 years old).  Does the Harmony 650 have the ability to learn commands from old remotes?  Also, would the 650 be able to handle a macro that would call for it to hit the A/V button twice to change an old Toshiba tube TV from watching TV on input channel 1 to input 3 that is hooked up to a DVD player?  My 520 will do this now.   I know I am going down in functionality between the units, but I am not in the market to buy a remote for much more than $60.  I really enjoyed the 520, and after just one day discovering that my old one is damaged, I want to buy another.  Does anybody have an input on these questions or other important differences (other than the number of devices supported-color screen) between the units?  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks

[rhachey · Accepted solution]

Yes it can learn commands, all Harmony remotes are learning remotes.  If you get the 650, do not use MyHarmony.com to program it, use your same 7.7 software.  You will be able to do whatever you were able to do with your 520.  If you use the MyHarmony setup, you will be limited in things you can so in your setup.

[triad]

... also, if you use the 7.7 software, you can "replace" or "upgrade" in the software and copy all your devices and activities right over. You'll just have to re-do any custom button mappings and sequences you may have had. So screen shots of your current config would be wise before pulling the trigger.

Of course, since logitech cripples their remotes so badly these days, I think the $50 Acoustic Research AAR18G or $30 12G is a much better remote all around and a much better value. I highly recommend one of those in lieu of a harmony that can only control 5 devices and do only 5 step macros.

[marcumg]

Thanks for your help and feedback!