Logitech Harmony 890 Remote Control Review
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:   |
This site contains the personal opinions of various authors and contributors to this website. The opinions in these articles and reviews are offered in good faith, but also come with no guarantees or warranties.
Works fine
Product works like it was brand new. Haven’t had ay problems. Took a while to get setup with 5 different components but haven’t had to do anything since then. Worth the money not having to buy it brand new.
Harmony 890 Advanced Universal
Got rid of 7 remote controls in one shot. Set up was quite easy. Works great.
Universal Remote
The unit works well after much work and searching for information. The unit was not as advetized by seller. the original software and user manuals were not supplied. The unit had only one infrared ttransmitter, the unit normally comes with 4 (four) and you cannot buy these units from Logitech you have to purchase these with the wireless extender at a cost of $99.00 plus tax and shipping which put the cost of the unit, more than the purchase of a brand new unit. This has been identified to the seller who as yet has not responded to my sugestions
Simply incredible!
Its not for the faint of heart…but if you put in the time, this thing is BRILLIANT. Here’s my thoughts:
- The device takes time to set up. You have to connect it to your PC, install software, select the devices you have, and synchronize all of the information to both the remote control and the wireless infrared receiver. Some devices, despite being available in their online database, pull down settings for buttons that don’t work quite right or are associated to the wrong buttons (my only disappointment with the Harmony). It will take some time, but you can basically change any of the buttons to do anything your other remotes can do. In some cases you have to point an old remote at the Harmony and “train” the harmony to perform a specific function. It’s not hard, but it can be time consuming. In my case I had to train and configure the Harmony and then take it all back upstairs and test my changes and then bring it all back down and change what I didn’t like over and over until I got everything the way I wanted it. Think of it as an investment. I’m not sure how they could make it better, so I don’t count the work as a problem with the device.
- After all the setup is done. This thing is SWEET.
- No more 5 remote juggling and searching.
- We can now keep our cabinet doors closed (because this thing talks wirelessly, like your laptop to your wireless router, to an infrared transmitter which sends signals to the entertainment system components which no longer have to be “in sight” of the remote) so the family room looks nicer.
- The kids can use the Harmony and always get what they want. If they want to play Wii, they just press “Play a Game” and it turns everything on, changes the video source, changes the audio sources…the only thing it won’t do is put their favorite game in the Wii console. If, when they push “Play a Game”, something doesn’t turn on or switch to the right source the kids can press HELP and the device will fix the problem…ALWAYS!…and its friendly enough to ask if everything is OK now. They love it! No more do they yell through the house for me to come change everything so they can play a game or watch a cartoon.
- It was expensive, but the sheer brilliance of it made it worth every penny (make sure you order it online you can save over $100 as compared to a brick and morter store). If you have a lot of components and are always frustrated by remotes or if you really, really want to hide those components so they aren’t always seen this is the device for you.
Programming Additional Buttons.
Great product! The initial setup is not as intuitive as it could be, but this is more of a “language” issue since some of the terminology is not well explained. However, I am enjoying this remote very much and only have good things to say about it. And just yesterday I added an “Additional Button” to my “Watch TV” activity. That was truly easy to do and my wife was very pleased to have the new button, which brings up the list of recorded shows on our Satellite box.
Great Product
Bought the second one refurbished after the dog ate the first one. Great for operating compents through cabinetry. Great remote.
Very Pleased
I’m really pleased with the Harmony 890 and extender. Just placing the extender in a closed cabinet with the components works well without making any direct connections to the components from the extender.
At one point I needed some direct help with programming activities. A call to Logitech, and a technician gave excellent help. This is available only for sixty days following purchase.
Occasionally an activity is not completed correctly, but using help makes a correction.
Good overall, could use some advanced features
Generally good, and once it’s set up right and working just so it’s a breeze to use, however getting to that point can be a little time-consuming and frustrating. The command set determined from the model number you enter doesn’t always match what’s present on the remote, which can be frustrating.
Wireless updating would nice, as would bluetooth, especially given the price tag. The RF controller is an extremely useful accessory (included in box), as it allows everything to be hidden away in cabinets. Support for Linux would also be nice – currently the software is PC/Mac only.
Overall though, I would recommend this. It definitely eliminates the need for multiple remotes and is easy to use once set up.
