Logitech Harmony One

February 11, 2008 02:26

4.5/5
This is my first true Universal Remote, and I must say that I am impressed so far.

Initial programming was a very straightforward process for me. The software asks simple questions not only about your gear, but also how they interact with one another for each specific activity. The only caveat is you MUST know how your gear is connected, i.e. the dvd player is connected to the dvd input or component 1 input.

Initial programming and testing took me about an hour and a half, only because the remote was having trouble switching source inputs on my tv and couldn't figure out how to turn on power to the XBox. A troubleshooting section in the software was able to remedy both issues though.

All the labels are customizable, which helps when you have multiple devices that play video (DVD, XBox, PS3, AppleTV). (The PS3 does not have an IR sensor, so Harmony Remotes are useless for PS3 function. I do have complete control of my AppleTV, however.)

The Activities are completely under your control as well. You can create whatever activity you want by answering a few simple questions about your devices and the software makes all the changes.

The touchscreen function is phenomenal! All of your activities are located on the screen and with the touch of soft button, you can powerdown your dvd player, turn the satellite box on, change the input on the tv and receiver and your golden. The most common functions for the current activity are located on physical buttons beneath the touchscreen, so there is very little hand sliding up and down the remote looking for the volume and channel buttons. The button layout is also a plus.

One of the best features is the onscreen Remote Assistant. If watching a dvd causes you to perform multiple functions and the tv doesn't change to the proper input, pressing the Help key does exactly that, it helps. The remote asks you simple questions, Is the tv on?, Is the DVD player on?, and so on until it finds a device not set properly based on your input. It will then resend that command to the device until the setting is correct. This is extremely beneficial when your tech terrified girlfriend calls you at work because she can't get General Hospital on tv, or she can see it but can't hear it.

I've been using the remote for a couple of days and I am very pleased so far. The girlfriend likes it as well, which makes life easier all the way around for me.

Now the bad: The glossy finish shows fingerprints and smudges way to easily. It comes with a micro fiber cloth to wipe it down, but I have found myself wiping it alot.

Touchscreen is way too sensitive out of the box. A very light brush across the screen was activating several functions. Fortunately though, there is a sensitivity setting that you can manipulate (Once you find it, that is).

I have also noticed that my girlfriend had to use two hands at times. She has small hands and was holding it near the touchscreen while entering channel numbers which are near the bottom. She has also had to use two hands when using the touchscreen. It's not a deal breaker, but maybe something to consider for some buyers.

- rich615

February 10, 2008 08:24

4.5/5
I was seriously considering the 890 but I didn't like the feel of it on my hands. It feels like I have to put a death grip on it so that it won't slip from my hands. I looked at the Harmony 1000 but read too many negative reviews on it so I passed. That's when I found out about the Harmony One. Bought the Harmony One from a popular auction site at a killer price.

This is my first Logitech Harmony All in One remote and it took me a long time (almost an hour) to program the settings right. At first my TV was not powering on when I pressed on "Watch TV". I was very frustuated but realized I was doing something wrong. After I corrected the problem I can now put away my old remotes and use the Harmony One for now on. This thing works great!!!

I like the color of the Harmony One but due to it's shiny finish and touch screen it will leave fingerprints. Logitech does include a wipe cloth though in the package.

The feel of the remote feels just right and isn't heavy or bulky. No death grip and pressing the buttons feels a lot better and precise than the 890.

Touch screen is very responsive and is one of my favorite features.

I highly recommend the Harmony One but if you need a remote that has RF then don't get this one. I heard Logitech is making a Harmony One with RF.

Need channel icons for your Harmony? Go to www.iconharmony.com

- BMWguy206

February 22, 2008 07:43

4.0/5
Huge improvement over the 880, and much better range than the 1000--I just wish that they wouldn't taunt me with PS3 buttons when I can't actually control it!

- Jeeonathan

February 8, 2008 10:40

5.0/5
This remote does a great job of simplifying your home theater setup. One press on the touch screen will fire up the appropriate components in your system, set the inputs, and show the appropriate buttons on your touch screen.

