New Remote Controls Out
Two recent universal remotes caught my eye. It looks like Logitech has updated the 880 into the Harmony 890 (reviewed here a few months ago), adding RF device support through the use of an IR blaster. This means you'll get support for stuff like remote controlled lighting systems, overhead fans, and other non-infrared remote controlled devices. It's pricey though, going for $399 retail (the 880 is more than $100 cheaper).
Another notable new universal remote is the OpenPeak SimpleRemote. It shoots for doing everything the Harmony can do, while adding WiFi support to the device, letting you download codes, program guides, and other info directly from the internet into the remote. The one downside to the Harmony and similar remotes is you have to use a USB cable to update almost any function and often setup requires a few hours of tweaking and running between your computer and home theater system. If the SimpleRemote can let you skip that step it just might be worth checking out.
Where can you actually buy the OpenPeak Remote?
Posted by: Greg Smith | January 30, 2006 at 06:58 PM
I'm not sure yet, their site doesn't seem to mention that.
Posted by: Matt Haughey | January 30, 2006 at 07:16 PM
Hours setting up a harmony? Never in my experience. A pronto? Yes. A harmony? I can't imagine.
Posted by: Grover | January 31, 2006 at 11:49 AM
Any idea on pricing for the SimpleRemote?
Posted by: Lindsey Smith | January 31, 2006 at 12:32 PM
It is only in the prototype stage right now. I build circuit boards for them. Very high tech.
Posted by: Captain Kirk | February 01, 2006 at 04:00 PM
Its not coming out until the end of the year. the remote was mentioned in 2006 CES and said it was going to be avail then. sucks as I just bought the 880 and the quality is cheapish..
Posted by: Brent | February 01, 2006 at 07:20 PM
As far as pricing, my beta came in a preprinted box that had $249 on it. So I'd believe that's the target price for the SimpleRemote.
Posted by: Jason P. | February 01, 2006 at 08:15 PM
So were looking for a end of 2006 release? Seems like vaporware to me then.
Posted by: greg Smith | February 01, 2006 at 08:21 PM
Well, the site says $399 MSRP, and, after contacting them they said they did not know WHO was telling everyone the end of 2006.. Said look for it around early to mid Q2 (May/June?) Anyway, I want to try one of these out asap...
Posted by: Robert | February 01, 2006 at 11:10 PM
Trolled through OpenPeak's site and here's what I found:
1) No pricing info
2) No release date
3) No possible system/network requirements
4) All the "awards" I saw were from last years conferences
I don't know about this one kids...
Posted by: Russ | February 02, 2006 at 09:29 AM
Yes, Harmony takes for ever to setup.
I have spent probally 100 hours on mine so far.
I have 11 devices and 12 activities.
I use mine as a total remote replacement. That means that my activities do 95% off all the function of my 11 remotes the Harmony replaces.
The Harmony web interface only lets you add on custom button per load of the activities page and with remotes with 30-60 buttons that is a lot of screen loads (each load with the new menu option get way slower.
For the 11 remotes I have not one was setkup 100% right on Harmony Database. They all needed tweaking or new custom device added because the DB remote was so screwed up.
Posted by: Harmony User | February 06, 2006 at 09:28 AM
any word on a release date yet the site still does not say.
Posted by: Jose | June 15, 2006 at 03:36 PM