Which of these remotes for my HTPC?

[philb5]

I want a cheap remote for my HTPC. I have already gone through one MCE remote in about 9 months. I am thinking about either the Harmony 300i or one of the Universal remotes URC-A6 or URC-W7. I have Windows 7 running my HTPC. I also have a Sony TV and blu-ray that I would like to be able to use with the same remote. Importance to me are:

1. Ease to program.
2. Easy for wife to use.
3 Compatibility with devices.
4. Durability.


Thanks for any help you can provide.

Cheers.

[Scallica]

You will not be disappointed with the Logitech Harmony One remote.

[richard1980]

I have a Harmony 300i and I like it. I only have one complaint, and that's the remote doesn't let me pick which device key to use for each device. My HTPC is assigned to "VCR/Aux" and my AVR is assigned to "DVD". It would be nice if my HTPC could be assigned to "Cable/Sat" and my AVR could be assigned to "VCR/Aux".

[WarrenH]

Try Phillips programmable, it'll do all you suggest

[EmirOfGroofunkistan]

You will not be disappointed with the Logitech Harmony One remote.

ditto

[Logos302]

Harmony all they way.

[newfiend]

I have a harmony one and a 300i. Both are great remotes. Harmony one totally is awesome, but the 300i works fine but has no backlighting. Much prefer the H1 its expensive but worth it. Plus they have great customer service. Some of the older H1's had a swelling battery problem but the newest batch has fixed that according to Logitech. I had a problem with the battery and they sent me a whole new remote control at no charge. Hard to beat that.
The Harmonys really are great MC remotes. The 300i works fine. But the H1 has way more options.
newfiend

Sent from my WP7 using Board Express

[Fleadh]

I use a cheap universal remote control but then again it's only used to turn on and off the tv and PC, I use a wireless trackpad keyboard for everything else. All the functions do work however, I just used the Microsoft MCE remote code and it mapped everything pretty much perfectly and the learn feature worked for the rest.

[philb5]

Thanks all. I've purchased a Harmony 300i so will give that a whirl. Not ready to splash out for a device like the Harmony one yet.

Will the IR receiver for the old MCE remote work with the Harmony, or do I need to look at getting something else?

[Danno100]

I like my iPod Touch. Works as a great remote for my internet enabled TV (free Samsung app) and with Win 7 Media Centre (vmcMote). The iPod also allows me to watch recorded TV or movies, something my Harmony remotes can not do. My Harmony remotes have now been retired.

[philb5]

Thanks for all the feedback. Went with the Harmony 300 and loving it so far. The programmable feature is great and Logitech even had an entry for my MCE VRC-1100 remote so was able to get all the settings easily. Very nice.