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 One Universal Remote with Color Touchscreen List Price: $249.99 Sale Price: $149.99

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 Touchscreen List Price: $249.99 Sale Price: $149.99

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 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 One 880 890 720 Remote Battery List Price: $29.99 Sale Price: $9.99 Used From: $3.95

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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