View Full Version : Harmony 885 Universal Remote £88
At Pixmania.
Pixmania (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=9)
(then search for Harmony)
Works out at about £94 with shipping.
Captain_Howdy666
18-12-2007, 13:10
What does this have over the 525?
wow, paid a lot more for one of these several months ago. Awesome remote, charger stand is a little problematic but at <£100 it's a no brainer.
AdamBrunt
18-12-2007, 13:44
If it matters, IIRC it doesn't have fastext buttons on it.
Burned_Alive
18-12-2007, 15:14
What does this have over the 525?
According to the Logitech website, which has a comparison function on it;
Battery Status Indicator
Color Display
Multi Device Control
Rechargeable
And obviously it looks a bit more funky.
If it matters, IIRC it doesn't have fastext buttons on it.
If you mean the red/green/yellow/blue buttons, im pretty sure the uk version does have them, whether or not thats the version PM are sending out, who knows?
rich1976
18-12-2007, 16:16
If you mean the red/green/yellow/blue buttons, im pretty sure the uk version does have them, whether or not thats the version PM are sending out, who knows?
Well, the main pic shows the one without the fastext buttons, but if you click "more pictures" you will see the extra two pics do show these buttons on the remote.
Is there any reason Pixmania may not be selling a UK spec one?
Tom Whitaker
18-12-2007, 16:17
Can anyone convince me to get one of these? £90 seems like a lot of money for a remote, but I'm so tempted by the saving, and I did want a universal remote anyway...
I have two and they are awesome. Girlfriend got them 2 christmas' ago when comet were doing a colleague deal. £80 each then. Been used constantly ever since. TV, Sky, Xbox, Amp, DVD recorder all work perfectly.
The only niggle is that you some times have to scan through a few pages of functions to get to something simple like aspect ratio but its not a huge annoyance.
rich1976
18-12-2007, 16:24
Can anyone convince me to get one of these? £90 seems like a lot of money for a remote, but I'm so tempted by the saving, and I did want a universal remote anyway...
I already have a 445 model and it makes things so much easier. I have customised it a fair bit to give me my most common options but the real plus point is with the other half. She only needs one remote now (so doesn't get confused) and simply selects the activity she wants and doesn't have to worry about what needs to be on for that activity. For instance, to watch Sky HD I need the TV on and set to HDMI, the HDMI switcher set to 3, the Amp on and set to Optical 2 and the Sky HD taken out of standby. The Harmony does all this with one click, and then pressing the power button turns everything off when she is done!
rich1976
18-12-2007, 16:26
The only niggle is that you some times have to scan through a few pages of functions to get to something simple like aspect ratio but its not a huge annoyance.
I thought the same originally, now I have "Aspect" set as one of the main custom buttons for any activity that uses TV so its always there. With the 885 you can have up to 8 custom buttons on the screen per activity, so should be more than enough to cover everything you need.
Its definitely one of those devices you want to tweak over time to get the best out of!
BigDavie2000
18-12-2007, 16:43
Got a 555 myself. It takes a while to program everything the way you want but it is worth it. I still have some problems I am sure there are solutions for (DVD auto shutdowns if stopped after a while but then when I power down at end of night it switches DVD back on, XBox360 power off command switches laptop on - removed 360 automatic power control)
The remote has a very strong IR transmitter and I can switch my laptop on in next room (only if door is in the certain position to reflect the signal)
Got a 555 myself. It takes a while to program everything the way you want but it is worth it. I still have some problems I am sure there are solutions for (DVD auto shutdowns if stopped after a while but then when I power down at end of night it switches DVD back on, XBox360 power off command switches laptop on - removed 360 automatic power control)
The remote has a very strong IR transmitter and I can switch my laptop on in next room (only if door is in the certain position to reflect the signal)
dude you can turn your laptop on with these things?!
I've got the French model which is actually a European model so it's likely that this is the one Pixmania is selling. It's got the coloured buttons on it.
I got mine for £70 just under a year ago (it was a misprice) and it's worth every penny. It controls virtually anything that has an IR receiver on it.
they are chuffing brilliant remotes, use mine with tv, amp, hd-dvd player, sky and xbox. as others have said it takes a while to get it how you like it but worth tweaking as when properly setup it's ace.
very friendly to the non techies as well, the way it uses activities rather than simply controlling each device independently is genius.
AdamBrunt
18-12-2007, 17:49
I've got a 525 (couldn't justify the extra cost for 885 at the time).
As others have said they are very good remotes once you've tweaked them to work how you want with your system. Wouldn't live without mine these days.
Had a word with myself and opted not to replace my awesome 525 with this, but damn it was close. I can still see me folding if this supports the xbox 360 colour buttons properly ...
Just ordered one. Many thanks to the OP.
Paul
MrSynner
18-12-2007, 19:14
Had a word with myself and opted not to replace my awesome 525 with this, but damn it was close. I can still see me folding if this supports the xbox 360 colour buttons properly ...
Credit card to standby.....
I've got one of these. It DOES support the colour buttons on the 360.
