Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote with Color Touch Screen
by Logitech
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote with Color Touch Screen
Customer Review: Fantastic Remote: Simple to Program, Even Easier to Use!
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
A year ago, I purchased the Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control and have liked it so much that I had determined to buy a second remote this year in order to have one upstairs and one downstairs. Although both the Harmony 880 and the new Harmony One each control many devices (I currently have 14 devices configured on each), it became tiresome to have to go to a different floor of the house to grab the remote for the other level. Then Amazon Vine received the Harmony One remote from Logitech for review, and I was thrilled to be able to review it.
The Harmony 880 and the Harmony One are very similar in functionality and programming. Both are programmed using a USB interface to your PC and the Logitech Harmony Remote Software. Both can handle multiple devices with considerable ease, allowing for most users to configure every remote-controlled device in their home. Both remotes can `learn' from the original remote if you are not able to configure a device using the model number. Both of these remotes enjoy a rechargeable dock.
Where the significant improvements are in the Harmony One over the Harmony 880 are the feel of the device in the hand, the improved backlit hard buttons that are easy to see in the dark, and a dock that cradles the remote much better (making it more difficult for your cat to knock the remote out of the dock! LOL). Also, with significant spaces between buttons on the Harmony One, it is easier to feel your way around the remote without looking.
If you are replacing an older Harmony remote, the Logitech Harmony software offers the opportunity to `replace' the currently configured device with the newer device, transferring your device setup for all the TVs, VCRs, DVRs, etc. to the new remote with little effort. As I did not want to replace, but add a new remote, I didn't use this function myself.
For those of us who are adding a new remote, I was a bit disappointed in the Harmony Remote software. You cannot have multiple remotes under one Logitech account. Instead, you must set up a separate ID for each remote. Many people use the same ID for most computer programs and online sites requiring one, and this requirement may cause some trouble for us in the future. I can easily imagine that the next time I need to program this remote I may have forgotten the ID I used to set it up with. While I keep pretty good track of my IDs and passwords, it will be hard to remember a year from now that I had to use a non-standard ID for this one. I would like to see the software revised to allow for multiple remotes in one account, and the ability to copy configurations from one to another.
On the bright side, the software really does make it easy to configure your televisions, Tivos, DVD players and more. If you have the model number of that device, this is the simplest method of configuring it, and with an extensive database of model numbers - including some very old tvs and the like (judging by my own setup), it is a pretty sure-fire way to set up your Harmony One Remote quickly and easily.
Of course, there are times when you simply cannot find the model number for a device. My bedroom television does not have a model number anywhere that I can find it. So, I used the `learn' function on the Harmony One Remote to teach the Logitech device the correct codes, using my original remote from the television. Even if you haven't the original remote, the remotes are still easy to configure using the brand name and the device type (i.e. Sharp TV) in the Harmony software.
Programming custom buttons for devices is very easy. I like to control the volume on my television while the remote is in Tivo mode, so I simply used the TV remote to program the volume buttons on the Harmony One Remote for the specific TV I will use. This procedure is as simple as lining up the two remotes and clicking the button you are configuring, then letting the Logitech software do its magic!
So far, I have configured a variety of devices with this remote easily: TVs, TiVos, DVD players, VCR, Cable Boxes, and an A/V receiver. None were problematic, and all work very well. I highly recommend the Harmony One Remote for anyone who wants to combine all their remotes to one and prefers ease of configuring. Oh, and it looks pretty sharp, too. Especially with my own photographs downloaded to run a pretty screensaver!
Customer Review: At Last...an All-in-One Remote That Works Beyond My Expectations
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
This all-in-one remote control really knocks me out, although I have to admit it took me a while to install all the devices into it properly. However, even before facing that daunting task, the first thing that struck me was its state-of-the-art ergonomic design. It's a beautifully thoughtful remote, very light and easy to handle with one hand. The second impressive aspect is the 2.2-inch full-color touch-screen, in which you have at your command all the media activities in your home theater, whether it's watching TV, watching a DVD, listening to a CD, or playing a game. The degree of activity customization on the remote is quite impressive, and you can apparently incorporate the functionality of up to fifteen remotes. Luckily, I only have four, so the capabilities are more than enough to meet my personal needs.
