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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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote Control
Customer Review: Great remote, works for all family members
Summary: 5 Stars
After I had to write a user's guide for my family (and inlaws when they came to visit) to do things like "turn on the TV", "Watch a DVD", etc. I got a little fed up with the fact that even that didn't work. Having some 5+ remotes to use was a little much for them (I'm a geek, I was fine with it). I started looking at the Harmony Remotes and settled on this one about 3 years ago (this is a guess). At the time, I programmed it with my PC, today I use my Mac. It was pretty straight-forward. I've gone through 3 DVD players and added the Nintendo Wii since buying this remote. I really like the fact that my profile is stored online as it is always there, no matter which computer I use. I recently had to update the remote to remove some commands that customer service had added for my previous DVD player (I'd lived with the extra commands for well over a year now).
Someone complained about memory leaks, while memory leaks can be a problem, for this particular application, it's not fatal. You configure your setup, program your remote, tweak the settings, then basically you don't go back to the software unless something changes (which could be years). I was able to download the latest software for the Mac a few days ago, install it, access my account (somehow I remembered my userid and password) change the settings and program the remote inside of 15 mins.
We have a new TV for our master bedroom and will be getting a cable box and DVD player, I'm back at Amazon looking for another Harmony. I will most likely go with the 550 since I know it is a keeper!
Customer Review: Great Product, Unbeatable Price (Originally - See update at bottom of review)
Summary: 5 Stars
I currently have this remote controlling my samsung LCD HDTV, Onkyo TX-SR506 AV receiver, Xbox 360 elite with HD DVD player, and an HD DVR cable box. Set up was simple with the PC interface. You simply install software, plug in usb to controller, and off you go. The set up is almost dummy proof. It does not assume you know anything. Haven't linked my PS3 to it yet because of the bluetooth. Need to buy the accessory. If you are looking for a well functioning, easy to set up, bang for your buck controller than this is it. The only thing that I wish it had was a little bigger screen with touch screen and not the side buttons. That is just a personal preference though that has nor would have any affect on the functionality of the controller. GREAT PRODUCT! UNBELIEVABLE PRICE!
Update 7/17/09:
I still would rate the product as 5 stars for its functionality and ease of use and setup. I will say that when I bought this on September 4, 2008 it was for 79.99. The unbelievable price comment above is the only thing that has changed really. It is still a great product but the new price of 129.99 is a little pricy. The batteries last a very long time. It takes 4 AAA batteries (a little inconvenient) but I have only changed them once very recently. I use it all the time too so the batteries last quite a long time. I just wanted to give an update since I have had the product for quite a while now. I am still satisfied and will probably use this product until it dies. It does everything I wanted and needed out of a universal controller. I hope this helps.
Customer Review: It was perfect for my needs (price/practicality)
Summary: 5 Stars
After i've finally pieced together one at a time my home theater system i just realized i have tons of remote to juggle with. The TV remote, the AVR, the HDVR and the PS3. That's when i realized i needed a universal remote. Enter the Logitech harmony remotes. I picked the 550 because it was in the middle of the range of what Logitech was offering feature and price wise. I'm always after the best price for feature and ofcourse within my budget. I just needed a simple one remote solution to control my components (52 A550 Samsung, PS3, Onkyo S7100, Comcast PVR and laptop PC). I didn't prefer the peanut shaped models and the 550 looked nicer for my taste.
Setting up the 550 was easy except on the first day when the harmony software couldn't connect to the server which was frustrating because i never got to use it the night i opened the package. I was able to add my devices easily and create and customize the Activities. After i had done the set-up i was now able to control my HT components with one remote and the PS3 using IR4PS3 (very cool!!). Overall the remote is nice and sleek, it is very nice to hold and the grip shapes at the back are very comfortable. The buttons were a bit hard to press compared to my onkyo and samsung remotes but got the feel of it after awhile. It was hard at first to look through the LCD screen and see the texts and again it just required me to get to used to it. I liked that i can customize the buttons and the sound and picture buttons below are nice touches too. Overall i'm very happy and for around $70 it fits about right with my budget.
Customer Review: Really universal better than 670
Summary: 5 Stars
I was told about this product by Logitech customer support. I originally bought at harmony 670 because i got a great deal at Frys (79.99), and the reason why i went there looking for a universal remote was because my son dropped the original remote that came with sony STR-DG1000 and that was a show stopper. Harony 670 was OK, but did not control my AT&T UVerse STB, logitech customer support (Tier1 and Tier 2) tried helping me out and finally pronounced that 670 emits as lesser frequencies i guess and was asked to look at either 5 series or the 8. As with BMWs, 550 met my price point expectation [...]
Installation was easy (didnt even have to reinstall the software as i had the 670 software) , all i had to was transfer all the settings onto the new remote. not only that i entered all other devices at home (for my other living room av equipment and bedroom stuff) and programmed activities. That programming took a few iterations to get it right, thats just my own lack of familiarity with the software.
Now 550 is able to control my Sony reciever, Onkyo reciever, Apple TV, XBOX, PS3 thru Nyko, AT&T Uverse, Dish DVRs, Dlink media players). I havent yet tried my coffee machine and my shower :-) Fun apart, this is an amazing remote with the design so ergononic, very intuitive and above all performance is incredible.
Not sure why they gave 8 batteries, when remote only needs 4. If this remote had color and if it had supported more than 15 devices it would have fantastic. having said that for the price i have paid, i guess its feature rich.
Customer Review: Best replacement remote for the price!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have known about Harmony remotes for a while, but their high price kept me away from getting one. A few years ago I purchased a Sony universal/ programmable/learning remote, and with my old TV/ home theater setup it worked great, including macros for TV watching, CD listening and DVD watching. It was NOT that easy to program macros though. Then, a few months ago, I purchased a new HDTV and exchanged my digital cable box for an upgraded model with digital audio and S-Video connections. My Sony remote would not work well with my new TV, and I decided to get a Harmony remote.
As usual, I began my pre-purchase research, and decided upon the Harmony 550. The price was the best I could find either online or at brick-and-mortar stores. I must say the reviews at Amazon were very helpful in making my decision.
I received it 2 days ago, and the setup of the remote went without problems. So far it works great. I have yet to sit down and fiddle with all the commands I now have at my disposal in only one remote, as well as adjust the timing for my TV's input change signal sent from the remote. I was able to create custom activities for my Xbox (1st generation model) and MP3 players, so the TV and receiver are setup correctly if I want to play games, or listen to music or watch videos from my MP3 players.
The remote is very comfortable, not heavy at all compared to my old Sony remote, and the lighted keypad and screen are a plus. It will finally replace 4 remotes in a way other remotes probably can't. Highly recommended!