If you are having hard time finding the Harmony 520, it is because Logitech discontinued it in favor of the Harmony 510. While the model name suggests 510 as the predecessor to 520, it is in fact the direct successor to the 520. Logitech has odd habit of naming their models in not so linear way. The Harmony 520was inexpensive upgrade to the remote controls included with the television or disc player sets. Priced around $50, it was a fairly popular item bought with the new entertainment devices. The Harmony 510 hopes to continue the trend for the entry level market.

Features

Like Harmony 520, the Harmony 510 features the computer based programming. All of the Harmony remote controls utilize this method of programming. You can program the remote in activity or device based controls. Basically, the remote will macro various devices if you choose to program the remote on activity based setting. For example, “watch TV” will most likely control cable box, television, and receiver if you have those devices. Like the 520 model, the 510 does manage to include a small LCD screen. While that is a nice carry over from the 520 model, the 510 can only control up to 5 devices instead 12. This is severe drawback for those in need of remote control that can control more than 5 devices.

Design

The layout of the remote is almost identical to the 520 model. The LCD is located at the top of the remote with 2 programmable buttons flanking the LCD on each side. The playback function buttons are right beneath the LCD screen. The directional buttons and few sound functions are located in the middle of the remote with numeric buttons bringing up the bottom. Four additional color coded function buttons are added from the 520 model. The more advanced models make good use of ergonomic design whereas 510 is just a carryover from the straight forward 520 design.

Ease of programming

The Harmony 510 is programmed the same way as any other Harmony remote controls. This is one of the real strength of buying Harmony remote controls. You connect the remote control to PC or Mac with the included USB cable. You install the program and follow the Logitech’s web based programming to complete the programming process. The website has built in database that includes almost all of the devices you might have for the remote. This makes it convenient as you don’t have to track down and manually enter codes for every device you own. As stated earlier, you can program the remote based on activity. You enter what you want to do and the remote automatically macros the devices to make that activity work. As with other models, your remote can “learn” from existing remote controls if you can’t control certain devices.

Ease of use

The remote is easy to operate and program. Once you have programmed your activity, you can press a button and operate the various devices. The layout of the remote is fairly easy to acclimate with few days of usage. If you have used other Harmony remotes, you will have no problem with the programming or using activity based function.

Overall

The 510 is nothing remarkable compared to the 520 model. It is simply a carryover model that adds few function buttons while removing the number of devices it can control. While it is a very competent remote control, the reduction from 12 devices to 5 devices seems to be unnecessary. Logitech might be asking the consumers to step up to higher model if they own more than 5 devices. This is a big drawback from a relatively good remote control from Logitech.

Pros

• Price
• Easy to use

Cons

• No rechargeable battery system
• 5 device limit

	Logitech Harmony 510 Advanced Universal Remote Control List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: $57.00 Used From: $60.00 Average Rating:

	Logitech Harmony 510 Advanced Universal Remote Control List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: $57.00 Used From: $60.00 Average Rating:

Logitech

Logitech harmony 1100 is the most advanced and also the most expensive Harmony remote control on the market. At around $400, the remote control is a device in itself and is primarily aimed at the most advanced users. Its predecessor, Harmony 1000, was the first tablet style remote control with touch screen from the Logitech. The Logitech’s aim was to bring professional grade remote control to the home theater enthusiasts that wanted all the features without having to get an advanced degree. The Harmony 1100 is a direct upgrade to the Harmony 1000.

Features

The Harmony 1100 boasts a 3.5 inch color touch screen all in a manageable size that is neither too big nor too small. Like the other Logitech Harmony remotes, it can control up to 15 devices via infrared or RF with optional RF receivers. The Logitech Harmony remotes are very popular due to its simple programming feature. The Harmony 1100 utilizes the same easy way to program the remote control. The Harmony 1100 highly customizable in the way you operate the devices and the overall display. The Harmony 1100 comes with rechargeable battery with fairly decent battery life via docking station. The Harmony 1100 has motion sensor that will power up the remote when you pick up the remote control.

