Logitech Harmony 880 Remote Control Review 2nd Look
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: $84.95 Used From: $70.00 Average Rating:   |
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FINALLY – the PERFECT Universal Remote Control
This is the best universal remote control I’ve ever owned or ever seen.
It has completely eliminated the need for all the other remotes. Even the more advanced/complex functions of a unit’s remote can be easily programmed into the Logitech Harmony. And with Logitech’s online remote control data base, you just enter the brand and model number of an electronic product and, chances are, it already has all the information you’ll need, plus the features you’ll most likely want to put onto your Harmony. Some of the default features that it put into the remote for my devices didn’t work, however, and I had to adjust them manuaully.
If you want to incorporate all the features of your old remotes into this one and have it work smoothly, it will take some time – programming, testing, reprogramming until it is tweaked to perfection. But once you’re there, you’ll be set.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT IS EXCELLENT – Logitech has a dedicated department (at the time of this review) for the Harmony Universal Remote. I had to call them twice. The wait time was short and the technicians solved my problems quickly both times.
CHARGER/CRADLE ISSUE: Several reviewers complained about problems with the charger. I, too, have experienced this problem – where the unit would not charge. I called tech support and they suggested I clean the contact points in the cradle. When I checked I saw one of the points was “stuck” and not actually making contact with the unit. Cleaning the contacts fixed the problem. That was four months ago and I haven’t had a problem since. I suspect there was a manufacturing problem that left a tacky substance in the contact area that created this big problem. Since I don’t see this issue mentioned in the most recent reviews, I assume it’s been addressed. I still give this product FIVE STARS.
Lastly, one of the best features of this remote, besides it’s true universal application, is that it lights up when you pick it up so you can read everything on it, including the buttons (they’re backlit). And it has a clock on the display. Don’t forget it has its own rechargeable battery and charger stand.
Great product!
Harmony 880 – A true UNIVERSAL remote control
PROS:
* Looks cool.
* Very customizable.
* Place commands where you want them to appear on the screen.
* Can simulate every command on every remote.
* Can learn commands not stored in Logitech’s database by setting the 880 remote head to head with your remote(s).
* The screen feature with 4 buttons on the left and 4 more on the right side is a great idea.
* Programmable Activities feature allows me to have the up-down channel buttons control my DVR and the up-down volume buttons control my big screen TV. ie you can have each button control any device you want it to.
CONS:
* Requires internet connection and USB cord in order to program.
*You’ll need to be comfortable with a PC.
*You’ll need to become familiar with Logitech’s software in order to program and customize the remote. It’s a bit confusing at first. Its not totally intuitive.
*Not as comfortable to hold and press buttons as most of my original remotes. I think the remote should be just a little bigger (due to my big hands).
*No macros allowed at this time but posts on internet sites say Logitech will add this to their software in the near future.
* Buttons in the middle of the remote should be a little bigger (left-right arrows, Device, Media)
* After two weeks I still don’t know what the MEDIA button does.
* I don’t know how long the little thin rectangular rechargeable battery will last. I wonder how much time and money will it take to get a replacement in the future.
* Too much glass around the screen. Every time I press a button next to the screen, press a left-right arrow to change the functions assigned to the screen buttons, etc finger prints and smudges are left on the glass. Very noticeable. I’m cleaning this remote every day just to get the smudges off.
A really good universal remote that can simulate every button on every one of your original remotes – even the remote for your oscillating room fan or ceiling fan. Just get the make and model numbers off your devices and enter them into the software.
You definitely need to be patient. I’m a total computer geek and even I got confused at times. You’ll need to reprogram the remote quite a few times in order to get every button simulated and also get the buttons next to the screens to have the commands in the order you want them the appear. I re-programmed mine about 15 times just to get it to be exactly the way I want it.
You aren’t limited to just 8 button functions at the buttons next to the screen. Just use the left-right arrows to page to the next screen and you’ll have 8 more functions next to the buttons. If these 8 aren’t enough, you can press the left-right arrows again and have 8 more functions programmed. One of my remotes has 7 pages of button functions. And even more could have been set up while I was doing the programming.
I just found out I can toggle from “activities” mode to “device” mode and back to “activities” mode by just continuing to press the “device” button. I like this feature.
[...]
