Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control
by Logitech
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control
Customer Review: Amazing Capabilities for the Advanced User, Flawed and Overpriced
Summary: 3 Stars
The Harmony 880 is a marvelous device, but a tad over-priced. The value of the remote can't be judged on the hardware alone, but also the lifetime service provided by Logitech. This includes access to a Logitech account that allows you to upload and retain your remote's configuration which includes periodic firmware updates (necessary for universal remotes). The service is wonderful, although the Harmony installer is very finicky about the web browser you use to access your account. It doesn't like Mozilla browsers like Firefox and Netscape. Since those are the only browsers I use, I've learned to get by with the occasional crash and the annoying `browser issue' warnings. I never touched the software that came with the device; I just assume it was outdated and relied on the latest software available from the Logitech website.
The remote itself is a decent piece of hardware. The build quality is good and the materials are solid. It resembles most universal remotes with a rugged and functional design. The buttons have poor tactile feedback and feel a little sticky. The LCD display is very poor quality so I wouldn't recommend it to those who want it based on that nifty feature. In reality, a traditional LCD display would have been easier to read since the resolution and viewing angle would have been better.
The remote's most powerful application is in its ability to configure your multi-component home theater systems. Unlike macro programming, the Harmony's PC based programming allows you to configure `activities' based on a series of simple questions about your system. The remote's software is powerful enough to determine all the commands it needs to send to your equipment to set them up for a specific activity (such as watching a DVD). The remote also keeps track of your current activity based on what you last pressed. If you want to switch from watching a DVD to watching your PVR, the remote takes this into consideration when sending additional commands. For example, if your TV and Receiver are already powered, the remote knows not to send the power command to those components.
The only drawback with this system is that it can be easily circumvented and the remote will become confused. For example, if you turn the TV power on using anything but an activity function, the remote will still think the TV is off and will try to turn it on. The "Help" button is there to help recalibrate the remote so it can identify the status of your components. This works well but you have to discipline yourself to use the remote properly at all times.
Configuring the remote can also be a major hassle, although its configurability is one of the main selling points for me. I spent a great deal of time configuring and weeding out the IR commands that were thrown at the remote when I added all my components in the initial setup. Unfortunately, each component in your home theater doesn't have a specific IR library available so you will end up with buttons and commands for your devices that belong to other models built by the manufacturer. Since the remote automatically adds ALL of these feature to the onscreen menu, it becomes necessary to weed them out so you can get quick access to the features that actually work with your equipment. You also can configure the standard buttons to run specific device commands so you don't have to rely on the display
Updating the remote isn't a quick process either since all configuration changes are converted into a firmware upgrade. Your remote is then flashed and rebooted in a process that takes about 3 minutes from start to finish.
In the end, I would only recommend this for those who enjoy customizing, configuring, and tinkering. In fact, I think the biggest draw to this remote is not the convenience it provides, but the joy in discovering its infinite capabilities. It's not hard to imagine that this technology will evolve considerably over the next few years.
Customer Review: Couldn't live without the Harmony 880
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using the Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control for the past 4 months now, and it has become an indispensable part of our home theater setup.
The Manufacturer's Suggest Retail Price (MSRP) is ridiculously high. Even at Amazon's usually-great prices, it's still a tough purchase to make for a "TV remote." But it's like air-conditioning and peanut butter: you don't know how much you need it until you've experienced it for the first time. If mine ever breaks, I will replace it, even at normal prices.
It took me three weeks to set up the remote; I was making it much more complicated than it really is. To simplify the product and understand how it works, you need to know this: The Harmony 880 works around "Activities." Examples of Activities are "Watch a DVD," "Play XBox 360," "Play Zune," "Watch TV," or "Watch Netflix."
Each device has a default state of either on or off. An Activity will turn on any device needed for a particular Activity and assign the controls to the appropriate device, e.g., volume controlled by home theater system and channels controlled by cable box. Switching between activities is easy, and doing that will turn off any device not needed by the new activity unless it's an always-on device.
There are five things I really like about the Harmony 880.
One is the level of customization. Each Activity can be customized so that the buttons you use the most are displayed on the main screen. You may have to program some sequences, but it's not difficult. The Activities that are auto-created do a fairly good job, but the power of this remote comes with its ability to customize it to how YOU use it. For example, I have set up a Widescreen button and a Normal button that change the aspect ratio. On the original TV remote, it's a three-step process that requires me to press FORMAT, 4, and then EXIT, and it takes about 3-5 seconds. On the Harmony 880, it takes less than 1 second and requires only a single button press.
The second thing I really like is that it can learn infrared (IR) codes for any IR device. If the Logitech Harmony database doesn't know about your device, use the included software to learn the IR codes. Everything I have, though, is able to work with the Harmony just fine, including my RCA Composite switcher, which makes switching between my N64, Xbox, and DVD player, as simple as a button press in the Activities menu.
