Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control
by Logitech
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Our Price: $399.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $159.99 (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 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control
Customer Review: Harmony 890 Install using RF Extender - Just finished Install
Summary: 5 Stars
Just finished setting up a home theater and after reading the reviews decided to take a chance on the Logitech 890 with the RF extender. Received the remote at 11 AM and had my complete system running by 3 PM.
Took the advice of various reviews and popped the battery in to start charging the 890 before doing anything else. As this was going on I downloaded the latest version of the software - 7.5 (the disk had 7.3 on it). I then made a list of all my equipment - Sony KDL-52XBR6, Denon Blu-Ray DVD-2500BTCI, Denon receiver AVR-2908Ci, Xbox 360, motorized TV mount Peerless MM-860, and some Lutron light dimmers.
After about 2 hrs charging I started programming the remote. First I updated the Firmware on both the 890 and RF extender - took about 15 mins to do both.
I then entered the list of equipment in my setup and set up two 'Activities' to start with - watching TV and watching Blu-Ray/DVDs. The setup software walks you through a list of questions and then sets up the activity. I had to add a few 'extras' to include positioning the TV using the motorized mount. Then the information needs to be downloaded to the RF extended and the 890 - only takes a few minutes. I was ready to test the system....
Hooked up the RF extender inside the enclosed audio rack that has all the components, switched everything off then hit the button 'Watch TV'. Magically all my equipment switched on, all inputs were correctly selected, the receiver controlls the volume, the cablebox jumped to the correct channel, and the motorized mount positioned the TV - PERFECT on the first try.
Hit the 'Watch a DVD' button and the same story - everything works perfectly first time out. I have replaced numerous remotes and can control all the equipment hidden in an enclosure. Although this was a fairly simple setup to program I was impressed that all components and activities worked first time out.
By 3 PM my wife was using the system to watch the mummy trilogy.....
Customer Review: It has all the features you could ever want.
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this remote about a month ago. I spent an hour looking for the manuals and model numbers of my equipment. With my information in hand it only took me 5 minutes to install the software, set up an account (Free) on Logitech's website. It took me about 20 minutes to enter my equipment information and to download the codes. Setting up the Activities, i.e. Watch TV, etc. took another 15 minutes. All of the functions of my equipment are supported. There are some extra functions that show up on the remote that I don't think are usable with my equipment models. These were easy to remove. You can rearrange the items on the remote's screen to whatever order you want. If you want to control just one device's functions press the device button and select the device from the list. All of the commands are there. The remote is comfortable to use. Some say the buttons are too small. I have big hands and I don't have any trouble. The buttons you use a lot are large enough. The ones you use less often are smaller but are still comfortable to use. I have not gotten to the point where I don't have to look for some of the buttons. The buttons are shaped in such a way that you can distinguish them from other buttons near them. There is a limit of 8 devices that can be controlled without line of site using the included RF receiver. 15 total items can be controlled with the remote. I only needed to control three units with the receiver. My A/V receiver, cable box and CD/DVD player. This setup allows me to sit outside on my deck and change the music I hear from the outside speakers. For you techies like me you can play all day making changes to the remote's layout until you get it to the way you feel is cool. For the non-techies but somewhat computer savy it is easy to setup and use. This remote is not what you want if you only have a TV, VCR, and DVD player. It's for those who want all the functions of 4 or more remotes in one device.Customer Review: Works as advertised and simple setup
Summary: 5 Stars
I heard a lot about this universal remote and read all the reviews. Was not until I actually bought one that I was able to see for myself how great it is. I have 2006 model year Samsung 50" plasma with new Samsung DVD, Dish Network VIP622 HD DVR, and Denon AVR-987 home theater receiver. Fortunately, it works with all with no problems and even does the 30 second skip feature for the DVR so no loss of ability to bypass pesky commercials. I read in several reviews how support for Denon was not good and several said they had problems with the on/off switching, but it worked first try without any problems. Perhaps more importantly, I'm the gadget guy of the house and my wife has had issues figuring out what remote does what and how to change settings for various viewing/listening modes. With the Harmony 890, it is sooo simple. Just push Watch TV and I have it programmed to change to the correct digital sound, her favorite station, etc....then Play DVD when she wants to listen to her country music in 5 channel surround. So nice not to have to go switch it around for her. Why didn't I get one of these a long time ago? Also, a very cool feature not made obvious is that the 890 has a gyro type sensor in it so that when you pick up the remote or tilt it, it knows to turn on the LCD screen meaning you never have to wake up the remote or push a button to see the screen...very nice addition. The only issue I experienced was my own failure to read the fine print. Would be good if Amazon made it more obvious that when you buy the 890, it includes the RF wireless extender. I missed that and ordered it separately paying an extra $105 by mistake only to find it was included with the 890. No worries though since I'm returning to get my money back, but wish I had known ahead of time to save the shipping expense. So...long story short, this remote is AWESOME and works great with the new Denon AVR-987 and I have to assume all other late model A/V gear.Customer Review: what the other reviewers are not telling you
Summary: 5 Stars
You may look at the price and say to yourself "Who in their right mind would pay $268 for a remote control?"
