Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control
by Logitech
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control
Customer Review: Great Product
Summary: 5 Stars
Six or seven years ago we broke down and upgraded from a 1984 Sony console TV to a Panasonic plasma monitor, a Pioneer Elite DVD, a Denon AVR and a Dish DVR. What a pain, remotes everywhere! So I went back to the store and came home with a Pronto Neo remote - what a frustrating experience! After a few weeks/months of messing around with it, I finally said enough and sold it on Ebay. In the interest of fairness I feel compelled to point out that, that was a long time ago now, I'm not reviewing a Pronto and I think it's safe to assume that they've probably gotten better.
Anyway, recently the Denon's remote started acting up. Rather than buy a direct replacement I decided to research buying another universal remote. After reading a lot of reviews I settled on this Harmony 880. The first one I got was defective, so I immediately began to wonder if I wasn't headed for another disaster and if I shouldn't just return it instead of replacing it. When the replacement arrived I was glad I didn't. Setup was a breeze. In a matter of 30 minutes, I had accomplished more using their default setup than I was ever able to do with the Neo and I was able to start using the remote immediately. In another 5 minutes, I'd showed it to my wife and she was able to use it too. Many of the reviewers here have complained about Logitec's software, I'm using version 7.3.2, it was pretty straight forward and I had zero problems. I'm sure as I start using it more, I'll have to go in and make a couple of tweaks. I've made a few already, it was satisfying to be able to accomplish what I wanted with a minimum of hassle. So far, all of the commands I've needed where there in Logitec's database for the picking. At this point my equipment is getting old, as I start to replace components I'm sure I'll be able to do the required reprogramming easily (provided I don't need RF, if that's a concern to you, buy the 890).
Is it perfect? No. I'd be happier if the whole thing was bigger because the buttons are a little small. Same goes for the display, it's a little small so the text you can enter is limited - but no more so than the writing on the typical manufacturer's remote.
Since i just got it, I can't comment on battery life or long term reliability. I'm still giving it 5 stars. It works as advertised, was easy to setup, is easy to use and is easy to update. If I ever need a replacement remote, I'll be looking at the Harmonys first.
Customer Review: Universal remote done right...
Summary: 5 Stars
Logitech really delivered with the 880. Both the hardware and the software are exceptional.
Here are the highlights:
Activity based control scheme - you map a set of devices to a named activity, such as "Watch TV", and the software configures which buttons apply to which device. It is usually spot-on, but you can easily map any key to any device.
Comprehensive device library - The software has access to a large online database of devices. If one of your devices isn't included in the database (unlikely) the remote can be taught using the original remote.
Custom buttons on the LCD - The LCD is surrounded by 8 buttons which it labels. When you create an activity the software will automatically add default custom buttons for you. As an example, it automatically added "Aspect Ratio" to activities which include my TV. I manually added useful buttons such as "On Demand" and "DVR Menu" to my "Watch TV" activity. The software made it painless to do so.
Back lit keypad and tilt sensor - Using a tilt sensor it automatically illuminates when handled. I didn't expect the 880 to have back lit keys. The product details don't mention it. The 890's product details DO mention it, and I almost spent the extra cash just for this feature. I was really pleased to find it included on the 880.
Great ergonomics - The device has a great shape and fits well in the hand. Raised dots on specific buttons act as "home keys" and really help to use the device without having to eye it.
Great software - The software has a great user interface, is really easy to use, and is very efficient. It simplifies most activities and hides complexity well. Activity configuration is done in a few easy steps, and the software usually gets it right. In rare cases you may need to tweak the configuration, and the software makes it painless. As an example, my LCD TV is set to a power-saving mode which causes a delay while it powers up. Initially the remote was issuing input selection commands during the delay, and they were being ignored by the TV. Fixing it was as easy as indicating "There is a problem with this activity". The software asked a few simple questions, determined the problem, and allowed me to specify the length of the delay.
Rechargable battery with charging station - the remote charges quickly and has a good battery life.
