Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote

Here's the latest and greatest in the Logitech Harmony Universal Remote line — the 890 supposedly eliminates the need for elaborate setup and macro programming of your setup by doing everything for you. It uses Smart State Technology to automagically set up your entertainment system (up to 15 devices, including lighting) when you give it simple activity commands such as "Watch TV" or "Listen to Music," and will turn off whatever components aren't being used. Sounds good — if there's a "Write blog post" button, we're thinking it's totally worth the $399.99.

[Thanks, Dave]

[Dave Zatz @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

What's interesting is that this remote uses RF and has an RFIR dongle allowing you to control devices in other rooms or inside cabinets. I'm not sure if that feature, along with programming "multi-zones," justifies the $150 bump over the 880 model.

[Paul @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Is this the answer to my Pronto that I can't be bothered reprogramming?

PS - I spent around �70 / $130 a few years ago to buy an IR retransmitter to

[RTJ @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

wow! would it go through cabinet doors??? that would be awesome!

[grovberg @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Uhh...yeah, you guys are missing the point. The features mentioned in the initial post are the key features on every currently available Harmony, includes some going for under $100.

[jazzay @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

yeah, but ive been waiting on a RF Harmony remote (i have an IR universal remote and i still have to have an RF remote for my PC and another remote for my lights) 400 bucks tho,thats getting up there, i didnt wanna go up much more than the low-end harmony series, and however much i loves the 880, 250 was a lot, a las, i still cant figure out how to get the Phillips Pronto emulator on my Sony Clie

[Morgon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

If you're going to spend this much, why don't you just drop the extra $100 - $150 for a refurb Philips ProntoPro (TSU-7000). This damn thing rocks!

[Paul @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Of all the home-theatre/gadget purchases I have ever made, my Harmony remote is the best.

Why?

One reason: My wife (and my visiting parents) can use my system.

Easy to setup (notice that I didn't say "program") and sooper easy to use.

Best purchase ever.

[deadmonkey @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

Of all the home-theatre/gadget purchases I have ever made, my Harmony remote is the worst.

Why?

One reason: My wife (and my visiting parents) can use my system.

Worst purchase ever.

Sure its easier for ME to use but not *I* never get to use my system. grrr.

[bhavesh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

I love the Harmony Remote. I still have the 659 and prefer it's layout of buttons overall.

It's easy to set it up for simple things, but gets a little complicated to get it do things that are a little more customized. However, in general, most things are easily done.

I wrote a how-to / review on using it about a year ago:

http://www.veshman.com/mt/archives/000173.php

Bhavesh Patel

[mrw0lf @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

I got the Harmony 880 a week ago.

Got it setup in about 15-20 minutes.
Love it.

The only "big" thing I would change is to make the PVR/DVD controls more prominent.

Big plus: works with my Mac.

[mrw0lf @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

I got the Harmony 880 a week ago.

Got it setup in about 15-20 minutes.
Love it.

The only "big" thing I would change is to make the PVR/DVD controls more prominent.

Big plus: works with my Mac.

[mrw0lf @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

sorry for the double-post.

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:25AM]

I bought the Harmony 880 and I loved it, untill I found out it does not control my Lights, Fireplace which work off RF, so I returned it. Now I'm looking to get the Harmony 890. Does anyone know if it's even availbe and if so where what store sells it?