Which Universal Remote?

So, Tvad, what did you buy?

I recently bought a Harmony One with the PS3 IR to Bluetooth translator as a package from Amazon. Before I bought it, I checked to see if my vintage Proceed PAV is supported; it is. Setup was simple, and the unit works as advertised. Logitech joins Netflix and FedEx in my list of companies that deliver as promised.

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I also reviewed the Amazon reviews before picking up the One. But, benefitting from having already owned the 880 and being familiar with the Harmony software and programming processes, it was apparent to me that at least 75% of those negative reviews were posted by persons who simply couldn't figure out how to program the remote. Those reviews are littered with comments about what the remote can or can't do that are simply wrong or reflect an obvious lack of understanding or knowledge of the product. In considering any review, good or bad, it's important to consider the source.

Before I had Harmony remotes I used to use and program Home
Theater Master remotes. It took much longer, their Database was never as up to date as Logitech, and they really only wanted professionals to use and program them. For individuals like me, it became a pain to download the new database, and access any help.

That said, the programming was very open, with the ability to build different macros to your hearts content. I have found in a few instances that the Logitech programming, while easy to use, is restrictive in allowing you to step outside of their pre-programmed activity functions.

But outside of that rare instance, the software and hardware are first rate, easy to set up and use, and have great accessibility. I can't tell you how many times I have fixed a friends remote while sitting here on my laptop with Harmony. That's convenient.

I own an 880, and have to give it mixed reviews. I got an earlier model with the lousy charging base. They shipped me a newer one, but it never sits right and I need to put some weight on the lcd screen.

Second, the volume up button crapped out and I took it apart and put some paper under the IC sheet to make a better connection. That didn't work, so I moved the volume control to the big up/down arrows, which I prefer anyway. I've read that the up/down switches on the channel and volume rockers do fail.

Third, the battery just died and won't take a charge. This will be OK if the $10 battery I ordered from Ebay works well.

Aside from the those physical problems, it's a great remote and the database rocks. It even has the codes to my passive preamp.

If I can't revive it, I'll probably go with a Harmony One.