Logitech Harmony 676 Universal Remote Control by Logitech
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Digital camera reviews of Logitech Harmony 676 Universal Remote Control
Digital camera Review: A really cool remote
Summary: 5 Stars
Since I got the HDTV, and all the home theatre stuff that goes with it, my wife complained a lot that she could not even operate it. I didn't think it was all that complicated, but did have to keep track of five remotes. Since I got the Harmony remote, which does it all, she has no trouble at all. We love it.Digital camera Review: A solid choice...
Summary: 4 Stars
You read a lot of reviews about universal remotes, good and bad, but often the writer doesn't say what equipement they are controlling. For reference, I'm controlling a Explorer 8300 DVR, a Panasonic receiver, a Sony TV, and a PS2 I use for both games and as a DVD player. For this this setup, this remote works really well. If you have a more elaborate setup, perhaps that changes things.
I think most of the positives of this remote (the elegant button layout, the very good and easy setup, the intuitive "help" when things don't power up as expected, etc.) have been well covered. But my few complaints on the remote are:
- As others have stated, having the setup software on the web, running through a browser, seems needless and can be problematic. In Windows, because of SP2 browser security, etc., you're always fighting with alerts and right-clicking to allow files to download and open--it would really be a LOT better if they had an app you ran directly from your machine. I have no idea why Logitech chooses to set this remote up through a browser, but no matter how well they have implmeneted this it would be MUCH faster and MUCH more reliable to have the setup application on your machine. It's almost a "square peg in a round hole" situation. Get this stuff in a desktop app.
- Buttons. Why do so many universal remotes (including this one) not have a dedicated "List" button? This is the most prominent key on all the DVR remotes I've seen, yet you have to set this up through the LCD screen. It's strange. Also omitted is a "C" button, which again, is used on almost ever DVR that I've seen. Not sure why these are ommitted and buttons like "Media" have had room cleared for them. "Page Up" and "Page Down" would also be nice additions. I set these up on both the LCD and instead of the "Repeat" and additional "Forward" button are, but these are important features that would be better on the remote itself.
- Media button. I found this whole feature useless. Having any guide or show information coming through a remote, favorite channels, etc.--I just don't use this at all. Would rather they dump this entirely and make way for buttons that to me seem necessary (like List, Page Up/Page Down, "C", etc.)
-The "Pic" and "Sound" buttons are also somewhat limited because you can only specify that they point at one device each. The "sound" menu, for instance, has to point at a receiver, and the "pic" has to point to a TV. This is difficult to explain, but the "Pic" menu, for instance, typically offers things like "PIP" functions. My TV does not have a PIP feature, but my DVR does. But because I can't have any DVR device functions in the "Pic" menu (it points to the TV only), these features are not as useful as they could be. So Pic and Sound would be more helpful if offered greater customization.
- Key Repeats. Don't push on a volume or channel button too many times. If you do, the device will keep advancing/decreasing long after you stop pressing. The remote seems to "queue" up your clicks if you go to fast--that's taken me some adjusting to.
On the positive side, what's surprising to me about it is how much better it is than the remote I eventually got frustrated with (but is slightly more expensive)--a Home Theater Master MX-500. The Harmony remote has a much better key layout and has a much broader range than the MX--you can point the remote almost anywhere and it seems to pick up the signal. With the MX I had to point the remote "just so" to get things to happen.
Overall for me I found this to be a great purchase--but, like me, you'll probably find there's still a little room for improvement.
Digital camera Review: A very pleased husband
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this remote for my husband for Father's Day. He had been looking for one for a while. He spotted the Harmony 676 and mentioned that he thought it would work like he wanted. I stepped out and bought it for him (I usually don't buy him electronics or gadgets because he is so picky about them). He was so excited to recieve it and when he did the set up he said it was a breeze compared to the old universal remote we have. It really only took him about a half hour. The buttons are easily useable. Even I, who still have trouble after 3 years learning the other, can manuever through all our media using the Harmony 676. I give this a big thumbs up because my hubby is still telling his buddies and myself how much he likes it.Digital camera Review: Affordable
Summary: 4 Stars
Great buy, very afordable for what it can do. Set up is a bit difficult but they have a great website and support that makes life a whole lot easier. Great for the money!Digital camera Review: Almost perfect
Summary: 4 Stars
I had a very difficult time finding a remote to control my Sony Dream Station. Even other Sony remotes fell short. Not this one! Very customizable. For the money, I don't think you'll find a better remote. The help screens are especially nice. I was running with it in only 10 minutes (including installing software). I only had to make one modification, but that was because I was trying to program it from my memory of where I plugged everything in, rather than actually looking at the inputs on my system.
The only downfall I see is that I need to connect and log into the Logitech Harmony website to make changes. I would prefer a client on my computer (with online updates) instead of the website. It's not like changes are critical, but what happens if the website is down, or my Internet connection is down? No changes.