Gizmodo: Harmony

Logitech Harmony 700 Universal Remote Gives You More Physical Buttons

Jason Chen — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:00:00 EDT

The $150 Logitech Harmony 700 is much like their other non-touchscreen universal remotes in that you have a load of physical buttons to push. However, the 700 is difference since it gives you four physically labeled activity keys.

When using Logitech remotes, the point is to let the remote know every single appliance in your setup so you can focus on "activities", such as watching TV, or playing your Xbox, or watching a Blu-ray on your PS3. That way your remote knows exactly which thing needs to be on—and which boxes don't—for what you want to do. Since these activities are now tied to a separate physical button, you can just hit that button instead of scrolling through a list in order to get where you're going. It saves a few seconds each time, but adds up over years of TV watching.

Other features on the 700 include a color LCD screen, rechargeable AAs and compatibility with the standard Logitech remote setup program. It will be available in September. [Logitech]

Logitech Harmony 900 Universal Remote Review

Jason Chen — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EDT

The Logitech Harmony 900 is the updated Logitech Harmony One, which marries a traditional button remote with a capacitive touchscreen for expanded functionality. What makes this better are the charging dock and the RF to IR control adapters.

The Price: $400

The Verdict: This form factor, plus the included charging dock and the RF to IR blasters make this the best remote package Logitech has right now. We've been fans of their standard remotes for a while, but combining the keep-your-eyes-on-your-tv ability of those with the extendability of their full touchscreen units makes for a winner.

If you've played with the Harmony One you should know what this remote feels like. The number keys are on the bottom, the navigation keys are in the middle and the activity keys are near the top. The touchscreen is responsive enough, and can scroll through pages of various commands for different media console items—just like their previous remotes.

The charging dock is contoured exactly like the back of the remote, taking it in lovingly into its electric arms. Imagine getting into bathtub shaped exactly like your body—this is that, except without the water or the urge to pee.

Syncing with your computer works the same way as before, but Logitech STILL hasn't managed to enable consolidating profiles so that you can have more than one remote on an account, and hasn't come up with a way to export remote profiles to other accounts. That's a huge pain in the ass if you have multiple Logitechs, and is probably our biggest gripe with their setup.

There is one included central RF to IR blaster, with two other IR blasters that can hook up to it for a total of three IR blasters. They're meant to be used in cabinets where the door is closed, or somehow out of IR line of sight, so you can literally point your remote at nothing (it's using RF) and it'll still propagate the command through to the IR blaster. This is pretty easy to set up—there's a wizard right on the remote—and you should be up and running in a few minutes. And there's very little RF delay, so you won't have to worry about that.

The upside is that this is probably our favorite universal remote package that Logitech has made, figuring in the charging dock and the RF to IR blasters. The downside is that the whole setup costs $400. If you're shopping for your first universal remote, this will probably be your last. if you already own a cheaper Logitech in the sub $100 range, find a way to sell it and pick this up. [Logitech]

Best universal remote by Logitech yet

Allows extendability with touchscreen without sacrificing the usability of buttons

Price is a little high, but less than full touchscreen remotes

Logitech's Harmony 900 Universal Remote Has Touchscreen

Adam Frucci — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:00:00 EDT

Only a certain type of person is willing to drop $400 on a remote control, but those people are going to be excited about the new Logitech Harmony 900.

The Harmony 900 isn't quite as huge and crazy as the Harmony 1000, as it retains the form factor of, you know, a remote control, like the Harmony One. But it packs in a color touchscreen to let you control pretty much anything you want. It's the best of both worlds.

It's also got a new RF to IR blaster to control your home theater components. Instead of sticking small IR receivers to the IR inputs of every device in your cabinet, you put the blaster in front of all of them and it fires off its signal in every direction, hitting everything at once. It makes the install process easier, at least. This way you can control closed cabinets (or cabinets behind you) with RF, so the repeater will send the IR to the desired components.

