earthxboy - Go for a Logitech Harmony & leave codes & searches behind. Direct programing by make/model. Only $20 @ Radio Shack for a model 200.
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.
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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
