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Logitech Harmony Remotes RIP

  • 11-04-2021 12:03pm
    #1
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,984 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    Looks like Logitech are going to stop making and selling Logitech Harmony remotes! They say they will continue to support existing remotes:

    https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/10/22377015/logitech-discontinues-harmony-universal-remotes

    I'll admit that while I still have mine, I've mostly stopped using it in the past year. In the past year I've been able to upgrade my entire AV setup and as a result greatly simplified my setup, so didn't really need it any more.

    LG OLED TV with Webos, which works extremely well for all the streaming services, so no need for separate streaming sticks. Also has Freesat and Saorview tuners built-in, so that eliminated the need for a separate satellite set top box.

    Basically just have the Switch and PS5 plugged into the TV, but you mostly use a game controller to use those anyway and they are CEC controlled.

    For audio I switched to a high end Dolby Atmos soundbar, which use eARC so it automatically works with the TV with no fiddling needed.

    Basically everything works easily with just the LG remote now.

    I do miss using the Harmony Elite remote. The build quality, how it fits your hands and positioning of the buttons is so much better then the LG, and I totally miss the light up buttons which is great when watching the TV with lights off and the buttons to directly control smart deives and lights from the remote.

    But it only works with IR with the LG TV, while the LG remote uses bluetooth, which is a lot more reliable. A real pity that they didn't allow Harmony to use bluetooth too to connect to the LG TV.

    I suppose it is good that things have become easier to control without the need of a third party remote. That CEC and bluetooth remotes are becoming mainstream and replacing janky IR. But sad to see Harmony come to an end.


«1

Comments

  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    I have 2 in different rooms and use them daily. I will always have one while I have a Shield as we use that for everything, IPTV, Emby, Netflix, Amazon, YouTube and all the various types of gaming etc. In the kitchen I have a Mibox doing the same with my downgraded 50' LG non smart TV.


  • Posts: 7,712 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Mine was never any use and couldn’t do a few of things I bought it for. It’s still set up beside the telly but haven’t picked it up in months.


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,984 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    I have 2 in different rooms and use them daily. I will always have one while I have a Shield as we use that for everything, IPTV, Emby, Netflix, Amazon, YouTube and all the various types of gaming etc. In the kitchen I have a Mibox doing the same with my downgraded 50' LG non smart TV.

    Yes, the shield is great, but I have to admit I've stopped using it too! The LG TV can run all those apps too, except for gaming, but then you are into using the game controller anyway.

    I had the Shield plugged into the TV for a few months, but didn't use it!


  • Posts: 7,712 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Same here. As good as it was, my Shield went to the attic when I got my Samsung TV as it has all the apps I use on it. The Shield was the main reason I bought the Harmony in the first place as official Nvidia remotes were like gold dust.
    If I ever set up a second TV I’ll set them up again, though it’ll probably be as handy buy a smart TV in the first place.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    bk wrote: »
    Yes, the shield is great, but I have to admit I've stopped using it too! The LG TV can run all those apps too, except for gaming, but then you are into using the game controller anyway.

    I had the Shield plugged into the TV for a few months, but didn't use it!

    I have an Emby server, some of the uncompressed 4k and 1080p content is much higher bitrate that smart TVs can handle where the Shield handles them fine. Other than that I'd have used the Samsung UI and the Emby app

    I also have an older surround receiver with IR, this needs the harmony or I'm using its remote. I don't use the TV speakers at all. I've had CEC turned off on all my devices for years to suit harmony so I have no idea how good it is these days.


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  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,984 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    I have an Emby server, some of the uncompressed 4k and 1080p content is much higher bitrate that smart TVs can handle where the Shield handles them fine. Other than that I'd have used the Samsung UI and the Emby app

    Yep, obviously can differ from TV to TV, new, high end LG's can handle 4k uncompressed UHD Blurays with no issues at all. Though I use Plex rather then Emby, but I'd assume much the same.

    It is exactly the reason I kept the shield plugged in for a few months, I thought I might hit a couple of high bitrate streams that wouldn't work on the TV, but hit non, all worked perfectly, so took it off.