All of the configuration is done on your PC and you can set up any button configurations you want. If the remote doesn't know your device settings, it can learn them from your existing remote - but Logitech's database is extremely good and I've never had to learn a command yet.

The ergonomics of this remote are excellent. The buttons are raised and well spaced. The shapes and position make using this remote in the dark extremely easy. The remote does have a backlight as well. Every part of the remote and charger have a solid, quality feel to them. I would highly recommend this remote.

- blortmaster

February 18, 2008 05:43

4.5/5
I purchased this remote online last night for instore pickup today. I could hardly sleep, thinking I had just spent $250 for another friggin remote. Worth every penny! My previous attempts at learning remotes had always left me with at least one device that never really worked right; even after much effort in teaching the remote all I could. Once I logged in and installed the software for the Logitech Harmony One, I simply starting populating the remote with my device models. This included 2 tvs, 1 soundbar, 1 dvdr, 1 digital cable box, 1 hd cable box w/ dvr, a tv tuner set top box, a vga monitor, and a Bose wave radio. They all work as expected and with the same buttons they did before. Setting the activities is a breeze, and they can be adjusted and renamed via the software. I like the PC interface vs. programming codes from a book, that always seems to get misplaced before you next gadget purchase. The only downside I could forsee is the lack of RF; so I am curious how it will work with other home automation toys, like lights. Its a pricey little remote, but works as advertised and its rechargeable. In my case, thats a saving of least 10 AA or AAA batteries a month. Feels like a normal remote, and looks cool too.

- deluxedirt

February 11, 2008 04:17

4.5/5
I upgraded to the Harmony One after the Harmony 880 I bought turned out to have a defective screen. The store was out of 880's and couldn't even order a new one, so I accepted a credit instead and upgraded to the One.

The touchscreen makes a big difference in simplifying the interface. The setup was easy, but it's a little annoying to have to install software and be connected to the internet. I hate installing more software on my computer and it just so happened that my internet connection was down for a few hours the day I bought the remote. But everything has worked exactly as advertised.

- mikel1049

February 22, 2008 05:20

5.0/5
I am a gadget-hound and the Harmony One fits the bill. Please note, if you have any components behind walls or cabinets...wait for the RF Harmony One.
I have a TV, DVD (hooked up 2 different ways), Cable STB, Onkyo 605 (using Zone 2), Archos 605 & Media PC...and this single remote controls ALL of my devices. The price is absolutely reasonable considering it's the BEST universal IR remote on the market today. Cheers to Logitech for listening to its customers' suggestions and actually implementing them. This one remote has replaced 6 remotes in my house and I LOVE IT!

- bexter22

June 3, 2008 03:57

4.5/5
Had this almost one week. Had the 680 and the 880. Got it right with the One. Very well designed, solid button operation, touch screen was a wise touch to avoid too many buttons, lighted operation is very good. My only complaint is unless you wanted pages and pages of menus you don't really need than you have to go into your programming online and clean things up and make adjustments. The downloading on line is much slower than with my 680 remote although I don't know why but it is which is a bit painful waiting for the changes to download to the Harmony one. It can be frustrating waiting otherwise they did a great job and one you have everything dialed in you are set. Plus another con would be the price at $250. Otherwise if you have the money and the patience to wait for the downloaded changes to your remote in the end it is a great remote.

- mark956101957

February 22, 2008 04:34

4.5/5
I just got mine set up and i love it ! , its perfect size , Lightweight , the button placement is perfect .. I own the Xbox360 harmony remote but hated the buttons so i decided to take the plunge on this , The touchscreen is responsive and adding real channel logo's to fav channels is sweet .. I can finally put away 5 other remotes and not go back

- JonThomasDesigns

February 15, 2008 09:49

4.5/5
I have owned a Harmony 676 remote for about 3 years to operate my home theater system, but it became time to replace the unit when some of the buttons stopped working. I purchased the Harmony One which is a dramatic improvement. Everything I didn't like about the 676 was corrected with this model. Since I had my settings stored on the Harmony site, set up was a matter of minutes. The unit is packed with wonderful features. Design and operation is very clean.

- cohengrp