Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3 gets official

You've got to love it, don't you? Just a day after we caught wind of Logitech's Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3 (via the always informative FCC), the aforesaid company has come forward and confessed to its plans. The good news is that the adapter is for real, and while we're still not being told too much about the device itself, we do know that it will operate with any Harmony remote and it won't take up a USB port on your console. In other words, it's a simple Infrared-to-Bluetooth converter, though it promises to give Harmony remote users "complete control (including power on / off) over the movie-watching experience on a PS3." We're pleading for more information on pricing and availability, but until that's received, just enjoy your weekend knowing that you'll be able to buy one soon enough.

[Manoj252 @ Mar 20th 2009 4:54PM]

I wonder if the adapter can turn off the PS3 like the Sony remote. USB based IR remotes cannot turn off the PS3 (by design it seems).

[marshall @ Mar 20th 2009 5:02PM]

"though it promises to give Harmony remote users "complete control (including power on / off) over the movie-watching experience on a PS3.""

:-)

[ChillyCat @ Mar 20th 2009 5:04PM]

You'd "think" it will do on/off --- Why make it? , if it can't do that.
Anyhow, it's bluetooth so making it power on/off shouldn't be a big deal.

Finally, my Harmony One will be the ONLY remote needed for my entire
audio/video setup.

[Malkmus @ Mar 20th 2009 5:18PM]

I'll take this moment to vent about the PS3 bluetooth remote I bought for 50 bucks when it first launched. Two big annoyances.

One: Press any button on the remote and the PS3 turns on, whether or not it's pointed at the PS3 (I really this can be convenient when intentional) Meaning if my cat happens to step on it, it will power on. So this accidental powering on of the PS3 is very frequent. Now, this would be only a minor annoyance if it weren't for big annoyance number 2...

TWO: There is NO power button on the PS3 remote. Turning off the PS3 is done by holding down the playstation button and then selecting an on-screen prompt. SO... this becomes really annoying when, first, the PS3 is very frequently being turned on by either my cat or a stray elbow, and two, I then either have to turn the TV on to select the power-off prompt or switch over from another input to do that when I should simply be able to hit a power button that automatically shuts it down without jumping through three hoops first!

When I searched the playstation forums a while back to find a solution to this I found the only responses to other people complaining about this to be snarky remarks like "Are you too lazy to get up and press the power button on the PS3?" That's what a effing remote is for! Because we're lazy and don't want to have to get up! I think for 50 bucks it should at least have a power button like my 360 remote has.

[cduran01 @ Mar 20th 2009 5:29PM]

@Malkmus, if you paid $50 for a PS3 remote you got seriously ripped off. I paid $25 on the day of release at a mom and pop game store (which would be the first ones to over charge), and I saw it at the time at Gamestop for the same price.

[Philip S @ Mar 20th 2009 5:34PM]

I had the same problem with accidentally powering on my PS3 until I sold it. They really should not have it power on unless you hit the PS button. I ended up keeping the PS3 remote on the other side of the room when I wasn't watching a movie so that I wouldn't accidentally power it on.

[Malkmus @ Mar 20th 2009 5:39PM]

You're probably right, maybe it was 25. It was a few years ago. But I stand by point that a remote should at least have a dedicated power button, even for 25 dollars.

[Manoj252 @ Mar 20th 2009 5:44PM]

I think I was too quick to post the question ;) The article did not include the text "(including power on / off)" at the time I read it. Thanks for the clarification and replies.

[Tiptup300 @ Mar 21st 2009 2:52AM]

I got a remote for 10 bucks at circuit city. My ps3 now is randomly on.

well, hot damn, it's on right now. Good thing, it's very quiet.

[quicksilver_vfr @ Mar 22nd 2009 11:08AM]

I've been using one for 6 months - its called IR4PS3 and yes it does turn off the ps3. It uses the internals of the blutooth sony remote and marries that to an IR receiver. This is then a device listed in the Harmony database. It includes a macro for off to handle the multi-step process of turning a ps3 of automagically. Little pricey at $70 canadian, but has great IR reception and only needed a little bit of work on button mappings (triangle square etc.) in the Harmony software to get it going great.