OVERALL, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED IF YOU HAVE PATIENCE, AREN’T EASILY CONFUSED BY GADGETS, ARE COMFORTABLE USING A COMPUTER AND WANT A REMOTE THAT CAN SIMULATE EVERY BUTTON ON EVERY ONE OF YOUR ORIGINAL REMOTES.
I report – You decide.
Works great once you figure out the software irritations to watch out for.
Works great. I had some difficulty the first time I set up my dad’s. I had no problems in setting up mine when it came. I had them both set up in under 10 minutes each. Note of advice to everyone…when setting up the first time and typing in your model numbers…type them in EXACTLY as they are on the unit you are trying to control. Don’t replace dashes with spaces and vice versa, etc. It will make the setup of the remote much easier and nicer. I made the mistake of putting in a space in the model number of my dad’s satellite DVR box and it caused me 2 hours of headaches. You’ll know when it works properly by not asking you to go get your remote and push the buttons on your existing remote pointed at the bottom of the Logitech 880 remote to “learn” the commands for your devices. Trust me on this!! Other people have said that when they start tweaking some things work and some things don’t. I had the same exact problem until I just started over and paid attention to the model numbers. It made all the difference in the world. For those that think, “Hey, I can put in my model numbers right…I’m not an idiot!” Really? Double-check yourself. You might be surprised like I was. Also…if you have a satellite or cable box that does PVR like mine does(recording to the unit directly without the use of a VCR) leave the PVR option blank. The system will know if you should have the funtionality based on the model number. I assume this is to be used if you have a separate box to perform the PVR option like a Tivo unit.
Harmony Remote even better than I expected!
Two of my TiVo remotes were finally wearing out. Some of the buttons on them didn’t work so well anymore, and it was time to replace them. But I decided not to buy another TiVo remote. Nope, I went for the Logitech Harmony 880 Remote. Yeah, baby!
This one remote can control up to 15 devices, which means I can and have configured it for all the remote-controlled devices in my home – all the tvs, TiVos, DVD players, Cable Boxes, and even the surround sound box thing. I have to say, this is sooooo nice! Plus, it is rechargeable, which means no digging for batteries when it all of a sudden runs out.
You connect it to your PC with a USB cable to program it, and it is a snap. If you have the model numbers for your devices, which are usually found somewhere on the device itself, then it is a real no-brainer. Logitech had all of the devices I gave the setup program model numbers for in their database, and it was very quick to set those up. I had one TV that I couldn’t find the model number for, so I just gave the manufacturer name, and it asked me if I had the remote for that device. I did, so it asked me to push a few specific buttons on the device so it could learn it, and it had figured out the best model match for that TV within 1 minute.
I love the remote, and so far I think I’ll be fine with just having the one, since it is rare I’ll be watching TV in more than one room at a time – LOL. Plus, I still have the original remotes that I’ll tuck away for emergency use. I won’t be at all surprised if I decide to get another Harmony sometime in the future, though.
The best price I found for the Harmony 880 was at Amazon.com. It is currently about $155 there, and has a $30 rebate offer with it. Couple that with my Amazon Prime membership, which affords me free 2-day shipping, and I am a very happy camper!
The remote even a woman will love
It seems we were purchasing a new universal remote every year for our plethora of electronic devises. Something was always going wrong. Either the remotes wouldn’t hold a charge longer than a nano second, or they would control some devices, but not others – until we purchased the Logitech Harmony 880 Universal Remote.
The Harmony 880 feels good in the hand. It’s light weight and comfortable design packs a lot of features and charge for the money.
Set up is programmed via the Harmony website. You need a good working knowledge of your devices and the functions you want the 880 to perform. But after this somewhat tedious process, the 880 performs beautifully.
With the remote cradled in the charger most of the time, there’s never a problem with keeping a charge. The 880 not only controls audio and video devices, but it can be programmed to control lighting as well.
Select the activity function button and you can control everything from watching TV, DVDs and video, to listening to the radio or CDs, to controlling your lighting and more. When there is a problem, the help feature finds the problem and resolves it quickly through a series of questions it asks the user.
This may be the the first remote that even a woman can love. After all, I bought the Harmony 880 for my husband, but it usually ends up in my hands.