Look for the Harmony 900 later this month for $399.99. [Logitech]

Logitech Harmony PS3 Remote Adapter Review

Jason Chen — Tue, 12 May 2009 04:00:00 EDT

The Gadget: An IR to Bluetooth adapter for the PS3, letting you use any Logitech Harmony universal remote to (finally) control your PlayStation 3.

The Price: $60

The Verdict: So worth it. Not only can the adapter turn on and off the PS3 directly from your remote—it's powered from an AC outlet instead of one of the PS3's USB ports—just about every function that the PS3 can perform can be mapped onto the remote's buttons.

The remote works by first syncing, like any other standard Bluetooth PS3 remote, to your PlayStation 3. Then it takes in IR blasts from your remote and translates them to Bluetooth commands. All you have to do is re-add the PlayStation 3 to your Logitech Harmony profile and it will automatically import the correct IR codes to your remote.

In practice, it's essentially flawless. I was able to control a Blu-ray movie, a DVD and a DivX video from just the buttons on my Harmony. At $60, it's slightly expensive, but well worth it if you (like us) don't like having two different remotes to control something. Especially if one of those remotes is a game controller. [Logitech]

Logitech Harmony 1100 Touchscreen Universal Remote

Jason Chen — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT

The Gadget: The Logitech Harmony 1100, a touchscreen, color universal remote that follows up the Harmony 1000 as the top-end unit in Logitech's remote line.

The Price: $500

The Verdict: It's good at what it's supposed to be, but it's very expensive and suffers from the fact that touchscreen remotes, as a concept, are not that usable.

Compared to the Logitech Harmony 1000, Logitech's previous high-end touchscreen remote, the 1100 is definitely more polished. The black matte finish feels nicer in your hand, and the UI has prettier (and better laid out) icons. There's also slightly more customization options in the software program you use to customize the buttons compared to the 1000—so much so, that you can't carry over your settings into the new software version. Definitely a pain if you want to upgrade.

However, the 1100 has the same problem as the 1000, which is that it's only usable by right-handers (all the physical buttons are on the right), and that the touchscreen virtual buttons are only usable if you actually look at the remote. If you're the type of person that always look at your remote anyway, that's not a big deal, but TiVo owners (and Logitech 5XX, 6XX and 8XX series users) should have memorized button placement and be able to dial up a recorded show on your DVR without glancing down.

If you're set on buying a $500 touchscreen remote with customizable buttons that actually show what function they do next to the button, the 1100 is better than the 1000. It works as well as the other Logitech remotes when it comes down to actually controlling all the devices you have. But if this is your first universal remote, we'd go for one of the 5XX series, which cost about 1/8 the price when it's on sale. [Logitech]

Logitech Adapter Lets You Use Any Harmony Remote with PS3

matt buchanan — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:43:31 EDT

Logitech just spilled an upcoming adapter that'll let you use any Harmony remote with the PS3. Not many details (price/date), but it'll do the usual Harmony magic and won't swallow a USB port. [Blogitech]

Gadget Deals of the Day

Mark Wilson — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST

We know times are tough, but the only way to make money is to spend money. So crack open that bruised 401k and do some shopping!

Car Audio
• Kenwood DNX5120 6.1-Inch-Wide Double-DIN In-Dash Navigation with USB/iPod Direct Control/DVD Receiver for $499.99 (normally $550 - valid today only).

Computing
• Samsung SyncMaster 923NW Widescreen LCD Monitor for $109.99 plus free shipping (normally $160 - valid until 1/28. Use rebate form).

Home Accessories
• SmartParts SP15MW 15" Digital Picture Frame for $149.99 (normally $210).

Home Entertainment
• Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote Control for $40 plus free shipping (normally $75).
• Vizio XVT SV420 42" 120Hz 1080p LCD HDTV (Refurbished) for $699.99 plus free shipping (normally $800-1000).
• Toshiba Regza 42" 16:9 8ms 1080p LCD HDTV for $750 plus free shipping (normally $800. Use coupon code MMCHTV50 for $50 off).
• Sharp Aquos 52" 16:9 4ms 1080p LCD HDTV for $1,250 plus free shipping (normally $1,400. Use coupon code MMCHTV50 for $50 off).

