Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote Control
by Logitech
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Our Price: $175.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $70.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote Control
Customer Review: Awesome remote. Highly reccommend.
Summary: 5 Stars
This remote is excellent. Very intuitive and easy to setup. It was actually easier to setup than I had imagined. The only speed bump I hit was that the software doesn't work on Linux. No Linux support, but it does support MAC OS Leporard, and of course Windows 2000, XP, and Vista (did not see 98 as supported). Although I have not tweeked it fully yet, it appears that when you press "Watch DVD" and the DVD player is already on it will turn it off. It doesn't turn off the TV and receiver though, just the DVD and VCR if these devices are already on and you select to use them. See, sometimes a person might pop in a VCR or a DVD while still watching TV. And that works fine, but by pop in the media it turns on the device. Now when you are ready to watch the VCR or DVD you press "Watch VCR or DVD" it will turn off that device that is already on. I wish the remote would recognize that the device is already on and move on to its next task. Again, there may be a way to tweek it...I'm not sure yet. One easy solution is to turn the unit off after inserting the media. But aside from that it is awesome. BIG PLUS TO NOTE: The infrared works awesome. One concern I did have is that if you don't aim it appropriately at all (for example) 3 devices it'll turn on only some of the devices. Not the case here. You can point this remote at the ceiling and it'll work like a charm. That is a huge plus. Infact even changing volume or channel or any button on the remote does not need to be hit twice. Very very very good infrared. Very good quality feel as well. A little small on the buttons, but very managable. My parents are very technically challenged and needed this remote to be able to play there devices AND on surround sound. They are so bad that my dad has old VCR tapes he likes to watch, but hasn't watched them for some time because of not having a tuner in the VCR and hooking it up via TV input. He just can't learn how to work the TV input functions. Very technically challenged. He can now watch his tapes or dvd and not know how to change any inputs. Of course they had no clue how to work their surround sound with TV, VCR, or DVD, or at all for that matter. Now it all works seemlessly as one device. It's quite amazing.Customer Review: An elegant and beautifully implemented concept
Summary: 5 Stars
As a first-time Harmony owner, I am amazed at how easily and seamlessly I was able to configure a relatively complicated AV system with the Model 550.
Following the directions in the package, I was quickly able to install the software in Mac OS X, then use it to access the online database and begin to configure the system. Even my relatively obscure, tweaky CEC CD player was listed, and also the IR4PS3 infrared remote solution for my Play Station 3 BD player. However, my new Vecteur integrated amp wasn't there, and this prompted a call to tech support.
The Level 1 tech instructed me to finish the initial download to the 550, test it out, then call back to get a Level 2 tech to get the Vecteur settings working properly. I had to spend about 15 minutes on hold on the call back, but once I got through, the L2 tech patiently and competently walked my through a trial and error process to get everything working perfectly. (He even found a configuration for my Vecteur that someone else had come up with, and lo and behold, it worked, programmed in a way that is superior to the manufacturer's own remote!)
I couldn't be happier with this setup. The Activities paradigm is absolutely brilliant, instantly performing multiple complex configurations in response to simple commands (Watch TV, Play DVD, Listen to CDs, etc.). I have a Samsung LCD TV but have experienced none of the problems others have described, nor did I have issues with use of the software, either locally or on the web. Perhaps these are things that Logitech has addressed over time. The buttons are a bit small, but well laid out, and I find this a minor tradeoff against the bonus of a smaller, more convenient and comfortable remote size. The viewing angle on the LCD screen could be wider, but this is also a minor issue for me. At the current price, this remote, which affords access to the excellent Harmony online system, is an incredible bargain!
Equipment controlled:
Samsung LN52A650 LCD TV
Motorola DCT6200 digital cable box
Sony PS3 Blue Ray player (via IR4PS3)
C.E.C. TL51XR CD player
Toshiba M782 VCR
Vecteur Ai4 integrated amp
Customer Review: Better Than the Harmony 670
Summary: 5 Stars
Before buying the 550, I owned a Harmony 670 a "more advanced" model (i.e. pricier). Before I compare the two, let me say that Logitech has done a tremendous job with this line of remote controls. The one button control of all the activities of an entertainment center is convenient. Syncing never makes you worry about losing battery power which causes a lot of conventional remotes to lose what you stored in their memory. And I own a Mac so I always appreciate when a company makes the effort to make the experience as good for Mac owners.
