Logitech quietly launches $99 Harmony 510 universal remote

We know, January wasn't that long ago, but in consumer electronics years, it's been forever since a new Harmony was revealed. For those of you already on the hunt for a sub-$100 gizmo to give to your favorite person this holiday season, Logitech is jonesing for your business with its entry-level Harmony 510 universal remote. You should know, however, that the IR remote operates just five devices (remember the "entry-level" bit we mentioned?), though it does boast an inbuilt LCD and a fair amount of buttons. Harmony freaks have already pointed out that this one looks almost like a repackaged 550, though your technology-challenged sibling / parent / colleague probably won't take the time to notice. Get those stockings stuffed early for $99.99 (MSRP) a pop.

[Via CNET]

[tavisjohn Posted Oct 6th 2008 3:34PM]

This 5 device remote is cheaper:
http://www.woot.com/Forums/ViewPost.aspx?PostID=2629196

However I am in love with my "Universal Mosaic Touch Screen Remote Control".
http://www.woot.com/Blog/ViewEntry.aspx?Id=1001
I paid $35.00 each for 3 of them. I wish I could find more of them. They control 15 devices, and supports scripts... So I can push one button and my TV inputs are changed, my Receiver is turned on and the proper input set... So I can watch a movie, play Wii or Xbox, look at my PVR... And a single button push and it is back to watching Cable TV!

And there is no guessing what each button does, it is clear as day, and easily relabeled!

[bjsguess Posted Oct 6th 2008 4:00PM]

Spend $50 on the 550 or if you want to drop $100 find a deal for the 880. I've had both. The 880 is so much easier to use (primarily due to the screen).

$100 for this thing is WAY too much cash.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 6th 2008 4:11PM]

Strange!

The order of the color buttons (R, G, Y, B) follows DirecTV order. Cable, with 70% of the market has long used Yellow, Blue, Red (now adding Green for Tru2way).

Yet, Blu-ray remotes have this color button's order: Red, Green, Blue, Yellow.

So, why Harmony chose DirecTV's order?

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 6th 2008 5:11PM]

I wouldn't recommend buying any of the aforementioned Logitech remotes. All the models listed above have problems with the buttons being worn out. I have had the xbox 360 version for about a year now and I can't read what any of the rubber buttons at the bottom say anymore.

The LCD screen has dust in between the screen and the screen's cover.

Spend your money elsewhere. That model isn't worth $100 to have it be worn out in a year.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 6th 2008 5:01PM]

As a multiple-harmony owner, I'd recommend spending a few extra bucks and getting the Harmony One. The display is much better and the ergonomics too. There have been some good deals on them lately. Most recently, I saw one featured on TechDealDigger for $149 - http://www.techdealdigger.com/deals/logitech-harmony-one-149-at-dell-home--home-office/4389

[RafterManFMJ Posted Oct 6th 2008 4:58PM]

So...is there a universal remote that will also run the PS3 via bluetooth? If so, I'd be interested in such a product...

[Fant Posted Oct 6th 2008 7:11PM]

Michael, not sure why you are having problems. I've had the 360 harmony remote for 2 years and buttons and screen look just fine.

Gotta hand it to Logitech... great marketing ... half the features ... twice the price (compared to the 550).

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 6th 2008 7:28PM]

www.woot.com

[Ishcabible Posted Oct 6th 2008 10:09PM]

WOW it is actually kind of sort of comparable at only $5, but it's ugly and has no lcd compared to this.

[bullet618 Posted Oct 6th 2008 7:43PM]

I just saw one of these clearanced at my Target in Brighton, MI for $49. I was very confused...

[Donatolla Posted Oct 6th 2008 10:44PM]

Is this a deal for the gullible? Or just people with too much money?

I bought a Logitech 690 two years ago for $34. ok...that was ebay, but if you are patient, you can find a brand new 690 frequently for $59. So $99 for a newer version of an inferior remote?

Hey Logitech!! How about a Harmony with Bluetooth?? Maybe spend some time on that, no? My coffee table is straining under the pressure of holding up a Harmony AND my PS3 remote.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 6th 2008 11:10PM]

pcrichard.com always has the Harmony 550 for $49.

Same price in their store also.

Kinda makes this remote pointless.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 7th 2008 6:12PM]

I own a Harmony, and I have to say it is one of the worst purchases I've ever made. Navigating the menus is a mother and the functionality is not practical at all.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 7th 2008 10:45AM]

I'm WannabeActuary from the logitech forums. My understanding is that the 510 is the eventual replacement to the 500 series remotes and the 360 version of the remote. Logitech is probably looking to consolidate/update/refresh remotes a bit. The One replaced the 880 back in January, even though you can still find the 880. Given the relationship between the 880 and the 890, it doesn't take a genius to figure an 890 replacement is in the works. The 510 is meant to replace the current 500 series and the 360 remote. The current 600 series is a major bargain at Costco right now, so I would speculate they're clearing stock to refresh the 600 series and put it on the same platform as the other remotes. The current 600 series does not work on the java platform that the other remotes have already moved to. And of course, the 1000 has been buggy from day one, so one may suspect something there as well.

For the record, I've owned an 880 since Nov. 05, a One since Jan. 08, an 890 (with extender) and a 510 for about a month.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 7th 2008 1:25PM]

I bought one of these at Best Buy (except mine is philips... they look identical as far as I can tell). I like it alot. I replaced my crappy comcast remote that is broken after a year of use. This logitech B&W remote seems overpriced.

http://www.x10.com/ir10a_logitech_killer_email7.htm