OT - Almost ... Looking for advice:Slingbox or Harmony remote

[qlanus]

Hope this isn't too off-topic, but I recently purchased a new Dell PC for home and yesterday I was surprised by receiving a $200 gift-card as a 'thank you' (I must have missed the small-print in the offer, as I wasn't expecting to receive it).

Anyway, now that I've got this thing burning a hole in my pocket, I'm trying to figure how to get the most value. Having been a faithful forum reader, I have watched the comments around Slingbox & Harmony conversations. They both seem to provide a lot of value - and people seem somewhat passionate about them. As I can see the value of both, and they both are in the $200 price range, and I have neither - I'm curious in hearing opinions from the team about which would provide more longterm value.

Thanks all for indulging me.

[bkimbler]

I love my Slingbox. Don't have the HD version but not too concerned about that. What I really like is I have a Windows Mobile 6 smartphone and Sprint EV-DO coverage where I am at. Great getting my TV on the run when I need / want it.

I do have to admit I am not too knowledgeable about Harmony however.

[Ken S]

Hope this isn't too off-topic, but I recently purchased a new Dell PC for home and yesterday I was surprised by receiving a $200 gift-card as a 'thank you' (I must have missed the small-print in the offer, as I wasn't expecting to receive it).

Anyway, now that I've got this thing burning a hole in my pocket, I'm trying to figure how to get the most value. Having been a faithful forum reader, I have watched the comments around Slingbox & Harmony conversations. They both seem to provide a lot of value - and people seem somewhat passionate about them. As I can see the value of both, and they both are in the $200 price range, and I have neither - I'm curious in hearing opinions from the team about which would provide more longterm value.

Thanks all for indulging me.

Do you have use for either? That would kind of make up my mind for me. I have a Harmony 890 and it does a great job and a Slingbox Solo which also works well. The Harmony is "mission-critical" around here because of the separate components we use.
The Slingbox is a gimmick which is kind of fun. If I traveled more it would be more valuable.

[Draconis]

qlanus, I would say that it all depends on much you travel and how well you know your system.

If you are a frequent traveler then I would go with the Slingbox, being able to watch the local news while out of state/country is a nice perk.

The Harmony is good if you have a very complex setup and have trouble remembering which input each device uses. It is also good if you are fiddeling around with multiple remotes. However, if you can control everything with the one remote and know your system I would save your money.

[Phil T]

I have used several programmable remotes over the years (but never a Harmony) that lost their appeal after a while. I always seem to revert back to the DirecTV remote and am now using the RC-64R that came with my HR-21.

I have owned a Slingbox for a couple of years now and really like it. I have the SlingPlayer software on 2 PC's and 2 laptops in the house and my daughter who is away at college has it on her laptop. When I travel I really like keeping up on local news or watching my DirecTV instead of the motels cable. I also have it on my Palm 750 PDA/Cell Phone and can easily program a recording or watch a ball game where ever I am.

[hdtvfan0001]

As one who (for no good reason) putt of getting a Slingbox, I am now using my Slingbox SOLO for about a month and appreciate it.

I travel a fair amount, and plan to use it starting very soon for both remote access for viewing, as well as other purposes.

If you search here, you will find some excellent information on Harmony remotes.

While I have something different (and far more costly), I have seen very positive reviews on various Harmony models here.

[Draconis]

I have something different (and far more costly).

Something more costly than a Harmony remote? They can cost up to $499.99

I’m almost afraid to ask, what do you have?

[hdtvfan0001]

Something more costly than a Harmony remote? They can cost up to $499.99

I’m almost afraid to ask, what do you have?
A color touchscreen Marantz unit that supports up to 1400 macros. It controls every device and the lighting in my home theater as well.

It is a "learning" remote, so I don't have to worry about new device codes...it learns them and inserts into the appropriate icon button locations.

I connect it to my PC and can program the graphics, the codes, and macro single-button commands at will.

I paid more than $1K for it new, and have not regretted it one second, as it has allowed me to be future proofed despite the additions and changes to my equipment rack over the past 3 years now.

[Draconis]

I found their website, I have only one word. Yikes!

You must have either the RC9001 or the RC9500.

:backtotop

For around $200 you are looking at the Harmony® 670, I have one. The only things I'm not happy with are that my fingers are a little too big for the buttons and that I cannot change the channel on the HD DVR when the remote is operating my VCR/DVD combo unit.

I'm chalking the second one up to my inexperience in programming the remote and am researching the issue.

[hdtvfan0001]

I found their website, I have only one word. Yikes!

You must have either the RC9001 or the RC9500.