    Though I'd point out that the Shield works fine controlled by CEC from the LG remote, I'd assume the Sammy would be the same.
    I also have an older surround receiver with IR, this needs the harmony or I'm using its remote. I don't use the TV speakers at all. I've had CEC turned off on all my devices for years to suit harmony so I have no idea how good it is these days.

    This I think is the key. It is the AV setup. There were a few months between buying the LG TV and buying the new soundbar when I was using an older AV receiver and 5.1 speakers. During that time Harmony was a most have to control the AV. It was when I went to the eARC soundbar that the Harmony was no longer needed. Using eARC it works just like using the TV's inbuilt speakers, in terms of control, obviously way better sound.

    So I think Harmony is still a most if you have an older TV or AV receiver, but once you upgrade to new gear that well supports CEC and eARC, it becomes less necessary.

    I just wish you could buy a premium version of the LG remote, with better button layout, light up buttons, etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,749 ✭✭✭degsie


    Use both my harmony touch and harmony companion with hub daily. Would be lost without them tbh.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 44,031 ✭✭✭✭Basq


    Yeah, HDMI-CEC has somewhat dampened the appetite for Harmony remotes IMO.

    Had Harmony One years ago and it never really grabbed me..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,120 ✭✭✭dam099


    HDMI-CEC is very hit and miss though, I have a Sony Amp and LG OLED and they do not play well together at all when HDMI-CEC is on, I then have to use an Apple TV to get Atmos on Netflix because the EARC requires CEC to be on (in theory EARC can supposedly work without CEC but that's not how Sony have implemented).

    Also while its possible to use built in Apps to watch streaming services, chances are support for the Apps may be end of life well before your TV is, so a streaming stick may be required down the line to continue using them on your TV.

    I also dont think a TV remote using CEC would give me the control over the Amp I need such as changing sound fields between regular TV, movie watching and music listening.

    Will definitely miss Harmony whenever mine finally gives up the ghost if I cant replace it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,747 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    Mine is central to my living room setup... Makes my TV, shield, hue lights and speaker system all work together...

    I may even but a second remote as a backup. I'd be devastated if anything happened to it...


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,279 ✭✭✭ongarite


    Has been relegated to very niche market who's fans are very vocal based on the uproar they are making online.

    Reality is that Smart TVs, streaming devices and sound bars have killed off these devices for all but the niche market.

    99.9% of TV consumers don't have an AV receiver or 5/7.1 surround sound with 6 devices connected to it, to make use of these remotes.

    HDMI-CEC is "good enough" for the average user.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators Posts: 24,005 Mod ✭✭✭✭Clareman


    I had a 1 for all remote for years, then got a "smart" one where you pointed the IR to the receiver to program it, then thanks to Samsung having IR blasters in their phones I used Peel for years, then I had VU+ boxes that had remotes that could control a few things, once I went down the Shield route though that was it, in fact I went looking for the TV remote a while ago and couldn't find it. As a backup I've the Android remote app on my phone and table, that's handy for when I lose the remote for the Google TV, which happens quite a lot actually


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,155 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    I have a Harmony Elite remote with hub. I used it every day until I bought a Firecube. The cube remote controls my amp, tv and any streaming app. I haven't picked up the Harmony remote since. I still find the harmony hub very useful. It's an important part of my smart home setup


  • Posts: 7,499 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    I've been a massive fan of them for 10+ years.
    I just hope they keep the website up or offer it offline.

    I actually need mine, good example is my switch from tv to projector scene.
    one button , turns off the TV, drops the motorized screen & motorized projector, switches on the projector and turns the AVR to video output 2 and turns off the lights!

    Without it I would need 6 remotes to do it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,747 ✭✭✭Bluefoam


    Maybe people haven't been using the full feature set, but the big advantage for me is that when I turn on the TV/Shield, that the lights come on at the same time and scene is set... Can't imaginhe having to use a light switch again...


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,984 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    Bluefoam wrote: »
    Maybe people haven't been using the full feature set, but the big advantage for me is that when I turn on the TV/Shield, that the lights come on at the same time and scene is set... Can't imaginhe having to use a light switch again...

