For everything going wrong in your life right now, there's at least one beacon of light to keep you, a dutiful PS3 owner, smiling. A long (long!) awaited device has just slipped into the
FCC's database, and while details are scant, most of what we need to know is tucked away in the title: Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3. For far too long, PS3 owners with IR-based universal
remotes have had to rely on clunky
IR-to-Bluetooth converters to get the two to communicate, but as soon as the E-R0001 hits the market, all that will change for
Harmony owners. As of now, we've got three questions that desperately need answered: 1) when?; 2) how much?; and 3) what Harmony remotes are compatible?
posted Mar 19th 2009 5:43PM
Wouldn't it be all remotes? They share the same exact database I think.
I hope so. It would really be short-sighted if they only made it compatible with Harmony remotes that support RF functionality...
I was thinking the same thing. Don't all Harmony remotes communicate via IR, and a few additionally utilize bluetooth.
TV makers should start incorporating Bluetooth in to their TV's for remote control, BT headset/headphones, BT Hearing Aids (My Grandfather had a BT Phonak hearing aid), channel changing using voice commands (via BT cell phone headset), and other uses. RF remotes are way better than IR and Bluetooth is the logical choice, you could use your cell phone to change the channel and if you ever loose the remote, then dial your phone!
TV makers should keep an IR receiver in the TV for legacy device purposes but installed in tandem with Bluetooth.
(these are my own ideas, too bad I don't have a job that lets me make them happen)
Harmony already makes a secondary remote relay kind of thing that binds with the top controllers like the One, 880 and 1000. This looks a lot like it, so it seams all they did was put a blue tooh radio in it as well... AND ABOUT FRAKN TIME. thanks the gods.
IR is good because of its very low battery consumption and no need for syncing as it is transmitting only. I say keep IR.
Unless it can turn the PS3 on and off it offers no advantage over the existing "clunky" solutions and it will FAIL. If it does truly, fully control the PS3 and handle ALL the blu-ray remote functions, cool.
if it's purely an IR to BT converter, there should be functionality to send the 'off' command
Given the information in the test report, the Adapter is definitely using Bluetooth (79 channels GFSK hopping between 2402 and 2480 MHz), so it looks good that this is going to be an IR to BT device (meaning it should be capable of dealing with all 52 commands found on the actual PS3 Bluetooth remote).
Also, it looks like they used a Harmony One for the FCC testing (M/N: R-IY17).
My BT adapter for the PS3, already allows my harmony remote to switch it on and off. Not sure what brand it is though.
I disagree. You'll need to pop in a disc and take the disc out, both near the machine for powering on and off. If you are gaming, the controller will turn it on and off. But ideally, yes, using my harmony 'watch dvd' then the PS3 turns on, then press play, etc all works with my main remote would be glorious.
This would actually get us to turn our 4 remotes into 1 Harmony...
I'm down to 2. A harmony and a PS3 remote. Good stuff!
Yeah I just bought a PS3 on the weekend and though after unboxing it, "I wish my harmony remote would work with this"
I got the xbox 360 Harmony remote (because I have an xbox too) so to be able to control everything.
It has been the best periferal I've bought. really cleans up the coffee table (and I don't have to buy the MASSIVE PS3 remote too)
I don't understand why they didn't just throw and IR port on the console. The 360 has one and it's just so easy. I use my 360 as my only source of TV through the MCE so the IR port is a must.
"I don't understand why they didn't just throw and IR port on the console."
Because they are Sony, and they know better than the consumer what is right....
I admit the IR is pretty shabby, but I hope all sony devices(and eventually everyone) goes BT for their remotes from now on. It's incredible. No pointing, no interference, around corners, etc. It's great.
I totally agree. an extra 50 cents to throw IR on there? come on Sony.
The answers to those questions had better be.
1. Tomorrow
2. Cheap
and 3. All of them
Choose any two:
Fast
Cheap
Good.
Serious question...
What are you guys using for universal remotes?
I'm looking for something that can control all the usual AV stuff plus the PS3. One other criteria, it must be one-hand usable. I've had the large remotes that require two hands and I'm not interested in those. Something with a touch screen perhaps??
Thanks in advance.
