Using a Universal Remote

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nicoff

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Nov 3, 2014
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I have used universal remotes for many years. First it was a Philips Pronto. Then I moved up to different versions of Logitech Harmony remotes.

But I stopped using the Harmony remotes years ago because as I kept changing my equipment I did not bother to update the devices and activities.

In the last few days I decided to update the settings in my remote and learned a few things.

You no longer have to use a computer to log in to Logitech’s website and do the changes (in fact, that is not even available anymore). Today you do all the changes from your iPad or mobile device. I was skeptical of the new process at first but it actually works pretty well.

My wife already expressed her approval as she can now press one button to watch Apple TV/ Streaming or to listen to music (streaming, CD, LP).

I am now back to a single remote for everything. Let’s see how long it lasts this time.
 
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I really wish Logitech would put in the effort to rebuild their native macOS application for the newest versions of macOS. Their desktop app for Harmony remote configuration is much more powerful and user-friendly than the tablet/phone configuration application. But it seems pretty clear they are decreasing investment in their remotes, as more and more people start using streaming apps on their mobile devices or built into their hardware devices.
 
Logitech has been a pioneer in many ways. I was surprised when they abandoned Logitech Media Server and their Squeezebox devices. I feel that today’s Roon is what LMS would have become had it continued to be supported.
 
I recently upgraded my cable boxes, and had to update my 2 logitech harmony remotes, one of which uses the hub. The non-hub remote was easily upgraded on the PC in my office via USB cable. Quick and easy, the software has come a good way.

The system with the hub could not be upgraded that way, since the PC is not in range of the hub, nor could I get my MacBookAir to connect with the remote, near to the hub. I was frankly amazed at how easily the upgrade worked using an iPad, with no physical connection to the remote, nor hub. In fact, the wifi sync was WAY faster than the syncing with the cable in the past.

I think they are making progress, but its been going on a long time, and the progress is slow. I noticed they have a couple of "professional" devices now, that only come via an installer. Some of the other "universal" remotes come that way, from other companies. Getting a good installer for these complicated systems can be difficult. Fortunately, the tech world evolves quickly, and this stuff is getting trivial to do.

Anyone else remember how hard it used to be to install a cable modem for internet, and configure the network at home? That part is simple now, its now a matter of how complicated you want your network to be.
 
I have a Logitech Harmony Elite that I've used for a few years in the 2-channel system, and just added a Pro 2400 (the "installer" model) for my new basement media room. The 2400 doesn't even have the option of desktop setup, but I found it to go together much more easily than the Elite even still. This one also includes basic IP control, which is really nice for hiding the hub in an equipment rack and not having to remember to point the remote at the TV or other IR devices. i'm finding that you need a lot more setting adjustment for the multi-channel system, and that's a little harder to figure out than I'd prefer, but still better that battling with a handful of dedicated remotes for devices in 2 different rooms.
 
My Logitech harmony hub is limited to 8 devices. I recall a time when I had to limit which activities to include due to the number of devices needed.

Today, I have managed to simplify and prioritize in a way that I no longer have to worry about the limit on the number of devices.

For example, playing LPs is now done all manual. (After all, for me LP listening is about the experience and not automation!)

Here is my approach for handling an activity (movie watching) that requires multichannel.

Watching movies in my case requires 4 devices: projector, AV Preamp, a streaming device like Apple TV, and Disc player.

The AV Preamp and the projector have triggering capabilities. I use those triggering functions to handle other devices. For example, I use the AV preamp “triggers” to turn on/off all amplifiers (1 amp is triggered on, then I use that amp to trigger the next, and so on until all 5 amps are on).

I have 3 subs. They have their own triggers (sound). They are always on standby mode and come on when they receive a low frequency signal. Playing any music with bass will turn them on.

Similarly, the projector is tethered to the screen. When I turn on the projector with the remote, the projector sends a 5V signal to the screen to automatically come down. (When I turn the projector off, the 5V signal goes away and the screen goes up).

I used to have Cable TV and three streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Stick). But I cut the cord and settled on Apple TV for streaming.

I now have only two remote-controlled activities with the Logitech remote now:
- Stream music (I also use a computer and a DAC for streaming but I keep both of them always on).
- Watch movies (as explained above).
 
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