The layout of the buttons below the touch-screen is intuitive, no accident since Logitech apparently spent six months figuring out the optimal pattern to locate the keys based on extensive usability testing. I can acknowledge that after nearly a month of constant use, I don't even need to look at the remote anymore to know which keys I'm hitting. There are three discrete sections to the remote. On the bottom are the manual channel entry keys where they are just out of the way enough, ideal for me given that I infrequently use a keypad to access channels. I am used to my onscreen programming guide to allow me the flexibility of surfing.
The center section is where you find the record, play/pause and other DVR-related keys. They get the most frequent use when I play a DVD or CD. The keys are the easiest to navigate, and the record button is fortunately recessed so that I don't hit it accidentally. Right above these buttons are the keys for volume control, the channel up/down button, and right in the middle, the navigation D-pad for surfing the programming guide and the menus on the components. Just above that is the page up/down function critical when I need to scroll the guide quickly, as well as the keys for the onscreen Guide, Exit, Menu and Info. This is the area where my fingers get their most intensive workout.
Because there is so much functionality being coordinated, the set-up can be a bit laborious, although it seems a small price to pay in hindsight. To be best prepared, you need to make note of the model numbers of your devices, and if it doesn't exist in Logitech's sizable online database, you have to manually place it close to the remote while it's plugged into your PC with the USB cable provided. My TV is a bit old, a conventional Sony KV32V42 set, so it required some guesswork on my part as to which model it most resembled in their database. The rest was much easier to plug in since both my AV Receiver and DVD Player are newer Sony models, and my Digital Set Top Box is pretty standard in my neighborhood, a Motorola DCT-2000 provided by Comcast.
The one slight annoyance is sometimes the oversensitivity of the remote when I aim it at my devices for my desired activity. I notice that I may find myself out-of-sync where only two of the three devices are on, even though I have executed the command correctly. This happens most with the TV settings perhaps because of the advanced age of my set. What I find particularly helpful about the remote is that when I face such a problem, I can either hit the help button right below the touch screen on the remote, or use the help menu displays on the touch screen. There I am asked simple questions to get my activity working correctly. The questions include basics such as whether the TV is on, the AV receiver is on, and so forth. I simply hit "no" until the input is correct and then hit the "yes" button when everything is operating the correct way.
From a convenience standpoint, I really like how the buttons are backlit, and of course, I can see the touch screen in the dark. Batteries are not needed since recharging of the remote is done by leaving it in a charging cradle when not in use. The cradle is backlit as well in case I forget whether the power is on or not. I really can't say enough good things about this remote. Because I can be as much of a technophobe as the next consumer, the set-up was intimidating initially, but once I recognized the flexibility in programming and switching activities, I felt I was able to reap the dividends immediately. The Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote makes me feel I have easy and direct access to a consolidated home theater.
Customer Review: A worthy replacement for any universal remote new or old!
Summary: 5 Stars
Just received this new gadget and although I have not had it for a long time, my initial impressions are overflowing with praise. Logitech upon acquiring Harmony has somehow found the list I made a few years ago about everything I thought was wrong and would do differently with the Harmony line of remotes and have found a solution to them all in this magnificent new version. At least that's what it seems like.
This remote will be replacing my trusty old Harmony 880, which will be relegated to the bedroom after I had inadvertently sat on and crushed the lcd screen on my relatively new Harmony 550 (may it rest in peace). Apparently, the Harmony 880 is a bit more durable than the slimmer 550 because I've been known to sit on that by accident on several occasions without inflicting any damage to the unit. I'm hoping this new beautifully designed Harmony One will be have also have durability to match its looks. Only time will tell, and I will update this review in the near future after I've spent some more quality time with the device.
The quick and dirty:
Form factor and Ergonomics: Brilliant! Fits nicely in my medium sized hand, comfortable to hold, and nicely weighted. Logitech has answered one of my few complaints about the 880 by having raised buttons on the new Harmony One to offer the user some tactile sense of which button to press without having to look down. Also, the rearrangement of buttons makes everything more accessible and the new touch screen looks sharp and works very well - the icing on the cake.
