Logitech Harmony 670 Universal Remote
by Logitech
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Our Price: $159.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $50.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech Harmony 670 Universal Remote
Customer Review: Works well, easy to setup and use, but ridiculously slow software
Summary: 3 Stars
Note: This review is by a computer programmer who writes programs for embedded devices, like this remote. You could consider me very tech-savvy, I've built several computers and have put together my home theater system on the cheap by getting/repairing components.
When I recently acquired a THX-Select receiver and a DVD player without a remote and looking at the high price to get replacement OEM remotes, I decided to go the route of a universal, PC-programmable remote; it came down to either a Logitech or a Universal Remote brand remote. I had a bad experience helping setup a Universal Remote brand MX-950 for someone in the past (if you buy one, make sure you get it from an authorized reseller so you have up-to-date IR code sets; worth every additional penny you spend if you value your sanity). While I could get a UR remote from a local tech shop, the price was waaay too high for me to afford. The Logitech, on the other hand, at a local big box store, I could afford, and was around a quarter of the price.
Remote
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PROS: attractive, fairly self-explanatory, easy-to-use
CONS: really can't think of any, maybe the fact that USB port is smack in the middle of the IR sensor, looks wierd.
Software
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PROS: This software is REALLY easy to use, and does a really good job at guessing what an average user is going to want to do with it. The Universal Remote software is waaaaaaaay more complicated than this. I'd say, for 90% of people, this software will be easy to get up and running, even if you have limited home theater setup experience
CONS: However, this software is THE SLOWEST THING I HAVE EVER USED! You must have tremendous patience in order to get through the setup process, as simple as it is. The reason is because it's actually a web application. Also, it isn't always clear when you have to do what. TIP: only plug the remote into a USB port when the software tells you to.
All in all, I give it a 5 on ease of use, but the software is so slow its downright painful to use. You press Next, and wait what seems like an eternity for the next page to appear. It works, but it's just really slow. I give the software a 3.
Customer Review: OK, Needs Fine Tuning. Good for Basic Commands.
Summary: 3 Stars
I have had this remote for about 2 weeks. I purchased it in anticipation of a new home theater (Samsung 4661 LCD TV, Onkyo Surround, etc.) I wanted this remote in order to integrate all of the components and ultimately make the package more usable. The setup utility was relatively easy to follow for the initial setup. The the basic setup requires that you input all of the components you will be using and whether you would like them on or off for certain functions (i.e. Watch TV = TV:ON, Receiver:ON, Cable Box:ON, DVD:OFF Volume Control:Receiver).
My complaint is when you get to some of the more in depth controls the software seems to be lacking in the flexibility department. I would like to program a couple of favorite channels for the soft keys on the screen, but I can't seem to get it to work. Also, I would like to change some of the buttons around for the "Listen to Music" task. Although this flexibility is supposed to be there it is difficult to set up.
I am by no means afraid of technology, and usually have no problems with gadgets like this. But this one is difficult once you get beyond the very basic functions. I hope to be able to fine tune the remote more. I will update if I can unlock more potential in the unit...
UPDATE...
After 2 years of service, the Harmony 670 is starting to show its age. There have been loose parts rattling around in the case since about 6 mos after I started using it. It has continued to function, however the range has diminished a bit. Recently the directional buttons in the center for menu navigation have started to become temperamental. They will work, but not for fast scrolling, which can get a bit frustrating. Battery life has actually been very good (3 sets of batteries in 2 years of moderate use).
Overall a decent unit, and it's still kicking after 2 years in a house with small children, but it's time to start the search for a new universal remote. I like the 670, but it's never been quite perfect. For the price it should have a little more functionality. Like I said, soft keys for favorite channels would be a great software addition. I think I may try a different Harmony Model.
Customer Review: 3 Hour Setup is TOTALLY Worth it because...
Summary: 5 Stars
1. Whenever a family member comes over to babysit they don't end up messing up my system so bad that I have to undo the mess (which usually involves them messing up my DVR and skipping shows that I recorded)
2. Less remotes to find
3. Less batteries used (I went from 14 batteries to 4 batteries)
4. The remote does all the steps I used to (ex. 1. Turn on TV, 2. Set to correct TV input, 3. Turn on the audio system, 4. Turn receiver to the correct input)by just pressing one simple "Watch TV" button.