- Victoria Austin
Nearly perfect
I received this as a Christmas present, since my wife was tired of me either searching for the right remote, or complaining that there were too many remotes to deal with. As other reviewers have noted, it isn’t exactly easy to configure, but the web interface makes it easier than searching the fine print for the correct codes for the various home theater components. You do have to have the right model number for your components since there isn’t a search feature, especially for some out of date components (my plasma is a Pioneer, but since I bought it a year ago, it is considered old!). But I do have to give props to Logitech’s tech support. I was having problems with my DirecTV receiver, the new HR20 HD-DVR system, getting the Watch TV activity to turn the receiver on. I submitted a trouble ticket and the next day the support person emailed me letting me know that he had updated the code for the reciever. I connected the remote, updated it, and it works perfectly. The other issue that I noticed is that when you place it in the charging cradle, you must make sure that the remote makes perfect contact, or it will not charge. Minor point. Other than that, it does everything that the really, really expensive remotes do, including controlling the lighting in our theater!
Throw away the Pronto/Marantz Remote!!!
I’ve used a Marantz remote for the past 5 years. My second one has again broken and can’t be programmed…now I’m thanking my lucky stars.
My AV system has 9 remotes. Up to now, only the RC5200 had been able to handle it all in a way that my mother (80) and my kids (now 8 and 11) could use it easily.
I fell into this remote at a retail store. Price was $250 at a time I was considering spending $500 for another RC product. Amazon was $160 for the 880. The retail store rep told me that it’s easy to program, just pick your equipment, answer a few questions about how you want to use it, and off you go. I didn’t believe him. Here, I’ve been programming the RC5200 with buttons and macros – hours and hours of my time to get it right…it can’t be that easy.
I bought it half-thinking I’d return it unsatisfied…I couldn’t have been more wrong…I LOVE THIS REMOTE. It feels like a TiVo remote, very comfortable. It has all the logic of each of my 9 remotes plugged into easy format, and it took me all of about 15 minutes to answer all the 880’s programming questions so that I have one-touch access to the entire system. After using it one day, it’s absolutely incredible.
Thank you Logitech for getting it right with this product!!!
GREAT REMOTE!!!
I was kind of worried spending so much money on a remote control, but this this is the greatest! Never having to worry about which remote to grab and more importantly not having to pick up 3 or 4 remotes to turn on all your accesories. Just push one button and your TV, cablebox, receiver turn on THEN the remote makes sure the TV is set to the correct input setting for you!
I heard complaints about having to make sure the remove is pointed directly at the component you are controlling, but in my experience that is just not true. It works through my couch, my dog, and my coffee table.
The only complaint I can think of is that the positioning of the numbers makes them somewhat difficult to get to without repositioning the remote in your hand.
Other then that.. I would give it 10 stars if I could.
Nice Remote if you follow the directions
Some really “out there” reviews. I decided on this remote so we can control an HDTV, Receiver, DVD, VCR, DVR and xbox.
It took about 45 minutes to program (and I would recommend downloading the latest software from Logitech).
I had to recheck the connections to the reciever/TV etc. when it didnt turn on all the components and set them to the correct setting. At first, I thought some of the reviews were right, this is a POS.
After checking the connections, I had the xBox on the “tape” audio on the reciever, and went back to the logitech page and re-setted the remote.
It works flawlessly once set-up properly. Its programmable, so I can only assume many of the negative posts are people with no clue on how to follow on screen directions…..
Best Remote Ever
Short and Sweet.
This controls 5 AV components. My wife uses it and I don’t receive calls at work asking my the TV/DVD/TiVo/Radio isn’t working. one HELP button to rule them all. Even she recommends it to people now.
Fantastic product
No worries.
This is an excellent item but needs at least 1 week to set up optimally. It helps to be computer-literate, one who learns software by trial-and-error and would seldom refer to a manual.
If you have a laptop, life will be easy. Download the latest update from the Logitech site directly. Thereafter, you no longer need the web connection. Sit down on the couch with your computer and new remote and start the rest of your life. Initial set-up is straight forward but fine-tuning the custom buttons may take many re-updates.
