Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes - Gizmodo Gifts Comments

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

jeffj-nj — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 10:28:34 EST

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.

jeffj-nj

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

EMoShunz — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 08:00:22 EST

this really does sound like an endorsement page :)
but if it's that good...

EMoShunz

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

Steve19970 — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:54:21 EST

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.

Steve19970

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

MarkB — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:45:59 EST

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.

MarkB

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

drewkkake — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:43:46 EST

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.

drewkkake

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

Denver80203 — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:51:57 EST

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.

Denver80203

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

EMoShunz — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:42:58 EST

if this actually was fully functional for all my remotes...worth it!

EMoShunz

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

calaverasgrandes — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:26:16 EST

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.

calaverasgrandes

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

Geoffrey — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:04:49 EST

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.

Geoffrey

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

davekaybsc — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:58:27 EST

URC MX remotes make Logitech Harmonies look like the cheap, mass market junk they are.

davekaybsc

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

dame1234 — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:01:52 EST

harmony 880 for $250? amazon has it new for $130. Bought it as a xmas gift yesterday.

dame1234

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

Johnny Chimpo — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:57:09 EST

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)!

Johnny Chimpo

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

asavitzk — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:50:00 EST

@Type-E: Pretty sure that's why it says "Advertisement" above it.

asavitzk

Gifts for the Remote Juggler: Logitech Harmony Remotes

Type-E — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:36:47 EST

Is this an ad?

Type-E