The third thing I like about the Harmony 880 is the software. The software and firmware are updated fairly regularly to support new features and new devices. In addition, when installing the software for the first time, you will be asked to create an online account at Logitech. Your Harmony 880's settings will be stored online, so if your computer ever crashes and your data is lost, you do not have to reprogram the remote to make minor changes. Instead, just download the latest version, install it, and you're ready to customize.
The fourth thing I like is the back-lit keys and display, which make it easy to use in low-light settings.
The fifth thing I like is the charging cradle. This in itself has many benefits. First, it keeps the wife happy because we don't have a gazillion remotes laying all over the living room. Second, we always know where the remote is. And third, we never have to replace batteries.
I could go on and on about this remote, and I think I already have, but I can't stress enough how much easier it is to control our electronic equipment. There's even a Help button that will ask you whether or not certain devices are on to troubleshoot why an Activity may not be working when it worked before.
I don't recommend it to people who don't have a good understanding of technical things. If you can't set the time on a microwave, this is probably not the device for you. But for those of us who do understand, enjoy this remote. I know I do.
Customer Review: Great concept, very poor implementation
Summary: 2 Stars
Summary
Deeply flawed in the most critical aspects for a universal remote. Skip this remote, and keep looking.
Detailed Review
I got this product after initially looking to get a replacement for my current MX-500, which no longer has a working backlight, and rattles after my wife dropped it. I got a new TV, and wasn't able to create good (fast) macros to switch between inputs and devices with the new set. A review of the Harmony 880 caught my eye, and I was intrigued by the design concept, so I decided to get one.
The Cons
Unfortunately, this remote has serious flaws that keep it from living up to the potential of the concept.
Programming
Many people have commented on the not-so-easy-to-use programming software, and I fundamentally agree with those complaints. However, you can manage to manually adjust settings, and at the end of the day, you pretty much set up the remote once, and then don't make changes too often, after that -- so to me, this isn't the most critical issue.
What is critical to me is the core performance of the remote. In this regard, the Harmony 880 is just poorly designed and implemented.
Ergonomics
The most used buttons on the remote need to be in the center of the remote, so that you can comfortably hold the remote in your hand, and easily reach those buttons with your thumb. On the 880, the channel up/down, volume up/down, navigation buttons (right/left/up/down/ok) and an extra pair of buttons (marked as up and down arrows), are in this area.
If you use a PVR, as I do, then this is just not sufficient. Very frequenctly used buttons, such as play, pause, ff, rewind, etc., as well as menu, guide, info, and exit, are too low on the remote to reach with your thumb in a comfortable grip.
Personally, I don't like the feel of the buttons, but more significant is that those buttons (as well as the number buttons) are very similar, with essentially no separation between them -- so I'm skeptical that I could get used to identifying which button is which by feel alone. To me, this is another critical trait for a remote. I don't want to have to look at it in order to perform the core functions I use all the time.
Command Lag
The 880 seems to be slow in delivering IR commands and queues up key presses, so that if you are raising the volume, for example, and you press the volume up button multiple times, and then stop when it reaches a volume you like, you'll find that it's still spitting out volume up commands after you've stopped. This is quite annoying -- I don't believe I've ever seen a remote do such, before.
The Pros
The one really nice thing about this remote is the library of IR commands for devices, accessible off the web, via the programming application. Having ready access to discrete codes for on/off, and for selecting individual inputs on the TV is very nice.
Actually, this is the one saving grace. I'm now debating whether to return this remote to Amazon for a refund, or whether having those IR commands accessible, so that I can teach them to my other remotes, is worth the $130 this remote cost.
All in all, though -- I'd have to recommend choosing another remote.
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Update -- I went ahead and bought a URC MX-850. More expensive than the Harmony 880, but absolutely the best ergonomics you can get. The programming software is far from perfect (neither was the 880's), but it's certainly acceptable, and it had all the discrete IR codes I needed. (But be sure to buy from a dealer who explicitly states they will deliver a copy of the software supporting the Live Update functionality!)
The 880 is on its way back. I strongly recommend the MX-850 as an alternative. (See my detailed review under that item.)
Customer Review: Logitech Harmony 880
Summary: 4 Stars
I did some homework on universal and activity remotes before finding a great coupon deal on the 880. Admittedly, the 880 was not my first choice (I really preferred the Harmony One), but in the end money talked and the deal I got on the 880 made up for its shortcomings.
Here's my quick 2-cents on this remote with a little comparison sprinkled in:
- Big thumbs up for this remote having a rechargeable battery and base. I've read reports of early versions of this remote having problems with the charge contacts on the remote connecting properly with the base unit. It appears that Logitech solved that problem. I have had no such issues.
I also considered the 550 but the lack of a rechargeable battery on that unit gave me pause.
- The LCD screen and corresponding images on this remote are a bit hokey and of the lo-rez variety, but that's a small thing. Don't let that deter you.
- The online programming interface, admittedly, is a bit clunky but overall is pretty easy to work with. If you are capable of surfing the web and know how to connect a USB cable, it's a snap to use.