Customer Review: Works like a champ
Summary: 5 Stars
Having read over 300 reviews about this remote and its cousin the Harmony 890, I finally took the plunge and bought the 880. Our setup is fairly simple, a 42 inch Sharp Aquos LCD on the wall, a Bose 321 Series 2 a/v system, Directv HD DVR and a Sony Blu-Ray player. Got the remote out of the box, set it up via the provided USB cable and was ready in about 10 minutes. The only remote that didnt immediately appear on the Harmony was the Directv (tivo style remote). All it took was placing the tivo remote near the Harmony and pressing a few buttons on the tivo remote and it was done. Went in to the software on the Logitech site and set up my activities (i.e. which input your tv is on for which component, what system controls the sound etc.) This took about 5 minutes tops and I was off to the races. My first stop was watching the satellite, so I clicked on the remote for that activity and watched as the tv came on and went to input 5, the bose system came on and went to tv output and proceeded to change channels with the remote as if I was using my tivo remote. Recording, pausing all the features of the tivo remote are fully capable on the Harmony. I then changed to watching a dvd (standard dvd on the Bose system) and the remote didnt turn the TV input to the right one (dvd is input 2 for me). So I hit the "Help" button at the top of the remote and the remote assistant asks if the problem is corrected. I click no and then the remote resends the macros out and voila the tv is showing a dvd as requested. Folks, this remote was so easy to setup and is incredibly easy to operate. My system isnt the most complex for sure, but I love having one remote instead of 4 hanging around. The charging stand provided works awesome, havent had any issues with the remote not wanting to mate to the stand. The only minor complaint I have is that the buttons are a bit small so if you have extremely big hands, you might hit two buttons at once on occasion. The remote also lights up when you move it so when your in a dark room, you can see the buttons you want to use, and after your done, the remote goes black so it wont be sending off a blue glow in your darkened living room/media room. Fully recommend this remote to anyone who wants to rid themselves of the clutter of a basket full of remotes. Just make sure all of your components are IR controlled. If you have any that are RF you will want to get the Harmony 890 which controls RF and IR.Customer Review: Works as advertised!
Summary: 5 Stars
I got my Harmony 880 over a year ago. It took all of 10 minutes to program. I have a home theater with a Sony TV, Sony Blu-ray player, Onkyo receiver, Nintendo Wii, and a ATSC set top box. I also have my computer with all the music on it connected to the receiver.
The remote has buttons you press with different activities that will in turn power on each component to get you going. For example, one of the ativities is to watch TV. The remote is programed to turn on the TV, receiver, and set top box. It will change the receiver to Video 1 output, and change the TV to Video input. All with just one press of a button. Before I got this remote, I would have to use 3 remotes and press at least 5-7 buttons just to start watching TV. I know that sounds like I'm lazy, but my family isn't very tech savy and they would have no clue what buttons to push (or video inputs) to play a Blu-ray or watch TV (okay, maybe they know to press the 'power' button). The price for this remote is worth it if you have a home theater or suround sound system. Your set up may be more complicated than mine, but even for my simple set up I would not go back to another remote!
The only downside to this remote, is it doesn't program itself, however, it does have a feature to learn other remotes, which I have never had the need for (yet). Instead of memorizing codes or having to find your universal remote's instructions, you just connect your Harmony to your computer via a USB cable (included). The Logitech software walks you through all the ins and outs of what actions it needs to take when setting up an activity. You will need to know the brand and model #'s of your components, which are usually stamped somewhere on them. The remote is customizable with different icons and screensavers you can make. When you put the remote in the charger, and for me it is only about every month, you can import images into the remote to make a slide show. All the buttons on the remote are back lit and it has a nice color LCD screen. If you shake the remote, you'll hear something that sounds like a piece of sand rattling inside, but don't worry, it's a switch that senses movement of the remote and turns on the back light to the remote and "wakes" it up.
You really have to experience this remote for yourself. If you are wanting a home theater, I highly recommend this remote!
Customer Review: Buttons and lights - OH MY
Summary: 5 Stars
Where to start?
Having 8 kids means battery theft is a constant problem, and remotes by their very nature must be within reach of pretty much everyone. Having 6 remotes on the table provides an irresistible temptation to AA nappers.
This remote is the solution. Once programmed (plan on a rainy afternoon for the first phase), it runs our A/V audio system, TV, Networked BluRay, Cable, DVR, DVD and PS3 with plenty of room for expansion, and has it's own charger/battery that won't work in any toys.
The 'wow' factor is there, and best of all - it actually DOES control everything, despite having a learning curve.
I would prefer NOT to have an online only profile to do the setup, but our situation was desperate, and the Harmony saved us.
Usually, setting up things like this is a snap for me - in fact I freelance getting friend's and family's 'stuff' hooked up and working, but this rig takes some serious thought. Turns out your system is probably more complex to get all aligned than you'd think at first, but after a few "oops" settings, it handles everything perfectly.
The self-correcting 'Help' button is wonderful - can't think of any other time I've used a help feature, but I used this one plenty. My wife is a technophobe (had to buy her an iMac despite having a dozen or so PCs in the house), and if this didn't work, I faced the very real possibility of it being forcibly inserted or thrown through the screen of our new 3D TV.
It took a lesson or two, but she actually uses it! Victory is mine.
Online profile (-1)
Logitech's database of equipment (+1)
No silly codes to look up and then lose (IF they even work) (+1)
Blue glowing things (+1)
Having only ONE remote to look for in the couch (+1)
ONE touch TV watching for the kids (+1)
Turns off equipment not being used (+1)
Ability to label buttons (aka dummy-proofing) (+1)
Being able to hide setup buttons deep in the menu screens or disable them covertly (+1)
Built in Help/Self correction (+1)
Theft resistant battery with it's own charger (+10)
No brainer. Ours was an unused 'used' one for +/- $70 - uber no brainer.
Lots of +'s, only 1 -
Saved hiring a full time battery cop, so it paid for itself the first day.