Is Harmony's new 1000 remote a good alternative to AMX and Crestron?

[AVRevForum.com]

AVRev.com's Ken Taraszka has just reviewed the Harmony 1000. Does it cut the mustard compared to AMX and Crestron systems?

http://www.avrev.com/equip/logitech_harmony_1000/

[kennyt]

I still am using this remote almost daily and must say, for those of us not able/willing to shell out the $$ for the upper level controllers, it is! In all my use of this remote, I have only had one glitch that required me to remove the battery from the remote to let it reboot. Otherwise it has performed flawlessly, and I can't say enough good things about the Harmony software interface. Changing components out is a breeze and customizing the remote is equally simple. Try that with you Crestron or AMX gear!!!

For me, who lives in a house built in 1988, the idea of running wire through all the walls to add solid automation is insane, so I don't need most of the features the AMX or Crestron or Control 4 offer, this is clearly the way to go! FWIW I was reading the new smarthome catalog last night, and if I wanted to, I could easily automate my home with this remote, so long as I was willing to swap out all the switches in the house. This would be at least an order of magnitude cheaper than hardwiring and don't for get I still wouldn't need the high end remote!

[JerryDelColliano]

I own a Crestron and have owned an AMX system.

Where I see the problem with them is the programing. Harmony is simply better for the guy who has less money and the interest to program his own. Every time I get a new component (think 4 HD DVD player and 3 BR players in 365 days) I have to call in th guru. Granted, he can now do things more online if I hookup the RS232 or an IR immiter but still the Harmony is MUCH more for the people and at its price - WOW!!!!

[kennyt]

I think Harmony will really win the market when they can integrate RS-232 sources.

[kennyt]

.....might have spoke to soon, my 1000 crapped out this morning and won't recognize the USB port nor will it send an RF signal, and for some reason Harmony's tech support is closed today!

[kennyt]

Well, after an hour on the phone with Harmony (actually 50 minutes on hold, 10 speaking to someone) they agreed my remote ois toast and referred me to the warranty division....

Then warned me it might take two to three days to get an anwer from them if they 'think' it is warrantied, and God only knows how long to get a replacement.....

I'll keep you all posted!