Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Remote controls

I cannot power up multiple devices with one button? Why have a Harmony? Darn, I ordered one. If I cannot depress a single button with a macro behind the scenes powering up for example, the cable box, TV and processor with delays, back it goes.

I don't think you have much choice in updating. Mine updates everything any time I program it.

I've updated recently and it's no better or worse than it was. The basic "activity" mode requires "one" button to do multiple things.

I was not aware you could program "macros" but maybe your saying you could select more than one "column device" for a "action" button and now you can't? Never knew you could do that.

I just reread tommy's comment. And noticed he said turn on multiple devices. That still works and must work as part of it's basic "activity" based design. Perhaps some other more advance tricks were disabled.

I just checked the web site. It has changed quite a bit on mapping buttons. The functionality looks the same, but the old layout was MUCH nicer. The old layout may of had GUI bugs (or hidden feature) to map one button action 2 multiple things. But new GUI looks like it prevents this. But I assumed it was never supported in the first place and may have been a bug. You do things with "activities" not macros.

This has no effect on Activities where you select an activity and the system turns on or off multiple devices and selects correct inputs.

Anyone used the new TSU9600 Pronto Pro? Looks like a scaled down Crestron or AMX for less. I like the look of the serial extender option which gives you RS232 control.

http://www.letsautomate.com/12430.cfm

Thanks for all the input, the Harmony that I say at Bristol on Friday did do macros. One button push and
DVD, AMP started up in sequence. Personally I would love a program that enabled my Mac book to send activation signal to my equipment, I have download Nevo for my Palm TX to try (once they send me the activation code)

I've had several so called universal remotes. They all now enjoy a permanent vacation in my drawer. I spent so much time on programming them - time I rather should have spent watching movies end enjoying music. Now I'm back to the originals. They are much more comprehensive. After all, they're BUILT for their respective components. They clutter my table, yes. But it's worth it...

Guynextdoor,
Thanks for your information. I will now give up on the idea of a universal remote and instead put a shelf under my coffee table for all the remotes.

Peter and for those new to Harmony,

Harmony's generally don't do "Macro's" in say the way a Pronto does. Harmony's let you setup an "Activity" that involves multiple devices and will set it up FOR YOU. You have some control over this but not complete control (like a normal macro would). You can't control order and you can't control delays (per activity).

When folks talk about "Macros" they generally mean you can assign a specific sequence of commands to perform any task, with control on order and delays. For example let's say I select "Watch DVD" on Harmony. It will make sure Preamp is on, DVD Input is Selected, TV is on, correct input is selected. It behaves similar to a Macro.

Now let's say I want one button to close the drapes and switch the TV to Movie Mode (while in "Watch DVD"). You can't with a Harmony. However you could create another complete "Activity" (at the top level, i.e. you'd have to switch to activities to reach it) and called "Watch DVD with Drapes Closed and TV in Movie mode". But this can get messy. And once you get past 8 activities, you have to scroll to the next page of activities.

So you have to pick and choose what gets setup under an "Activity" and what you decide to map onto individual buttons within that activity. Because you have no Macro's while in an "Activity".

In the case of the drapes and Movie Mode, it would probably be simpler to just have 2 buttons with in "Watch DVD". Where on a Pronto, you'd create a Macro.

This is where Harmony remotes are a little weak but they are catering to Joe SixPack (well maybe Joe WineCooler). Harmony's are not a bad compromise though.

Note: That according to the earlier post there was a limited loophole Macro capability (still no control on order, delays and probably one IR command per device). But that has been removed.

Joe Winecooler.

As a long time user of the Philips pronto 890 I have just upgraded to the new TSU 9600 with the serial extender....and think its fantastic. (I am easily pleased) I control my Meridian G68J and 598 using serial control through the extender, and so far its rock solid....Very pleased indeed.

I feel it has the right balance between hard buttons and screen buttons.

After the last few comments, I am still not sure if the Harmony will power up multiple devices with a single button? Can I depress, lets say a DVD player and power up the TV G68 and G98?

1 vote for:
RTI
or if needing to budget - Universal (I like the MX900)

ken