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"Pretty good" on by oldegrump
Pros: Gets rid of the clutter of multiple remotes
Cons: A real pain in the neck to program
Summary: Went to this from a Harmony 880 which refused to charge it's battery and Logitech, its manufacturer, was too busy to be bothered to replace or fix.
It is laid out in a better fashion than is the Harmony 880, but HK could still learn from TIVO's remotes. Its number keys are small, but workable. Because of it's hefty size, I find it necessary to put both hands on it to operate it, unlike TIVO remotes which can be easily operated with one hand.
Those who wrote the programming instructions must not have English as their first language. Their instructions I found both confusing and subject to multiple interpretations. By trial and error taking an entire morning, I finally got it programmed. It shouldn't be as difficult or as time consuming, and I found the experience quite maddening. When it was finally programmed, it works quite well controlling all of the functions of the various machines it operates from its internal memory. One is required to input very few commands; it knows the machines' functions itself with minimal input from its owner.
One must be prepared to suffer during the programming phase, however; and afterwards to adjust to HK's weight and size. On balance, however, it is the best universal remote I've yet come across and well worth the programming struggle.Updated
I'm upgrading my opinion to 10. I have discovered that most of the trouble I had programming the remote was my own failure to fully understand their instruction. I created problems that should not have been there had I more carefully read what I was told.
Fault with programming lies with the OldeGrump, I'm afraid; not with Mr. Harmon/Kardon.Updated
I'm upgrading my opinion to 10. I have discovered that most of the trouble I had programming the remote was my own failure to fully understand their instruction. I created problems that would not have been there had I more carefully read what I was told.
Fault with programming lies with the OldeGrump, I'm afraid; not with Mr. Harmon/Kardon.
And I've since learned to one-hand it. It's not quite as handy as a TIVO remote, but it'll still work with one hand. -
"So good I bought 2 more!!!" on by orposadas
Pros: High functionality; easy to use; strong signal; rechargeable battery; customizable wallpaper
Cons: Is it charging? Can't tell if it is on the charger securely; must reprogram software if you buy more than 1
Summary: This remote is as essential to your home theater as speaker wire! I did a lot of research on CNET and came across this remote. I had never seen it before so I took a chance and the CNET editor was right. Solid choice. I purchased a Sony RM AV 2500 thinking it was the best but the features the TC 30 has knocks it out of the ball park. The only snag I had was the shipping display cover did not peel off and I had to scrape it off using a heat gun. Also, the diplay never shows 100% charged. The last bar is always missing. It works great though!! So good I bought 2 more for my other systems in my house.
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"My Wife's Favorite All-in-one Remote!" on by rockettrick
Pros: Very easy to setup and test
Cons: Hard to read without my glasses
Summary: AS someone who has programmed and used alot of remotes, I find the TC30 a great inclusion in my bag-of-tricks. For the end-user that chokes at the idea of paying $500-$2,000 for a remote control, this is a great solution. Put one with every system in the house.
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"What is Wrong With This Company?" on by nutreo
Pros: Nice heft; about all I can say
Cons: Just about everything else
Summary: I've installed loads of computer and electronics equipment in my life and have never had as frustrating an experience as I've had with this device, which still isn't working.
First, it took me more than 5 minutes to figure out how to open the battery compartment, since they have a cutesy little unintuitive design and the set-up instructions don't show you to open it.
Second, it took me nearly one-half hour to scrape the decal off the screen which was glued on so well that I still haven't been able to remove all of the adhesive. Instead of using a plastic decal which is easily removable, H-K glued this on like it was permanent. No mention of this in the start-up instructions, either.
Third (as others have pointed out), the charging cradle is dysfunctional, as it is very difficult to keep the terminals in contact and any movement will dislodge them. I can't remember the last time that I saw a rechargeable product with as bad a docking design.
Fourth, when I connected the remote to my computer to set it up, it had a problem with my internet access. It kept bouncing me out without any guidance or help, except to refer to proxy connections (which didn't apply). I finally figured out that my Norton Internet Security was causing the problem, and accessed the login H-K site, where they told me that Norton could be a problem. It would have been much more useful if that information had been on the set-up card that came in the box!!
Fifth, when I set up all of my devices and activities, I went to use the remote and . . . NOTHING. I can't get it to do anything, except go through its self-test briefly when placed on the cradle. It doesn't turn on, can't get anything to happen.
So, I called tech support. After all, it was mid-day Saturday and the software says that they're open on weekends. WRONG! So, I put the remote back on the charger and waited 'till Monday at 8:00am when the software says their weekday customer service begins. WRONG AGAIN! The voicemail says 9:00am.
As you can imagine, I'm fed up with this. If they don't make this right real fast, this is the last H-K product I'll ever buy.Updated
Finally spoke to tech support. Didn't do much except confirm that my unit doesn't work. However, after making we wait for 15 minutes, finally told me to go back to Ubid and get them to "swap one out". This is the last time I will deal with Harman Kardon.Updated
Finally spoke to tech support. Didn't do much except confirm that my unit doesn't work. However, after making we wait for 15 minutes, finally told me to go back to Ubid and get them to "swap one out". This is the last time I will deal with Harman Kardon.Updated
After severalweeks, Ubid sent me a replacement unit which works, very nicely. To give credit, the unit does what it advertises, and the controls are reasonably well-designed (though tough to read for post-40 eyes). However, all of the other comments I raised previously about design and (lack of) customer service still apply. Caveat emptor, as they say. -
"As advertised - a one remote solution" on by dipp123
Pros: Easy set - up for basic functionality, intuitive to use
Cons: Option set-up a bit tricky
Summary: I bought this remote because traditional universial remotes would not work with my new olevia television. I have been using this for a couple of days - and it does everything I need, although I have not yet begun to scratch the surface of its capabilities.
The remote controlls my tv, cable box (with dvr), DVD player and stereo with ease. By pressing the watch tv button - it ensures the correct input on the tv is used - and turns off all unused components. With basic installation - I had 95% of the functionality of the manufacturers remote.
Nice product - at a reasonable price online.
Harman/Kardon TC 30 user reviews
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