Portable Devices (Digital Cameras and Etcetera)
• Pentax Optio Z10 8MP Digital Camera for $89.99 (normally $130 - valid today only).

Software
• Norton AntiVirus 2009 for $30.99 [3-User Pack] plus free shipping (normally $40).

Hobomodo
• Smart To-Do 2.4 Software for $0 (normally $19.95 - valid today only).
• Bob Evans Mini Fruit & Yogurt Parfait for $0 (normally $2.99 - valid until 2/28).

Gadget Deals of the Day

Mark Wilson — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:50:00 EST

You could go out tonight, spend lots of money, get super drunk and hook up with a really attractive member of the opposite sex. Or you could stay in, make Easy Mac and shop.

Computing
• LaCie 750 GB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive for $88.24 (normally $125).
• iRobot® Looj 120 Gutter Cleaning Robot for $49.99 plus free shipping (normally $80).

Flash Memory
• Kingston SD4/8GB 8GB SDHC Class 4 Flash Card for $10.99 (normally $20 - valid today only).

Home Accessories
• Breville BES400XL Ikon Espresso Machine (Refurbished) for $99.99 (normally $200 - valid today only).
• iRobot Looj 120 Gutter Cleaning Robot for $49.99 plus free shipping (normally $80).

Home Entertainment
• Toshiba 15LV505 15.6-Inch Widescreen LCD TV with Built-in DVD Player for $199 plus free shipping (normally $270 - valid today only).
• Logitech Harmony 520 Universal Remote (Refurbished) for $39.99 (normally $70).

Portable Devices (MP3 Players, Etc.)
• SanDisk 1GB Sansa Express MP3 Player for $11.99 (Reconditioned) plus free shipping (normally $38).

Oscar-Winning Movies
• La Vie en Rose for $12.98 plus free shipping (normally $20).
• The Departed for $12.25 plus free shipping (normally $20).
• The Aviator for $7.38 plus free shipping (normally $20).
• Citizen Kane for $12.87 plus free shipping (normally $20).

Hobomodo
• Aartform Curvy 3D 1.5 for $0 (normally $85 - valid today only).

First Smartphones, Now Feature Phones: Motorola Leaks More 2009 Handsets

John Herrman — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 06:20:12 EST

Yesterday's purported renders of Motorola's 2009 smartphone line seemed plausible, but these less adventurous feature phone renders are almost too safe to be fake. Behold, the Son of Razr!

Obviously this slider, codenamed Niagra, is a pretty large departure from the Razr tradition—it's a slider, after all. But its lineage would appear to be undeniable, considering the distinctive keypad, thin profile and metallic finish. That said, all of the vowels in the name appear to be vital to pronunciation, so the bloodline can't be totally pure.

As for the Fairbanks and Harmony clamshell phones (below), there is little reason to believe that these are anything but a minor update to Moto's existing entry-level free-on-contract handsets. As with the smartphone leak, these renders came naked. In other words specs, prices and release dates are still a mystery, albeit one that will certainly be solved, unspectacularly, with some form of press release. [BGR via Slashphone]

Last Minute Gadget Gift Deals

Mark Wilson — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST

The greatest gift of all is love. But for those people who you don't love, these last minute gifts will do just fine.

Bluetooth
• Samsung WEP301 Bluetooth Headset for $4.99 plus free shipping (normally $25 - valid until 12/31. Use rebate form).

Computing
• Corsair Dominator 2GB PC2-8500 Kit for $10 plus free shipping (normally $45 - valid until 12/18. Use rebate form and coupon code EMCBCBCBD for $5 off).
• Philips SHM3100/37 Earbud Multimedia Headset [2-Pack] for $8.99 plus free shipping (normally $20).

Home Accessories
• Philips 10FF2CMI 10.2" LCD Digital Photo Frame for $102.99 plus free shipping (normally $140).

Home Entertainment
• Logitech Harmony 520 Universal Remote (refurbished) for $39.99 (normally $75).
• Sylvania NB501SL9 1080p Blu-Ray Player for $159.99 plus free shipping (normally $200).