I'm using the Logitech Xbox-360 Harmony remote. I just picked up a ps3 this past weekend and was dismayed to find out that the console lacks an IR port. It controls everything: TV, satellite receiver, hdmi switcher, xbox 360, av receiver....All except my ps3; until now!
I use the URC-6131, modified for JP1. (http://hifi-remote.com/forums/ if you're not familiar w/ JP1)
Its a "Six Device" remote, but with JP1 you can actually control EIGHT. (I use Shift-DVD for my PS3 and Shift-Aux for my Wii)
Its all hard buttons, DVR-optimized. Its got the thumbs up/down and "TiVo" buttons for TiVo users (we have 3), and the correct transport control layout where all of the common stuff like FF/REW, skip, Replay, etc. are all comfortably in the middle of the remote instead of on the bottom where its hard to hold and push buttons with 1 hand.
They were $10 when they were new, plus $2 in parts for JP1 conversion. They're discontinued now, but can still be purchased pre-modified for JP1 at
URC-6131 (original version) picture here:
http://www.hifi-remote.com/ofa/pic2.shtml?URC-6131
There's a "newer" version with slightly different layout/mechanicals, but I have like 6 of the "old version".
Logitech Harmony 659. It has all the great features and is much more comfortable than the newer and cheaply made 500 series remotes. It can be found for pretty cheap also. I love it.
harmony one. period.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
HAZE: about the 659, do you not find the play/pause/FF/Rev/stop/rec buttons all the way down on the tail end of the 659 to be an ergonomic nightmare? I picked one up several years ago and have hated it for not having those buttons up around the directional/select buttons in the middle of the remote where the thumb naturally falls.
I've been watching for deals on the One. I used a Universal Remote brand universal for a long time instead of the 659.
Not knowing what the final piece actually looks like, what's to say this isn't another "clunky IR-to-Bluetooth converter"?! ...simply Logitech's version.
I don't understand why Logitech just doesn't make a PS3 Harmony remote. They did for the 360. Not to mention the hoardes of devices they've already made for the Playstation consoles. It'd just be a PS3 Harmony remote with bluetooth. The licensing fees from Sony can't be any more than Microsofts.
They could have, if Sony put an IR receiver on the PS3.
@truckondo
i guess you missed the part of adamantypants post where he said "It'd just be a PS3 Harmony remote with bluetooth.".. bluetooth being the key word there
I think meant a universal remote control that generates both IR and BT codes.
Am not sure if there are other devices that use BT for their remotes but it could be the future too. who knows?
This is cool...but i've already got a work around.
I used a regular IR remote on my PS3 (i want to say it was called the blue wave or something).
the ONLY thing it doesn't do is turn it on. But I have never needed it to. Why? Becasue i do one of two things with it:
1. Play a game. I'm using the PS3 controller, which turns it on.
2. Watching a move-putting in a movie means i'm next to the ps3 and i can turn it on there.
The controller does turn the system off.
Yeah, I'm wondering what the big deal is here?
I have the Nyko Blue Wave USB-to-IR dongle plugged in 24/7. I learned all the codes from the Nyko remote to my JP1 remote (which means the Harmony weenies can do it too), and it works fine. As stated, it does everything but turn the PS3 _ON_, but I usually have to get up to put in a disc anyway since we have many users in the house.
If I've been using a $10 universal remote since the second week I owned my PS3 (more than a 20 months), what's holding up the Harmony people?
Ditto. I use the Nyko BluWave and the Logitech Harmony One. If you tell it to use the BluWave when you program it, it has almost everything perfect. The only thing I had to map to the Harmony One was the select button (the one in the middle of the directional buttons).
Yeah, i had to redo that button too on my Harmony One.
So what's the code for the "PS" button with the Nyko?
Really I don't need to turn mine on/off, but I do need to hit the "PS" button to get out of f@h to watch a BD.
@ Basic:
The PS button is the _one_ that isn't mapped. That's why everybody talks about the "Power On" not being supported via IR.
During DVD playback, hitting "stop" (EFC: 232, OBC: 094) will take you to the "Quit Playback?" dialog which looks just like the "Quit Game" dialog when you hit the PS button while in a game.
