Harmony Remotes

[LukasMcKain]

1. Can not add a programmed button unless it is added to the list of devices (this requires the device to be powered on even though you do not want it powered on). Yes there are work arounds but this added to the complexity greatly.

2. Can not truly control the startup sequence such as device powered on and what input command is sent to it or adding in a time delay for a device. Yes there are work arounds but this added to the complexity greatly.

3. Can not program which key or page is setup for Harmony Favorites (MAJOR flaw in programmability). Not an issue in Harmony One or the 1100 series.

4. Can not change Icons for Activities and or Devices.

5. Can not have same command on different page under Additional Buttons also can not have same name twice (even when it is a different device command).

6. Sequences are limited to 5 commands. Other remotes can do more steps often referred to as macros. Yes there are work arounds but this added to the complexity greatly.

7. Configuration is not "Host Based" but "Web Based". If Logitech decides to abandon this lineup or closes their doors for business my remote is useless. I was expecting an internet connection was required to download new or updated device information but not to run the setup.

#1 thru #5 are small programming changes that Logitech should be able to do. That is if their software engineers are reading this and listening to the customers. #6 might be a major programming redo in the device firmware. #7 is understandable since there is a desire to make everything connected to the web (and quite honestly collect demographic information to help marketing) although IMHO I think we are giving away our property rights little by little (did you know that you do not "own" a copy of Microsoft's Operating System like Vista or XP, its basically a "lease").

Logitech Harmony 720 Controlling:

LCD HDTV (LG 52LG70), AV Receiver (Sony DTE-825), Cable Box Scientific Atlanta (Explorer 4250HDC), DVD/VCR (Philips DVP-3050P), CD Player (Sony CDP-CE525), Tape Deck (Sony TC-WE425)

[hhatkin]

1 isn't totally clear. You seem to be saying you want to customise a button in an Activity to a command for a device that isn't powered on.

2 should be covered by the option to set the order in which devices are powered on in an Activity, the four Methods of setting inputs, and the four types of delay setting.

[bevhoward]

>> Yes there are work arounds but... <<

Lot of familiar frustrations in your list previously posted here again and again over the years, _but_ as you mention, most on your list _can_ be addressed by the users...

...because... it's unlikey that they will be addressed by logitech any time soon.

One tip on the 720 favorites screen... the "screen left" key.

Beverly Howard

Message Edited by bevhoward on 06-22-2009 05:56 PM

[LukasMcKain]

Well in #1 say I want to add an "Additional Buttons" for my AV receiver in an activity that doesn't power the device on. If I want to do this you would need to add the device into the activity which means it MUST be powered on (unless you add another device and adjust the power settings, which is a workaround).

Well in #2 if I don't want to set the Input channel or power on a device, I am out of luck Logitech has determined that you should not be able to do this. I don't know why they determined I should not be able to modify the startup such as NOT powering on a device or NOT setting the Input channel.

Logitech Harmony 720 Controlling:

LCD HDTV (LG 52LG70), AV Receiver (Sony DTE-825), Cable Box Scientific Atlanta (Explorer 4250HDC), DVD/VCR (Philips DVP-3050P), CD Player (Sony CDP-CE525), Tape Deck (Sony TC-WE425)

[hhatkin]

1 is still not clear - what use would the buttons for the device be if the device isn't on?

Are you using some means other than the Harmony to power on and control the device?

2 is covered by a very simple procedure - setting the power and input commands to "none".

Those facilities, that you say Logi are determined not to provide, are actually basic options - not workarounds - at Devices> Settings.

Message Edited by hhatkin on 06-23-2009 04:19 AM

[towboy123 Logi Legend]

HH 

I learned the Eject Command of my Bluray to my recevier than customised it to each Activity so that I could Start the loading process while doing something else.

This work because 

1.My Bluray has discrete power commands 

2.My eject button also works as a power on command. 

[hhatkin]

We used to believe that "learning" a command to a different device would mess up the database, but since we've been assured that was a misunderstanding it's a good idea for special circumstances like that. Maybe OP could do the same.

[LukasMcKain]

#1 what if I want to turn on the device using a Sequence as well as setting other stuff within an Activity. Not an option if you don't use the device in the setup, to do this you need to duplicate the device and change the power settings then add that device to the activity (AKA a workaround). Also, there may be times that I want to turn this device on manually using the device button and would like to have commands when I power on the device manually using the remote. You can not have commands unless the device is added to the activity. Remember I want to program the "programmable" remote not have Logitech tell me how to use my TV and devices and only use the remote for how Logitech tells me to use it. Maybe Logitech is targeting an audience of those who want basic programmability, for me I would caution others to use this remote for "basic" programmability. Maybe if I spend the $500 for the 1100 it could do this but I wanted a single handed remote.

#2 I don't know of a way to set the power and input commands to "none" don't have that option on an activity, the only way I know to do this and others have said they can not do this is to add a second copy of the device with the different power settings. Same as #1. Also you can add a command to power the device off at the end of the startup sequence but in my opinion this is a waste, since powering on a device and powering it off right away is hard on electronics.

Logitech Harmony 720 Controlling:

LCD HDTV (LG 52LG70), AV Receiver (Sony DTE-825), Cable Box Scientific Atlanta (Explorer 4250HDC), DVD/VCR (Philips DVP-3050P), CD Player (Sony CDP-CE525), Tape Deck (Sony TC-WE425)

[LukasMcKain]

towboy123

That is another excellent workaround, never thought of that. Even though it is more upfront work at least there wouldn't be duplicate devices or extra power on/power off commands. I will probably use this instead of the other work arounds.

Logitech Harmony 720 Controlling:

LCD HDTV (LG 52LG70), AV Receiver (Sony DTE-825), Cable Box Scientific Atlanta (Explorer 4250HDC), DVD/VCR (Philips DVP-3050P), CD Player (Sony CDP-CE525), Tape Deck (Sony TC-WE425)

[hhatkin]

The principle of Harmonys is to provide Activities that can include devices in any combination that you wish. It is mainly due to the Smart State Technology, that makes Activity switching possible, that Harmonys are more expensive than standard remotes that do no more than mimic individual devices. Of course it is possible to use the Harmony's Devices storage area in the same way as a cheaper "mimic" remote, but Logitech can't be criticised for not making that unintended process easier than it is. The 1100 makes the Activities principle even more central and more functional, but does not expand on the use of its Devices area.

The idea of an Activity including a device that it cannot control because the device is powered off clashes with that principle.

Many users consider the principle a positive advantage, and construct their Activities by using the great flexibility of combinations that it makes available. They do so in repect of requirements at least as complex as yours.

The "none" settings for each Device are easily accessible at Adjust Power and Adjust Input.

If a "none" Input command is required for only one specific Activity then an Input Name can be assigned to be "none" and set for that Activity.

Message Edited by hhatkin on 06-23-2009 08:29 AM