Portable Devices & Accessories (MP3 Players, Digital Cameras, Etc.)
• Casio EX-Z9PK Exilim Pink 8-Megapixel Digital Camera for $99 plus free shipping (normally $160).
• Philips DC185 Docking CD Sound Machine for $39.99 plus free shipping (normally $55).

Navigation Systems
• Plenio 4.3" Widescreen Portable GPS System with DIVX Player for $79.99 (normally $200 - valid for today only).
• TomTom ONE 125 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator for $89.99 plus free shipping (normally $120 - valid today only).

Networking
• TRENDnet Wireless N Home Router TEW-652BRP for $25.99 plus free shipping (normally $50).

Snookumsmodo
• 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Pendant with Chain for $76 plus free shipping (normally $200 - valid today only).

Hobomodo
• Nero 9 [Windows] for $0 (normally $70 - valid until 12/26. Use rebate form and this rebate form).

Logitech Unveils New Entry-Level Harmony 510 Universal Remote

Adam Frucci — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:18:20 EDT

Logitech has quietly released a new entry-level universal remote, the Harmony 510, for $100. Looking quite similar to the Harmony 550, it offers basically the same features as the rest of the Harmony 500 with a slightly different button layout and a lower price. You should be able to find this online for less than the list price, so if you're in the market for one of the more basic Harmony remotes, this might be a good bet. [CNET]

Logitech Harmony One IR Remote Is Easy-Grip Capacitive-Touch Couch Buddy

Wilson Rothman — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST

Logitech's first new universal remote in a year, the $250 Harmony One, marries the sleek handheld grippiness of its skinnier Harmony models with the power of its $500 bad-ass, the Harmony 1000.
The Goods: The capacitive-touch 2.2" color screen is designed to respond quickly and accurately to your taps, while the ergonomically set tactile buttons should meet your general needs without you having to look down from your show. Like its predecessors, it uses an online database of 225,000 products to set up without any annoying codes to punch in.
The Catch: It's got a rechargeable battery, which is good for organized folks but bad for forgetful types. Also, PS3s and other new products can't be controlled with IR remotes, making the "universal" term less accurate. Oh, and we're already getting sick of this whole "One" naming scheme.

The One to Watch: Logitech Harmony One Introduces Significant Evolution in Home-Entertainment Control
Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote Introduces New Design with Full-Color Touch Screen, Intuitive Button Layout

Winner of CES Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Award

LAS VEGAS — CES - Jan. 5, 2008 — Today at the Consumer Electronics Show, Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) unveiled the Harmony® One advanced universal remote control, marking a significant leap in the evolution of the best-selling line of Harmony remotes. Offering the same one-touch, activity-based control as other Harmony remotes, the Harmony One makes controlling home entertainment even easier with a full-color touch screen, an intuitive button layout and an exceptionally comfortable user-friendly design. The product has received the CES 2008 Design and Engineering Award: Best of Innovations in Home-Entertainment Accessories.

As home-entertainment systems become more sophisticated and complex, people are often frustrated and overwhelmed by the need to have multiple devices, the frequent necessity for family members to have written instructions to control the system (otherwise known as a cheat sheet) and the growing number of remotes on the coffee table. And, according to industry research, more and more families will face this problem. IMS Research's report, "The Future of High-Definition TV - 2007 Edition," forecasts strong worldwide growth for HDTV over the next four years (nearly 148 million HDTV households by 2011). And in the U.S. alone, consumer spending on digital-living products is on track to hit $300 billion in 2010 (Parks Associates, "Digital Living Forecast," Dec. 2006).

"The Harmony advanced universal remotes have been highly successful at providing easy, one-touch access to favorite activities, such as watching TV, playing a video game, or listening to music - all with a single remote," said Ashish Arora, vice president and general manager of Logitech's Harmony business unit. "To further improve our lineup, while developing Harmony One, we sought to intimately understand the interaction between people, their remotes, and their entertainment systems. In fact, Harmony One is the result of our most comprehensive research and development undertaking ever - more than 20,000 hours."

