Which Universal Remote to Use?


Hey everyone,

Looking for thoughts/opinions on trying to unite all my remote controls (currently 7) into one universal command remote.

Any one that folks recommend in particular for a combination home theater/listening room setup? I'm looking for ease of setup, future expandability, and ease of use without busting the bank.

I'm comparing the following:
- MX-3000 from Best Buy/Magnolia
- AMX
- iControl
- Phillips
- Logitech Harmony 550, 670, 890, 1000,

Also, any tips on which ones to avoid would be helpful. Many thanks!
maxim531
Interesting to note that the Harmony's run projector remotes too. I've got a Panasonic projector that could benefit as well.
I've had the Harmony 690,880,890, and 1000.

For me, the 890 is the best allowing RF to IR control and is all inclusive (you need to buy the RF extender to the 1000 for $99)

I would not recommend the Harmony one, it is cute with the touch screen but the screen is to small to be of any value, and it is only IR, unless you want to be tied to line of sight, avoid this, also you'd need to point it at your projector if you have one.

I don't like the MX line as they are much more difficult to program than the Harmony's, and I don't like their design. Harmony also has the largest database of control in the world. When I swap out even a pre/pro, I can reprogram my Harmony's in a few minutes... They are that easy.

AMX is nice, but every-time you change something, you will also be paying for someone else to change the remote, not only is it a PITA, it can get expensive.

I have not worked with the iControl, as for the Philips, the big ones (read expensive) are really nice, also somewhat tedious to program, but a solid remote.
I have the Harmony 890 in my bedroom now and the Harmony One running my main system. My wife definitely likes the 890 better, I like the Harmony One. The 890, as with the 880 has some charging problems with the cradle/remote batter contact design, so it can run out of juice and you have to "jiggle" the remote in the cradle to get the contacts to seat correctly. They are both excellent remotes and very similar.

I have had 3 different Phillips Prontos and didn't really like them. Too hard to program, too expensive, and too big.

I still love the Home Theater Master remotes, and in some ways they are more flexible with programming, but it takes more effort. The Harmony software locks you in a box with some things, it's difficult to write stand alone macro's that don't fit their standard questions given during programming, but it is extreamly simple to use in general.

Good luck.