I'm sure this one will work just as smooth and in a very similar fashion, hopefully for a little less cash but I don't begrudge the money spent on a small entrepreneur's version.

[chse @ Apr 10th 2009 12:21PM]

Well- woldn't it be easier to have a remote with bluetooth and infrared, which one could also for a computer?

[SoCoolCurt (PSN: KillaKornbread - XBL: SoCoolCurt) @ Mar 21st 2009 2:19AM]

well it does work with any Harmony remote and im sure there are Harmony's that can control a PC. not to say a bluetooth/infared combo remote wouldn't be great but it does seem like everything can be controlled one way or another right now.

i've actually been waiting for one that could control my TV, DirecTV, PC, PS3 and 360. so yea, a BT/IR remote would do this great, this potentially has me in the market for a Harmony remote now as i desperately need a PC remote.

[radarskiy @ Mar 21st 2009 4:05PM]

Have you though about just how you're going to insert bluetooth into the remotes that people already own?

[Kyle @ Mar 22nd 2009 3:34PM]

No, it wouldn't be easier to make a BT-IR-RF remote because the PS3 is the only HOME THEATER device that uses BT; and yes the Wii uses BT but most people wouldn't consider that a HT device. Here is something, and I didn't see anyone that had mentioned this before, is why would this thing be an IR-BT device rather than a RF-BT device? It's been a while sense I've used a Harmony, and I don't miss them at all, but don't they ALL have RF? This would also ensure that the device would only work with Logitech remotes because, as far as I know, there is no 'standard' for RF. I work in a high-end Home Theater store where we sell URC brand remotes, and now that I use the URC remotes, I'd never touch a wizard based remote EVER AGAIN (Even URC's M-810). Once you have a professional remote programmed by a professional you realize why there is a cost difference between a Harmony and a URC. And yes the cost difference is there, but it is worth it.
I can program a remote to do things like have separate modes for different members of he family and many more cool things. I can program a $150 MX-350 to include special URC-Lutron light dimmers in the macro's for everything. All of this does not mean that I do not see a space for the Harmony's of the world.

[MisterMhz @ Mar 20th 2009 4:57PM]

Freakin Finally!

[Platinum_Skeet @ Mar 20th 2009 4:58PM]

It would be cool if it lets you remote into the PS3 with more devices through web interface like iPhone or a Blackberry cellphone to access your media...


But it probably does something else... That won't be all that useful...

[Doh! @ Mar 20th 2009 5:01PM]

Yeah, an IR to BT converter is really going to let your BT devices access the PS3

[jimmy @ Mar 20th 2009 6:09PM]

i think what he meant was using a Blutooth phone/device to control the Bluetooth PS3.

I'd love a little dongle-type IR Blaster thing that just plugs in and sits there on the WiFi network. Commands can be sent from a computer or WiFi device (iPhone, Nokia tablet, Blackberry, etc...) with software to control everything. I can do that thru my Slingbox, which I bought for $150. I'd pay $100 for the blaster and the software, just so I could sit at my desk, and change channels or volume without picking up the remote. I already have a mouse in my hand...

[SuperDre @ Mar 21st 2009 6:19AM]

Just find someone who is willing to programm it for your BT phone...

[Badonkadonk @ Mar 22nd 2009 10:52PM]

You mean like the Unify4life Game|Shadow? http://www.unify4life.com/

[Edward @ Mar 20th 2009 5:05PM]

Seriously YEY!
@Manoj252: Seriously, its an IR to Bluetooth converter, so yes, it will turn the system on and off, just like the controllers.
@Platinum_Skeet: Not sure if own or PS3 or a harmony remote, otherwise you would know what this does.

[Andrew @ Mar 20th 2009 5:08PM]

Now if the price is just right, this will be fantastic!

[teknomusik @ Mar 20th 2009 5:08PM]

Hopefully they plan on including bluetooth into any future Harmony remotes so this won't be necessary...

[Edward @ Mar 20th 2009 5:10PM]

Nah, thats an extra $40 to $50 premium that they would loose...

[why not the LS2LS7? @ Mar 20th 2009 5:14PM]

I can buy a Bluetooth adapter for my PC for under $10. I can't see how adding Bluetooth to a Harmony remote would cut margins $50.

