Question

Ok, Switching Gears, if there is one annoying problem I would like to solve with Home Tech, it is the dreaded 4 remotes for the Entertainment system. I don't want Google or Amazon listening to everything I say, but since Siri can actually be turned off (or is that wrong), I would consider it. Where do I start with that? I have Streaming Services Cable Services, Tv, Audio and Blue-Ray, All of it is old and low tech stuff, except 1 TV. Where do I get the biggest bang for my buck to start that Automating that?  

Answer 1

Has anyone mentioned Harmony yet?  

Answer 2

Harmony remote.  

Answer 3

Harmony remote

Answer 4

Logitech Harmony hands down. Caavo looks promising but I’m not convinced it’s ready for prime time yet. I’ve been using Harmony for literally 15 years and gotten my folks and my in-laws on it as well. They’re super user friendly once set up properly and I’ve never had issues.  

Answer 5

Logitech Harmony.  

Answer 6

Logitech harmony

Answer 7

On May 30, 1985, Philips introduced the first universal remote

Answer 8

If you can program it yourself get a URC remote.  

Answer 9

Get a harmony man

Answer 10

Agreed with Harmony. Integrates nicely with other smart home products. I have the elite, which has nice light and plug buttons at the bottom, if you want to control lights or other plugged in devices. I have the 2 light buttons control lights to 100% or 25% and a long press turns the lights off.  

Answer 11

Logitech Harmony

Answer 12

Wow, that was easy!  

Answer 13

Harmony remote

Answer 14

I control everything from a single roku remote with HDMI control enabled in all the equipment. It turns on the TV and home theater amp when you push home, controls the volume of the amp and turns everything off when you push the power key. We use the Roku as the source for all our viewing though. I have 3 setups with Roku Ultras, even though the TVs and audio are different brands, every setup works the exact same since the Roku remotes are identical.  

Comments

@lawless90 this works for me as well. The only leg up that Harmony has that I know of is controlling other things not directly connected to the TV, like lights and ceiling fans or fireplace etc

Answer 15

I use Harmony and an Echo Cube.  

Answer 16

I have the Harmony elite. Works great.  

Answer 17

Global Cache iTach

Answer 18

I have a harmony but still end up with using the other remotes.  

Comments

@deration yea I like the cox cable remote with voice commands. And I haven’t trusted harmony remote for Apple TV or amazon fire. I use harmony voice for dvd if I ever use it.  

Answer 19

I'm a huge harmony fan (have harmony setups in 3 rooms of our house) and I've been using harmony products before they were purchased by Logitech. I highly recommend it as long as you take the time to research and understand how it fundamentally changes the way you operate your entertainment system. This isn't just a smart universal remote. You have to be ok with it "taking over" control of your system. For the most part you can't use the OEM remotes with your devices. You can't turn them off or change inputs from the front panel. You have to fully understand and buy into the "activities" mindset otherwise it's going to be incredibly frustrating. You no longer turn on or off devices or change inputs, you tell harmony what you "want to do" and it keeps track of the state of all your devices and powers on/off the necessary devices and changes the inputs when necessary. It provides you with relevant buttons and functions for the "activity" you are in. its definitely a paradigm shift. Lots of people get frustrated with harmony remotes because they don't work like they expect.