Black remotes don't support as many codes as the silver?

[efdisaster]

I recently replaced a silver remote that had stopped working correctly, and they sent me a black remote. I remember that none of the printed codes for my Home Theater/Audio receivers (an Onkyo and a Pioneer) really worked correctly, and I had to do the code search to find one that allowed me to Power On, Power Off, control Volume AND Change Inputs. I've tried with both receivers to find codes that work all those functions... none can change the inputs. There are several codes in the list of Onkyo receievers that "blink eight times" when entered as an AUX code... it seems that if it's written on the sheet, as a possible AUX code, that it should be enterable without an error.

So far, I'm unimpressed with this "new" remote and was wondering if anyone had any tips.

[aviewer ACE - Wizard]

efdisaster - I believe that anyone with a HT should have a Logitech Harmony Remote 600, 650 700 or higher ti get full enjoyment from their setup. If you cannot get codes for the U-verse remote, then a model 200 or 300 will solbe your problem. Check this out & post if you have any questions. -


I have recommended to many people that were unable to find codes to support their devices with the U-verse remote that they get a Logitech Harmony remote.
 
Many of those people feel they do not want to, or should not have to, spend their own money for a remote.
 
Others, have a very complex setup and are willing to spend their money to maximize their viewing experience.

The U-verse remote is effective for only a subset of basic activities with the most popular equipment, The Harmony provides more efficient control of complex setups across a broader range of equipment.

Until sometime in 2011 the Harmony only offered expensive models (over $100). In 2011 they introduced the model 300 ($30) followed by the model 200 ($20). Although, these only support one activity - Watch TV - they are more effective than the U-verse remote.
 
This writeup shows the functional differences between the two remotes to assist in deciding whether or not to go for a Harmony.
 
U-verse remote vs. Logitech Harmony Model 300 - Both can control four devices (STB, TV, DVD, Aux) under one activity - Watch TV.

Logitech Harmony Model 300 -
 
Must be able to do something no other remote can do to convince you to spend $30 to buy it so Logitech can make a profit.
 
Monster library of supported devices. (amazing how libraries grow over the years). You can predetermine support of make & model via web site (http://myremotesetup.com/EasyZapper/New/Main.asp?WebProcessAction=Start&ReturnUrl=%2FEasyZapper%2F%2... Since device support is defined in detail, a Logitech customer service rep (CSR) can help with any problems,
 
To program - Enter device make model in computer  based wizard. When device is supported, all functions are supported. IR signals can be learned from device remote. CSR can download changes that affect only you,
 
IR/function/button  map - You can map any button to any function. You can pick buttons based on your preference, instead of someone else's. Logitech can add any new IR code format to function mapping via download.
 
Watch TV button - Turns on/off selected devices. Sets correct input. Ability to sequence devices and introduce delay between devices.
 
Change from Watch TV mode to individual device control with one button push. And, vice-versa. Same volume/mute buttons will affect different devices (STB, TV, HT) depending on device selected and the one user selected for the Watch TV activity. Note that the U-verse phantom mute can be unmuted with four button pushes - device mode, STB, mute, return to watch TV mode.
 
Able to buy more advanced remotes for more money - more devices, more activities(e.g. Watch OTA, Watch DVD, Watch TV with HT sound), more display (LCD screen) of functions. Multiple activities appears to be a concept unique to the Logitech Harmony. It allows the same buttons to be applied different sets of devices based on what the viewer is watching (i.e. an activity). It is especially valuable for complex setups and/or people with only basic knowledge of the operation of the remote.
 
*****************************************************************************************************
 
U-verse  remote is provided free to watch U-verse TV. Support for some functions on some other devices is included so that it can be called "universal". But there is no business driver to spend money to assure full support of all functions on all possible devices .
 
Limited library of supported devices. Vague lists by type/mfgr. No model detail. No definitive/comprehensive list of codes. If support is not accomplished, there is no way to find out if it should be supported until you find that the remote works for you. Since device support is not defined in detail customer service rep cannot help with problems.
 
To program- Enter an arbitrary code that may be difficult (or impossible) to determine or step through every possible entry. Possibly finding some partially supported sets.  No IR learning.
 
IR/function/button  map - Button/IR map cannot change. IR/function map can only change if U-verse globally changes STB software. No ability to provide individual tuning.
 
Watch TV (ATT/power) -  Turns on/off selected devices. Does not set input. No ability to sequence devices or introduce delay.
 
Default mode of operation is Watch TV (Channel change on STB, Volume on TV, Power up STB/TV). To vary operation requires reprogramming with more arbitrary codes applied to individual functions. No clear distinction between Watch TV and individual device control (i.e. difficult to change operation between Watch TV and controlling individual services.)
 
Point anywhere remote is only extra cost upgrade - provides RF (with STB distinction) and learning. New buddy TV is good if you already have supported equipment (e.g iphone). But, it probably has similar limitations to the standard remote because it would be based on that design
 

[aviewer ACE - Wizard]

For anyone thinking about a Logitech Harmony remote in their future -
Just noticed that Frys has the Logitech Harmony Model 700 on sale for $70.

[spd2demun ACE - Master]

How well do they hold up?  My Anywhere-RF is acting crazier each day.

[aviewer ACE - Wizard]

spd2demun  - I have a model 700 that is a couple years old - never a problem. Constanly used to power watch via DVR. They seem to be better quality than the U-verse. If you are sensitive to how something feels the Harmony is orders of magnitude better than the U-verse.

My U-verse RF leaves a lot to be desired, too. Habe you tried holding it against something, LIke under your chin, to form an antenna? Also, try the black tape over the IR sensor. My STB works better with the tape. 

[spd2demun ACE - Master]

My RF gets a daily workout!  Its main problem now is 4 top buttons flashing and won't stop unless battery door is opened, and a battery pulled/reset. 

I haven't tried the tape yet.  I hate to switch to another remote as after 5 years, I can operate the UV one without looking!

Thanks for the ideas.

[aviewer ACE - Wizard]

spd2demun - Have you tried fresh batteries in the RF remote? Sure you have. I think it is time to change the batteries in mine.

The Harmony layout is similar to the U-verse. Easy transition for your fingers to adjust to. They have two large toggle buttons  in the horizontal center (vertical axis?) the bottom one is auto assigned play/stop. The top one is not auto assigned, I assigned it to FF & jump back.

I think the design makes it easier for  the fingers to know which button they are on. The U-verse one is just a little too tight and awkward. It takes a long time, like you have taken, to get full finger sense.

You can try a Harmony 200 for only $20 at Radio Shack.

[spd2demun ACE - Master]

Yeah, that's where it ends up eventually when the 4 lights flash and a battery reset is required.  But even after new batteries as of late, it's like it just can't give a signal.

For $20 I could spring for one...do they do a restocking fee?

[dcar335i]

Ed, I have also had problems with my Onkyo (TS-DX696) because on and standby are different functions so it will not "toggle" on and off with the remote. I set the AUX code to 5108 and it gives me the on function and have it set to turn the STB, TV, and Onkyo to turn on together. When I power off everything shuts off but the Onkyo. I programmed the DVD button with code 2178 and found that if I hit DVD then the power key it will turn off (As a last step I hit the ATT function so everything is ready to go on the next time so it takes 3 extra presses). The solution is not perfect but it works..