    Yep, I use to do similar with the Harmony remote.

    Now I have voice routines for Google Home and Alexa to do the same.

    "Alexa, TV time", turns off all lights, turns on strip behind TV, turns off the display on Alexa, etc.

    LG remote has a mic and both Alexa and Google Home built in. Sammy soundbar has Alexa built in. Plus I've got Google Home in the room, LOL too many devices with it built in now!!

    Can also trigger a Siri shortcut from iphone or Apple watch.

    It is however one more button action then using Harmony and I did prefer the physicalness of Harmony routines, I prefer not to use voice *

    On the upside GH/Alexa support far more devices then Harmony does.

    * Actually thinking of getting a smart button to stick on the coffee table to trigger the routine.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,593 ✭✭✭theteal


    Only yesterday I was thinking that I may be in the market for a new one as the current one has taken a few too many falls and sometimes I can feel the insides move about with a little shake. I think it's the Harmony One - IR based, no base station. It still works great and I've no plan to change the setup. I can't fathom getting the 4 dedicated remotes (well 3, xbox controller still needed for games) out of storage.

    Our TV is excellent but old by current smart standards (admittedly, Pana's smart interface is old before you turn it on) so the xbox handles Now, Disney and physical disks which the Harmony does easily and means the wife does not need to go near the xbox controller which quite frankly is a bonus for all of us.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,130 ✭✭✭John mac


    couldnt be without mine, how would i change from netflix on the fire tv to the satellite receiver , and a particular channel ,.
    ..needs 3 remotes at present , (fire tv, sat box and receiver amp)
    one click and everything changes , including lights.
    how will google home control the reciever ,? or the tviar box for that matter .
    would need to put a smart plug on the tv , (its an old panny plasma , still great pic )
    having the tvstation picons on the remote is handy too so dont need to remember channel numbers.
    i do like being able to say to my watch "hey google turn on the tv"

    so could it be done without the harmony ?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,155 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    John mac wrote:
    so could it be done without the harmony ?


    Alexa or Google Assistant might be able do it. The Harmony hub definitely makes it easy


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,130 ✭✭✭John mac


    Sleeper12 wrote: »
    Alexa or Google Assistant might be able do it. The Harmony hub definitely makes it easy

    how would it be made to control my Yamaha amp for instance.?


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  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    It seems the general consensus is that people who have brand new hardware and only use one source on their TV are happy with CEC. This probably accounts for 99% of the market. Whereas anyone with a mix of older and new hardware using several sources needs a harmony.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,155 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    John mac wrote:
    how would it be made to control my Yamaha amp for instance.?


    If you have the harmony hub it can be connected to Alexa or Google Assistant. You can then control all of the devices by voice. Very little need for any remote control then. Harmony hub controls anything with a remote. I can open & close my Velux blinds though the hub and with my voice


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,130 ✭✭✭John mac


    Sleeper12 wrote: »
    If you have the harmony hub it can be connected to Alexa or Google Assistant. You can then control all of the devices by voice. Very little need for any remote control then. Harmony hub controls anything with a remote. I can open & close my Velux blinds though the hub and with my voice

    yea thats how i do it . (still need the harmony though.. )


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,593 ✭✭✭theteal


    Can I run a test case by ye, if you'd be so kind to indulge me?

    Current setup:
    Panasonic DX902 - "old" TV but still one of the best LCDs ever sold so it's going nowhere
    Virgin Media box - latest UK model
    JBL 9.1 sound bar - connected via ARC to TV
    Xbox One X - connected to HDMI in of soundbar

    Right now, Harmony routines are:
    Watch TV - TV on set to HDMI 1, VM box on, JBL on set to TV
    Netflix - TV on set to Netflix (native app), JBL on set to TV
    Xbox - TV on set to HMDI 2, JBL on set to HDMI, Xbox on (as mentioned this covers disks, Now, Disney, Prime etc)

    With no immediate plans to change any of this kit, what options would work if Harmony was no more?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    theteal wrote: »
    Can I run a test case by ye, if you'd be so kind to indulge me?