A key outcome of Logitech's research is a 2.2-inch color touch-screen that uses capacitive technology, which responds to tiny electrical charges from the fingertips. Capacitive touch-screen technology is more durable, compared to touch screens that respond to pressure. The color touch screen provides control of any home entertainment device with an infrared receiver, including digital video recorders, high-definition televisions and many household appliances. The Harmony One remote's touch screen can also display icons of specified TV stations for quick access to favorite stations.

Based on a customer survey, Logitech also determined that it could improve its customers' experience with the Harmony remote by creating a more intuitive button layout. For improved ease of use, the Harmony One remote provides an intelligent and intuitive button layout divided into four distinct zones (numbers; traditional DVD controls; D-pad with volume and channel up/down; and on-screen menu buttons) for seamless control of today's most popular home entertainment devices. Only the 40 most-essential buttons appear on the Harmony One remote - so people can find the right one quickly. Each button is individually sculpted, providing useful tactile cues so people can operate the remote by touch, rather than relying on sight.

To better address ergonomics, the Harmony One remote features a curved, exceptionally comfortable shape that is easy for anyone in the family to hold, regardless of hand size. Presenting an elegant piano-black top and a silver base, and black buttons with white backlighting, Harmony One is the perfect complement for any living room. And the rechargeable remote's recharging station has a sleek profile with an adjustable light that makes it easy to find, even in the dark.

In addition to its optimized design, the Harmony One delivers the renowned benefits common to the Harmony family of universal remotes, including its exclusive one-touch activity-based control system powered by the world's largest A/V-control database of entertainment equipment, guided online setup and sophisticated telephone support.

The Evolution of One-Touch Activity Control
Using the Harmony One color touch screen, people simply touch the appropriate activity button and the Harmony One remote does the rest, including turning on the right components in the right order and setting the correct inputs. To watch a DVD, for example, people simply touch "Watch a DVD" on the touch screen. The Harmony One remote turns on the TV, the DVD player, and the A/V receiver. Then, if necessary, the Harmony One remote allows people to adjust the volume on the stereo system. There's no need to control components individually - the Harmony One remote manages everything. And the Harmony One remote even provides interactive on-screen help if something interferes with an IR command (for example, if someone walks in front of the set-top box).

Patented Smart State Technology
Patented Smart State Technology® enables the Harmony One remote to deliver activity-based control. Smart State Technology allows the remote to track the power state and input setting of the various components it controls. With this technology, Harmony remote users can effortlessly switch between watching home theater and listening to music by selecting a single activity button.

Guided Online Setup
Logitech's Internet-based setup makes getting the Harmony One up and running as easy as possible. With its intuitive setup wizard guiding the process, the Harmony One online interface allows people to enter their components' make and model numbers. Then, this information is automatically matched to the characteristics, discrete codes and infrared commands of the more than 225,000 devices from more than 5,000 manufacturers (updated almost daily) contained in Logitech's online database. Any devices that don't match can be added using the online system, and the setup process lets people add the control signals from the original device's remote control to the Harmony One remote. When people want to add a device to their living room, they can be confident that the Harmony One remote can control it - today and tomorrow.

Pricing and Availability
The Harmony One is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in February for a suggested retail price of $249.99 (U.S.). The Harmony One will be showcased in the Logitech CES booth (No. 35512, South Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center).

Dealzmodo: Logitech Harmony 550 $70

Jason Chen — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:50:55 EST

Tiger Direct has the Logitech Harmony 550 universal remote control for a cheap $69.99. We've got one of these ourselves, so we can safely say that it's the most cost- and time-effective way to control your entertainment system if you've got a bunch of devices. The best part is probably "activities," which turns on and off different units in tandem according to activities you set like "watching TV" or "watching DVDs." [Tiger Direct via Dealhack via Boing Boing Gadgets]

Coolness Roundup: Projector Torpedoed, Harmony Remote Secrets

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST

On this week's Coolness Roundup netcast, Gizmodo's Charlie White gleefully slam-dunks the laughable $169 Torpedo projector, and the Gurus of Cool reveal secrets about Harmony remote controls and HDMI cables. The duo also rifle through another Rapid Fire Roundup of Cool Products, and cite their latest assortment of cool and not-so-cool items of the week. [Free Podcast at Coolness Roundup or at the iTunes Store]

Dealzmodo: Logitech Harmony 659, $50

Travis Hudson — Wed, 30 May 2007 14:15:45 EDT

Tiger Direct, via Amazon, has this remote for $50 without any rebates or other BS. If you are looking for an excellent high-end universal remote without having to drop over a hundo, I would recommend this one. I personally use this remote and it is worth every penny I paid for it last year.