Comparing the 670 to the 550, it comes down to simplicity--that is fewer buttons to accomplish the same functionality. The 670 has buttons at the top of the remote for certain activities (watch TV, watch a movie, listen to music and more activities). Pressing "more activities" brings up the other activities on the screen (as well as the activities that are assigned to the aforementioned 3 buttons). The 550 has one button called "Activities." Pressing it brings the activities up on the screen.
The key benefit of the 670 is one button to do 3 primary activities. The 550 requires *at least* two. But what's the tradeoff? Three additional buttons and the confusion of having the same activities that are assigned to the buttons show up again in the "more activities" section. I take the physical simplicity and consistency of the 550.
Another benefit of the 550 is the fact that there appears to be either more space for each button or fewer buttons (I haven't actually counted the buttons on both controllers, so I am not sure). The result is just a feeling of being less overwhelmed by the "complicatedness" of the remote.
A third benefit (this is probably the most subjective) is that the 670 is shaped to be more ergonomic. But at the cost of having the buttons not go in straight horizontal lines across. The 550 is somewhat ergonomic (less so than the 670) but the keys are straight across on all rows. I find that it is much easier to use the 550 without looking at the remote for this reason.
Customer Review: Chose this over the 510 - So glad I did!
Summary: 5 Stars
To start off, let me state that I paid more than the current Amazon price for this remote, and I still couldn't be happier. It's easy to use overall, looks sleek, and currently replaces 5 of my 6 devices' remotes. I chose it over the 510 for a few reasons:
-15 devices vs. 5 on the 510
-more macros to program
-generally looks more awesome (better color, nicer buttons, and blue screen vs. green screen)
The design is solid - buttons are easy to press and well located. The backlit keys and LCD screen are awesome, and the remote just looks cool overall. My only thought on design flaw is the bottom row of buttons. Everything else is relatively comfortable to control, but the bottom row is a little awkward.
The installation is easy. It walks you through each activity step by step, and then you can go a little further with button customization and macros. I've had universal remotes before, but I had to choose a device via a button along the top before giving a command. For example - if i was watching TV, and adjusting the volume on my receiver, I would have to press CABLE or some sort of similar button on any other remote to change channels. This remote allows you to program buttons specific to their relative device. Sweet! Also, the help tutorial is idiot-proof. If your activity isn't set up the way you want it, it asks you basic Yes/No questions ("Is the TV on?") until the activity is correct. Thanks Logitech!
If i could give it 4.5 stars instead of 5 I would, as I do have one small issue with it. I find that I keep having to teach it commands from my TV remote. The Harmony has options such as Aspect and Picture, but does nothing when these button are pressed. I had to teach it these commands. I can't say this is Samsung's flaw, nor Logitech's, but a minor nuisance. However, I'm thrilled with this remote otherwise, and round up to 5 stars.
Customer Review: Excellent Remote and Awesome Customer Service
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this remote so my wife and kids can watch a DVD on our 50" HD plasma. The problem is the way the HD sets have so many inputs. I use one HDMI input for the digital cable box and one for the DVD. To switch required using at least two remotes. So I heard about the Harmony 550 and bought it. WOW it really works!
But not without a few hurdles in set up. Okay you pay a fair amount for one of these remotes. But what you are also buying is access to great customer service. I had a problem with the setup. After a few failed attempts on my end I called the toll free customer service. Well it did take 40 minutes and two levels of service. However, the service tech was able to rewrite the code, send it to my machine and I uploaded it to the remote and bingo I have it dialed in. Add in the customizable menu screen and I have the key functions I like at hand. Switch to watching a DVD and I have a new set of custom keys - the remote is just that smart.
Pros - It truly is one remote for a whole setup including receivers, DVD players, multi-input TVs and cable boxes. Push one button and all the devices switch on or off, they start up and boom you ready.
Cons - Takes time to set up (for me but it was worth it). The buttons are small, but frankly I prefer this set up than the remote with a few multi-function buttons (you know, like hitting shift on the computer keyboard to change a button's function) - it's a tradeoff that I don't mind making.
Final Comment - I looked at the Harmony Line trying to figure out which one to buy. This is a rolls royce remote. It may not have a color screen but it does everything that even a fairly sophisticated system owner would want. I mean in the end we only do a few things with our fancy systems - watch a movie, watch TV, listen to a DVD, etc. This remote handles the complex with ease. Basically it rocks!