In retrospect, the best advice I can give is to make a list of the buttons you would want readily accessible from each remote before sitting down. Don’t worry about the basic functions (volume, channel, 4-way-pad and center button, last channel, page-up, page-down, ff/rew/play/pause/stop, menu, exit, info, guide) as these are already there. There are 8 custom button per LCD page and you can make an unlimited number of pages if so motivated. Each button can be programmed to any remote’s function. After the first day, you undoubtedly realize you want to fine tune or add other buttons and will need to update again.
But by the end, it really serves as a single universal remote. The 4 old remotes have been sitting in a nearby drawer untouched for 5 weeks.
Works as advertised
I was attracted to this remote by the web programming interface: I have friends who have to hold their remotes head-to-head and program each command one at a time, and then build the macros. By contrast, I was able to configure my system even before I bought the remote (there is a trial SW available on the Harmony web page which took me 15 minutes to set up once I had a list of my devices): once I had the Harmony box opened, it took me about 4 minutes to start using it to control my TV, DVD etc since the web site remembers your setup. A couple of commands did not work right away, so I ended up having to add them in individually (“Exit” and “OK” were not correct in the Harmony database for my Panasonic TV). I also noticed that the cradle does not contact well, but it’s easy to see when contact is made, and it doesn’t take much to adjust it. Besides, the remote doesn’t need charging all the time – only once a week for moderate usage.
Even my gadget-phobe wife loves this remote – just having one remote is a joy for her. And trust me, web-programming of the remote is the way to go. I’m only pissed that there is now a $30 rebate, like the week after I bought mine.
Excellent universal
Overall this is a very good remote. It replaced 5 of my remotes, which is all except my Bose, which is RF controlled. It even replaced my Windows Media Center Edition remote and works with my PS2 with no problems.
My negatives for this device are that the layout is a little less comfortable and intuitive than some of my other remotes and the default functions aren’t necessarily the most used functions therefore requiring additional time to set-up. These negative however are more than acceptable when you remember that it works with so many devices. I am definitely happy with this remote and would undoubtably purchase again.
one of the best universal remotes!
this is a great universal remote. I have tried many and this one is really worth the money if you’re in search of something to replace all your remotes and -still- be able to control every small esoteric function of your surround reciever or DVD player. Logitech’s database of remotes it always growing, staying up to date, so you can update it to work with any new equipment you get. The programming part of it takes a little time, but it’s not too complicated. Adding and removing devices from the profile is pretty easy, editing and adding specific control buttons from your devices remotes can be a little tricky.. but once it’s all done, this thing is like buttha! put all those other remotes down and sit on your couch with that one magic device.. ahhh, yes. It feels nice.
Every function from all my remotes was available to program and in many cases the default layout was almost perfect.. I had to tweak things a little, especially for my suround controls, but all in all when you add a device to the profile, the buttons they chose to add were actually the most useful ones. yay. Anyways, the LCD screen wraps around, so I can bury less used controls in the second page of the LCD, like all the surround modes + tweak speaker levels of my Yamaha surround receiver which I like to tweak a lot, then have all the most commonly used functions on the first page of the LCD..
Battery life is pretty good. I can leave the remote off it’s cradle for days and it only goes down one bar… I use the remote a LOT also.. the only thing about the cradle I have noticed is that it needs to have the charging contacts wiped down often otherwise they don’t make connection with the remote and it will not charge.. oh well. One other thing is I wish the volume up down button was larger and less surrounded by other buttons.. it’s not always easy to find the vol button, then while your feeling for it it’s too easy to hit mute.. again, not a show stopper, but worth a mention…
I think this remote is worth the money if your looking to control a whole home theater system with many devices which have many very specific remote fuctions. If you’re only looking to control a TV, DVD player, and a cable box, you’d be better off with something more simple. This is a real home theater enthusiast remote. I love mine.. my wife loves it also.. only one button now to play a DVD.. yay. no more calls “honey, which mode to I need to play a…”. whew.. thanks Logitech!
This remote is great, its detractors are inexplicable
Just picked this beauty up at Best Buy this evening. I have had it, let’s see… 40 minutes now, and in that time not only have I felt compelled to write this review as a rebuttal to the BAD reviews that I kept reading about this product, but I’m well on the way to having it fully set up. I still need to customize & tweak a bit, but let me clear a few things up:
For one, the web-based set up is fast and easy. It can be deep and complicated if you want to delve into it, but for most of us, it’s easy to use… and very quick. Whoever is complaining about the web speed must be using a 56k modem or something. I have cable and it’s great. If you know how to click on check boxes and hit next, you can set up this remote.