Design

The Harmony 1100 retains the overall tablet shape from the Harmony 1000 model. The LCD screen dominates the left side of the remote control. There are plastic touch guides next to the LCD screen for positioning purposes. These guides are meant to coordinate your touches on LCD screen for easier operation. The right side of the remote contains the volume, channel, audio buttons, and the directional buttons. The channel and volume buttons have changed their positions from the Harmony 1000 model. The overall color changes from solid silver to solid black in Harmony 1100.

Ease of programming

As with all Harmony remote controls, the Harmony 1100 is programmed by connecting the remote control to your PC or MAC via USB cable. The installation of the included software is very easy and intuitive. You can choose your installed devices from the database provided by the Logitech. Afterwards, you simply go through the steps of telling the remote how your devices are connected and how they are to be used within the home theater system. And, you simply program the remote on the activity and what the activity requires in terms of device function. It is very easy to program and very user friendly. There are no codes to input or further programming as the program will upload all the commands and macros to your remote control.

Ease of Use

The Harmony 1100 is very easy to use. Unlike other tablet remote controls like Pronto, most non professional users should have no problem operating the remote control. The few solid buttons on the remote are very useful as most of the time you will only use channel and volume buttons. The operation via touch screen is seamless. The Harmony 1000 had some sluggish performance issues with its operating system. The harmony 1100 is more responsive and faster when it comes to touch screen operation. The functions and operation from touch screen is very easy to use and the plastic touch guides are nice touch.

Overall

This is a nice upgrade from the Harmony 1000 model for people looking for a tablet remote control that is easy to use. The cost might be prohibitive for most users but for those that are looking for the very best remote money can buy; this is the one remote control you should consider.

Pros

• Nice LCD screen
• Easy to use
• Easy to program
• Rechargeable battery

Cons

• Price

	Logitech Harmony 1100 Universal Remote with Color Touch Screen List Price: $399.99 Sale Price: $268.99 Used From: $271.99 Average Rating:

	Logitech Harmony 1100 Universal Remote with Color Touch Screen List Price: $399.99 Sale Price: $268.99 Used From: $271.99 Average Rating:

Logitech

Logitech is a leader in the consumer electronics market with its line of computer accessories and media equipment. Perhaps one of Logitech’s greatest achievements is the line of Harmony Universal Remotes. Able to control over 100,000 devices and select by activity, rather than component, the Harmony series is the first line of remote controls to truly simplify the home theater experience.

New Looks, New Remote

The 880 boasts a color LCD screen for easy navigation. Users are able to assign up to eight controls or activity profiles and change the background. In addition, the battery charge is clearly displayed in the upper right corner. Just below the screen is a large navigational disc surrounded by a nicely designed button array, and at the very bottom of the unit is a standard keypad interface.
For charging, the remote comes with a sleek dock that stands out even in the most cluttered of media rooms.

Rough ‘n Tough

The 880 is a reliable device, although we did notice a few mistakes once in a while. Due to the one touch design, the remote uses multistep commands on several devices, all precisely timed. If the IR signals from the remote are unable to reach any one of the components in the sequence, then the command fails. This unit also has a fast startup time, and does so via an automatic motion sensor triggered when the remote is picked up.

Simple (Yes, Really)

For starters, we found the remote was a big upgrade from last time in terms of usability. While the display remained largely the same, the buttons were upgraded from a hard plastic that wore down over time to soft rubber alternatives. In addition, the buttons are spaced close together for easy access. Along with spacing, corresponding buttons such as volume up and down were raised to simplify feel-based operation.

The Little Remote that Could

Every charge of the 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control can sustain the device for approximately one week under standard use. In addition, the remote is designed to always rest in the dock so forgetting to charge the unit shouldn’t be an issue.

Features: The Never-ending Goodie Basket

The premier feature of the 880 is known as “Smart State Technology.” This system allows users to control every aspect of an entertainment system and is able to track up to 15 devices simultaneously.

The remote is molded with a comfort grip shape that enables easy reach of all the buttons on the device. If lost, the built-in help button will direct you to the function, control, or component you desire.