With the Harmony remotes there is no need for knowing any remote codes of your TV, set-top box or audio equipment. You simply attach the remote to a computer and tell the Harmony software what products you use, how you use them and the remote will do the rest. Man, this Harmony Kool-Aid is mighty tasty. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Slickdeals]

Dealzmodo: Logitech Harmony Universal Remote Sale at Amazon

Travis Hudson — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 13:45:10 EDT

The Logitech Harmony line of remotes is the perfect solution to even the simplest home theatre setups and prices for these remotes are dropping rapidly, as seen here. Amazon is having a bit of a sale on some Logitech Harmony remotes. They have the Harmony 659 for $77 after $113 of instant savings. Other available remotes include the Harmony 550 for $80 after $50 of savings, the Harmony 880 for $155 after $95 of instant savings and the Harmony 890 for $233 after $167 of instant savings. Out of these four I would say the 880 is the best bang-for-the-buck remote available. –Travis Hudson

[Via Dealhack]

Logitech Harmony 1000 Touchscreen Remote Reviewed (Verdict: Purty, Functional, Cheap)

Travis Hudson — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:30:14 EST

I was mighty impressed back in September during my hands-on with the Logitech Harmony 1000 remote at CEDIA and the first reviews are finally starting to roll in. The folks at Remote Shoppe got their hands on this remote and are mighty impressed. There are two features that make this remote stand out—the easy setup and price tag. Most touchscreen remotes like the 1000 are required to be professionally installed. This one comes loaded up with Logitech's programming software that allows the remote to be configured easily via an Internet-enabled computer. Also, this remote has a $500 price tag, which may seems like a lot, but not compared to other, similar style remotes that push the $2,000 price mark. The only downside is the form factor. If you are the kind of person that needs the traditional-shaped remote, this may be worth avoiding. Other nice features include the recharging base station and tilt sensor that activates the LCD and backlight. –Travis Hudson

RemoteShoppe Reviews Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote [Remote Shoppe]

Dealzmodo: Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote, $75

Travis Hudson — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 12:13:08 EST

Dell has another great deal on a Logitech Harmony remote. This week they are offering up the Harmony 550 for $75 after 35-percent instant savings. The remote will ring up for $115, but tack on the coupon code 6N$3GZHTTFC9MQ at checkout to bring the final price down to $75. –Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Dealhack]

Dealzmodo: Logitech Harmony 880 Remote, $116

Travis Hudson — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 10:26:44 EST

I'll be the first one to admit that Logitech Harmony Remotes are the freaking cat's pajamas, so I am happy to offer up the Logitech Harmony 880 for $116 from Dell Home. The price of the remote is originally $249, but Dell is offering $120 off instantly and another 10 percent off bringing the price down to $116 out the door.

Got a home theatre nut in the family that juggles a couple hundred remote? Get them this remote. They may not forgive you for sleeping with the gardener, but this will get you pretty damn close. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Slickdeals]

Dealzmodo: Big Discounts on Logitech Harmony Remotes

Travis Hudson — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 09:19:54 EST

There are only a couple products that I will swear by: caramel apple pops and Logitech Harmony Remote—and lucky for you today's Dealzmodo is about one of my favorites. J&R Music has some pretty good discounts on Logitech Harmony remotes.

• Harmony 880 for $160 after $90 of instant savings.
• Harmony 890 for $270 after $130 instant savings.
• Harmony 550 for $100 after $50 of instant savings.

