MX-850 vs Harmony 670

[Armbender]

I am looking to upgrade my Harmony 659 and have these 2 choices in mind. How do these compare for quality and accessability.

I do like my Harmony remote now but it seems to be eating the batteries. I change them almost every month. I hope this is not a commen problem with Harmony or that will make my choice easier.

My brother-in-law swears by his MX-500 and said i should consider this.

Any input in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Also, does the Harmony allow for lighting control?

Cheers

[Azeke]

Yes I own the MX-850, great remote, and yes it allows lighting control (Lutron maestro), of course it will need to be remote controlled. If you have computer savy, then I would recommend the 850, if not I would recommend the Harmony 880. Just my quick thoughts.

Peace and blessings,

Azeke

[Armbender]

Is there a release date for when the 670 will be available to Canada?

[H.Donald]

Here's another happy MX-850 owner...

I will say this about programming it...the directions made it confusing,I did much better just by trial and error.

[mitch57]

For about the same price I would look at the MX-900. A different design but it has a better feel in the hand and has more programming options such as "Before and After" macros on each button. Plus up to 40 devices with 40 pages per device.

Here's a link to check it out with another few links to an authorized dealer who sells them. Which ever one you buy make sure you buy from an authorized dealer so you can get support as well as free updates for the remote software/firmware.

http://www.universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=37

http://www.surfremotecontrol.com/

http://www.proremotes.com/

http://www.bluedo.com/

I'm sure you'll be happy with either the MX-900 or MX-850.

[Armbender]

Im not too keen on the button layout our how they are almost flush with the remote. If i would go the 900 route it would be better to just got for the new Harmony 1000 but i like the large hard buttons and the look of the 670 or the 850

thanks

[mitch57]

I started out with an MX-500 which has a very similar layout to the 850. I moved to the MX-700 which has an identical layout to the 850 with the exception of the center select button and the silk screen buttons instead of the gem stone buttons on the 700. I recently moved to the MX-900 due to the much more robust progamability that it offers.

In my opinion the gem stone buttons are far superior to any of the other button designs. I do prefer them over the buttons on the 850 or the 900/950. However, the look and feel of the 900 is far superior IMHO. I always had a problem reaching some of the LCD buttons that were near or at the top of the MX-700/800/850 remotes.

I still have the 700 in my bedroom and I use the 900 for main system. I like the functionality of the 900 much better. Anyway, I hope you like whatever you decide to get.

[Armbender]

Thanks for the info

[SiliGoose]

I agree with what's been said already. I own an MX-800 and a Harmony (forget the model # but it's the one with a color screen and charging base). The MX is more time consuming to program but day-to-day use and overall construction are FAR superior to anything in the Harmony line.

Harmony has the programming step down, to be sure. However, the remotes are constructed out of cheap plastics and just not designed with ease-of-use in mind.

[blownrx7]

Prefer 659 to MX700

I have the Logitech 659 and the MX700(part of my Parasound equipment). The MX700 certainly has more (potential) functionality. But, when I go to make changes, I reach for the 659 and my computer and get it done quickly!
With the MX700, I think about changing it, then figure out what I need to do and then I work on changing it - get the picture?
I don't want to spend the little free time I have figuring out how to program a remote. I'll sacrifice the little bit of "extra functionality" for "easier to utilize functionality".
Oh, btw, it doesn't matter where I got my 659 from, I can still get updates... :W
jmho
I solved my battery problem by going to rechargeables!

[Chris D]

Yeah, Universal Remote for sure has never claimed that the MX series of remotes were user-friendly to program. They market them specifically to the custom installers to be programmed, with high functionality, so that when it gets to the end user, it's easy to use with lots of power and features.

[Armbender]

I would say now after having the Harmony 670, the durability is much better on the MX remotes....i already have a couple of scracthes on my 670 and when the undercoat is black under the silver, it really stands out