:backtotop

For around $200 you are looking at the Harmony® 670, I have one. The only things I'm not happy with are that my fingers are a little too big for the buttons and that I cannot change the channel on the HD DVR when the remote is operating my VCR/DVD combo unit.

I'm chalking the second one up to my inexperience in programming the remote and am researching the issue.
I think the Harmony's are good units overall, especially their higher-end remotes.

In my case, they are too limiting. But for most people, they are great and more than enough.

It really depends just how sophisticated you want to get with your commands and also if you have users who demand the larger graphical control "buttons" that come with more expensive devices like the one I have in place. My houshold has several "just want to point at something and make it all happen" users, so that's the way I went.

Example: by pressing the hold icon for my HD DVD player, the lights come up half way, and turn back off when resuming with the play button. It can also be set for a specific timeframe to automatically shot off again. That one is great for those "middle of the movie bathroom jaunts". :D

[mdavej]

Since I get most of the functionality of a Harmony out of my $20 JP1 remote(macros, learning, programmable from PC, future proof, etc.), I'd definitely go for the Slingbox.

[nickff]

You can get a Harmony 670 for far less than $200. I think it is one of the greatest inventions of the last 20 years. Just my two cents.

[sheureka]

I have both - a Harmony 880 and a Slingbox. I think if I had to make a choice of one or the other I'd choose the Slingbox. But I travel and have a Sprint HTC Touch I use to watch games when I'm not home (and a laptop on longer trips). If I didn't travel (and weren't a sports nut) I think I'd choose the remote. - sheureka

[spartanstew]

I'd go for the Harmony. We use 2 and love them.

The Slingbox's get a lot of great reviews, but IMO it's just no worth it. I travel every single week (3 nights away from home per week on average) and still don't really see the benefit. While it'd be cool to occasionally watch something from my DVR at home, I don't think I'd use it that much. When I'm in my hotel room, I'm using my laptop to surf the internet, not watch TV.

[hdtvfan0001]

I'd go for the Harmony. We use 2 and love them.

The Slingbox's get a lot of great reviews, but IMO it's just no worth it. I travel every single week (3 nights away from home per week on average) and still don't really see the benefit. While it'd be cool to occasionally watch something from my DVR at home, I don't think I'd use it that much. When I'm in my hotel room, I'm using my laptop to surf the internet, not watch TV.
The Slingbox also lets you get full access to the HD DVR, whereby you can schedule things as well as watch them. In addition, you can check the DVR remotely for various things, do CE updates, and also reboot the unit if needed.

I travel plenty each year and use it for that, but even use it elsewhere in the house. Since I have HD DVRs on 3 floors, its nice to control things without having to go up or down from one central location. I occasionally run the news and other things in the background in my home office while working, which is also great.

[spartanstew]

The Slingbox also lets you get full access to the HD DVR, whereby you can schedule things as well as watch them. In addition, you can check the DVR remotely for various things, do CE updates, and also reboot the unit if needed.

I travel plenty each year and use it for that, but even use it elsewhere in the house. Since I have HD DVRs on 3 floors, its nice to control things without having to go up or down from one central location. I occasionally run the news and other things in the background in my home office while working, which is also great.

I can see the advantages to that, but my wife can do all of that while I'm gone (except CE updates) and now that remote scheduling is here that advantage isn't as great.

I have 2 DVR's in the living room that are viewed by every TV in the house (including the one in my home office) and they can be controlled from any room.



Just make sure you evaluate your situation before getting a slingbox. Some will have great uses for it and others won't. I think everyone can use a Harmony (or similar universal remote).

[dpeters11]

I would go for the remote, I have one (not the same model) and when DirecTV made accessing the todo list harder, I was able to program the steps to one button. Unfortunately I ran out of space for the number of commands, so I have to press Todo then enter, but better than the normal way.

I also wonder if some of the slingbox type features will be incorporated in the DVR. Since Dish bought Sling, DirecTV may do something similar to compete.

[Draconis]

Since Dish bought Sling, DirecTV may do something similar to compete.

Who knows, maybe DIRECTV will purchase one of SlingMedia's competitors. Many people do not know it but TV2Me and INXSTOR both offer similar products.

[hdtvfan0001]

Who knows, maybe DIRECTV will purchase one of SlingMedia's competitors. Many people do not know it but TV2Me and INXSTOR both offer similar products.
I recall reading that they are working on some kind of remote access product themselves...

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=116773

[Draconis]

Here is an interesting follow the dots, INXSTOR has a link on their site to Pace, Pace makes the HR20/21-700, coincidence?