Harmony – not always
This is a great Universal Remote and one that should be used by anyone wishing to “hide” their components in a closet or somewhere out of sight. It is not the easiest to program – in fact, I had to have someone more familiar with these things do mine for me. However, it is a treat not to have to look for 4 remotes and it does a great job!
Perfect Remote for a techy husband with a non-techy wife
We are 100% satisfied with this remote! My wife was tired of having 6 different remotes to run our system. The logitech remote not only runs all systems, but has a help function that gets used quite often at my house. It is nice not having to write a 2 page instruction manual for the babysitter.
Great Remote
Great remote with many functions, and moderately easy programming! I am running all of my home theatre components with this remote via the radio-infrared converter minus the TV itself and I couldn’t be happier (well, controlling the volume on the Sony STR-DG1200 can be a little tricky, but does work – need to play with it some more)! I also have 2 different sets of lights and my ceiling fan controlled with the remote (leviton Z-wave switches)! The options and ease of use with this remote are amazing – I’ll admit I have used the phone tech. support from Logitech a couple of times which has cleared up any problems I was having (you only have 60 days of free phone support from the time you set up your software)! Overall, I would recommend this remote to anyone who was wanting an all-in-one remote with the added benefits of not needing line of sight.
the remote is good. Amazon is great
I recently purchased one of these remotes and took a chance on a refurbished unit. I was unlucky in that the remote failed within a week.
I was fortunate, however, in that I ordered it from Amazon. Not only did they immediately process my return request, but they shipped a replacement to me the day after I entered my request. I was then able to send back the defective unit. The replacement has worked fine and I was pleased that I did not have to wait a week as would have been necessary if my return was needed before they could ship.
The ergonomics of the remote are not perfect (some of the buttons are too small and poorly placed for me) so I give it four stars. However, it works as promised.
Remote was great for 2 years
2 Years to the day from when I ordered it, the LCD display went blank. Considering the the $200+ price tag, you would expect the remote to last a bit longer than 2 years. At least I got a year’s worth of use after the warranty expired.
Excellent Remote
I purchased this remote because I placed all of my components behind a wall out of site, this remote came with the RF receiver that needs no line of sight for it to work. The set-up was very simple using the web based Logitech software, it has almost every component manufactured in its data base. I also installed a remote controlled light/dimmer switch which I can also operate using this remote. If you are looking to clean up remote clutter and you would like to control things from a different room (up to 100ft away) then this is the one.
great product
easy to program and use, exactly as described. I use it for two systems in two different rooms, plan on buying one or two more.
Logitech Is The Best On The Market. Harmony 890 Superior Design
The Harmony 890 does what it promises: It controls multiple divises, whether they are hidden (behind cabinets) or in the open. The only design issue I find it that the small buttons are hard to find in a dark room and hard to push one-handed. But, I am pleased with the way it manages my hidden DVR and DVD and is intuitive in connecting the various functions with my Sony HD television. I also have the Harmony One in another room where my devises are not hidden. Logitech has done a great job in designing both products.
Looks new.
Took a little while to set up (was a little bit of a pain) but once I did seems to work very well. Had to do it twice. You have to use the usb cable it comes with. Couldnt really tell it was a refurb. besides the packaging I was impressed. Worth the money and I saved some cash. Liked the 1100 but it dosnt cook so its not worth the money.
almost perfect
I have owned this remote for 9 months, I find it to be a fabulous remote, it does exactly what it says on the box. I have also read reviews complaining about the set-up, I don’t get it, how hard is it to load the software ( i use MAc) input the model numbers of your gadgets, and VOILA it’s done, come on! If you find this difficult, well I am sorry to say but there is no help for you, I just think some people just love to complain. If you are tired of using multiple remotes, these logitech remotes do the trick. Ok you can’t control your whole life on it. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is for the volume and channel buttons being a little too small and not really obvious for children to pick out, just wish they were painted a bold color to separate them, but that’s just me nick picking.
HARMONY 890
I THINK THIS IS THE BEST UNIVERSAL REMOTE I EVER BOUGHT I CAN CONTROL THE WHOLE HOUSE WITH IT YOU CAN PUSH ONE BUTTON AND IT WILL TURN ON TV CABLE SURROUND SOUND ON
Not as nice as advertised
First let me say that I log onto Amazon today to review my new 3-day old remote control, only to find that the price has dropped significantly. Amazon is refusing to guarantee their own pricing despite me just receiving the package 3 days ago. An Amazon rep advised me to return the item (at my expense) and re-buy it again. Some customer service!
