Howdy dianemarie-ga,
Thanks for the very helpful clarification. Let's try to make Larry happy
and save you a few bucks as well.
Based on my personal experience with 2 different Logitech Harmony remote
controls, and your fiance's present and future layout, I am going to
recommend their Model 688 remote control.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/detailsharmony/US/EN,CRID=2084,CONTENTID=8747
"Even when you have both a satellite and a DVR like TiVo, the Harmony 688
has conveniently placed controls for all necessary commands."
Note that the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $199.99, but
if we do some comparison shopping, it can be had for less. A quick search
on the PriceGrabber.com website provides some better prices.
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_attrib.php?page_id=338&form_keyword=Harmony+688
"...
Logitech Harmony Remote 688 - Black from $114.00
Logitech Harmony Remote 688 - Silver from $112.50
..."
One of the vendors on the list that has one of the best prices is one that
I have used before, NewEgg, and they have both the silver and black versions
for just over $120.00 shipped.
Logitech Harmony Remote 688 - Silver
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16880100708
Logitech Harmony Remote 688 - Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16880100709
The PriceGrabber website has some user reviews of the 688.
http://www.pricegrabber.com/rating_getprodrev.php/masterid=4380869/id_type=masterid
"Outstanding!! This one works with all my components and was simple to
program. The first universal remote I have used that is works the correct
way with all my components."
If you or your fiance like to write product reviews, you can get a $5.00
bonus from PriceGrabber ,if you buy the silver version and write a review.
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=4380869
Go the above web page and click on the "Rebates & Special Offers: $5.00
Bonus available" link for details.
I personally own the Harmony 688 remote control, and even though it is a
bit "fiddly" to set up the first time, I can now push one button and my
DLP monitor, DirecTiVo and amplifier fire right up. If I want to watch a
DVD, which takes a whole different route for sound and picture, the push
of just one other button does that for me.
I can then take the remote to another room, and use it to control my CD
carousel that is connected to another amplifier. As others have noted, I
have replaced many other remotes with just this one.
The first Harmony remote that I had was defective, and the warranty
replacement, as it had to go through Canada, was a bit convoluted, but
Logitech's support staff were quick to respond, and in my case, I got
a substantial upgrade as the model I had bought was no longer available.
Also, have Larry get a DVR, such as a TiVo or a DirecTiVo if he has a
DirecTV satellite dish, sooner than later. Best media investment that I
have ever made, and they aren't all that expensive these days either. In
fact, if you shop around, the rest of your $200 budget might get you one.
Circuit City - "TiVo Series2 Digital Video Recorder--Up to 40 Hours"
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/TiVo-Series2-Digital-Video-Recorder-TCD540040-/sem/rpsm/oid/97743/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
"Price after rebate: $49.99"
Circuit City - "DIRECTV Receiver/DVR with TiVo--Up to 70 Hours"
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/DIRECTV-Receiver-R10-/sem/rpsm/oid/110299/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do
"Price after rebate: FREE!"
You will want to read the rebate details, etc. and might want to talk with
your fiance before getting a DVR such as above, but the offer to get one
would be pretty neat.
If you need any clarification, please feel free to ask.
Search strategy: Personal experience, including that I just got a new DVD
player and went to the Harmony site to update the programming of my remote.
Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher |
Clarification of Answer by
denco-ga
on
03 Dec 2005 13:03 PST
No need to get the booster, dianemarie-ga.
The DirecTiVo is an add-on for Larry's current DirecTV unit, which he
can place in another room, or his main media room. If he wants, he
put the DirecTiVo where his current DirecTV is located, and then move
the old unit to somplace else. He can also just replace his current
unit completely with the DirecTiVo unit and save monthly fees.
Yes, the Circuit City is the better deal of the two, being free with
the programming commitment and possible monthly fee. Regardless, the
DVR is worth the fees, as you no longer have to worry about what time
a movie or other program is on, as the DVR will take care of recording
it, etc. You can pause shows and no more sorting through videotapes.
Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher
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