The main problem with not being able to turn on your ps3 is when you're not wanting to play a game or put in a bluray or dvd, but when you want to just listen to music, stream hulu, slideshows, ect... My ps3 has become my media hub. and it would be a pain to open my entertainment center to turn on the ps3 every time i wanted to stream music.
@ mtoddii
hulu on my ps3....BRILLIANT! See you next year.
So my only beef left will be that this means I must use my Harmony for all control. Because the PS3 won't let you have two BT remotes paired at once.
I might go for it I guess. If it can power on and off, which would be contingent on it having a battery in it I guess.
My Harmony 880 decided to break its own IR, so I recently spent more money than I should have and bought the Harmony One. I love the One more than the 880 that I had before. The touchscreen is nice, but I like the improved button shapes and the charging is easier too. (my 880 had to be in the charger just perfect before it would charge) If they brought this PS3 adapter to market, I would buy one in a second assuming that it isn't badly overpriced. I still don't see why Sony didn't just put an IR port on the PS3 either, but they didn't bother to ask us before making the PS3.
I hate Harmony remotes. They're almost impossible to use, the interface is clunky, they're WAY overpriced, and they seem to screw up most TVs and sources when you use the remote with them.
Sounds like user error to me. I have been using them for years and have never had those issues.
I got a Harmony One a couple weeks ago, I set it up to control my TV, receiver and DirecTV DVR and it works flawlessly, with everything, every time. I can't even understand how you could screw it up. That said, the one thing I can't control with it is my PS3, so I'm really looking forward to this.
How does a remote screw up a television? The remote is simply sending commands to the TV; the TV is just doing what it's told to do based on a limited set of commands it's been programmed to accept and execute.
Are you sure you weren't using a firearm instead of a Harmony remote? It's a simple mistake to make, and discharging a firearm at a television (or most anything else) would likely cause damage to the set.
I just got the Harmony remote for Xbox 360, and I have to disagree that they're hard to use. After feeling the fit and finish of the remote itself, after setting it up to work with every single component I have, and after heavily customizing it using the software interface, I have to say that it's very easy to use, and didn't mess up any of my components. It even recognized my component device switch and my PS2 Slim (Sony: thanks for including the IR receiver!), among other obscure devices. At just $69 on Amazon, it's also one of the most affordable Harmony remotes. Sure, that may sound like a lot compared to the cheap $5 universal remotes you can buy anywhere, but the experience seriously doesn't compare. What you're really paying for is the ability to make any button do anything, and to have entire series of buttons integrated into single button presses -- but without a lot of hassle.
Of course, everyone's experiences and opinions differ. But if you think that it's a hassle to set up a Harmony remote, then it's a far greater hassle to set up any other universal remote. And at this point, with so many Harmony models out, there are plenty in the sub-$100 range, and a few that can be had for as little as $50. That's comparable in price to an Xbox 360 controller, for something that does a whole hell of a lot.
Most modern wireless devices use Bluetooth. I don't have a problem of everything goes to Bluetooth instead of using the old IR technology
actually, i find the PS3 BT remote annoying because you don't need to point it. There have been many times it got stuck between the couch cushions and you move and it pushes a button, or you accidentally push something while you're putting the remote away, and it turns the ps3 on (or skips to the next track, etc. if I'm already doing something). I know RF has it's uses, like if your system is in another dedicated equipment room, but not many people have that.
Hmm... There are better options. I have PS3IRX1 and it works great. In fact, it's included in Harmony database as a device. I also don't care about turning the PS3 on using my remote. I can navigate the PS3 system with almost all the options available on controller, I can eject the disc, and turn off the system.
They done it completely wrong way! It has to be bluetooth to IR converter. IR was obsolete decades ago and I don't see any reason to support it in new devices.
Looks like they used
Logitech Harmony One (M/N R-IY17)
Logitech Bluetooth receiver dongle (M/N C-UV35)
The test setup document shows the bluetooth dongle connected to the PS3 then the test module is sitting on the table. So the Harmony One send IR to the module which in turn transmits bluetooth to the dongle (why use a dongle is beyond me.. not able to use built in bluetooth probably because of some licensing)
https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=1082827&native_or_pdf=pdf
What? At long last?
http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/28/ir2bt-infrared-to-bluetooth-converter-now-on-sale-ps3-owners-re/
ir2bt Has been around for how long now?