5. Customize the buttons to the way that makes most sense to you... wonderful.
The only downside is that my Sony Bravia L-Series KDL-32L5000 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV, Blackneeded a bit more customization (and I couldn't figure it out). After Googling and Googling and using a ton of trial and error, I finally got it right. The problem I was initially having was that when I pressed "Watch TV" or "Watch a DVD" or "Play a Game," the remote would always get the input wrong (HDMI 1 instead of HDMI 3 or TV instead of Component 2, etc.)
The solution for those who are having the incorrect input chosen every time... instead of having the remote cycle through the inputs do the following:
1. Click on the "Device" Tab
2. Click on "Settings" next to the icon of your TV
3. Click "Adjust Inputs"
4. AND even though your original remote has ONE BUTTON to choose the input, select "METHOD 2"
5. Make sure the next page matches your TVs input options
6. Match "InputVideo1" with the first input, "InputVideo2" for the second input, etc.
7. Preform the quick check... and it should work now (at least it did for me!)
Good luck... the tinkering is completely worth the long term ease and convenience of this remote. Also, it is worth noting that everything else set up correctly on the first go-around. I think if I would have had a different TV the basic remote set up would have taken 10 minutes. Of course it is always fun to tinker and move buttons around based on preference!
Customer Review: My wife and kids can play movies now!!!
Summary: 4 Stars
I've only had this remote a couple of days now, but I'll do a short review of my experience with it so far.
At this point I have the following activities set up: Watch Movie, Watch TV, Listen to Music, Play VCR, Watch TV with sound thru Stereo. It has taken me the better part of a full day to sort it all out, so it wasn't particularly easy. I have been on Logitech's website forums, FAQ's, and called tech support twice during this time.
Major problem: I had installed the software 7.3.0 and gone through the Demo mode in anticipation of getting the 670. Entered all my equipment and setup activities. I thought it would help, wrong. When I hooked the 670 to my computer, I could log back into my account but couldn't get the software to work after logging in, after 2 calls to tech supportless I gave up and just re-registered under another email address, and re-entered all my equipment.
After that it was just trial and error getting my Devices and Activities setup. The software tutorial and wizard are great for really simple setups, for a bit more complicated setups you will have to spend a lot of time going back and forth between devices and activities and wizards to get everything programmed correctly. And everytime you change something you have to update the remote, which takes 3 or 4 minutes. And plan to spend some time on the forums and FAQs.
DVR, DVD, VCR, TV was pretty easy to setup. AV receiver was a different story, because the receiver has so many capabilities, with different inputs and audio settings, and the Logitech defaults were named so oddly that I had to do quite a bit of button learning from the original remote.
All in all I will give this remote a good rating, it does what I needed it to do, I like the way the buttons are laid out, and the activities make using the entertainment center much easier not having to remember which inputs for the TV, Receiver,etc. Only thing I don't like about the layout is the DVR/DVD buttons around the UP/DOWN/FORWARD/REVERSE navigation arrows and OK button are too closely grouped, and I don't have huge fingers either.
Customer Review: Your Mileage May Vary
Summary: 5 Stars
I believe that the degree to which you will like this remote will be a function of two things: (1) the complexity of the activities you want to program and (2) your proficiency using the software.
First off, it is very easy to get started. You load the software, sign up for an account with Logitech so they recognize you and your remote when you log in, plug the remote into your computer using the supplied USB cable, and then you start setting up the devices you want to control, the activities you want to perform with those devices, and then download the instructions from the web site to your remote.
I have seven components and all of them were recognized by the software. In order to get everything to work properly, however, I did have to sit down and do some logistical thinking and also had to take the time to patiently familiarize myself with the choices not assigned to standard keys that instead appeared in the scrolling display from which they could be selected. In other words, if you want to do something more than the basics, this remote can do it but it may not be immediately obvious as to how to accomplish it.
I finally got the remote programmed the way I want it and I like it. I did not have to contact support. The more you play around with it, the more you get used to it and the more you see just what a useful gadget it is. I also like the way the screen and keys light up in blue.
If you take the time to carefully program each activity, I think you will find that this is a very versatile, powerful remote. I really like the ability to program it using the computer, and that the data is continually updated on the Logitech website. Programming activities that combine the steps of all the components involved in that activity makes things very convenient, much more so than having to press buttons for each device separately. It's a real time and space saver.
If you are the impatient type and/or expect everything to be handed to you on a platter to match your exact setup and exact idea of what you want the remote to do from the get go, you may be disappointed.