    Current setup:
    Panasonic DX902 - "old" TV but still one of the best LCDs ever sold so it's going nowhere
    Virgin Media box - latest UK model
    JBL 9.1 sound bar - connected via ARC to TV
    Xbox One X - connected to HDMI in of soundbar

    Right now, Harmony routines are:
    Watch TV - TV on set to HDMI 1, VM box on, JBL on set to TV
    Netflix - TV on set to Netflix (native app), JBL on set to TV
    Xbox - TV on set to HMDI 2, JBL on set to HDMI, Xbox on (as mentioned this covers disks, Now, Disney, Prime etc)

    With no immediate plans to change any of this kit, what options would work if Harmony was no more?

    It will probably just keep working unchanged but if we lose the Logitech database we will lose the chance of new devices being added. This is the fear.


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,984 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    It seems the general consensus is that people who have brand new hardware and only use one source on their TV are happy with CEC. This probably accounts for 99% of the market. Whereas anyone with a mix of older and new hardware using several sources needs a harmony.

    Yes, I think the real key is eARC.

    Previously it was AV/soundbars that really complicated things IME, you needed multiple remotes to switch device, select source, etc. In my experience eARC completely fixes this and makes separate AV/soundbars just work without any need for fiddling.

    eARC doesn't actually use CEC, it uses it's own control protocol that seems to be very reliable.

    The idea is rather then have multiple devices plugged into an AV, you have them all (game console, satellite box, shield tv, etc.) plugged into the TV, controlled by CEC and then audio is pushed out to the AV/soundbar over eARC. The AV/Soundbar automatically turns on when the TV does and automatically switches to the correct source, etc.

    It all just works for the most part. You just use the source button on the TV remote to switch between connected devices and use CEC to navigate them.

    In addition if your TV supports Alexa/Google then you can use those via voice to switch device inputs on the TV and even build up routines that turn off lights, etc.

    Of course I'm not suggesting that anyone go run out and immediately replace their TV and AV system. Hopefully Harmony continues to work for now.

    But when it does come time to upgrade, I do highly recommend making sure that any new TV or AV/Soundbar you buy supports eARC. And maybe also Alexa/GH.
    theteal wrote:
    With no immediate plans to change any of this kit, what options would work if Harmony was no more?

    As Badly fukt says, hopefully Harmony continues to work for years until you do upgrade the TV.

    Another option might be the Fire TV cube, which has similar IR blaster functionality. And there is a Broadlink IR device for DIY setups.

    I note you have a JBL 9.1 sound bar, that already supports eARC, when you come to upgrade your TV, make sure to get one with eARC too.

    BTW your current setup sounds a bit confusing. Why is the Xbox connected to the soundbar rather then to the TV?

    If instead you connect both the Xbox and Virgin Media box directly to the TV, you could then use your TV remote to control both (need to turn CEC on both of them).

    So:
    HDMI 1 - VM Box
    HDMI 2 - eARC to JBL soundbar
    HDMI 3 - Xbox

    Select source 1 to watch TV (VM box), select source 3 to watch xbox, use to TV built in Netflix app. In all cases the JBL soundbar should switch on and output the audio over ARC from the VM box/Xbox.

    Obviously you don't need to do that now if you are happy with the Harmony. But it would definitely be an easy alternative if you do.


  • Registered Users Posts: 135 ✭✭sphinxicus


    It seems the general consensus is that people who have brand new hardware and only use one source on their TV are happy with CEC. This probably accounts for 99% of the market. Whereas anyone with a mix of older and new hardware using several sources needs a harmony.
    I definately fall into the "older hardware". I have the Harmony Elite with the hub. My sky box/dvd player/raspberry Pi running Plex all plug into an old Yamaha AV amp, all located in a different room along with the hub, which sends to my (non-smart) TV via HDMI over cat6 cables into another room. One press of the harmony remote and, for example, sky box turns on, tv turns on, AV amp turns on and switches to correct input. Going back to multiple remotes again would be a disaster.


