TV input switching - automation

[stevech]

Common user/WAF problem, I read:
Switching HD TV among inputs (HDMI, component, etc), too many button pushes, mode changes on remote, even changing which remotes must be used)

I joined the Logitech Harmony crowd today. Bought the low end $30 Harmony 300. Very pleasantly surprised that their USB to remote reprogramming link works, their software is web based. Actually works well, is intuitive. I read that the fancier ones with the in-remote LCD screens get poor acceptance by family non-geeks - too complex.

I was quickly able to get one of the spare buttons (marked 1..5) on the 300 remote to do "Discrete
commands" to my Vizio E422VA TV set. To jump to a particular HDMI input (where the Sage HD300 is plugged in), and jump back to the cable box, and so on, with dedicated buttons 1..5. On-line forums suggested there are no Discrete commands for Vizio's. Not so. Logitech's web site has all the codes on file! The HD300 seemed to be in their files but first try, it didn't work; maybe my error. Of course, the '300 can learn from the Hauppauge remote if need be.

And the other stuff on the 300 says I'll get to one remote instead of the 3 we have now (Cable box/DVR, Sage HD300, Vizio TV) plus the 4th for the Blueray DVD player.

[gplasky]

That's why I use the higher end Logitech Harmony. (550, 700, 880, 900 and 1000) Everything is set up as an Activity so that when I choose "Play SageTV" it sets the HDMI input correctly automatically. (Also turns on the TV, the stereo receiver and the HD300, sets the receiver for DVD/LD audio and controls the volume thru the receiver.) The 300 can't do activiites so now you have to remember to use the input button and set it to the correct HDMI, choose the device first before you can adjust the volume of your device, set the input for your receiver, etc. I can also press the Devices button and have access to all discrete codes for all of my devices at any time.

Gerry

[big poppa pump]

Originally Posted by stevech

Common user/WAF problem, I read:
Switching HD TV among inputs (HDMI, component, etc), too many button pushes, mode changes on remote, even changing which remotes must be used)

I joined the Logitech Harmony crowd today. Bought the low end $30 Harmony 300. Very pleasantly surprised that their USB to remote reprogramming link works, their software is web based. Actually works well, is intuitive. I read that the fancier ones with the in-remote LCD screens get poor acceptance by family non-geeks - too complex.

I was quickly able to get one of the spare buttons (marked 1..5) on the 300 remote to do "Discrete
commands" to my Vizio E422VA TV set. To jump to a particular HDMI input (where the Sage HD300 is plugged in), and jump back to the cable box, and so on, with dedicated buttons 1..5. On-line forums suggested there are no Discrete commands for Vizio's. Not so. Logitech's web site has all the codes on file! The HD300 seemed to be in their files but first try, it didn't work; maybe my error. Of course, the '300 can learn from the Hauppauge remote if need be.

And the other stuff on the 300 says I'll get to one remote instead of the 3 we have now (Cable box/DVR, Sage HD300, Vizio TV) plus the 4th for the Blueray DVD player.

The only drawback with the Harmony 300 is the lag between button presses. Unlike the higher end models where you can tweak this option, you will notice a considerable lag between button presses. This will be very obvious when you are trying to increase/decrease volume on your tv or manually inputting channel numbers. Don't get me wrong, it's a very nice starter remote for the price, but for somebody who already has 3 other harmony remotes with advanced interface, the Harmony 300 is almost 2 steps back.

[stevech]

I'll pay attention to the volume/channel button speed delay you mention, on the '300.

The huge improvement is input switching. This was killing the WAF. It's two buttons, not one (WAF--) but better than two remotes.

To see Sage Recordings:

Press TV mode
Press the 5 button (topmost). Input switches to the HD300.
Press AUX mode to access the HD300 keys learned from the HD300's remote.
(assume the HD300 is already powered on)

Still lots of squawking about complexity. Is there a better way? I dare not show *another* remote, with more buttons, LCD screen to read, etc.


The TimeWarner's Universal Electronics brand (JP1 programmable) remote allows "macros" on many keys. Same as Logitech/Harmony "activities"? Maybe I'll wind up using the Harmony 300 to feed the discrete commands for input select, since I had no way to teach the TimeWarner remote these.

[gplasky]

I use the Harmony 900 and also the RF to IR device so the wife doesn't even need to worry about pointing the remote anywhere. She presses the Watch TV button and that's it. After that the TV turns on and is set to HDMI 1, receiver is turned on and set to DVD/LD audio input and the Sage HD300 is turned on. At the touch of another button she can turn the living room lights on or off. Doesn't really get simpler than pushing a single button. She can also press the Watch Blue Ray button which changes the TV to HDMI 2, leaves the audio the same and turns on the Blue Ray player and ejects the tray so you can start watching as soon as you drop the disc in.

Gerry

[stevech]

Originally Posted by gplasky

I use the Harmony 900 and also the RF to IR device so the wife doesn't even need to worry about pointing the remote anywhere.
Gerry

Neat. But gulp, $250 or more for a remote! gulp.