I, being a normal person, thought the same thing. But then it occurred to me that something was amiss. The product, after all, had 361 reviews at the time. I knew there had to be more to this than meets the eye. "Surely, there are not that many people with so much disposable income in our current economic condition", I thought.
So, the adventurous side of me took hold and I made the purchase. I did not know completely what to expect, but I knew it had to be good. Well, at first I was frustrated and sad as it appeared to be an overpriced remote control (as I had initially suspected before seeing the number of reviews). However, I spent countless hours on this thing and finally found what I was looking for. So, because no one else is being straight about this, I am writing to tell people.
Pressing the Menu + Guide + Rec keys simultaneously will open the inter-dimensional vortex between parallel worlds. I believe this is referred to as the "Einstein-Rosen-Podolsky bridge".
I took my first few trips last night and it was freaking awesome! The very first trip I made was purely accidental as I tripped over my cat when I had opened the vortex and fell face first into a concrete sidewalk on another world. (I chipped a tooth. Ouch!) I panicked instantly upon pulling myself off the sidewalk becaue I had no idea how I would get home. (I hadnt studied the remote long enough). Thankfully, Logitech made it easy. Simply pressing Guide + Stop will transport you back home. No, you dont need to jump into the vortex again when returning. Somehow it just forms a vortex around you automatically so there isnt any fear you will ever be stranded on another world. It seems Logitech has done some very large improvements on the design of Quinn Mallory.
Customer Review: Excellent remote
Summary: 5 Stars
I have owned this remote for just over a month now and I cannot imagine fumbling around with 4 or 5 remotes ever again. As others have stated the programming can be difficult to some but not to others, this will depend on your own knowledge of computers. I have 3 hi-def tvs, living room, billiard room and our pool/patio. This remote allows me to control everything wirelessly except the powering on/off of the tvs which is not a big deal. (you can control tv's but my flat panels would require the infrared wire to be attached to the screen which I chose not to do) Sitting in the pool changing channels is the ultimate luxury in our hi-def world.
Changes to my system were made due to this device and it is much easier now (I used to use the tv volumes now I have my stereo controlling everything) The ability to create an activity name and instruct the remote with what needs to turn on, which input etc. has made life in our house so much better. Push one button and there you have it, everything turns on.
The other great thing is after you set it up and play around with it if you find a function that isn't working you simply get back on your computer, evertyhing is saved so changes are a breeze, find the button and the command it is receiving, if the command is wrong you change it and use the USB cable to reprogam the remote and wireless RF antenna, you can do this anytime and if you add new components. If for some reason the software doesn't command a function correctly you simply use your existing remote to program the Logitech, it's amazing, point the original remote at the logitech and it learns the command.
Obviously with all this said, I would highly recommend this remote to anyone. I even bought a second one to give to my dad for his birthday even though he doesn't have as many components to operate, the ease of use makes it worth buying even for a smaller set up.