Onto the remote…
I have always heard my friends talk up the Harmony remotes. After recently moving all my AV equipment into a hall cabinet, I required a RF remote. I figured the Harmony 890 was the answer. Initial computer setup was decently simple. I was able to find all my equipment in their database. I had all the IR repeaters in place and remote running in under an hour easily. While it does seem to be doing the job, I’m not thrilled with it. First, the buttons have a real cheap feel to them. I have heard people complain that since the buttons are not raised, they’re hard to find without looking. Well, that doesn’t really bother me…. but each press feels like I’m pressing something out of a McDonalds happy meal. I’m not exaggerating. Second, there is some additional delay from the time you press the button until the action is executed when using RF (nearly all the time). I have tested this side by side with the equipment’s IR remote, and then Harmony. It’s there. And when scrolling through DVRed shows or the onscreen TV guide, the delay gets extremely annoying. Third, the display is not nearly as nice as pictured on here. The colors are not nearly that bold and clear. And that picture is flat out misleading. Honestly, that kind of upsets me. Because there is no way in hell Harmony was able to photograph their remote with that quality picture on the remote display. On that same note, the buttons do not glow that bright and perfect as pictured.
But as mentioned, it IS working. A lot/all of my equipment features seem to be accessible from the remote. Honestly, if I had the purchase to do over again, I would probably research a little more and attempt to find another product. There maybe no other remotes as complete as the Harmony….. but maybe there is. And it surely would be cheaper…
Good remote but not sure about how long it will last
I have Harmony 880 which is similar in design to this one. I am happy with this remote. It works great. Problem I am seeing after one year of use is, the Channel Up button is not working as expected. I have to press it really hard before I can actually change the channel. And I am sure it is going to happen with all similar buttons such as Ch-, Vol+, Vol-, Prev, Mute.
Adding review here as well so that user can know facts.
Very good remote
This remote works well as advertised. It is simple to program. The only drawback is that there were a couple of keystrokes that I am not able to program into the device. I posed the problem to customer service and they responded quickly. It is minor and only requires pressing one button extra after turning on to watch TV. I would recommend as a universal remote that ANYONE can use.
Logitech Harmony 890 Universal Remote
This remote controls all my home entertainment system components, including my DLP projector. It has ‘activities’ that allow me to easily turn every thing on and off with a single button, as well as switch between activities, such as ‘watch TV’ or ‘watch a DVD’ easily, shutting off those components not in use. Using a USB cable, these activities are setup on my PC and downloaded to the device. I like the recharger stand and the light-up display that turns on every time you move the remote.
What I didn’t like was the often cryptic on-line programming instructions. It took me several tries and I had to read and re-read all help offered at times to understand the guided setup. Although I finally got my Netflix Roku component to work, I had to ‘fool’ the setup since there wasn’t a proper category for it and my remote still doesn’t display all the proper options for it.
I emailed Logitech for help and although my question was specific, their first answer amounted to ‘use your PC and follow the instructions’. Their more detailed response came so late, that I haven’t scheduled time to sit down and have another go at it.
Don’t waste your money
This item works just fine. Until about 3 months after the warranty runs out. Then it will become an expensive paperweight.
I have owned 2 of these and they both died inside 15 months. After doing some research it seems that this is standard. Logitech techs I have spoken to admit that the remote does tend to die “in 18 months or so”.
If you can afford to spend this kind of money for a remote that won’t last two years then this is a great buy. To everybody else, buy an X10 icon remote (but don’t pay more than $50). It is definitely NOT as good as the Harmony but it is so much cheaper.
Probably the best option for whats available at this time….
I bought it refurbished. After two weeks the left direction on the 4-way button quit working. I returned. I think I’ll just wait it out until a better product hits the market.
Pros:
-Easy to program
-Hard buttons (no touchscreen lag)
-rechargable battery
-RF
Cons:
-Would be nice to have the display show the actual settings on the component.
Example: if I’m in Sat mode on my AV receiver show that on the remote. I have to get up go to the cabinet open the door an look at the AV to confirm the correct input mode was selected.
-The main on/off button was too easily engaged. The remote would often turn off all the components if you simply tossed it onto the couch an it landed wrong. Very annoying in the middle of a movie then you have to restart everything.
-Only comes in grey. Black matches other hardware.