The remote setup is a breeze as well. The software works on both PC and Mac, and to start, just insert the CD and install the remote suite software. Next, plug in the remote to the computer via the included USB cable. Upon connecting, the remote wizard will start and provide the remote with the proper device codes. With a database of 175,000 components, from Laserdisc to Blu-Ray, virtually every device is compatible. Because of this incredible compatibility, manual learning is rarely used (the process of transferring codes from the original remote).

Outstanding Performance

• Smart State Technology that enables up to 15 devices to be tracked simultaneously
• Comfort grip molding
• Automatic motion-sensing power switch
• Bright color screen for easy navigation
• Help function to instantly troubleshoot problems
• One week charge time

Slight Disadvantages

• Precise, multistep activity commands can encounter errors
• Icons can be fuzzy and hard to identify at times

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	Logitech Harmony 880 Remote Control - Refurbished List Price: $199.99 Sale Price: $86.90 Used From: $65.00 Average Rating:

Logitech

A leader in the home entertainment industry, Logitech continues to push the boundaries with the Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote. The Harmony 1000 Universal Remote is able to control over 100,000 devices from a large touch screen.

Not an Ordinary Remote

The 1000 Advanced features a 3.5-inch color touch screen for activity-base control. Unlike a standard remote, pressing an activity button automatically activates all of the required components in the correct order and adjusts the settings accordingly. Even better, no macro programming is required. To the left of the screen is a navigational wheel and volume/channel buttons. The power button is recessed in the upper-left corner.
As for the enclosure, the screen is surrounded with a glossy black border, while the rest of the unit is wrapped in a matte metal cover.

Tough Enough?

Due to the relatively large size of the remote, we found that it could take a few hits. What makes this remote even more reliable is the dual use of radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) technology. This means that the remote is able to broadcast through walls and furniture. This not only makes for a simpler experience, but the constant connection ensures that the complex steps involved in an activity command aren’t disrupted.

It Really is That Easy

We found that the use of large, colorful icons makes the Harmony 1000 Advanced a great remote for the technologically-impaired. The touch screen was very responsive and rarely missed a beat. The buttons are hard and ensure a consistent response, whereas rubber buttons can suffer from the occasional missed input.

Battery Life: I Think I Can, I Think I Can…

The Harmony 1000 Advanced uses a durable lithium-ion battery for extended use. The remote comes with an easy-to-use dock that ensures the remote will always be fully charged and easy to locate in a crowded media room.

Overflowing with Features

The Harmony 1000 Advanced includes patented Logitech Smart State technology that is able to track the operation of 15 devices simultaneously for maximum performance and precise control.

Can’t run a DVD or play a CD? No sound? Dim picture? The 1000 Advanced is able to troubleshoot problems directly on the remote, simply by pressing the “Help” button.
In many cases, the most difficult aspect of a universal remote is the programming. In a standard remote, additional devices are added by the use of three-digit codes or the signals are learned manually. In the 1000 Advanced, the process begins by installing the software on your PC or Mac. After connecting the remote to the computer, the management suite will start and automatically update the code database. Once the database has been updated, the program asks a series of questions and proceeds to upload all of the required configuration files. Nearly every piece of equipment is supported, with over 4,500 brands and over 150,000 individual components.

Outstanding Advantages

• Big 3.5-inch screen
• Use of bold colors and large icons
• Activity-based control
• “Help” button for easy, instant troubleshooting
• Prominent, well-designed dock ensures a constant charge
• Smart State feature allows simultaneous tracking of 15 components
• Large database of 150,000+ components
• Automatic update upon computer connect
• RF technology ensures connection through walls and a 100 foot range

Small Drawbacks

• Setup wizard can encounter the occasional hiccup
• Glossy black border attracts fingerprints
• Screen can smudge easily

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	Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote (Silver) List Price: $499.99 Sale Price: $230.00 Used From: $299.00 Average Rating:

Logitech

The Logitech Harmony 670 makes departure in terms of design from the previous 500 series models. However, the basic programming and function remain similar to its predecessor. There are some subtle differences that might warrant an upgrade for consumers with older Harmony remote controls.

