TV Remote Safe Mode
My Logitech Harmony 900 remote stopped working. The screen was blank, even after multiple times of removing the battery to restart it. A quick Google search and I learned I could boot the remote into safe mode, and plug it into a computer, in order to restore the firmware.
That process fixed the problem, and I’m happy I don’t have to purchase a new programmable remote, but I’m not happy that I am going to have to periodically perform tech support duties on my remote control. I bought the expensive remote to make my life easier. My hodgepodge of oldish home entertainment gear would take minutes to turn on and set to the correct inputs without it. But now, I have the extra duty of firmware troubleshooting my my remote. It’s a step backwards.
I’m not aware of anything as good as the Logitech Harmony series, but there is a an alternative that’s been creeping into home theater gear called CEC. It’s even available for HTPCs running XBMC with an adapter (reviewed here). It’s now on my required feature list for any TV/receiver/Blu-ray/streaming device I buy from this point on.