- Don't expect the remote to work perfectly the first time you program it. It took me several tries to get everything working right, but the troubleshooting feature on the remote was a big help. Being familiar with all of your system's components, as well as how they are connected to your TV, AVR, etc., is pretty important so make sure you've had a chance to review your system connections before you begin working with the programming interface.
- If ergonomics and comfortable button placement are most important to you, this may not be the best choice. Number buttons are uncomfortably clustered at the bottom of the remote. Placement of channel up/down and volume up/down buttons screams form over function. You get used to it, but it's best to know that upfront before you put your money down. If ergonomics are at the top of your list of features and cost is not a concern, get a Harmony One.
- This remote has been available for several years and has since been replaced in the Harmony lineup by the 890. Therefore, finding this remote in a brick & mortar store for comparison is near impossible. The good news is that the 890 and 880 are pretty much the same. The 890 costs considerably more because a) it's newer and b) it includes RF fuctionality, which the 880 lacks. If you don't have components that require an RF remote, and you like the design of the 890, save yourself some $$ and buy the 880 online.
- This is an Activity Remote, first and foremost, and once you've programmed the activity functions for your system correctly you'll wonder why you hadn't bought a unit like this much sooner. I can't stress enough how terrific the acitivity-based functions on this remote are. This is praise for Logitech more than this specific remote, but it is terrific.
- If you own a Play Station 3, you are outta luck with this or any other non-Bluetooth remote. Read up on this before you buy, if controlling your PS3 via a UR is of utmost importance to you. There are workaround products for Infra Red URs and the PS3, but they add $$ to the investment.
- There's a good amount of control you'll get for the different components in your system. I didn't expect to have much ability to tweak settings on my Denon AVR, but I have been pleasantly surprised at the feature and component control that this remote (and the online programming interface) offer. To be fair, it's not as extensive as you'll have with the OEM remote for the component, but it's pretty close.
Overall, if you are in the market for a Universal and Activity-based remote the Logitech Harmony 880 is a solid choice. Yeah, it ain't as new, as comfortable or as cool as the One, but it can also be had for considerably less, too.
Customer Review: 5 stars for Combination of Functionality and Price
Summary: 5 Stars
At the ~$150 price point that the 880 is now selling at, I would give this product 5 stars. It's not perfect (I'll get into the areas of improvement in a bit), but it's a very flexible and configurable universal remote.
The pros:
* Able to replace all the remotes in your system: I was initially skeptical that it could really do this, but it did the job in my case. In addition to the TV, I have an HD-DVD player, HD tuner, HD-DVR, receiver, CD player, DVD player, DVD recorder, and a VCR. Even with all of these sources, the Harmony 880 enables me to not have to touch any of the individual remotes
* Ability to configure activities: Using the on-line utility, you can configure the exact sequence of keystrokes necessary to switch from one activity to the other. For instance, using my HD-DVD player, I use the multi-channel input of my receiver, which has to be toggled again to enable switching to another audio source. I've configured the 880 to toggle multi-channel when I enter the "Watch HD-DVD" activity and toggle it again when I exit the activity, freeing up the receiver to receive inputs for the next activity. You can set up to 8 activities, which is more than some of the lower-end Harmony products.
* Ability to set delays on a per device basis: This feature allows you to configure and optimize the remote to the individual IR "receiving" characteristics of your component. Some take longer between consecutive remote commands, some take longer to recover from receiving a command meant for another component. You're able to configure all of these settings to optimize performance of each component in the system.
* Charging base: Recharging the remote in the attractive charging base (with cool blue LED-lit symbol) means you never have to replace batteries
* On-line Utility: A comprehensive library of supported devices enable you to minimize the amount of 880 to original remote learning (pressing key on your original remote so 880 can "record" the IR signal for later use)
Room for Improvement:
* LCD quality: For this price point, the LCD should have been upgraded by now. The resolution is fairly low (120 x 160 I believe) and it's using CSTN technology (you'd find this in low end color-display cell phones). The price of LCD displays has come down significantly and a QCIF+ or QVGA TFT display would look awesome by comparison and enable the slide show feature to have meaning.
* Default activity soft-keys: I found the default soft-key options associated with each activity was too small a subset of the full array of keys available on the original remote. Therefore, for almost all activities, I had to add more keystrokes to support my desired activities. Easy enough to do, but took extra time. With more thought, this could have been more seamless
Caveats to take into consideration:
* Because the activity macros require multiple keystrokes, you have to hold the remote in front of your system for several seconds in most cases to assure that all commands reach their components. Otherwise, you're stuck in a limbo mode where some components are set, and some non-set. And because the remote doesn't know any better, it can't easily recover. You have to manually correct the components that didn't receive their commands to get back "in sync"
* Significant use of soft-keys: Soft-keys are the keys that are labelled on the LCD according to the activities you need. They are not devoted keys like Play, Menu, etc. Therefore, you'll have to scroll through different pages of soft-keys to find what you need (8 per page). This makes things less intuitive than the original remote, but ultimately usable.
Overall, a great product. At >$200, I'd give it 4 stars, but at the current price point, it's a 5-star item.