[cduran01 @ Mar 20th 2009 5:25PM]

$50!!!! The PS3 BT remote is only $24 and I'm sure they are making a killing. Logitech also sells a BT mouse for $50 and I seriously doubt they are loosing money on that one.

[Edward @ Mar 20th 2009 5:26PM]

Think about it, the entire remote costs only a few dollars to make, but they sell it for upwards of $100.
So, if the consumer is willing to pay a premium, they will pay a premium for this.

Also, all of the solutions to get this work properly cost around $50...

[MacBandit @ Mar 21st 2009 1:49AM]

The $40 to $50 premium they lose would be in the loss of sales of the bluetooth adapter.

[malignantmartyr @ Mar 20th 2009 5:11PM]

so if i understand correctly this is not gonna take up a usb port on the playstation 3. this leads my to believe that its going to plug into the mini usb port of the remote itself? Thats cool, but all their remotes are different shapes. Im sure this is gonna look tacky on some if not most of their remotes.

[pixelate @ Mar 20th 2009 5:15PM]

It will probably be a standalone IR receiver that you can place anywhere in front of you. It wirelessly receives your remote's output, and (obviously) wirelessly transmits a Bluetooth signal. Probably just needs a power source.

[macgregger @ Mar 20th 2009 5:11PM]

this is the best news i've heard all week.

[victor @ Mar 20th 2009 5:15PM]

Maybe it's just a battery powered puck that does the BT to IR conversion?

[Xerolux @ Mar 20th 2009 5:16PM]

As long as it works, could be product of the year. :)

[Shenanigans @ Mar 20th 2009 5:17PM]

I am in for one.

Unless it costs more than my Harmony 550 cost me new, which was $50.

[NeoteriX @ Mar 20th 2009 5:20PM]

Freakin finally? Product of the year? Why is everyone's pants getting wet over this? ...If this is in fact an IR to Bluetooth converter, it already exists.

http://www.schmartstuff.com/ps3irpr3.html

[Edward @ Mar 20th 2009 5:31PM]

Well lets see:
1. $100, I paid $120 for the remote, not willing to spend more than $50 on this type of item.
2. Not made by Logitech, a no name brand peddling their wares on Yahoo Stores just doesn't cut it. And, I would prior to posting crap, take a look at their support forum.
3. Uses a USB port to do all of its work.
4. Looks fn lame.

[cduran01 @ Mar 20th 2009 5:31PM]

Logitech's looks nicer and since they probably have better parts sourcing they would probably have a lower price.

[Magius @ Mar 23rd 2009 6:16PM]

Personally I use this one: http://www.schmartstuff.com/sony-ps3-ir-upgrad.html
The only thing it can do is turn on the console (because Sony disabled the USB ports) but every other function, including Off works flawlessly. It does takes over one usb port, but you never even notice it.

Logitech's solution looks cool, hopefully the price won't be high.

[Chris @ Mar 20th 2009 5:50PM]

probably cause this is from a company that people have actually heard of, rather than some seemingly fly-by-night operation. Also it'll probably be MUCH cheaper than the $100 box you linked to.

[pentos @ Mar 20th 2009 10:54PM]

Right on NeoteriX

I've had my PS3IR-PRO for quite a while and have no complaints -- the box does what it says on the site and works with my Harmony One. I've had no issues with this box

---- Edward ----
1. I got my remote for the same price as you - at the time of purchase my PS3IR, the alternative was leaving the PS3 on all the time w/ using a NYKO blu-wave....anyhow....don't think there's much net cost difference.... http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/video-game-energy-47111906
2. Name brand doesn't matter as long as the thing works like it should -- and you should check out the forum....it's actually very informative...you may want to reference it if you want to figure out how to map the Sony trademarked symbol buttons to the new Logitech device on your remote.
3. Actually the USB is used only for universal wall power (people in any country simply buy whatever USB connector allows them to plug into wall socket). The PS3 doesn't supply power to the USB ports when off....so this PS3IR wouldn't even be able to send a power-on command to the PS3 if it used USB.
4. I'm all for Logitech design (I'm very happy with my diNovo mini), but the PS3IR is like a black deck of cards... I don't even notice the thing mixed in with my other gear. Go ahead and showcase ur IR2BT converter.
Anyhow....next time actually take some time to look into something more than 30 seconds before you decide to comment on someone's post.