    As far as I'm aware, if they disable the harmony "cloud" the remote should still work offline but you wouldn't be able to make any configuration changes.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators Posts: 24,005 Mod ✭✭✭✭Clareman


    I can see there always being a market for something like this but the fact that everything is getting easier and easier means the market is getting smaller and smaller. We take it for granted a bit there's so much in the TVs now but not too long ago having Netflix, Saroview, FreeSat and (maybe) internet browser would have been 3 or 4 separate boxes, now it's built in so not as complicated at all. Add to this the higher availability of Bluetooth connection makes everything easier still, I couldn't tell you the last time I used my soundbar but I've my shield connected to my Google Max and headset if I do want something "extra"


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,593 ✭✭✭theteal


    bk wrote: »
    As Badly fukt says, hopefully Harmony continues to work for years until you do upgrade the TV.

    Another option might be the Fire TV cube, which has similar IR blaster functionality. And there is a Broadlink IR device for DIY setups.

    Not ruled out Cube but not mad for voice command devices. Loved the Kinect, feels like I'd be doing the dirty.
    bk wrote: »
    I note you have a JBL 9.1 sound bar, that already supports eARC, when you come to upgrade your TV, make sure to get one with eARC too.

    Yup, fully aware. TV is too good to dump just for eARC though.
    bk wrote: »
    BTW your current setup sounds a bit confusing. Why is the Xbox connected to the soundbar rather then to the TV?

    Simple answer, Atmos. TV won't pass it, the Xbox will. I can live without it for standard TV but I can make use of it for a lot of media going via the Xbox (i forgot to mention Plex in my list in previous post). I've even considered connecting the Virgin box to the HDMI-in of the xbox to see how that works in a post-kinect world, maybe when I get a bit of quiet time to geek around.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,120 ✭✭✭dam099


    theteal wrote: »
    Simple answer, Atmos. TV won't pass it, the Xbox will. I can live without it for standard TV but I can make use of it for a lot of media going via the Xbox (i forgot to mention Plex in my list in previous post).

    I have a similar issue, TV wont pass Atmos to my AVR (well it will do DD+ Atmos but only if I turn on CEC which causes havoc in other ways).


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,984 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    theteal wrote: »
    Simple answer, Atmos. TV won't pass it, the Xbox will. I can live without it for standard TV but I can make use of it for a lot of media going via the Xbox (i forgot to mention Plex in my list in previous post). I've even considered connecting the Virgin box to the HDMI-in of the xbox to see how that works in a post-kinect world, maybe when I get a bit of quiet time to geek around.

    Ah right, that is a pain.

    ARC seems to have lots of foibles like this depending on TV, eARC seems to fix most. But you are right, nice looking TV, be silly to replace it just for that, hopefully Harmony keeps working until it comes time to change.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,593 ✭✭✭theteal


    dam099 wrote: »
    I have a similar issue, TV wont pass Atmos to my AVR (well it will do DD+ Atmos but only if I turn on CEC which causes havoc in other ways).

    This is the thing, you also can't rely on eARC completely as the TV manufacturers implementations have been less than smooth and also you have the likes of LG that don't support DTS in their new models. Long live Harmony!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,155 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    theteal wrote:
    With no immediate plans to change any of this kit, what options would work if Harmony was no more?

    I wouldn't worry about it too much. Harmony will probably outlive most of your set-up


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,984 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    theteal wrote: »
    This is the thing, you also can't rely on eARC completely as the TV manufacturers implementations have been less than smooth and also you have the likes of LG that don't support DTS in their new models. Long live Harmony!

    Wow! That is crazy, I just went and read about that!

    I have the LG C9 OLED and it has no problems at all passing DTS through. But it turns out they have stopped supporting DTS on the replacement CX models!

    That is absolutely mad as the C9 and CX use exactly the same panel and processor and are almost the same TV, but it looks like the CX is actually a downgrade versus my older C9!

    Looks like I just picked the right TV, I bought the C9 reduced for clearance just as the CX was coming out and €800 more expensive!! :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,120 ✭✭✭dam099


    theteal wrote: »
    This is the thing, you also can't rely on eARC completely as the TV manufacturers implementations have been less than smooth and also you have the likes of LG that don't support DTS in their new models. Long live Harmony!