Free shipping is also included. If you have even somewhat of a complex home theatre system, I would recommend a Logitech Harmony remote. –Travis Hudson

[Via Dealhack]

Dealzmodo Supplemental: Logitech Harmony 688 for $69

Jason Chen — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 20:15:31 EDT

Available only in Silver, Newegg's selling the Logitech Harmony 688 Universal Remote for $69. That's nearly half the price we're seeing for the same remote on Froogle, which means this is a pretty hot deal. There's also free three-day shipping, so all you pay is tax. If you're wondering how well it works, check out a review here. – Jason Chen

Product Page [Newegg via Fatwallet]

Logitech Harmony 670 Mid-Range Universal Remote

Jason Chen — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 17:00:27 EDT

Packed with more buttons than a Civil War-era army uniform, the Logitech Harmony 670 is a mid-range universal remote that offers most of the functionality but less extras than its big brothers in the Harmony line.

The 670 works with the Harmony 7.0 software to make setting up different devices a breeze, but has a monochrome LCD screen instead of the crazy 3.5-inch touchscreen of the Harmony 1000. However, this costs only $149, plus improves on the Harmony 659 by putting DVR functions in the middle of the remote where it's easier to reach.

We've always liked Harmony remotes, so this one should be a pretty decent foray into the world of universal remotes for those who don't want to spend 300 bones. – Jason Chen

Press Release [Logitech via Uber Gizmo]

Dealzmodo: $60 Off the Logitech Harmony 550

Travis Hudson — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 10:42:37 EDT

If you happen to have more that one component in your home theatre, having a universal remote is a must. I will hop on my fanboy train—choo choo!—and offer the Logitech Harmony 550. Dell Home is featuring this remote, which retails for $150, for $90, after $50 of instant savings, and $10 off with the coupon code X$NBJ52RR6HH36.

The best feature about Harmony remotes has to be the painless setup. Plug the biznatch into your PC via the included USB cable, tell the software what components you have and wham, bam, thank you ma'am. Everything should be ready to go. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [Via Dealhack]

CEDIA 2006: Hands-On With the Logitech Harmony 1000

Travis Hudson — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 17:32:02 EDT

Remember a couple days ago when we broke the story about the fancy pants Logitech Harmony 1000 do-it-all remote. Well I got a chance to sit down with a Logitech rep for a bit of a hands-on experience, and I must say, it is the cat's pajamas and more.

Jump to get the full rundown, including the price.

Form-factor wise, this is the best non-traditional remote I have held. Non-traditional remote meaning the remotes that are more squared off and not traditoinally penis-shaped. Unlike some of the other block-style remote, this one is actually a comfortable fit in the hands. It is light-weight, and thin.

The remote has a bright and beautiful 3.5-inch touchscreen. The screen is very responsive, and it doesn't require any kind of calibration. Every touch is dead on every time. The interface is friendly and easy-to-navigate.

One thing people need to understand is how the setup of these Harmony remotes work. It is easier than traditional universal remote that you have to find out your existing components remote code, and do some fancy button pushing to get it to work. The remote programming of Harmony remotes is all done with the magic of the Internet. Yes kid, the Internet. The remotes can connect to a PC via a USB cable. Then you install the software and "log in" to the remote, similar to how to you log into routers. Then simply input your components. Model and manufacturer. Walaa, it is all set up like magic.

Personally I have a Hyundai LCD TV and for months I was never able to find a remote code for this TV, some places even said that Hyundai TVs didn't have universal remote codes, but my Harmony remote was capable of finding it and programming it into my Harmony.

Okay, back to the Harmony 1000. Most of the navigation/controlling is done on the touchscreen, but if you are old school and still prefer to channel surf, then the buttons on the right side can help you out there.

The Harmony uses ZWave infrared for controls. Meaning if you have other ZWave compatible products like automatic blinds, or light adapters, this remote can control those also. Basically allowing you to sit on your fat ass and control everything about your life with this small remote.

The Harmony 1000 will be available later this year for $500. That price is still a kick in the balls. Something just feels fishy about spending half of what my LCD HDTV cost on the remote control itself.