Yes but the orginal is discontinued. The new one costs $150. I'm hoping this one is cheaper.
Er, what part of "For far too long, PS3 owners with IR-based universal remotes have had to rely on clunky IR-to-Bluetooth converters to get the two to communicate..." did you not understand.=)
HA! I have an original 60gb PS3 so Ive had it for a few years, just took the plunge on a Harmony 880, great news indeed!
I just got the Nyko Blu-Wave last week and was initially pissed to read this. But on second thought, I will be keeping the Blu-Wave for three reasons:
1) It can perform all commands except power on. (power off can be done thru the menu)
2) I would have to insert a disc to play games/movies, so I could just power it on while I'm up.
3) That Logitech dongle looks like it's going to be huge. The Nyko IR is about the size of a thumb drive.
And what did the Nyko cost you? Like $12. This thing is prolly going to be a lot more expensive. Nyko + Harmony is a great solution.
Very cool! I'm using the Logitech Harmony Xbox-360 model right now, and it replaced 6 remotes at home (tv, cable box, av reciever, xbox 360, dvd player carousel, and PS2). It's fantastic and has a great UI that is "activity"-based (in other words, state-based).
Anyway, it would be great if PS3 owners can take advantage of this as well, as it really has made my life (and my girlfriend's life) easier.
Awesome news. Like many here, I use the Nyko to control what I can on my PS3 with my Harmony 880. I just hope this is
Huh - the comment system doesn't allow a "less-than sign". I was trying to say, I just hope this is under $100 and then I'll buy one the instant it comes out!
I use a Logic3 IR adapter with my PS3. I realize that this isn't a remote support forum, butI find it torturously slow when scrolling through long lists (which I must do when sifting through my media library for streaming). Can anyone suggest any tweaks to the settings that might help out?
I use the IR4PS3 adapter I ordered from Canada. I basically had to buy a PS3 remote (original) cracked it open and used the main mobo and and hooked it up to an IR. My harmony 880 works perfectly. I have all PS3 buttons mapped. I can turn it on via my activity and turn it off via the all off button.
I have been at 1 remote for a few months now, glad to hear Harmony got on the bandwagon finally but I already popped out $60 for my fix...$20 for ps3 remote and $40 for IR board and housing.
Am I the only one that thinks this is lame? There are already various IR to bluetooth devices out there, and the ones that I have used are just not right. Either slow response, or missing functions. Neither are good, but clearly there is a market for such a device - so rather than lose customers to Nyko, Logitech wants Harmony users to buy *their* IR to BT device. Apart from some Bluetooth licensing concerns, why, OH WHY, can't they just make a harmony remote that include IR *and* bluetooth in one (1) device??
I'll reserve judgement until I see a review of one, until then it's just a money grab, and another second device when all I want is one good one.
I'm very confused by the other Logitech item listed in the test report. The C-UV35 is the USB adapter they use for the dinovo keyboards which means this unit may just be a wireless USB controller which would lack power on capability. They may not be using the same Bluetooth stack as the PS3.
I diagrammed it to show what I mean...
http://www.remoteshoppe.com/images/harmony-ps3-setup.jpg
Yeah, I was wondering about that too. I wonder if it is just for testing (i.e. Logitech is still working things out with Sony to emulate their BT remote, and just used the C-UV35 to pass the FCC testing). Otherwise, that would really suck - you'd have to buy two devices and still end up not able to use all of the functionality of the Sony BT remote. I can't imagine that Logitech would do this. I'm guessing it was just to pass the FCC test and that the final product will go directly to the PS3.
I may actually start buying more Blu-ray movies now. The PS3's incompatibility with IR remotes makes it a crappy movie player, in my opinion, because you either have to add a second remote to your seamless entertainment center or you have to rely on USB converters that have extremely limited functionality. This is tying up the one huge hole remaining in PS3's abillity to be a decent media center box.
Extremely limited functionality? The IR/BT convertors available now can handle every BT command. I have the original IR2BT and there isn't a single button on the official PS3 BT remote than the the IR2BT doesn't emulate. In fact, the Harmony + IR2BT can turn off the PS3 with a macro whereas the official remote cannot. If I was being picky, I'd say that my only complaint is that the reponse is a slight bit sluggish compared to the offfial BT remote or using a controller. But considering that I'm not playing any games with the remote, that's really not much of an issue.