[Jason @ Mar 21st 2009 1:45PM]

I was hoping they would just have a harmony model with bluetooth already in it by now.

[Mike V. @ Mar 20th 2009 5:36PM]

So if this is just an IR-BT standalone puck, I wouldn't NEED a Harmony remote to use it, right? I use my Motorola DVR's remote to control my XBOX, and I would love to do the same with the PS3 by just plugging in the Sony 4-digit code into the remote I already have. It should be able to accept any IR signal, not just one coming from a Harmony remote. (Or so I hope)

Anyone think this'll be possible?

[Casper42 @ Mar 20th 2009 6:05PM]

Since its the Harmony device that is providing the IR, its not a safe assumption that you use the Sony IR Codes.
You would need the Logitech IR Codes in reality as they could be doing some crazy mappings inside the puck.

If they wanted to be NICE, they would release the discrete codes to the puck (you still have to buy the puck) that would allow users of other universal remotes to use the puck as well. Knowing how companies operate these days though, they will be dikkish about it and NOT release them to make you more likely to buy a Harmony. The easier way to achieve the same thing is to inflate the price of the puck and then offer a rebate to existing Harmony users and track it based on your Harmony Serial Number.

But the reality is this device is not new, and Logitech is getting into this party kind of late in the hopes that people were holding out for a brand name product.
http://ir2bt.com/info.htm
http://www.schmartstuff.com/ps3irpr3.html
http://www.cepro.com/article/new_ir4ps3_promises_complete_ir_control_of_ps3/

[SHoe @ Mar 20th 2009 5:39PM]

I'd rather go the other way: use a BT universal remote for everything. What is the point in going backwards? I know, I know: then you'd need BT -> IR converters for your TV, etc. I know that. What I want is for all frickin modern TV's and DVD players to go BT. If cheapo cellphones can have BT then my god-damned $2000 HD television should have this too.

I have the PS3 BT remote and I love it. Once you have BT you wont want to go back to IR.

@Malkmus: I hear you: having the PS3 turn on when you hit anything on the remote is a massive pain in the ass. Sony could fix this with a PS3 firmware update. So complain loud and complain often - who knows? I got my remote for $30, so sorry about your early adopter tax. At the price I bought it I feel it is a great deal.

[Brian Flowers @ Mar 22nd 2009 2:02PM]

But here's the problem: The same remote control in my house will turn on/control several TVs and a couple of audio components from the _same button_ in the _same mode_. I don't want a bluetooth remote. I don't want to hit 'power' and have every freakin TV and component in a 20-foot radius turn on. If I hit the power button from the kitchen, the Sony TV upstairs is closer than the Sony TV in the living room - but I'd want the one in the living room to turn on. Basically, I _want_ to have to point the remote at the device, so I can actually control what device gets the code.

[EtherGnat @ Mar 20th 2009 11:00PM]

@Brian

Bluetooth devices are paired, so they won't control random devices in your house anymore than your bluetooth headset picks up every cellphone that goes by.

[h0mi @ Mar 20th 2009 5:40PM]

Annoying that this is a bluetooth to IR adapter and not a new remote with bluetooth built in but another option is welcome even if it's not "the one" we all want :D.

[arkweld @ Mar 20th 2009 8:48PM]

the simple reason for that is that it's a waste of time and money to redesign an existing product just to be able to work with one piece of hardware.

The PS3 is the only piece of AV equipment I can think of that uses Bluetooth. Sony could have gone RF like every other manufacturer and there would be plenty of devices that could handle it. But Sony wants you to buy their stupid remote (doesn't even glow in the dark - major dumb for AV equipment) and give them $30.

[h0mi @ Mar 22nd 2009 2:00AM]

@arkweld- true, but unlike other hypoethetical bluetooth hardware, there are millions of ps3s out there and at least thousands of these remotes would sell.

[EskimoPie @ Mar 20th 2009 5:54PM]

I wonder if it could be compatible with the Wii?