Logitech Harmony 785 Universal Remote Controls 150,000 Devices

Jason Chen — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 19:30:16 EDT

Doesn't it always turn out that after buying a universal remote, it controls four devices of your home theatre just fine, but that fifth just refuses to cooperate? That should be unlikely with the Logitech Harmony 785, which works with 150,000 devices from 4,000 manufacturers. So even if you've got a no-name LaserDisc player you bought in the back streets of Guatemala, the Harmony will still figure out how to turn it on.

Additionally, it's got a color LCD screen that gives you news, sports and weather, plus an easy setup-wizard using your PC and the internet so you can download the codes to your remote. Then there's the backlit keypad so you can see what key you're pressing, making sure you don't unmute the skinemax accidentally while your wife's sleeping. – Jason Chen

Remote control that works with 150,000 devices [AVING via Mobile Mag]

Dealzmodo: $47 Logitech Harmony 659 Remote Control

Travis Hudson — Thu, 24 Aug 2006 13:00:12 EDT

Today Provantage> Buy.com has the Logitech Harmony 659 Remote Control for $47.07. Logitech's Harmony remote-control line is one of the best out there and this base model would be able to manage any home entertainment center—complex or simple—with ease. Tipster Jason N also vouches for the company offering this deal, ProVantage, saying he has ordered multiple times with good service and shipping every time. Thanks, Jason. – Travis Hudson

Product Page [ProVantage]

Update: So the deal from Provantage expired or was a mistake or something. The price is back at $80 or so, but tipster Kurt sent us an email saying that Buy.com has the same deal still going for $58.99 with free shipping. Get it here. Thanks, Kurt

~~Real Deal [Buy.com]~~

Update again: Damnit, damnit, damnit. The Buy.com deal went back up to 90-something dollars. I can't get this Dealzmodo right if my life depended on it. I should just give up. I'm still hunting to get you this deal. I'll let you know when I find it.

Update #23,934: Lets try this again. Tipster Aaron found the remote for $60.50 at PC Universe. It isn't quite the $47 originally mentioned, but I'm trying to salvage this deal here. So give me a break.

Deal ... Again [PC Universe]

Harmon Kardon Harmony Remote

Jason Chen — Tue, 23 May 2006 14:26:57 EDT

Harmony, the maker of several universal remotes, such as the one for the Xbox 360, has teamed up with Harmon Kardon to provide an advanced version of their Harmony 520.

So what justifies the $299 price tag over the $99 on the 520? It's rechargable, it has four more buttons and it's got a color screen. Other than that, the "Harmon Kardon" label may be more acceptable to your wife compared to the "Logitech" on the 520. Other than that, there's no big upgrade difference.

Product Page

Harman Kardon Unveils Branded Harmony Remote [Zatz not funny]

Harmony Home Automation Windows Media Center Plugin

Jason Chen — Mon, 22 May 2006 14:51:43 EDT

Control fetishists rejoice! A new plugin for Harmony users is coming in just a few weeks. This updated MCE plugin allows users to load scenes, dim lighting, and control devices all with the standard MCE remote control.

Simply Automate plans to release it soon, but there's no word on whether this will cost you to upgrade.

We're just wondering what the toilet icon is for. Can you flush the toilet remotely, or just monitor the status—empty, full, overflowing— from your couch?

New Plugin for Harmony / MCE [Automated Home via eHomeUpgrade]

Logitech Harmony Advanced Universal Remote for Xbox 360

Travis Hudson — Tue, 17 Jan 2006 17:30:19 EST

Logitech has jumped into the universal remote control market lately with a line of Harmony controllers. So far these remotes have received mostly praise, except for their generally high price tags. Logitech used the launch of the Xbox 360 as an excuse to produce another excellent remote that supports the media-savvy 360. The remote can control nearly all units of your home theater setup along with the 360, it has a built-in memory to keep track of all of your commonly-used components and power them on and off all together. It has an integrated backlit monochrome screen (boo at no color, but it probably helped the price tag) and retails for around $130.

Logitech Harmony Advanced Universal Remote for Xbox 360 Reviewed [eHomeUpgrade]

Product Page [Amazon]