    Probably trying to save a $ or two on the DTS licence fee. Other than DVD/BluRay which are slowly dying is DTS used elsewhere? Have never seen it on streaming at least.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,725 ✭✭✭Metric Tensor


    I have an ancient tv and and a ludicrous amount of items connected to it - without the Harmony Remote I'd spend at least 12 hours a day with my head buried in the couch looking for whichever remote is currently missing!

    The remote also plays nicely with Home Assistant so I use it for turning on and off lights. It could also turn on and off the heating although I don't have it set up for that.

    Disappointing for the likes of me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,593 ✭✭✭theteal


    bk wrote: »

    Looks like I just picked the right TV, I bought the C9 reduced for clearance just as the CX was coming out and €800 more expensive!! :D

    Oh there's more, something to do with HDMI 2.1 bandwidth being limited to 40gbps on CX where it was the full 48 on the C9. It makes no difference as the panel can only handle 40 but there was a right fuss about it at the time. My figures may be off a bit but you get the jist.
    dam099 wrote: »
    Probably trying to save a $ or two on the DTS licence fee. Other than DVD/BluRay which are slowly dying is DTS used elsewhere? Have never seen it on streaming at least.

    You're correct, the streaming world loves Atmos. A growing number of sound bars are ignoring DTS and focussing on Atmos only e.g. Sonos and new Klipsch.


    Anyway, apologies for kinda going OT but I suppose it is all kind of relevant.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,491 ✭✭✭bidiots


    bk wrote: »
    Looks like Logitech are going to stop making and selling Logitech Harmony remotes! They say they will continue to support existing remotes:

    https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/10/22377015/logitech-discontinues-harmony-universal-remotes

    I'll admit that while I still have mine, I've mostly stopped using it in the past year. In the past year I've been able to upgrade my entire AV setup and as a result greatly simplified my setup, so didn't really need it any more.

    LG OLED TV with Webos, which works extremely well for all the streaming services, so no need for separate streaming sticks. Also has Freesat and Saorview tuners built-in, so that eliminated the need for a separate satellite set top box.

    Basically just have the Switch and PS5 plugged into the TV, but you mostly use a game controller to use those anyway and they are CEC controlled.

    For audio I switched to a high end Dolby Atmos soundbar, which use eARC so it automatically works with the TV with no fiddling needed.

    Basically everything works easily with just the LG remote now.

    I do miss using the Harmony Elite remote. The build quality, how it fits your hands and positioning of the buttons is so much better then the LG, and I totally miss the light up buttons which is great when watching the TV with lights off and the buttons to directly control smart deives and lights from the remote.

    But it only works with IR with the LG TV, while the LG remote uses bluetooth, which is a lot more reliable. A real pity that they didn't allow Harmony to use bluetooth too to connect to the LG TV.

    I suppose it is good that things have become easier to control without the need of a third party remote. That CEC and bluetooth remotes are becoming mainstream and replacing janky IR. But sad to see Harmony come to an end.

    What sound bar did you go for?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,240 ✭✭✭✭Hurrache


    theteal wrote: »
    This is the thing, you also can't rely on eARC completely as the TV manufacturers implementations have been less than smooth and also you have the likes of LG that don't support DTS in their new models. Long live Harmony!

    Yeah, despite it supposedly being a standard, eArc is still being implemented differently across manufacturers resulting in some issues that can't be pinned on one or the other, and can even be resolved in switching eArc off in cases.
    bk wrote: »
    That is absolutely mad as the C9 and CX use exactly the same panel and processor and are almost the same TV, but it looks like the CX is actually a downgrade versus my older C9!

    It's just a licencing issue as opposed to hardware. But the C9 and CX don't have the same processors though.


  • Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,984 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    bidiots wrote: »
    What sound bar did you go for?