For two, the charger works just fine. There must have been an old problem that they have since rectified.
Three, the screen is great. It’s very legible and completely customizable. Those complaining that they can’t fit what they want on the screen are using more than the ample 16 characters provided.
And finally, I have had no compatibility problems, even with my 20 year old Denon AV receiver. Here’s what I have working with the 880 so far, in the first half hour since I installed it:
Sony 60″ SXRD
Sony 25″ Trinitron
TWC HD DVR
Tivo Series 2
Xbox 360
PS2
Toshiba DVD player
Denon DVD changer
Denon AV receiver
Pioneer DVD changer/receiver
Basically I am going to use this as my main remote in the home theater, but when we have a babysitter, I can bring it downstairs so she can easily access the “regular” TV and my older hardware.
Seriously folks, this seems to be a great piece of hardware.
Best I have seen – so far – for the money (UPDATED)
I have been through a large number of universal remotes. This remote is light years ahead of the previous models Harmony has come out with, and really delivers outstanding bang for the buck. I say this from an ergonomics as well as functional standpoint.
The screen is beautiful and highly legible. Icons as well as text make choosing an activity easy to understand and execute. The buttons are extremely solid. Much better than the 688 that I also own. It was quickly relegated to the bedroom system when I saw this unit.
The keys are MUCH better located and logical. On the 688 you had to turn on the backlight to press any button because none were in a position that you could feel your way to them. On the 880 they are pretty much right where they need to be. The 4-way directional control and select buttons are very easy to find in the dark and the function is rock-solid, no question as to whether it’s been pressed enough, and the command signals are very strong, so it’s not usually necessary to point right at the equipment.
For those of you who have never tried or maybe even heard of the Harmony line, you will love the internet-based simplicity of the programming. This interface has not changed since I first got my 688. To control both remotes, I had to add another userid/password, so I was unable to transfer any of my commands from my previous unit to my new one. This is a small peeve.
Some notes on programming. The initial setup could not be easier, you just type in your equipment model numbers and it adds them to your remote. It found every piece of equipment I own easily, and some of my stuff is obscure. Then, you set up activities, like “Watch TV” and the website creates that activity instantly. Sometimes no tweaking is involved whatsoever, and sometimes you do have to either add or change equipment included in that activity or add a few buttons to the existing commands available when doing that activity. Here is where experience pays off. It’s not 100% intuitive how to add soft buttons, nor is it always clear whether you need to train the remote by using the original remote for that command or whether that command is already trained and just needs to be added. Also, I found that often you need to relabel an existing command so that it reflects what is on the original remote, which means that the Harmony database is not perfect.
However, the database gets you 95% of the way there, and after you play around with the website a bit, you start to understand it and can soon get to the point of customizing it exactly as you wish. In the end, I probably spent two hours to get my 880 to operate exactly as I wanted. But I’m pretty picky; many users may be happy with it after the first 5 minutes of programming. You will all be impressed by the enormous size of the Harmony database, and by the simple function of the remote.
It is rechargeable as well. This is a big bonus compared with the previous Harmony 688. Another thing I really liked: even when the 880 is out of its cradle, it knows when you pick it up, and automatically lights up. I cannot hear any type of mechanical sensor rattling around in there, but somehow it knows when it is moved and gets ready for your input. I love this simple feature. Would be interested to know how it does that.
All in all, I say it is probably not quite as good as having a Pronto or other really high end remote, but it is far easier to program, performs perfectly once correctly programmed, and costs MUCH MUCH less than any other remote with its power. The screen is sharp and beautiful, the keys function great. I have nothing but good things to say. I don’t think you can go wrong for the price.
UPDATE 4/21/06: On this morning, my remote stopped working. I contacted customer support and was quickly handled. They are going to send me a new remote. Lucky for me, the new one will be able to be completely reprogrammed by connecting it and downloading all my existing codes. I will update again once this is accomplished if there are any issues. Otherwise, I continue to rate this item a 5-star pending the results of this warranty issue.
Update 5/22/06: The replacement remote came on schedule and has been working perfectly. Logitech’s RMA system and follow-up were very professional and prompt.