Features

As far as features go, the 670 is similar to that of 500 series models. The easy programming and operating remains the same. The 670 adds bit more in the way of DVR functionality for the ever popular TiVo and other DVR users. The 670 does come with little bigger LCD screen and 6 hard buttons to go along with the LCD compared to 4 on the previous models. Also, the backlit keys are nice for usage in the dark environment. The easy way to program in activity control and device control mode remains constant from the previous models.

Design

Harmony 670 forgoes the slick rectangular look from the previous 520 and 550 models. Instead, 670 went with peanut shaped clicker, thin in the middle and fat on the ends. While it might not look as slick or sophisticated as the earlier models, it actually manages to feel more comfortable in the hand. Also, Logitech managed to cram in more buttons than the previous models. While more buttons doesn’t always translate to better remote, it does in this instance. The button layout is somewhat more cluttered than the 550 due to the addition of buttons. The top and bottom part are identical to the 550. Top is dominated by the LCD with playback function buttons right below it. The bottom part of the remote houses the numeric buttons as well as channel and volume button. The middle section contains the directional button and DVR specific buttons. This is where it differentiates itself from the 550. Logitech added DVR specific buttons clustered around the directional pad.

Ease of Programming

Like the previous models, programming Harmony 670 is fairly simple. The same programming procedure remains for this model. You hook the remote to PC or Mac via USB cable. From there, you install the program and connect to the web interface and follow the step by step direction. You will need to enter the manufacturer and model and select how the device will be used in the home theater set up. As always, you can program to operate the devices based on activity. The remote will basically work with all the devices in your home theater to get that activity done. For example, programming “watch TV” will turn on the television, cable box, receiver, or any other devices that are required for you to watch television. This type of macroing will make it much easier to operate all your home theater devices. On the other hand, you can choose to operate the devices individually if you choose.

Ease of use

Once you finish programming the remote, the remote is really easy to use. You will need to acclimate yourself to the button locations. The buttons themselves are made of hard plastic and easy to locate throughout the remote. It should not take you too long to familiarize yourself with the remote. The backlit buttons are nice touch. The addition of DVR specific functions are nice touch if you TiVo frequently. Also, Logitech added sound and picture control to instantly modify sound system as well as video settings on your television. This is an improvement over the previous model that should appeal to owners who constantly tweak their television. The color coded activity buttons are also a nice touch.

Overall, this is not a revolutionary step forward over the 550 model. But, it does add various nice touches that might appeal to DVR owners as well as home theater enthusiast. The addition of DVR buttons and backlit buttons are useful addition. If you do have more complicated set up that include DVR, this is very nice remote to consider.

Pros

• Ease of programming
• Backlit buttons
• DVR buttons

Cons

• No rechargeable system
• Peanut shaped design

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	Logitech Harmony 670 Universal Remote List Price: $149.99 Sale Price: $99.99 Used From: $64.95 Average Rating:

Logitech

Logitech didn’t make too many changes for the Harmony 550. The Harmony 550 is not exactly an upgrade to 520. Instead, it is a replacement model to phase out the Harmony 520. There are few changes from the Harmony 520 including design and button layouts. The functionality remains almost identical

Features

The features remain almost identical to the 520 except for the number of supported devices. The 550 supports 15 devices whereas 520 was limited to 12. Other than that, 550 retains the LCD and four hard buttons that go with it. The programming and the usage of activity based control or device based control remains the same.

Design

Harmony 550 essentially keeps the overall design of the Harmony 520. It adds six more buttons than the 520 model. The locations of the buttons remain the same for the 550. The numeric buttons, directional pad and the playback buttons remain in the same locations. The LCD is flanked by 2 hard buttons on each side. The buttons themselves are made of softer rubber than the different materials used in the 520. The different button materials used on the 520 was better idea than the rubbers used in the 550. The learning curve was much shorter with different tactile buttons on the 520 compared 550.