Ease of Use / Programmability: Harmony remotes have always excelled in this regard. The web-based software is intuitive and very easy to setup. It is always updated and has improved greatly over its many versions though the years. Works with both PC's and Macs with a USB port in terms of programming. The activity-based setup with the help functions makes this easy for anyone to use, including the most technology-phobic or electronically-challenged individuals, like my grandmother. My only wish is that perhaps a future software update will allow the user to further customize the icons and graphics on the touchscreen to suit personal tastes.
Functionality: It does everything you need a remote to do. It would've been nice if it had RF and bluetooth functionality (to control the PS3 and other specialized devices) but there are very viable workarounds to that (Nyko bluwave IR for the PS3) and in reality, I have no need for RF functionality. Harmony offers the 890 and Universal offers a few models that do RF but none of them can match the Harmony One's user-friendliness. Perhaps Logitech will release an RF version of this remote in the future, but there is likely a small market for it. Lastly, the charger base is a significant improvement over the 880. For you 880 owners out there, I'm sure you've found its charger base to be unreliable and often unwilling to actually charge your remote unless you position it just right. Logitech has fixed this on the Harmony One. Yet another problem solved. We'll how see it holds up over time but so far, this remote is approaching perfection.
Value: Is this remote worth $250? Depends who you are. Are you a techno-geek gadget-freak or a more practical and sensible person? A Harmony 550 can do just about everything the Harmony One can at a fraction of the cost but then it doesn't look, feel, and work as nice. The Harmony 550 is your Toyota corolla of remotes: dependable, practical, reliable, economical, until you bang it up by accident and it doesn't hold up very well (in my case, inadvertently sit on it). The Harmony One is your Lexus of remotes (or BMW or Mercedes, pick one). It does everything the toyota can but just better and more upscale, and it appears more durable and just feels much nicer... you know, in case you're wondering where the $250 went.
Conclusion: Highly recommended! If you don't have a decent universal-type remote yet, you can't go wrong with this one. It's the best out there but comes at a price. If you already have an 880 or 890, it's a tougher proposition unless you really have $250 burning a hole in your pocket. If you have a 550 or similar and wished it was nicer or just jealous of the Harmony One's fancy touch screen, perhaps you might accidently sit on it and justify an upgrade? It's ok, I won't tell.
Customer Review: A few minor negatives, like no RF support, but an outstanding remote!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
This is one high end remote, and for as sophisticated as it is, it works wonderfully in a beautifully designed ergonomic frame that is easy to setup and use.
Presentation: Logitech presented the Harmony One in an elegant display box, showing the gleaming black case through clear plastic. The box graphics are nice and do a good job adding to the whole experience. No blister packs here, this feels like you are opening something important.
In the box you will have the following:
Universal Remote
Charging Station
USB Cable
AC Power Adapter
Lithium Ion Battery
CD-Rom with Logitech Software
Installation Guide
Setup: Setup is a cinch, though I must admit I did have some trouble connecting this unit to my Intel iMac. After installing the software the unit did not want to acknowledge my USB connection. There was a number to call. The call center help was very friendly and helpful. Above average tech support. The problem was resolved and we moved forward.
The software is easy to install, and once installed you hook up your remote to your computer through the supplied USB cable. The software then asks you for the items you want to control. (Note: It would be helpful in advance to have the makes and model numbers of everything you want to control.)
After you setup all the items you want to control, the software then asks you how you have your components set up to work. For example, if I want to watch TV, I need to turn on my Dish DVR and turn my TV on and to Video 1. These are called setting up activities, and I'll get to a little later.
After this is all setup to your liking, the software installs the information to your remote, reboots it and you are off to test it out.
I mentioned before the concept of "Activities". One of the major drawbacks of universal remotes in the past was having to control different components, and switch between them to do tasks. This remote does it for you. When you want to watch TV, you simply push the "Watch TV" icon on the color touch screen. The unit will then do all the tasks, turning on the DVR, TV, Sound system, etc, you had to do separately. It is really neat, and a nice time saver.