Great Remote at a Fair Price
With the addition of the 360 to the household and my TV remote battery cover breaking, I decided to splurge and get a nice all-in-one remote. The 680, it’s older cousin, was featured in the Official Xbox Magazine so I did some research online and decided to take the plunge. This thing is SLICK. It has a huge full color screen. It’s completely programmable via the web with your component model numbers and can also accept standard IR learning. The remote uses Activities to dictate what to do (Watching TV, Playing DVD on 360, Playing PS2). It even has built in help to fix problem when doing the Activities. The slickest thing is since my TV, Reciever, and CD player are bidirectional devices, it knows which TV mode my TV is on and can switch between them automatically. It will even turn off all devices not used by the activity and can act as a remote for the PS2 despite the fact that I never bought the retail remote. It also has 8 buttons to program yourself that show up on the LCD when in an activity. You can have more than 8 items that can be accessed via left/right arrow keys at the bottom. Overall, the remote has been awesome to use. It does everything I want it to do and more.
The last remote I’ll ever need
Forget the $800 Phillips Pronto LCD touch screen remotes, this little baby does it all.
The remote is about the size of a Tivo remote and has the same Mae West figure; One hand operation is effortless. The Harmony uses the ingenious concept of `Activities’ – as opposed to macros. The remote is set up to operate certain equipment in certain ways depending on the `Activity’ selected from the LCD screen – hard buttons beside the LCD actually control the functions. Other remotes I’ve used use a similar programming concept, but not as well as the Harmony.
The LCD then takes on the `look’ of that activity. If I select `Watch a Movie’ all the proper equipment is turned on and set to the correct volumes, inputs, TV screen format, etc. and the screen shows the extra functions I may need later for that activity. One push of the ‘Off’ button at the top turns everything off.
The remote has about 30 other buttons below the screen to perform common tasks. The buttons are layed out nicely, very tactile and the remote feels very solid.
The remote requires and internet connection and it’s software to set up the remote. This is so all the latest and greatest info is available for every piece of audio and video equipment on the planet. My Adcom and Rotel equipment, my Outlaw Audio pre/pro, and a 15 year old Sony pro model CD player were ALL in the database. (anyone who says the website couldn’t find their equipment must be still using their Gramaphone). You need to be somewhat computer savy to set up this remote.
I doubt my cable internet connection would ever be down coincidentally when I wanted to update the remote, but I guess the possibility exists – in which case you’d be screwed if you wanted to reprogram or update the remote then. The remote has a cool (albeit completely useless) feature; a slide show of pictures you download to it can be displayed on the LCD screen. I downloaded jpgs of movie posters.
This is the first universal remote I’ve owned where I’m actually able to throw all of my other remotes in a drawer and forget about them.
Ahh, perfect Harmony…
I received this as a Christmas gift from my husband because I have been annoyed with the 5 remote controls that clutter up our coffee table. As a newlywed using all of HIS equipment (TV, DVD, Amplifier, etc) I would get frustrated trying to figure out all of the settings that things needed to be on to play a DVD, for example. Don’t even get me started on how to watch HDTV! I had figured all the tricks out – but I don’t like having to use three remotes to change what I’m doing.
Programming the 880 was basically a piece of cake – I needed his help programming the VCR, but it turned out that was because it wasn’t plugged into the TV!
We had it set up and running in a 30-45 minutes. If you make a mistake, you can re-add the device later (we put the wrong TV model in but were able to change it later).
The devices the 880 controls in our living room are as follows: TV, Direct TV R-10 DVR, Pioneer Receiver, PlayStation 2, VCR, and DVD player. It’s SO nice. I am also going to set up extra activities (i.e. Watch TV #2) for our bedroom. It will work ceiling fans, lights – all kinds of devices. If you have a remote that currently performs a function, it can learn that function via infrared transfer.
There are a few separate options on this remote. The first is activities – that asks you what you want to do, i.e. “Watch a DVD”, “Watch TiVo”, etc. The next is the devices button. That brings up a list of your devices – you select one (i.e. TV) and then it gives you options for that device. For example, our TV device has 12 pages of commands you can scroll through – so you never need your old remote again.
