alternatives to Harmony remotes?

[gorcorps]

I've had a number of different Harmony remotes, but I just can't seem to get them to last more than a couple years anymore for one reason or another. Buttons seem to stop registering or something of the like. Is there anything like these out there with better build quality? I've also seen a number of stand alone devices that enable your phone/tablet to be your remote, but there's a number of them and reviews are all over the place. Which would be a good choice with good Android app support?

 

[boomhower]

Which harmony's have you tried? My Mastiff tried eating my One. It looks like crap but still works great.

 

[gorcorps]

I currently have the 720, and have previously had the 676 and one other one I can't remember.

The 676 just had buttons randomly die on me for some reason. And right now the 720 has buttons that still work, but something inside broke and the buttons push much further into the remote than they used to in order to be activated. Specifically the volume buttons. I've considered one of the more touch screen based ones since most of my problems seem to be button related, but they're so expensive. I have a logitech Revue too which lets me control some things via my phone, but it only does basic controls so I have none of my activities which I use a lot.

 

[alkemyst]

Universal Remote Control company makes some nice remotes. I had two (URC-100 and then a MX-500) prior to my Harmony One. Much more durable. My Harmony One fell from the coffee table to the tile floor and the screen broke...that's too fragile in my opinion. Fortunately the repair is cheap, but I may just buy something different instead.

 

[alkemyst]

This is a good website: http://www.remotecentral.com/

 

[blackangst1]

edit: nvm

 

[Midwayman]

Universal Remote Control company makes some nice remotes. I had two (URC-100 and then a MX-500) prior to my Harmony One. Much more durable. My Harmony One fell from the coffee table to the tile floor and the screen broke...that's too fragile in my opinion. Fortunately the repair is cheap, but I may just buy something different instead.

All the URC stuff is great. No PC programming, but tough as nails. I have two different models in my house depending on the features you need.

 

[Jeep4JB]

All the URC stuff is great. No PC programming, but tough as nails. I have two different models in my house depending on the features you need.

They have quite a few that are PC programmable. The MX-780 is their entry level PC programmable remote.

 

[Mathwiz]

Universal Remote Control company makes some nice remotes. I had two (URC-100 and then a MX-500) prior to my Harmony One. Much more durable. My Harmony One fell from the coffee table to the tile floor and the screen broke...that's too fragile in my opinion. Fortunately the repair is cheap, but I may just buy something different instead.

My Harmony remote fell on a hardwood floor & the screen broke. How did you repair it?

 

[alkemyst]

My Harmony remote fell on a hardwood floor & the screen broke. How did you repair it?

I haven't yet since being without the remote is more problematic than the broken screen (which still works to start my TV 'task').

search Harmony screen repair and there are a couple companies that have good feedback.

I think the cost was like $50-60 and a two day turnaround time.

Edit http://www.harmonyremoterepair.com/repairs.html $70 for the LCD repair.

 

[Midwayman]

They have quite a few that are PC programmable. The MX-780 is their entry level PC programmable remote.

Cool. I didn't really look at their high end stuff.