Harmony remote - Mini as Device & Activities (2008 updat

[Rolie]

I just purchased Harmony 880 and have just gone through configuring the remote. I noticed another post has instructions - but they appear to be outdated and missing instructions for adding the Mini into an activity.

Adding the mini as a device: The mini is now in Logitech's database so this was quite simple. All you have to do is:

- Click on: Add Device
- Select "Computer" under device; select "Apple" under Maufacturer; the type in "Mac Mini".
- When you are prompted to choose "Do you have a remote for this device?". Choose No
- Click "Done" and the Mini should now be added as a device.
- You can now view the Mini's commands by going to "Settings" and then "Customize buttons". I then customized the commands to new buttons (Which you may or may not want to do - its a personal choice):

UP --> Volume Up
DOWN --> Volume Down
LEFT --> PreviousTrack
RIGHT --> NextTrack
OK --> Play
MENU --> Menu

The other commands (pause, rewind, and fast forward) will work as per Apple remote norm without being added.

That's it!

Adding the Mini into an activity: I found this one to be very problamatic, but I finally got it working correctly. My activity used my Samsung TV, Denon receiver, and (obviously) my Mini. For anyone wondering: Mini is connected to the Denon via DVI/HDMI cable and Toslink digital audio cable; Denon connected to TV via HDMI/DVI cable; audio only from Denon.

At first I was choosing "Watch DVD" to add an activity and I could never get it working right. Every time I initiated the "Watch DVD" (or "Watch Video") activity, everything switched over (the receiver went to the right input, the TV turned on, my cable HD receiver would turn off) - but the Mini's video stayed black even though the Mini was on. And I knew it was on because I could hear Front Row's dististinctive "popping" sound when I pressed a button. I don't know if I'm alone in this experience, but choosing "Watch DVD" just never worked.

What was funny during setup was that the Harmony setup would ask, "What input or channel does your Apple Media Center PC need to be on?". It seemed like a strange question for a Mini since its DVI output, but I picked "My Videos" because it was recommended. I'm mentioning this because this is why I think it wasn't working. I believe when I initiated "Watch DVD"; the remote would send a "change input to My Videos" signal that would make the Mini's video output/graphics card barf. I'd love to hear another opinion/experience with this.

To get it working I eliminated the need to pick a channel/input. It was quite easy in the end, but somewhat hidden.
- Click "Add Activity"
- Choose "No - manually add an activity ..."
- Choose " Utility"
- Choose " Generic Activity"
- Add Mini (or Apple Media Center PC according to Harmony), TV, and Denon as devices used. Click Save.
- Choose "DVI" for TV input/channel (This will depend on your setup)
- Choose "DVD" for Denon receiver input/channel (This will depend on your setup)
- Choose "I don't need to set the input on my Apple Media Center PC". This option was not available when I chose "Watch DVD" - as I had to pick "My Videos", "My TV", or "My DVD" ... etc.
- Click "Done"
- The "Generic Activity" is now setup. Now click on "customize buttons" and add the commands for the Mini's remote and the receiver's volume.

Choosing the "I don' t need to set the input..." seemed to do the trick for me. Everything now works great with no problems.

[MrBabou]

Great post Rolie. I use a Harmony remote myself as well (the 670 model). I had tried to set it up to use it to control the Mini, but it did not seem to work - in other words, I currently use the Harmony to open and switch inputs of the TV and receiver, but then use the Mini remote to control Front Row (although I don't use Front Row often...). I'm pretty sure it's because when it asked "Do you have a remote for this device?", I answered 'Yes'. Now, thanks to you, I'll be able to add control to the Mini with the Harmony. YAY!!

[Rolie]

[iRob]

Good writeup, Rolie. Your method worked for me too.
_________________
My hardware:

• 24" iMac
  
• Logitech Harmony One remote
  
• Roku 2 XS
  
• Samsung Blu Ray
  
• Samsung TV
  
• Logitech Squeezebox
  
• iPad 2 - DVP Remote app, RedEye app, Plex app, Remote Buddy app, Apple Remote app, iPeng app

[tales]

Level 2 at harmony can set up the remote for you. It will wake the mini, turn on TV & A/V receiver to correct inputs.
When you change activities it will put the mini to sleep & turn on what you need.

FWIW, Harmony supports Plex.
http://www.plexapp.com/
http://wiki.plexapp.com/index.php/Harmony_Support
_________________
iMac 3.06ghz 27" 4gb ram C2D 1TB/LaCie d2 1T
mini 2.3ghz 8gb ram i5 500GB 2TB LaCie
TV2

[rastapete]

What is "level 2"?

[tales]

[iRob]

[tales]