If you program a device and it’s not correct, you can actually use the on-remote Harmony assistant to try to correct the problem – you DON’T have to run back up to your computer right away to figure it out.
The screen is very easy to read in the dark, as are all the buttons. The buttons are a bit on the small side, but that’s what allows the remote to be so compact and fit in your hand nicely. I’ve had this remote for about 2 weeks and I’m already getting the feel of it.
Since there is a docking station that charges it, I always know where the remote is. I consider myself a lover of technology and can usually figure out remotes if I have to. However, this takes all the guesswork out. The most important thing is that I wouldn’t be afraid to let a relative or friend use the remote without messing up all of my configurations. If you have the means to obtain this remote and an hour of spare time to set it up and learn the remote, I highly recommend it!
Should have bought one years ago
I waited to purchase a remote for my home theater for years because of the cost but if I had known they were this easy to set up I would have bought one years ago.
I don’t know what problems the other reviewers had, but I connected to the internet, entered my devices and followed the on-screen prompts and was done in about 30 minutes, which set up my Plasma TV, PVR, DVD, AV Receiver and VCR. Their database had all my devices so I didn’t have to manually configure any of them.
Now with one push of a button it turns on the appropriate devices, sets the TV to the appropriate input, changes the receiver to the appropriate input and changes the remote so the buttons work on the devices being used.
It took weeks before my wife would even watch TV in this room because of all the settings it took to just turn it on, with this device it only takes the push of one button and if something doesn’t turn on correctly there are on-screen prompts to correct anything not working correctly.
I can’t tell you how this device compares to the others on the market but I found this one is easy to use and set up. I have now taken the time to set up customized buttons and fine tune which button controls which function just so it works exactly to my liking.
It doesn’t get much better in 2005
I’m sorry for all you great folks that were somewhat unsatisfied with this remote….But I’m thrilled!
With a little phone support from Harmony, I was able to get this up and running in a couple of hours. Even with a picture of my dog on the LCD screen!
No other remote would control my ViewSonic N2750W TV, even Dishnetwork said I’d have to live with using two remotes, but the 880 worked the first time.
I’m an old analog guy and this new digital stuff scares me, but it was almost painless to activate.
I don’t think it’s for the casual computer user as it takes some patience and a little knowledge of downloading/updating. But if you’re comfortable with new digital devices, you won’t have a problem. Actually, even if you’re not, the good folks at Harmony will walk you through it.
I don’t think it’s perfect, but I guarantee there is none better in 2005.
Splurge and enjoy a one-remote household. This thing will even turn on your remote-operated gas fireplace!
The nearly perfect remote
Within minutes of unpacking this remote it was working controlling all of my system components. I have an HDTV, High def cable with PVR, surround sound home theatre, DVD player/recorder, and a 5-disc CD changer hooked into the system. The Harmony 880 controls each item perfectly. One touch turns on each set of machines depending upon what I want to do. The only function that I found that didn’t come over is the PIP through my cable box which I rarely use anyway. The Harmony 880 has replaced four remotes TOTALLY — not just most of the time.
The only minor complaint would be that they could have made the unit a bit larger so that the keys could be bigger. Other than that, this remote is absolutely perfect. Incredible.
Don’t Forget to Disable your Firewall
The product works very well. What is helpful is the Logitech Harmony website already has tens of thousands of remote control
codes on its website, for everything from TVs, to Receivers, DVD players, etc. So, you just put in your product company and the model number, and you’re done for that item. Works quickly and correctly. When I press “Watch my DVR”, the Harmony 880 quickly turns on my Replay TV, my TV, my Cable box, and my Receiver. No slipups at all.
Installation was no problem AFTER I disabled the Firewalls on my PC and on my Linksys router. That is important.
Absolutely Fantastic Remote! Superior Features!
I spent a lifetime reviewing products as “The Gadget Guru” for the NBC Today Show, USA Today, my Syndicated Newspaper Column and numerous magazines and syndicated TV shows. Needless to say that over my career I reviewed thousands of new products. While I used to receive samples from the manufacturers, since my retirement I now purchase these items. When this unit was announced, I was thinking it was too good to be true and decided to purchase one through Amazon.
