Logitech Harmony 676 Universal Remote Control
by Logitech
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List Price: Our Price: $119.98 You Save: $80.01 (40%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $48.25 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech Harmony 676 Universal Remote Control
Customer Review: Slick remote with some rough edges.
Summary: 4 Stars
This remote does not work right out of the box and is not your typical All-in-one remote. In fact, if you are simply planning on using it as a multi-device remote then this is not the one for you.
The flexibility of the remote actually depends on your ability to program the device, the remote comes with a fairly easy to use computer interface but to get the most out of it you need some imagination and computer skills.
The reason I say that it is not a good multi-device remote is that you have to press multiple button sequences to select a device first. This is unlike a typical remote where you have dedicated buttons for each device.
Another down-side is the lack of macro capability for individual buttons (although there is a hacky way to get this done).
As for me, after a couple of weeks of iterative program-test-use cycles I think I've managed to get it to the point where I am comfortable using it. However, there are times when the remote goes out of sync with device states and requires a fairly simple resync sequence (by prssing on the "help" button).
To summarize, this remote is mainly meant for the hard-core AV enthusiasts, others can buy a cheaper multi-function remote and save some money.
Customer Review: Good replacement for X number of remotes But
Summary: 4 Stars
Only a few gripes about this remote. Otherwise its an excellent choice for replacing a bunch of remotes. I used it to replace a DVD, DVR, TV and Amp remote.
If you jump from one function to another. You program the steps to go from watching your DVR to watching a DVD. It usually isn't a problem as long as nothing blocks the IR sight line. The remote always makes the assumption that it is right, so if you miss one its 3 maybe 4 additional steps to get things started. I ended up customizing a few of the extra buttons to help me get there when this happens.
Along with that, if you hit the power off and miss there isn't a repeat. The remote goes into power off mode, to really turn the TV off you have to press the TV button while its not pointed at the TV and then power it off. Kind of hokey, but it gets the remote and the device back in sync.
The software is OK to use and was able to find my offbrand Motorola DVR, the TV and the DVD player. The TV was an older model, but it pulled up a newer remote code that had some additional features that I couldn't use.
The learning part of the remote helped out in a couple of situations and worked as advertised.
Customer Review: Functionality is Great, Buttons Wear Out
Summary: 3 Stars
Others have extolled the virtues of how easy it is to set up and control all of your home theater equipment with this, including gaming consoles (although it can't turn on a Wii; I think this is more the Wii than the remote, but you can use the Wii controller to turn it on). I won't go into details other than to say yes, it makes controlling a complicated setup with TV, receiver, game consoles, DVRs, DVDs, etc a breeze. And if something goes wrong (like the dog walks between you and a component while turning it on or off), the HELP button walks you through.
My only issue is I've had mine for about two years, and the buttons are starting to go. These are cheap rubber ones, and much like similar buttons on my home's wireless phone handsets, they are starting to die after regular use. Have to really play with the system power button now to get it to turn on or off, and other oft-used buttons (like Menu) are starting to have trouble responding.
I will certainly be buying another Harmony remote in the future, but I may have to step up to get some buttons that will last longer. If I'm going to spend this much money on a remote, I want it to last.
Customer Review: a great gadget!
Summary: 4 Stars
i recieved this remote as a gift. i didn't even know how much i needed it until i started using it! it co-ordinates every device i have (dvd player, tivo, television, cable box) perfectly after the first time programming it.
the ads say that one remote can control all sorts of devices, but they neglect to mention how much button-pushing it requires in order to get from one device to another! that took some getting used to, but after some practice in the daylight, it's good now. it would be easier to find the buttons if they differed from each other in some way. there is a "glow" button, which is great if you can find it. maybe on the next model they can make the "glow" button glow! the shape of the remote is very much like the tivo remote, which is a very nice shape for my hand.
i had a little bit of trouble installing the software, due to my firewall, but after disabling the firewall, i had no further problems.
if you are frustrated over the number of remote controls required for tv watching, i recommend this product. it costs more than the other universal remotes, for a reason: it controls EVERYTHING!
Customer Review: Great remote, poor software implementation
Summary: 4 Stars
The remote controls eveything I set up very well and would get five+ stars but the software (2 stars at best) makes it hard to give it the highest rating. I bought the remote to control a Sony TV, DirecTiVo, HD DirecTiVo, Sony DVD, Kenwood AV all in the same location. The key layout works very well for DVR functions and the soft, tactile keys feel very close to my old "peanut" TiVo remote. I liked the 680's button layout a little better, but I chose this remote over the 680 because of the soft buttons. The activity buttons make it easy to switch between devices. The remote feels very well balanced in your hand and has some nice finger notches on the underside for comfort.
Setting up the basic software can be quick, but problematic. The web based interface and software worked fine with my computer (iMac/OS X) but was effected by the user volume to the site. To fine tune the remote be prepared to spend at least 2-3 hours between going to the site and updating the remote. I think a stand alone Java application would suit this remote better and would make updating easier.
This is a great remote, but the software that runs it needs updating.