    Samsung HW-Q950T, a very expensive sound bar, though I paid half price for it during a special deal last November:

    https://euro.richersounds.ie/p-204913-samsung-hw-q950t-9-1-4ch-cinematic-soundbar-with-dolby-atmos-and-dts-x-with-rear-speakers.aspx?swapstore=1

    Fantastic sound. Though I think there are new models coming out from LG and Samsung in the next month, that look to resolve one or two niggles I have with it. Might be worth keeping an eye out on those and also looking for clearance deals on this model if you decide to go for it, I see Richer Sounds uk currently have £400 off on it on their UK site, maybe ie could match that if you ask.
    Hurrache wrote: »
    Y
    But the C9 and CX don't have the same processors though.

    Sort of, yes, the CX is supposed to have a new gen of the same processor (gen 3 versus gen 2 of the Alpha a9) that is supposed to be 20% faster. But the only difference anyone noticed in reviews is very slightly better AI upscaling of HD to 4k and very slight at that. The latest shield TV's do an even better job at upscaling if that is important to you.

    LG have a bit of a habit of barely changing anything between model years, just name changes with very little noticeable difference. And sometimes things are actually degraded.

    Another big difference is that the C9 is actually brighter then the CX! The big selling point of the G1 Evo's just launching this month is that they are 20% brighter, but early reviews are finding that it is just bringing them back up to the same brightness level as the C9!

    In other words they they degraded the brightness of the CX, so that that the next year they could bring out the G1 with the big selling point of being 20% brighter.

    It seems like I picked really well with the C9, it seems to have been a great bargain. I seem to be lucky with my TV picks, I upgraded from a Pioneer Kuro before this, another legendary TV, best TV of the HD era to own for years.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,722 ✭✭✭Irish Gunner


    iI have the harmony elite and its been a lifesaver

    Can switch between shield and Elite at push of a button and have centre speaker and surround speakers attached to Denon and activities set up so dont have to mess around with 3 different remotes

    Also have Alexa skill to pause play and change channels on tv and handy again

    Have not linked up the Hue lights to it but so easy. Have the virgin 360 box and that remote sitting in a press somewhere along with 2 or 3 others


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,508 ✭✭✭sioda


    Gutted about this tbh have had a string of Harmony remotes and now the elite.

    Between TV soundbar Xbox Chromecast with Google TV it's invaluable and unlike voice control works every time


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,240 ✭✭✭✭Hurrache




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,797 ✭✭✭ablelocks


    due to a few issues, i think i have to set up my elite again - is it better to delete everything on the remote and hub and factory reset and start from scratch?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,155 ✭✭✭✭Sleeper12


    ablelocks wrote:
    due to a few issues, i think i have to set up my elite again - is it better to delete everything on the remote and hub and factory reset and start from scratch?


    I think if you factory reset you can connect it to the PC & load your settings from a cloud backup


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,352 ✭✭✭✭TitianGerm


    Anyone using a Logitech Harmony Elite with a Sky Q box? We got A installed the other day and I'm trying to get it set up on the Harmony App but it's not finding my Q box in the database.

    Edit: Got it working by putting the serial number in as Q.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 198 ✭✭brio09


    I'm new to the scene on IR blasters and was wondering whether logitech harmony going means broadlink RM will be more popular as a universal smart IR and RF blaster?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,193 ✭✭✭✭Cyrus


    hi all anyone know where i can get a hub companion remote, cant seem to find just the remote anywhere. the basic one without the screen.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,797 ✭✭✭ablelocks


    when i use a logitech elite to watch tv, it turns on the tv, receiver and sky box, but after 2-3 minutes the fire cube automatically switches on which causes the receiver to switch to watch firecube.

    it's probably obvious to change this in the elite and/or cube settings, but i can't find it

    any ideas?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    ablelocks wrote: »
    when i use a logitech elite to watch tv, it turns on the tv, receiver and sky box, but after 2-3 minutes the fire cube automatically switches on which causes the receiver to switch to watch firecube.

    it's probably obvious to change this in the elite and/or cube settings, but i can't find it

    any ideas?

    You obviously have hdmi CEC left on, you need to disable it on all devices when using harmony. Different manufacturers call it different things on LG is called SimpLink, Samsung call it Anynet


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