I have a very complicated home theater system where my TV is used as a monitor and I have numerous components including a DirecTV HD Tivo and a ReplayTV via cable as well as a DVD and a VCR. Everything is routed via an audio receiver. While I have used just about every other universal remote on the planet, none of them were truly noteworthy. Yes, there were some that costs thousands of dollars, but not all of us can afford those. This is why I was looking forward to putting this one through its paces.
I reviewed other Harmony remotes in the past, but they were when the company was in its infancy and while they had a great concept, its products needed to mature. Harmony was recently purchased by Logitech and the result is a remote, that once it’s setup, is the best I have ever used.
The setup is both good and bad and those lacking in computer skills may seem a bit overwhelmed. But, the tech support number is clearly printed in the included brochure and the techs are very good about walking users through the setup steps.
What separates Harmony Remotes from most others is that instead of having a chip that includes remote codes, or having to learn remote codes manually, it connects to the Internet via your computer to capture the codes for your equipment. The on-screen interface is fairly simply and walks you through step by step and asks questions pertaining to your specific setup. You will need to have the model numbers of every component to be controlled by this device. (They are usually on front of each device). Be prepared to spend at least a couple of hours for the initial setup. What I really like about this system is that if you purchase a new piece of equipment and the code is not built into a standard learning remote control, it can be a real pain to setup. Since they keep a database of every new component online, it will not become quickly antiquated. Also, unlike other universal remote controls, it’s not a problem if you lose your instruction book since setup and modifications are performed online. This is a real plus!
Here’s what separates this remote from the others. Instead of having buttons to go to specific components and then displaying another list of commands this model treats your components in a “lifestyle” fashion. Once setup, you simple press a button to Watch TV, Watch DirecTV, Watch a DVD, Listen to a CD, etc. A single press of a button triggers a series of macros that automatically deliver the proper settings. Even better, all the lables can be easily changed to make it easy for even the most technophobic to use. Once it is setup with your components, even the most primitive user will have no problem using a complicated home theater system. This device could save marriages!
Even better, you can add up to 16 favorite channels for each tuning device that can be accessed with a press of two buttons and is individualized for each component. I don’t know about you, but with all the offerings via Satellite or Cable, I can’t remember all the channel numbers. Although each device has an on-screen guide, it can take quite a bit a time to scroll through to find the desired channel. With the Favorite Function on this unit, you can give each device its own list of channels. So, for my DirecTV, I entered my most watched channels and did the same for my ReplayTV cable box.
It even allows you to add Icons so that you can simply press on NBC, CNBC, HBO, etc., and it automatically goes to that channel.
Also, it’s rechargable, so there’s no need to constantly change batteries. Even better, it has a sensor in it that not only automatically turns off the screen to save battery life, it automatically activates as soon as you pick it up so it’s great for dimly lit home theater setups.
The only feature I wish they would have included was a Remote Control Locator function that would allow you to press a button on the charging base and have it “beep” the remote.
All in all, considering the full functionality of this unit, I give it my highest recommendations.
Best Remote Control
This one Remote has replaced the 6 Original Remotes I had on my end table. I have owned 3 different All-in-One remotes in the past including the Producer 8 with macro, and the 6-in-1. This is the best remote control I have every owned. I bought the pre-release Harmony 880 made by Logitech. This remote is programable/learnable and can operate different functions from all your remotes on one setting without switching to a different remote. The rechargable battery will probably last a week without charging, but if you put the remote back in its charging cradle before the week is up, you will never have to worry about the battery. Bottom line is my end table only has one remote contol on it after all is said and done. For a more detailed review on the Logitech Harmony 880 go to http://www.tomshardware.com. They just completed a full review on this product. This remote is worth every dollar you invest into it for a product you will probably use every day. You will have to connect to the Harmony web site to program this remote, and use a USB cable to connect the remote to your computer, but this is an advantage to pushing buttons on other remotes numerous times and looking at a small two tone screen. You can program almost everything on a few computer screens. This remote will learn any function from your original remotes and add them to any button or custom name and add it to the display. Plus there are one button functions that will turn on your TV/DVD/Switch/Stereo/ then press the play button and change the channel all at the same time. Logitech has made this remote even better than the $400 dollar models on the market. Thanks for clearing up the remote clutter Logitech. Amazon has a great price for this Remote Control. The pre-release cost me $250, but I could not wait after reading all the reviews.