Logitech Harmony One Remote Control Review
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
Buy Harmony One Remote Control and save $$$
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Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote List Price: $199.99 Sale Price: $152.99 Used From: $129.99  |
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Thanks for the review this is truely a great remote, I think the Logitech Harmony One is the best remote Logitech have p. Take a look and tell me what you think
Excellent Article! I personally really like your article. This is a great website. I will make sure that I stop back again!.
I am impressed by the features offered by this remote. It is very easy to use and the whole family will enjoy using it. No negative points in this remote. Will buy one soon. For more details refer http://www.etechreviews.net/logitech-harmony-one-remote-control-review/
Almost Perfect
Bottom line: a great remote that’s easy to set up and use. Great LCD touch screen, intuitive buttons and a huge database of AV components that makes it easy to program. Perfect, almost. It’s infrared only, fine for almost all AV devices, but no RF. So you can’t control some non-AV devices like light switches, and your IR devices must be line-of-sight (no doors or other obstructions). It’s expensive, too. Would I buy it again? In a New York minute! Best remote I’ve ever used! I love this thing!
HarmonyFair pricing
Fair pricing; good service; excellent order-entry and follow-up. Product features and ease of use is amazing.Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote
Very,Very good product!
This product was exactly what I needed. I works very well with my system, Samsung flat screen, Onkyo reciever, and Bose Acoustimass. The only dificulty I have with it is it doesn’t have a code to match my Sony CD Jukebox. Other than that it has worked flawlessly! Easy to set up, easy to use, a great product! I give it an A+!!
5
It is great in its mode of operation. I’m able to operate my receiver,DvD,
CD player and VHS with this remote. I used the service of “GeeK” for the programming. Iam happy with t.he remote
difficult
This does most things correctly but it gets confused sometimes. It will not operate my new sound bar volume. Not really worth the cost until it does that.
Harmony One
My only criticism is that this unit did not synch well with my Sony Bravia 52″ TV remote. It is a very useful remote and with a little work can handle all components.
Once its set up it’s pretty good.
I got this for my parents, to replace their multiple remotes. And hopefully make it easier to change between the 8 TV inputs their TV offers, their cable box, DVD, & VCR. It took some effort to 1 get the Cable Box to work. It just seems like I need to keep the remote pointed at the entertainment center for a while to make it do the activity macros. I bet if I had it at my home, I’d be able to experiment more with all the settings… But for what it cost, I wasn’t expecting to need to experiment.
Simply the Best!
I have had more universal remotes in my life than I care to count. This one is without question Head and Shoulders above the rest. Simple to program, simple to use. Even my wife figured it out the first time!
Not impressed and out $185
Setup was easy to follow and fairly intuitive, but even after sync with current remotes, the Logitech still fails to consistently power on my Samsung HLR5667W 56″ dlp and my tuner. I have to turn the devices on manually then manage them from the logitech.
Truly “The One”
I have a whole basket of remotes now collecting dust… Unless you hit the lottery and can afford some crazy universal remote system that controls the space/time continuum, this is definitely the universal remote you should have. It feels nice, looks nice, and sets up easily. It is intuitively designed and the IR range is good. I think everything we buy should be so well thought out. My wife mocked me when I expressed interest in it (I realize that this ain’t cheap), but she quickly converted to a Harmony One believer. I don’t give five stars out for many things, but this one gets ‘em for sure. Amazon’s price is the best — take out your credit card and buy it now!!!
Harmony One – The ONLY One!
Wow – a remote with a real brain! One button does it all. First, enter your devices by name and model number (I think they have over half-million devices by 5,000 manufacturers in their database! And, you can set up 15 different pieces of equipment.)
Then, you easily set up your activities (“Watch TV”, “Watch a DVD”, etc). It asks you intelligent questions about each piece of equipment you add to the activity (like “Is sound controlled by your Harmon-Kardon?” or “What input is your Samsung TV set to?”). From then on, all one button to set your equipment to a particular activity (on the touch screen) and then the remote sets to the controlling commands for that activity! Some say they don’t like having to program through your computer. I say – it will make programming my second remote (when I receive it!) easy.
I have only owned this for 4 days – wait until I become an expert! I highly recommend it.
Best remote I have ever owned.
I can find no fault with this remote. So easy to set up, easy to use. Even my wife can use it, no problem. I especially like the battery charger. I was always having to change batteries on my old ones. It is also stylish and ergonomically well designed.
Replaced an old Pronto
This is the easiest remote I have ever used. Programming took less than an hour and everyone has been enjoying its use. Highly recommended.
Makes life easy
This Remote is fantastic. It’s extremely easy to program (which is all done via computer interface). My wife and our extended family can all use the remote to operate our somewhat complicated setup. One button press on the touch screen switches from TV watching to DVD, including changing the audio channel on the receiver. I had a Harmony 890 previously. I liked it until the volume button stopped working. This remote has touch screen, which is really nice. I like that feature more than I thought I would. Only knock is no RF support, which is useful if you want to put equipment behind a wall or in a cabinet. Overall, extremely satisfied.
worth every penny
Great remote! I was hesitant to pay this much for a remote but my home theater wouldn’t be complete without one. I’m so glad I bought this One. The wife is extremely happy we’re down to one remote. Programming was a breeze. I use it control a Pioneer Elite AVR, DirecTV HD-DVR and Samsung Plasma TV.
