Gizmodo Gifts
Logitech's Harmony line of remote controls are some of the best out there for quite a few reasons. Probably the top is the programming. Logitech's software contains thousands upon thousands of TVs, DVD players, DVRs, cable boxes, surround sound systems, amplifiers and more. All you have to do is input your model number and the software will recognize it. It will then ask what kind of devices are used for what kinds of activities. It is really convenient and easy to use, but for the actual remotes there is quite the variety to choose from.
The Harmony Advanced for 360 (includes physical Xbox 360 buttons, but other remotes can do that as well, at least via the digital LCD screen), 550, 659 and 670 are the lower end models that include a simple, monotone LCD screen and basic features like backlighting, infrared learning and more. These remotes are great for entry level home entertainment systems and beginners. These remotes range from $100 to $150.
The Harmony 880 is the mid-range remote with a rechargeable battery, full color screen, and similar abilities as the lower end models. It retails for $250.
The high-end models are the 890 and 1000. The 890 is similar to the 880, but it is $100 more and includes Z-wave controls. Z-wave is the control system that allows you to use a remote to control the lighting, blinds and other things around the house besides the entertainment system. The 1000 is the big kahuna of universal remotes. This $500 remove is shaped less like a remote and more like a PDA with a touchscreen, button controls and the entire suite of features and abilities. [Product Page]
Is this an ad?
@Type-E: Pretty sure that's why it says "Advertisement" above it.
Here is a great gift idea for the parents. I got my folks the 880 and set it up for them last year and they love it. They had just gotten a whole new TV/speakers/DVD?etc and my step-mom had to keep handwritten instructions just to watch TV or throw in a movie. Now everything can be easily controlled through one remote (to rule them all).
BEWARE: These things are WAY over priced, the software is crap (for initial setup), and your better off eating the remote than calling Logitech for support or warranty repair. So keep an eye out for a sale on amazon, dell, or newegg. And be sure to keep ur original box in case it craps out. That way you can just rebuy and return at your local Best Buy (don't worry they get a credit back from Logitech)!
harmony 880 for $250? amazon has it new for $130. Bought it as a xmas gift yesterday.
URC MX remotes make Logitech Harmonies look like the cheap, mass market junk they are.
DAME1234, ditto. Bought it last night to give my parents this year.
Also, a note to the people that wrote the copy that got regurgitated as an ad: the 100 bucks extra between the 880 and the 890 is really more because of the RF functionality. The 880 is IR only (meaning you need a somewhat unobstructed line of sight between the device and the remote for the signals to travel). The 890 supports RF, allowing you to get signals through opaque cabinets, thin walls, etc. AND, the 890 comes with one of the RF extenders. Which, last I checked, retails for an MSRP of 99 buckaroos. That would basically account for the price difference, so in reality, the Z-wave and the RF support are gratis; you're just paying extra for the extender.
remember those analog remotes? The ones that used a couple of aluminum tone blocks to signal the TV to go up or down a channel. Man that was the most amazing thing ever when I was 7 years old.
if this actually was fully functional for all my remotes...worth it!
Harmony Advanced for 360 does everything but turn on the Wii. Very cool to hit one button and have te tv, tivo, receiver fire up at once and then switch over to the 360 with one more if you please. Programming it on the PC is a nice touch as well.. download the latest 'drivers' to interface with whatever came out since it was released.
I managed to get a Harman/Kardon TC-30 remote, which is essentially a Harmony 720, for about $115 on Amazon last year. I absolutely love it except for the fact that for some reason, I can't get the device delay timings right so it has never been a "one-touch" experience for me (which is obviously half the point of the thing). Maybe it's an IR problem that the higher-end RF remotes don't have, I don't know. I also hate that I can't use Logitech's software, which gets updates from time to time and is easy, to make changes; instead I have to use H/K's program, even though the remote software is exactly the same as other Harmony remotes.
My buddy wanted a nice universal remote...he's technologically impaired so I recommended a Harmony remote. Being the rich bastard he is he instantly went to Best Buy and bought the 1000. Unfortunately for him he doesn't read manuals and doesn't know how to use it. I figured the whole thing out in 1 minute, but I have to watch it sit there and collect dust while I can't even afford a Radio Shack universal remote.
I've had my Harmony 360 since I got my Xbox 360, and I've loved it. People who come over and use it are amazed by the simplicity.
this really does sound like an endorsement page :)
but if it's that good...
I'm going to keep this short and simple. Do not buy the Harmony 1000. Do buy the Harmony 880. Even if you didn't think you were in the market for a universal remote, trust me, and go buy the Harmony 880 right now. I promise you that you will thank me. And, if you had your eye on the Harmony 1000, I also promise you that one day you grow to thank me for this little tid-bit of advice. DO NOT BUY IT.
You're welcome.
Forgot your username or password?