Ease of programming

Programmings of Harmony remotes are essentially same across the product line. You connect the remote to PC or Mac via USB and run the program that connects you to online programming. Once you register your remote, web based interface takes you through the set up procedure step by step. You input manufacturer and model number and specify the usage of the device within your home theater set up. You can set up the remote based on activity such as “watching TV” or “playing DVD” these will essentially macro your remote to control various devices to achieve the activity. You can also simply program to control separate devices. It is up to you do decide and that’s the beauty of this flexible set up.

Ease of use

Once you have programmed the remote, the remote is fairly easy to operate. It does take some time familiarize yourself with the remote’s menu and its button locations. But, once you have mastered that aspect, it is as simple as pushing few buttons to operate the remote. If you programmed the remote with activity based control, you simply select the activity to control various devices. If you do run into some problem, you can get help through customer service or help function built into the unit.
The Harmony 550 is not a true upgrade from 520. If you own 520 and are happy with it, you most likely have no reason to purchase this model. It is more of refresh or update to 520. If you are in a market for a great universal remote, you might want to take long look at the 550.

Pros

• Easy programming
• LCD screen
• Price
• Good design

Cons

• No rechargeable battery
• No RF
• No color screen

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	Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote List Price: $129.99 Sale Price: $99.99 Used From: $62.49 Average Rating:

Logitech

Logitech’s Harmony remote control has been incredibly popular in all segments. With Harmony One, Logitech breaks the naming convention for their remote control models. Harmony One follows 720, 890, and 1000 models. Perhaps Logitech knew what they had with this effort when they simply named it Harmony One. This is a feature rich remote that improves on previous efforts.

Design

The Harmony One is both ergonomically and aesthetically spot on. Unlike some bulky remote controls that don’t quite feel right, Harmony One is remarkably comfortable to hold and operate. Also, the backlit hard buttons are lot easier to locate than the previous effort. The remote docks more securely to the docking station than the previous version. The best improvement over the previous model is the touch screen LCD. The LCD improves on previous version with touch screen function as well as better display quality. There are two touch sensitive buttons right below to for easy operation of between different submenus. You can easily flip forward and back with these buttons for easy navigation. With the new touch screen, Logitech has reduced the actual number of hard buttons on the remote. It takes very little time to get adjusted to this remote for “no look” operation.

Ease of programming

Unlike most universal remote controls, Harmony does not require you to input codes for every single component. Instead, if you have used any Harmony remotes, you are ready to set up this unit without any problem. Like the other Harmony remotes, you need to connect the unit via USB to internet connected computer for easy programming. Once you install the software, the step by step instruction guides you through the actual programming through Logitech’s website. The process is remarkably simple as you just answer which components you own and how it is connected and how it functions within your home theater set up. If you happen to own a unit that is not listed, the remote can “learn” the code by interacting with your existing remote control for the unit. One drawback of this set up is that if you have more than one Harmony remote, you have to create a separate account for each remote control.

Ease of Use

Once the remote is programmed, it is very easy to operate. It can operate up to 15 units with IR frequency. The unit’s hard button can be programmed to operate certain units. For example, channel button can be programmed to only operate cable box and volume button set to television. This makes it very easy to operate your entire home theater set up. The remote control itself is very easy to use with distinct hard buttons. The backlit hard buttons are very easy to recognize via touch. The battery life is rated at 6-7 days on full charge. Most of the users will want to place it in the charge dock after the use. Also, the remote automatically powers down when not in use and powers up with simple motion. This is very helpful when it comes to saving battery life. The battery is replaceable which is nice since most users will want to replace it after some period.

Overall, this is a step up from the Harmony 880 and 890. The touch screen itself is worth the upgrade if you are in the market for high end universal remote control. The only problem might be the lack of RF support for the remote. This can be rectified by adding an IR/RF receiver for the unit that lacks the IR support. With any universal remote, you are bound to run into some problems programming or operating the unit. And, when you encounter any problem, there is automatic self help that can help you step by step. Logitech also provides solid live customer service for their remote controls.