GoblinUK
18-12-2007, 20:25
Will it work with my Humax PVR?
Had a word with myself and opted not to replace my awesome 525 with this, but damn it was close. I can still see me folding if this supports the xbox 360 colour buttons properly ...
The 525 can have the coloured buttons set to match the 360 A, B, X and Y buttons.
Would love to go for the 885, couldn't justify it while the 525 is still alive though.
Unless it meets with an unfortunate accident..
I found this remote not to be much better than the harmony 555 in reality, plus the chargers have been known to be a bit iffy.
Colpur screen is pretty damn cool tho.
rich1976
18-12-2007, 21:25
Would love to go for the 885, couldn't justify it while the 525 is still alive though.
Unless it meets with an unfortunate accident..
Yes, mine is just debating whether or not to fall on a hard floor from a great height. In the mean time I have taken the liberty to order an 885 "just in case" :n0rty:
Thanks to the OP! I am sure my existing one will find a good home!
Scottola
19-12-2007, 06:07
My old Pronto is on its last legs, but I'm worried that the 885 won't pick up the settings for my Joytech switch box.
One of my settings, turns TV on, Turns Amp Ok, makes sure DVD is in standby (via discrete off signal) and selects the appropriate channel and Joytech switch.
Can the Harmony output discrete codes or just on/off standby instructions. With the Pronto I know I can send a signal that just says off or on, rather than standby on/off.
I *think* that the 88* series also control cable tv boxes, which the 5 series don't. Different signal.
My 5 series controls my Pace cable box fine....
My old Pronto is on its last legs, but I'm worried that the 885 won't pick up the settings for my Joytech switch box.
One of my settings, turns TV on, Turns Amp Ok, makes sure DVD is in standby (via discrete off signal) and selects the appropriate channel and Joytech switch.
Can the Harmony output discrete codes or just on/off standby instructions. With the Pronto I know I can send a signal that just says off or on, rather than standby on/off.
I'm using mine with the JoyTech switch, no problems at all. You can also add additional functions including standby off if the player supports it.
Burned_Alive
21-12-2007, 23:47
The Harmony 1000 is not a bad price too (considering what it normally is), £194, its screaming out to me.....
Scottola
22-12-2007, 06:13
I'm using mine with the JoyTech switch, no problems at all. You can also add additional functions including standby off if the player supports it.
Cheers, that's very interesting.
This could be a good replacement.
Best thing I ever bought. Tweak it to your hearts content. Mine controls the amp, Sky+, DVD, 360 and TV. By all accounts if you have the Hex codes Logitech will add the code to their database. I even have discrete input selections on the TV which the actual TV remote doesn't support. Best thing is the one touch to switch to an activity and the help button which fixes things if something ends up on the wrong input. Very wife friendly.
DavePage
22-12-2007, 15:04
I ordered a 555 for £42 plus postage (just over £48) from pixmania the other day. I was very tempted with the 885 but sense took over and got the 555 cause it will do everything I want. Its mainly because I need a remote for my Harmon Kardon amp.
Just how wife friendly are these?? I'm seriously tempted to get one and have been for a while but need to justify the cost to the wife. It will need to control V+ box, Denon DVD, Denon 1906 amp and Panny HD tv, I assume it can do these with ease?? The selling point will be if I can confirm that switching the DVD on, will turn the amp on and set to correct input and switch the tv from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 all from one click?
rich1976
22-12-2007, 17:07
Just how wife friendly are these?? I'm seriously tempted to get one and have been for a while but need to justify the cost to the wife. It will need to control V+ box, Denon DVD, Denon 1906 amp and Panny HD tv, I assume it can do these with ease?? The selling point will be if I can confirm that switching the DVD on, will turn the amp on and set to correct input and switch the tv from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 all from one click?
No offence, but have you read the thread? I explained I already do just this on a post on page 1! Will be perfect for your wife as all she will need to use is the Activities function...
Well, I got mine yesterday. Set it up today, and yes it appears to do everything as above :)
I am just about to replace my old harmony remote with this. The old one was very wife friendly so iI dont see why this one wold be any different. Certainy makes it a lot easier to control all the equipment I have :)
Does it have the coloured buttons?
Well, I got mine yesterday. Set it up today, and yes it appears to do everything as above :)
Yes, did it have the coloured buttons.
Scottola
23-12-2007, 08:47
It's a shame the PS3 has thrown a spanner in the works with its bluetooth remote. It's annoying to have to still have an extra remote lying around.
Hopefully these will still be there after Christmas as I reckon I'm going to take the plunge now.
Tom Whitaker
23-12-2007, 16:50
Really annoying, isn't it? I think you can get some IR dongles for the PS3 though.
It has the coloured buttons.
This seems to be an option for making the Playstation IR capable:
http://uk.gear.ign.com/articles/821/821700p1.html
MrSynner
23-12-2007, 20:10
It has the coloured buttons.
This seems to be an option for making the Playstation IR capable:
http://uk.gear.ign.com/articles/821/821700p1.html
Don't go buying that to use it with the Harmony 885 - the Harmony can't read the IR signals properly.
