http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/ Engadget Comments for http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 11:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 12:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/I suppose that's what you're paying for on the pricey models - a good, but not necessarily great product and it's replacement.]]>Mar 17th 2010 12:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
Although my wife constantly asks me if she should press the "watch TV" button to watch tv, or the "watch movies" button to watch tv. Makes you wonder about women's logic sometimes.]]>Mar 17th 2010 12:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
I paid $30 for my Harmony on a refurb special on Amazon. These things are cheap enough now that there's no excuse for buying a crappy universal remote. The Harmony is more compatible, easier to program and easier to use. I only wish the IR was a *little* stronger; sometimes it doesn't turn my TV off from the couch if I'm sitting in the wrong place (my TV is ~20' from my couch, so it's not unreasonable... just disappointing.)]]>Mar 17th 2010 1:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 1:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 2:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 4:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 4:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 11:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 11:57AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 11:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
Hey, look! They're mating. In a few months we can expect a little remote.
]]>Mar 17th 2010 12:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
They obviously used the Lensbaby, which they reviewed recently.]]>Mar 17th 2010 2:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
Which button do I push?

So many to choose form.]]>Mar 17th 2010 7:08PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 12:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/While not perfect, the Harmony line gets the job done. I do think they should rethink their wizard. Some things are easy, and other things are a pain in the as*. For example, if you want to move a soft button function from page 7 to page 1, you have to click the "up" arrow next to the function a bazillion times to move the function through each page.

Also, have you ever tried swapping out a TV? It's hit or miss. They need a high-level function, "Swap Device", that would substitute the new device for the old device, and give you a report that shows where it couldn't find a corresponding match.

Lastly, for those of use with HTPCs, a remote with a sliding keyboard and track pad would be cool.
]]>Mar 17th 2010 12:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
I love my Harmony 525 but I think the default timings from the setup wizard are terribly slow. Using most devices without playing with the timings makes for a sluggish experience, especially when doing repeated tasks like changing channels or the volume. People I know who have tried Harmony remotes have hated them because they're "slower" than the original remotes (but only because they're badly configured by default).

I'd say the majority of the configuration for the device is painful if you really want to get it right (especially, as you mention, changing the order of buttons), but at least the result of that pain is a really good remote control.

P.S. Seen Dinsdale lately?]]>Mar 17th 2010 12:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
Yes, the default timings are horrible. I guess they discovered that they get fewer support calls when the timings are set high, as there are fewer chances for conflicts.

I agree that the pain of programming it is worth it in the end.

No, I haven't caught up with my pal Dinsdale, yet. However, when I do I'm going to nail his head to a coffee table.
]]>Mar 17th 2010 12:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/The only thing I had to change when setting up a harmony one was increase the delay between powering up the TV and selecting the input. Everything else worked flawlessly.

I can see how that may through people and logitech could improve that part of the setup so it is more intuitive. Other than that... perfect remote.]]>Mar 17th 2010 12:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
Nothing beats the programmable remote I used 20 years ago - you could program any key to do any function, and insert little hand-written labels above every key.]]>Mar 17th 2010 2:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Yeah - it would be nice if there were an advanced mode that allowed ms control. But.. aware as Im sure they are of this, it's also an issue of needing to not overwhelm the consumer. And if they made access to programming the units, they'd also probably enable competitors to steal some of the aggregated work of collecting the command info for as extensive a library as they have. ]]>Mar 17th 2010 10:34PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
I totally agree with you there. The only thing I don't like about the Harmony One is the delay to set the input after my projector fires up. Been tweaking it (like today!), but haven't found the magic bullet. Still though, it rocks hard.]]>Mar 18th 2010 4:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 12:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 12:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 12:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
You could use the up/down rocker above the cursor. I use mine for lighting control otherwise it would just be another up/down arrow button. ]]>Mar 18th 2010 12:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
Something like this could be easily resolved with some internal strengthening and make the product feel less cheap.]]>Mar 17th 2010 12:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
The 5 device limit does blow. In most HT rooms you have (at least):
1. TV / Projector
2. Satellite / Cable
3. Receiver

In mine I add to that (4) Xbox (5) Media Center (6) Wii (7) Zune dock. Other common items include PS3 (which you would need the 890 for), Blu-Ray or DVD player, X-10 for lighting/curtains, etc. etc.

I get that the 650 isn't the high end remote on Harmony's list. I just happen to believe that many people will hit that 5 device limit. And for $100 you are paying for a premium remote control.]]>Mar 17th 2010 12:10PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 12:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
I agree. I'm on my second 880, as the first started having serious button problems after a year or so.

However, as bjsguess points out, you can get 880's fairly cheaply. I think I paid $110 for my first one on Ebay, and $75 for the latest one. At that price, swapping the remotes is not cost prohibitive.

I still think the 880 has the best layout, although I do kind of dig the additional color buttons on this new model.
]]>Mar 17th 2010 12:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
In many ways, the best Harmony I've ever used remains the 659.]]>Mar 17th 2010 12:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
Yeah, I love my 880 (have had it for 5 years already), but sometimes nothing happens when you push a button. You just keep pushing it until something does. Are these the button problems you're talking about?]]>Mar 17th 2010 12:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
Yes, those are the problems. You have to look at the top of the screen to see if the "IR" indicator, e.g. blaster-waves, comes on, which shows that a signal is being transmitted. When a button is worn, you really have to push down hard on it.

I actually keep my old remote on the end table. I try to use it when I can so that my new 880 doesn't wear out as fast. :-)
]]>Mar 17th 2010 1:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
Somebody's got to make a remote control system that has 2-way communication so you can have an unlimited number of remotes and not have to worry about keeping them in sync. Probably a big home automation company like Crestron.]]>Mar 17th 2010 2:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
I not only had button issues (volume up being the first to go) but also had a problem with the battery on two separate 880's. It seems like the battery expands with time, and puts a lot of pressure on the battery slot cover. If you remove the battery once it's expanded, it's nearly impossible to get the battery cover back on... this also happened to me on two different 880's.

My experience with Harmony remotes is that the software experience is outstanding... the hardware leaves a lot to be desired.]]>Mar 17th 2010 5:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 18th 2010 11:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 12:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Well for that extra $15 you can control an extra device and have a rechargeable battery.]]>Mar 17th 2010 1:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 12:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 12:36PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 3:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 12:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 12:38PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
I do wish mine had the hard "buttons-of-color," though.]]>Mar 17th 2010 12:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 1:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 2:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/
Runs my ancient Receiver, the PS3 (with Nyko USB key), TV, Comcast DVR with 5 minute skip, air purifier (yes!), squeezebox radio, I'm forgetting something....]]>Mar 17th 2010 2:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 17th 2010 2:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/logitech-harmony-650-remote-review/Mar 18th 2010 4:42PM