Pros

• Design
• Easy programming and operating
• Motion sensor activation
• Good customer support

Cons

• Lack of RF support
• Can’t program multiple remotes on one account

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	Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote with Color Touch Screen List Price: $249.99 Sale Price: $156.99 Used From: $139.99 Average Rating:

Logitech

Harmony has garnered a strong following in the remote control market. Consumers have steadily upgraded their Harmony remotes with their home theater upgrades. Harmony 890 is a recent effort aimed squarely at the upper end of the market with price that ranges in mid $200 to $400 on most shopping outlets.

Features

Harmony 890 is not a big leap from its predecessor as 880 was. The 890 retains the color LCD screen along with rechargeable system with docking station. Harmony 890 adds RF to the existing IR. The remote control comes with RF to IR receiver to operate IR devices that might be hard to reach with IR signal. The remote can operate up to 15 devices.

Design

The 890 retains general shape and feel of the 880. The 890 boasts 8 hard buttons that corresponds to LCD screen instead of 6 found on monochrome screen. Unlike Harmony One, the 890’s screen is not touch screen capable. Instead, all the functions are connected to the hard buttons that are next to the LCD. The overall button layout is almost identical to the 880. It takes little effort to memorize each function as numbers of hard buttons are minimized. The buttons themselves are hard plastic instead of soft rubber. Overall, it shouldn’t take too long to get familiar with remote’s layout.

Ease of programming

Like other Harmony remotes, the programming is done via computer connected to internet. All you need to do is hook up the remote via USB and run the included software. The online guide will take you through the programming step by step. As with earlier models, you choose the model from the list and how it is connected in the home theater set up. After that, you define the function of each device like watching TV, play Blu-ray, or play DVD. You can also assign constant function to hard buttons. For example, channel button can be assigned to only work with your television or cable box and the volume button with receiver or television. This is by far the easiest way to set up your home theater system. If you get into any snags, you can call up Logitech’s support. Also, there is very helpful troubleshooting tool built into the unit itself. It can take you through the problem step by step.

Ease of Use

The RF base can be used to control 6 IR devices. You can purchase more base if you need to reach IR devices through wall or cabinet. Once you program and physically set up the RF base, using the remote control is breeze. Depending on the setup, you can select and control your device via LCD screen or the hard buttons located below the LCD screen. The only problem I encountered was updating the firmware. The CD included with the remote was fairly outdated. Also, the unit locked up few times while trying to update the firmware. Once update, there were no more lock ups.

The overall user experience depends on the complexity of the home theater set up and how the remote was programmed. The flexibility of the remote can really help define how you want to operate each device. Combine the flexibility and ease of programming, the Harmony 890 is well worth the price.

Pros

• RF capability
• Rechargeable battery
• Ease of programming
• Ease of use
• Color LCD screen

Cons

• RF base station can only operate 6 devices
• No touch screen
• Firmware update problems

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	Logitech Harmony 890 Remote Control - Refurbished List Price: $299.99 Sale Price: $134.99 Used From: $129.99 Average Rating:

Logitech

Harmony 880 marks a big improvement over the previous models. It is not an incremental improvement as 670 was for 550. The 880 essentially retains all the basic function but improves on the previous model with simpler layout and bigger LCD.

Features

Harmony 880 retains all the great features of the earlier models and adds some significant improvements. The way to program and operate the remote is essentially same as the previous model. The 880 adds larger color LCD with 8 hard buttons to go along with the LCD. The 880 is one of the first Harmony to use the rechargeable system. The 880 comes with built in lithium ion battery and a docking station. It retains all the DVR control function as well as on the fly ratio switching between widescreen and standard 4:3 ratio.

Design

The Harmony 880 takes its cues from the 670 with peanut shape. However, it is not identical to the previous design. The overall design looks sleeker albeit less egronomical than the 670 model. The middle section is more fleshed out compared to the 670. The remote control is essentially split into two parts. The top part is occupied by the large color LCD display and its 8 button to go along with it. Right below the LCD is the directional button and menu buttons. The channel and volume buttons are integrated nicely into bisecting line between the top and bottom. The bottom part houses the numeric buttons and playback function buttons. Remarkably, the 880 houses less button than the previous models. The buttons themselves are made out of hard plastic that fit flush against the remote.

