I’ve had really bad experiences with the Harmony 1000 for many months now. I get constant interference, given that z-wave operates on the 900Mhz frequency (possibly from phones in the area). There is no facility to changet the channel. Interference requires me (most times) to re-install the software, which is a pain given it happens at least 1-4 times a week.

I’m giving up on the harmony rf and considering URC, given it operates on the 418mhz frequency, which is more reliable narrowband. Anyone have experience with RF signals to extenders sitting in closeets? I heard the new philips pronto 9400/9600 models are pretty good and incorporate wifi over g. Any input appreciated, before I revert to a hardwire ir extender option!

The Harmony 550 display is far superior to the MX700 and on par w/ the MX900. The HArmony 550 is $75 on Amazon Shipped.

Harmony web programming is it’s advantage and Achilles heel. Most people have an internet connection.

The Harmony 1000 is thinner and balances better than the MX3000.

Harmony is already using Zwave and URC is going to incorporate it once they finish bet testing the currnet line of new products. Customers are the beta testers, of course.

The problem is neither are proiftable and make Dealers look like scam artists when you look at the proliferation of products online below reseller and sometimes below dealer cost.

Regarding ease of programming the URC vs Harmony.  A close friend, fellow installer with competitor that used to be contract installers for Circuit City loves the Harmony’s.  However he relates persistent problems with “simple” online downloads etc.. and both he and one of my customers who purchased a Harmony report the toggle only status tracking features (Smart State) are far less reliable than installers and customers would wish. 
I was recently at my customers house on a service call and I picked up the Harmony. Of course I offerred him a URC when I installed the home theater. Budget restrictions wouldn’t allow.  So he picked up a 600 series Harmony from Best Browse or some other big box retailer.  He has a Denon AVR with second zone.  I routinely program bullet proof, simple to use second zone or second room macros on MX850’s/900’s I asked “Roger” how to access the 2nd zone source command on his Harmony and his reply was “you need the Denon remote for that, I still haven’t been able to figure that out.” Roger is not a stupid guy. But when push came to shove, it has not been worth the time for him to figure this out using the “simple” on-line programming interface from Logitech.
Look at the entry level products of a manufacturer as a reliable measure of how the rest of the product line performs and holds up.  I still have customers using SL9000’s that are 5 years or more old and look like they have been run over.  Display quality on the MX700’s IMHO blows doors off the displays on the 600 series.  I cannot judge customer service of Logitech. But I can say that when I have had probs (rare) with URC they have been way cool about it - even replacing a problem unit with a new remote even though the original was out of warranty and clearly had endured customer inflicted trauma.  And URC specialiizes in remote control.

What I think URC has learned from Logitech is to pay more attention to certain issues - rechargeable internal batteries, for example, are a very good idea which also reduce waste.  Brining color icons to a lower price point is clearly been motivated in part by the competition between these companies and that is also good for everyone.

I’m in the URC camp but I am always evaluating interesting new product. Next test run will be Nevo.

One question to those who are far more knowlidgable than me. 

Once I get the hang of programing the 900s.  Will setting up other (cheaper) URC units be similar?  I’m hoping that there wont be much learning curve ins etting up the other units.

Don

Yeah, I bought 2 of those tweeters. 

I agree with the opportunity cost assessment if I considered it work.  But it is fun to me. I do it at night, when I’m on my own time.  I’ve almost got the macros figured out so when I push “watch” TV, it does everything. 

The TV is pure toggle, so no work arounds, but I’ve included a dedicated TV power button in case that is screwed up.  In the future I will buy a tv with discreet on and off commands.  (current TV is 10+ yrs old)

Yeah, the MC900s were a steal.  You wont believe it, but on the last day, I stopped in and they had an Mx-300 ( I may have the mx wrong, but the 300 is correct) RF to IR repeater. 

The sold me the 300 for $19, 95.  I also got 6 pairs of Boston Acoustic in ceiling speakers for anywhere from $49 for 2 pairs of 950s (pricegrabber best price of about $750) to $19ea for a pair of 850s ($500 ) that were missing grills. 

I also walked out with 6 strips of plugmold for $5 each.  I felt like I was stealing. 

Oh yeah, did I mention the Escient Fireball SE80 for $299.  Woo hoooo.  Too bad they dont have russound.

Don