If you are having trouble, and the system is not working as desired, you can either hook the unit back up to the software or you can utilize the on remote help. The remote will guide you through some dialogue boxes on the color screen to help you resolve your problem.
Remote Operation: The remote works with easily with a surprisingly large number of units. I use a DVR and the buttons seemed laid out perfectly for DVR operation. It also worked my VCR and DVD recorder/player as if it was designed for it, unlike most universal remotes I've used.
It also worked a few things things I never thought of. It works my Sirius Starmate Replay, which I have in its boombox on the living room table. It also worked my relatively cheap Durabrand amplifier as if it was designed for it. For each of these speciality items, special control buttons appear on the touch screen for controls that are specific to that unit and that unit's remote.
Another nice feature is the motion activated backlight. The unit itself is a shiny jet black, and in a dark room you would never be able to find the buttons. But simply pick up the unit, and it lights up, buttons too, for you to easily control.
The only negative I've found is that it doesn't have RF support. I have a Dish Network DVR, and the second television needs to control the DVR through RF, which this unit cannot utilize. So be warned if you need RF, this unit will not do it.
Bottom Line: Few glitches aside, I was extremely impressed with this remote. It is smart, sexy, and works great. From those of you with just a few items to control, to those with dozens, this remote has more than what it takes to control all your audio, visual, and other household units.
Customer Review: Simple to use, feature-packed
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
The amount of work that has gone into producing the Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote is as impressive as its name! This thing is really quite incredible.
I am going to start the review in a natural progression from the time I opened the box to now, some weeks afterwards. The box is sturdy and the contents are well-packed. It was easy enough to open and get at the contents: the remote control itself, the charging base, the usual manual and software on CD in addition to a cleaning cloth.
The remote control is sleek and beautiful with a shiny black sheen all over except underneath which is a soft gray padding that keeps the remote control secured on just about any surface. The contours also underneath make holding it easy. The small screen is colorful and what's more, touch screen!
On power up, nothing much happens although you can touch the screen buttons on the screen. Each touch causes a small beep. The buttons on the remote control itself are easy to manipulate with a pleasant, springy feel as you push them.
I have to confess that I was a bit intimidated with set up believing it was going to be a real bother. I am so happy to say that nothing is further from the truth. Both in setup and use, the speed with which anyone even the most untutored can use this remote is impressive considering the functionality. But more on that later.
As I said, set up was easy. The package included a USB cable, one end of which goes into the remote control and the other into the normal USB socket on a PC. This happens after installing the software first so that on connecting the remote control, the computer recognizes the remote control and starts the setup. Wizards and clear instructions guide the user as they set up their devices, a process that includes creating a Harmony account on the computer so it remembers your settings.
The manual, which I read in passing, suggested I record the make and models of each device I wanted to control with the remote control. I didn't have that already but I was able to walk over to collect this information--from four devices. Then, following the easy instructions and answering quick questions, I was able to program the remote control. It took me all of 10 minutes before I could start using it. According to the documentation, this remote control is capable of controlling more than 225,000 devices from more than 5,000 brands! That is truly incredible.
If you run into any problems, live (and free) support is available.
Here's the really intelligent part of using the remote control: it's all activity-based. With my other remotes, if I wanted to watch a DVD, I had to use the DVD remote to turn it on, switch the carousel to the DVD I wanted to watch then hit play. Right at the same time, I had to turn on the TV and switch its input to the DVD. Then, with the receiver, I had to switch the audio to the DVD.
With the Universal Remote, on the full-color touch screen, I simply touch Watch A DVD and that's it! The DVD is on, the receiver is on and switched to the proper input as is the TV. I was blown away. Here's another brilliancy: when the remote is put away, simply *moving* it turns on the backlight so that all the buttons are on and easy to see.
The design of the remote control is such that each button is easy to find after a few uses so that you don't have to look down, even in the dark.
My wife had wanted a quick tutorial on how to use the remote control, but I wasn't able to so she decided to go it alone and she was able to figure out every single operation within a half-hour, without ever having read a manual. It's so easy to use.
In fact, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this remote. It's exemplary and worth every penny. There are now four remotes that have been replaced by it (the receiver, the cable box, the TV, and the DVD). Incredible.