Ease of programming

The 880 doesn’t depart far from its predecessor when it comes to programming. Logitech knows what it has and didn’t mess with the way Harmony remotes are programmed. As with all the previous models, you simply hook up the remote control to you PC or Mac and run the web interface program. The step by step direction is one of the easiest programming interface. You input manufacturer and model number and how the device is used in the home theater set up. You can set up various activities such as watching TV and playing DVD. The Logitech’s database is pretty big and will contain almost every manufacturer and models. As with any other universal remote, there are some trial and errors you will have to go through during the programming. Overall, this is by far the easiest way to set up a universal remote control.

Ease of use

Using Harmony 880 is as simple as choosing activity. Once you hit activity button, all the relevant devices are activated to run the activity. Make sure you charge the unit before programming as battery doesn’t come fully charged. There is motion sensor built into the remote so any movement will activate the remote’s back light. And, it turns itself “off” once there are no activities for set amount of time. This helps to save the battery life which is rated at 1 week usage between full charge. Regardless, you should always place the remote in the charging dock when you are not using it. You have to make sure all three charging contacts make solid contact for charging. If not, the unit will not recharge.

Pros

• New design
• Larger LCD screen
• Fewer buttons
• Rechargeable battery
• Good customer support

Cons

• No RF
• Some charging issue

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	Logitech Harmony 880 Remote Control - Refurbished List Price: $199.99 Sale Price: $86.90 Used From: $65.00 Average Rating:

Logitech

Harmony 520 is the most affordable Harmony remote control to date. This entry level model is priced around $50.00 on most internet stores and retailers. Even with the modest price tag, the 520 offers a lot of the functionalities found on more expensive models.

Features

The Harmony 520 features computer based programming like the more expensive models from Logitech. It also features the same activity based and device based controls. You can program the device to “watch TV” or “play DVD” and get the devices up and running. Or, you could program the buttons to directly control different devices. The 520 does feature small LCD screen for simple displays with four hard buttons that corresponds to options displayed on LCD. Harmony 520 can control up to 12 different devices.

Design

The layouts of the buttons are fairly standard. Top of the remote is dominated by the LCD and its four buttons. The playback buttons are right beneath the LCD with directional pad in the middle with numeric buttons at the bottom. The remote itself is not as ergonomic as the more advanced models. The higher end models have ergonomic design that is very comfortable to use. This isn’t to say 520 is a bulky and cumbersome to use. One design that stands out is the different materials used for different hard buttons. It makes it easy to distinguish the hard buttons which makes it easier to learn their locations.

Ease of programming

The Harmony 520 utilizes the same method to program the remote control. You simply connect the remote control to the PC or Mac via USB cable. Once you install the program you are connected to the Logitech’s website and you simply follow the step by step direction to program the remote. The website includes big database of manufacturers and models which eliminates the need to enter code for every single device you own. You simply answer how your home theater devices are connected and how they are to be used. You can assign activity such as watching television or playing DVD and remote will macro the sequences automatically. Logitech provides the easiest way to program their Harmony remotes. And, if for some reason you can’t find your model, the remote can “learn” from the existing remote control. As with other models, you can assign constant functions to the hard buttons such as channel and volume.

Ease of use

The remote control is very easy to operate. Once you have programmed your activity, you can simply push the button operate the designated devices. Like any other remotes, you do need to get used to navigating the menu and its submenu system. Once you’ve learned to navigate them, the only limitation is the amount of devices you can control. Like other Harmony remotes, you have choice of activity based control or device based control. It’s really up to your preference. Most of users won’t have more than 4-6 devices to control and might opt to go with device control. If not, you can go with activity based control. Either way, they are very simple to program and use.

Overall, Harmony 520 is brings a lot to the table for sub $100 remote control. It includes many functions found on more expensive models. But, if you need RF, color screen, and more agronomical design, you might want to look for higher end model offerings from Logitech.

Pros

• Easy programming
• LCD screen
• Price
• Good design

Cons

• No rechargeable battery
• No RF
• No color screen

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	Harmony 520 Universal Remote Control - Refurbished List Price: $59.99 Sale Price: $59.93 Average Rating:

Logitech