Logitech Harmony 300/300i (2 Viewers)

[Spragleknas]

I find the new remote from Logitech quite interesting, as it:
- Can emulate a MCE-remote
- Have every button need to replace a MCE-remote
- Probably is of good build quality
- Can control other devices (TV etc.)
- Is simple (no LCD - which I like)
- Is very cheap!

Downside:
- Getting a proper receiver (like MCE) isn't necessarily easy, and makes it more expensive

VERY big picture


Some links:
Product page: Harmony® 300i Remote
Official blog:A Remote for Everyone – Logitech Harmony 300 Remote | BLogitech
Review: Logitech Harmony 300i Remote Control reviews - CNET Reviews
NewEgg: Newegg.com - Logitech 915-000132 Universal Harmony 300 Remote


Anyone have first hand experience with the 300i?

 

[fabs]

I'm interested too, but I thought that this remote just would work with the iMon ir-reciever of my case. This would exclude it from my selection because the iMon software sucks.
Where do you know that it can emulate a MCE remote and what ir-reciever would you use for it?

 

[ejtje]

But does someone have it working with mediaportal?

 

[fabs]

I decided to buy the Harmony 650. It should be delivered that afternoon so I can do some first tests and tell you guys if it's working.

Hope that I can bypass the iMon software and let it work as a MCE remote in MediaPortal.

edit:
Starting to configure now

 

[ejtje]

Great,

I'm just at the beginning of the MP learning curve But Plz place you findings in a tread on this forum. For me and a lot other beginning MP users it should also be nice to tell us what hardware you use and how you did get it working..

Thanks in advance...

E

 

[2BitSculptor]

I picked up the 300i last week. I already had an MS-MCE remote transceiver. The setup program was a little tricky, but do-able. No install disk but done via online registration and setup. Only has 4 devices you can program for. I set up my TV (4x3 analog), my surround reciever, a dvd/vhs combo player and MediaPortal. The control for MediaPortal is limited to core MP functions.

Just type in 'MediaPorta'l (no space) as the Device Brand and 'Media Portal' as the Model Number, ...pretty simple.

The device buttons were allocated as:
- TV=TV;
- Cable/Sat=Surround Receiver;
- DVD=Combo Player;
- VCR/Aux=MediaPortal.

The 5 'favorite program' buttons can be set differently for each device 'mode'.
I programmed mine for VCR/Aux (MediaPortal) mode as:
1=MyMusic
2=RecordedTV
3=MyPictures
4=n/a
5=MyVideo

I also reassigned a couple other buttons to other funtions, eg., the Power button doubles as my 'Green' button when the VCR/Aux mode is active, and the List button is assigned to Aspect. I haven't programmed the colored buttons yet, but they will eventually jump to TVSeries, MovingPictures, OnlineVideos, and Last.FM (or GrooveShark) but that will be done in MP-Config/Remotes.

Uses only 2 AA batteries, but not all the keys are lighted, and in a dimly lit room keys are difficult to locate... will definately take some memorizing. Fortunately keys are sectioned off in groups by surface depressions on the remote case.

 

[Spragleknas]

How responsive is it, compared to using the MS MCE? I noticed that another Logitech I've tried simulating MCE is not as responsive. This is very annoying when browsing large lists, like in (my) music.

 

[2BitSculptor]

How responsive is it, compared to using the MS MCE? I noticed that another Logitech I've tried simulating MCE is not as responsive. This is very annoying when browsing large lists, like in (my) music.

I had the Harmony 670 before this... the LCD went out a year ago... and I used it without the screen since. That Remote was not very responsive. I never used the MCE remote, but the 300i seems to have a stronger transmitter and I was happily surprised how much noticeably faster than the 670 it was. I'm very pleased with it.

 

[ejtje]

Thanks, this is usefull info

What kind of IR receiver do you use for your PC?

 

[2BitSculptor]

I'm using the MCE IR reciever, although I never really used the remote much... I needed an all-in-one solution.