Either way, we are getting off topic again.

[vansmack]

Why only get one? I think you can get both. I bought my Harmony 676 for $50 from Amazon and the Slingbox for $129.

[SteveEJ]

I too have both.. The Slingbox Pro and a Harmony 880. I was a beta tester for Sling as well. I would go with the Slingbox. It has been stated that it is good for travel but only if you have broadband. Satellite broadband is no good either!

One aspect of the slingbox that most people do not consider is it's value on a home network! Take your TV to any room with a wireless router and a laptop or wired/wireless to a desktop. Remote TV to the garage via PC/laptop while you are working!

If you are away from home you can monitor a camera input to check on babysitters and kids, security camera for outside, etc.

There are A LOT of different inputs you can use and monitor remotely!

Hope this helps!

[lowe41]

One question about the Harmony 880, do you get all the same functions as the direct tv remote. I am seriously thinking about getting one as well. It is getting to be must have for me. I just don't want to lose any functionality versus the DTV remote.

Thanks in advance

[lowe41]

BTW, nice avatar Steve EJ. Its hard to find any Dolphin fans nowadays. Most are in hiding after this past year. I still love them, have my whole life.

[spartanstew]

Yes, you get all the same functions and more.





PS. I'm a Dolphin fan too. I've been rooting against the Patriots for months now.

[lowe41]

Thanks for the reply. I have to get one. I just have to justify a 150-200 remote to myself. It would definately make things so much easier.

As for the Fins, we'll be better soon. Now if the Giants can go to the superbowl and beat the Pats, that would be a great ending to a horrible season for us fin fans. I get funny looks here in Atlanta with fins gear on all the time.

[PoitNarf]

If you get the Slingbox you'll be able to utilize this great program called CE Slinger that one of our great forum members has created ;)

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=97636

[qlanus]

Thanks for all the great opinions and thoughts. They were helpful in reaching the decision ..... Slingbox it is!

[houskamp]

If you get the Slingbox you'll be able to utilize this great program called CE Slinger that one of our great forum members has created ;)

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=97636
If that slacker keeps it up to date :p :lol:

[PoitNarf]

If that slacker keeps it up to date :p :lol:

:rolleyes:

[SteveEJ]

True Finfans never quit! Rest a lot, but never quit!:D

Going to the Senior Bowl Saturday to check out the talent. West side, 45 yard line and 2 rows up! The only thing between us and the field is the players!!

Wait till next year.. The rebuild has begun!!!!

Thanks for the reply. I have to get one. I just have to justify a 150-200 remote to myself. It would definately make things so much easier.

As for the Fins, we'll be better soon. Now if the Giants can go to the superbowl and beat the Pats, that would be a great ending to a horrible season for us fin fans. I get funny looks here in Atlanta with fins gear on all the time.

[hdtvfan0001]

Thanks for all the great opinions and thoughts. They were helpful in reaching the decision ..... Slingbox it is!
Smart move.
If that slacker keeps it up to date :p :lol:
Actually, that's alot of work on his part....especially with all the recent changes on the HR20 and HR21 models. It really IS a neat piece of code.

[SteveEJ]

If you haven't already, go to Logitech site and check out the remote! Read all the specs and become real familiar with it before you buy..;)

One question about the Harmony 880, do you get all the same functions as the direct tv remote. I am seriously thinking about getting one as well. It is getting to be must have for me. I just don't want to lose any functionality versus the DTV remote.

Thanks in advance

[rmsuriani]

I have the Harmony 688 and have been very pleased. I have the equipment in an adjoining room, and had previously hooked up the SmartPath IR system so I did not need the new remote with RF emitters that is $300+
The Harmony is easy to setup and to use. It controls the HR20, Blu Ray, TV, Receiver, Camcorder, and even our Zune.

That said, I am really interested in the Slingbox and will probably bite the bullet soon.

[Canis Lupus]

I would agree this is a plus as well. I do have Harmony too though.

I'd say, "Hate multiple remotes lying around?" Harmony

"TV and DVR access most anywhere you can't be in front of your TV?" Slingbox

One aspect of the slingbox that most people do not consider is it's value on a home network!

[Canis Lupus]

We'll try to help you out with that ;)

Now if the Giants can go to the superbowl and beat the Pats, that would be a great ending to a horrible season for us fin fans.

[Drew2k]

Late to the thread, but if you have questions about Harmomy or other remotes, then RemoteCentral (http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-harmony/list.cgi) is a great resource.

[lowe41]

Thanks for the info on the Harmony remotes and the link.

Go Fins, and lets go NY. Spoil the Pats season.