30 bucks or less and I'll buy it. LOVE my Harmony One (which I got for free) and if my PS3 will be primary BluRay player than this is necessity.
i have a ps3 toothfairy and it works great with my harmony.
Harmony remotes suck really bad, but they're all I can afford so I'm really happy that my Harmony 1000 will be able to talk to my PS3. Finally!
I'm hoping now that Apple have allowed bluetooth peripherals on iPhone OS3.0 that someone will write an iPhone app that'll allow you to control your Blurays from your phone, it would be really cool to get menus, time played/remaining, etc from your phone without interrupting the movie, you could even provide links to mobile webpage bios of the actors and backstory.
You heard it here first. I don't care who writes it but it was my idea :D
Ascii Smoke
For some reason the 3rd question makes want to correct it to "which Harmony remote" rather than "what Harmony remote", I could be wrong...
Either way I can only assume that all remotes by Harmony will work as they can program each other. I also assume that when that comes out, they'd release another remote that's specifically designed for this item, a "PS"-like button, just like the Harmony remote designed for X-box 360 with the 4 colored buttons.
ofcourse they could also just release a Harmony remote with BT built in so we don't need an adapter.. but if it works with any universal IR remote and isn't too expensive I might consider it....
I couldn’t help but notice your comment about the "clunky" adapters available out there. As the maker of one of these devices I would like to respond. First I have to point out that our PS3IR-X1 model is a very nice looking device that even looks like part of the PS3 when installed. But I do understand where you are coming from. (LOL)
Besides adding much needed jobs for our troubled economy, small companies like ours provide an important service where we provide solutions that the big players don't care to offer. It was very good for us that Sony elected to not include IR support. This gave us the opportunity to step in and provide products to solve this problem until someone like Logitech provided a third party solution or Sony changed their mind and added IR capability themselves. As consumers, we are frequently left hanging by the decisions of the larger companies as they don't have a record of listening very well to their customers. In their defense, it is just difficult to do this very well when your company is so large.
On the other hand, smaller companies can and do listen. That's what makes it fun for us. As a labor of love, we have been providing solutions for this niche market from the beginning. I have personally invested a substantial amount of money towards this endeavor and am happy I did as we have been able to build a very fun, but small company around this particular niche. From this humble beginning we will continue to provide solutions for this and other niche markets in the future.
We are happy to see that there will finally be a solution from a major player. Frankly, we would have trouble addressing a large consumer market as this would require deep pockets for fancy plastic and high volume production. Not to mention that it would be difficult to get on the shelves of Best Buy where most people want to get their toys. That is why most solutions from niche providers don't usually have the same polished look as say, an offering from Logitech. We generally have to make do with an enclosure that is readily available. We also have to charge a little more since the smaller volumes don't allow for the savings to be had from high volume production.
The bottom line though, is that we can provide "clunky" solutions for problems while the major players are figuring out what they are going to do. This is a critical service we provide for early adopters on the cutting edge. We hope to continue to do this in the future as it's a really fun way to make a living. As far as the PS3 adapters are concerned, I feel certain there will still be a market for our products since Logitech likely will focus on the middle of the road mass market as they should. They probably won't be providing a solution tailored to the higher end installers or the really inexpensive end of the market. We hope to keep providing these and other niche product solutions for as long as they are needed and to have a great time doing it.
Sincerely,
Mike Muecke
Founder/CEO Schmartz Inc.
BigCheese@Schmartz.com
And if by "clunky" you are refering to the operation of the devices, I have to disagree. The PS3IR-PRO is amazingly smooth and responsive and it provides every single feature of the Sony BD remote plus several more that I guarantee Logitech will not have. :)
Thank the Logitech gods!
Best Buy
Logitech
Model: 943-000029
Sku 9274714
Upc: 0-97855-05916-1
Street date 05.31.09
Price 59.99
That SKU doesn't return anything on Bestbuy.com. Do you work at BB and happen to find that in RSS?
Either way, thanks for the info.