I've got a Harmony, and that remote. Neither the twain shall meet.
It can be done and has been done with the PS3 :thumbs:
Read here: http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=542415 and here:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6022017&postcount=9
Mine works fantastically now.
MrSynner
24-12-2007, 17:27
It can be done and has been done with the PS3 :thumbs:
Read here: http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=542415 and here:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6022017&postcount=9
Mine works fantastically now.
But those posts refer to a different remote to the Nyko.
Sorry I was referring to a solution in general not one specific to that PS3 remote. Still the Logic3 remote can be had for under £10 from amazon - not a bad price to pay for all round control with your Harmony
Burned_Alive
08-01-2008, 16:53
Just received mine yesterday and set it up last night, not sure how i survived without one for so long! Does take a bit of your time to set it up properly, but it's well worth it. Brilliant device!
jonespr1
08-01-2008, 19:24
Does anyone know the difference between the 525 (which I already have) and 555, Logitech website says the 555 has Multi-Device Control but doesn't explain what it is :(
Burned_Alive
09-01-2008, 08:36
Does anyone know the difference between the 525 (which I already have) and 555, Logitech website says the 555 has Multi-Device Control but doesn't explain what it is :(
I believe that is for "Activities", so if you selected Activity "Watch DVDs" then the remote could turn on your TV, DVD Player and Speaker System all in one button press.
hookbeak
09-01-2008, 08:44
I believe that is for "Activities", so if you selected Activity "Watch DVDs" then the remote could turn on your TV, DVD Player and Speaker System all in one button press.
The 525 does that too.
kiran_mk2
09-01-2008, 13:08
From reading around I think the 555 can operate more devices than the 525 (ie if the 525 can operate 8 devices, the 555 can operate 12) and the 555 has 2 extra buttons, but I've never seen a clear enough picture to see how they're labelled.
I believe that is for "Activities", so if you selected Activity "Watch DVDs" then the remote could turn on your TV, DVD Player and Speaker System all in one button press.
All harmony remotes do that, thats their unique selling point.
The only differences between the remotes are:
Button Layout
Number of devices
Colour screen?
Charging Cradle?
RF and IR devices?
And then theres the touch screen 1000....
The software and the way they work are all the same.
...the 555 has 2 extra buttons, but I've never seen a clear enough picture to see how they're labelled.
'Mute' and 'Prev' are the two extra buttons just above the numeric keypad.
Nearly, 'mute' and 'prev' have moved to the new buttons and where they were you gain 'picture' and 'sound' which is great because the lack of those on the 525 was its major failing against the other Harmonys.
Is this still on offer as link not working at mo :(
I see amazon have it delivered for £97 and it should be uk model :)
Shane
Burned_Alive
09-01-2008, 17:46
Is this still on offer as link not working at mo :(
I see amazon have it delivered for £97 and it should be uk model :)
Shane
Its up to £91 now without delivery, be cheaper to get it from Amazon
went for one at amazon but 2 to 4 week wait :(
mbayliss
10-01-2008, 10:11
:gag:
Pixmania returns policy very poor if anything goes wrong. You have to pay delivery charge to return it and pay delivery again if you want a replacement
I had a 885 and a 555, i found the differences to be quite small in reality, the colour display was quite poo really.So i stuck with the 555, but at that time the 885 was much more expensive, with the price difference being much smaller now, the 885 isnt such a bad buy.
Got an e-mail from amazon today and seems they are having trouble getting stock :(
Anywhere else doing it cheap ?
I think it's being replaced by the Harmony "one"
For those wanting a XBOX 360 optimised remote:
The xbox 360 can be found for £50 + delivery from Expansys and they are known to give £10 off voucher often.
http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=157215
The newly release Harmony one is on Komplett deal of the week for £105
http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/ki.aspx?sku=345151
and amazon still have the 525 for about £43 including delivery.
Note: I can't find affiliates for expansys nor komplett. Feel free to fix my links if someone know better.
Space Coyote
13-02-2008, 13:08
The Harmony One surprised me as although it looks verrrry nice, there doesn't seem to be any colour buttons, y'know, the red, blue, yellow and red ones that you would use for Sky.
Am I wrong, or is that the case?
That was my first thought as well, nowhere to be seen. Maybe they're just expecting the touchscreen portion to be configured for them?
Edit: A quick search or two and seems like I was right
http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/reviews/review.phtml/2903/3927/logitech-harmony-one-remote-control.phtml
That seems like quite an oversight on their part. :(
dwizard10
13-02-2008, 21:19
The 885 is now back in stock at Amazon.
Previous models always tend to have a US version with no coloured buttons and a UK (or Euro?) version with the coloured buttons.
Maybe it's to follow.
Spooky_uk
13-02-2008, 23:20
Previous models always tend to have a US version with no coloured buttons and a UK (or Euro?) version with the coloured buttons.
Maybe it's to follow.
no. the colour buttons are via the touchscreen only. this is a worldwide model and there will not be a uk or europe specific one.
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