I gave it 4 stars since it doesn’t control the PS3. I bought the blu-wave remote for the adapter but it’s still cumbersome. But with the soon to be released Harmony Adapter for the PS3, this will surely be a 5 star remote.
Super Easy
I bought this primarily for my Technically Challenged wife. but now my 4 year old is using it without my help. the great thing is that I can program all my equipment to do the obvious stuff and also fine control them as well.
There was a little problem setting up my Phillips Reciever but once I used the troubleshooting on the remote I was able to set the controller correctly.
Overall this was well worth the money and exceeded my expectations. Here’s hoping Logitech add’s the RF extender to this line as well.
Best Remote Control EVER!
This is the second Harmony One we have purchased. The first one was for our home and this one was purchased as a gift for my dad. He saw our remote and loved it so much, it is all we have been hearing about since we got ours. So, for his birthday we bought him the same one and he is thrilled! It is very user friendly (even for a 65 year old) and it elimiates all of the remotes laying around the living room. This is a great product and I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who has a lot of components and doesn’t like to use a bunch of different remotes!
Harmony One is awesome!
This remote is fantastic – all of your source remote functions are easily available, it is easy to set-up, and is an overall great product.
Easy to use & program
I love this remote. I was worried about the setup, but it was so easy. As long as you have the product model numbers for the items you’d like to program, it’s simple. It took about 1/2 hour to set up. Just make sure you’re aware of the exact way you have all your components set up (ie what setting the TV has to be on to operate the DirecTV etc). The remote will do the rest. You can set up favorite buttons which makes it one touch to change the channel. Many more features I haven’t even gotten to yet.
I love this thing.
Finally a universal remote that actually works. Once you understand how it actually works it does it’s job great. I had a problem with it not switching my HDMI input on my TV but after a call to the help desk it was straightened out (great tech support). The only down side I have found is that you really can’t use the original remote or turn on or off a device manually. This is because the Harmony remembers the state that all the devices are in based upon the last activity you selected. So if you selected “Watch DVD” and the harmony turns on your TV, DVD, and receiver (or whatever you programmed it to do), and you turn off the DVD player with it’s power button. The next activity you select will most likely turn the DVD player back on. However the help button will generally fix this for you and get things back in sync.
Ben
Love the lighted display!
This is my first universal remote and I am very pleased with the purchase. My family thought I was nuts to spend so much on a remote but now that they are using it, they are pleased as well.
The web-based software is intuitive and easy to setup. I’ve actually gone back in to adjust a few of my initial settings and did so with ease.
I highly recommend this remote. I’m reasonably comfortable with technology but by the time I get home, I just want the remote to be functional and run the equipment. And, I love the lighted display. It is so nice to be able to operate the remote without needing to turn on my reading light. Buy it, you’ll love it.
The best remote I’ve ever used
Unbelievably easy to set up and use. Great feel, and the “task oriented” operation is ideal.
Top Notch
Best remote out there, hands down. Easy installation. Ease of use. You will be controlling all of your theater equipment in no time.
super slick!
This remote does everything it claims to. It can handle anything from the newest TiVo units, to 20 year old TV’s and equally old stereo componenets. The software was easy to install and configure. I highly recommend this remote even though it’s expensive. “It pays to buy quality.”
Great Replacement for Older Harmony Remotes
I have a Harmony 880 that I bought a few years ago. I bring this up because it was a few years of utter frustration and, at the end, more quirky things than you imagine. I emailed Logitech to complain about it resetting itself daily and the unit’s inability to sit properly in the charger. They said they couldn’t fix it but offered me a 50% discount on any remote they sell; I opted for the Harmony One. If you have an older Harmony you might want to contact them and see if they offer the same deal (I paid $125 for the Harmony One).
I was a bit concerned about the setup because I spent a lot of time fine tuning the Harmony 880 and thought, “here I go again!”. Was I ever wrong. The Logitech software has an “replace your remote” function. I clicked on that and it took all of the settings I labored over for the 880 and transferred them to the Harmony One. And, they worked with no problem. The only thing I had to change was the order of activities. On the 880 you see up to 6 activities on the screen and you press a hard button next to the activity to select it. The Harmony One lists 3 activities and you touch the screen to select the activity. I don’t know if you can change the number that are displayed but if you do your finger may be too big.
I find the layout of the keys on the Harmony One to be much better than the 880 (or 890 for that matter). There are “zones” that make perfect sense. I’ll have a bit of retraining the brain time but it’ll be worth it. The keys are all nicely backlit.
The screen is much improved on the Harmony One. It’s a higher resolution and the characters and images are very crisp.
Finally, the unit itself feels better in your hand. The 880/890 are a bit smaller (the length – the width is about the same, but the Harmony One is slimmer). The Harmony One fits nicely in your hand; your fingers just slide over the bumps and into the grooves in the back. Very easy to use for one-hand operation.
Good job Logitech!