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).

This is what I imagine: an IR/various 2.4Ghz technology remote with a touchscreen interface to control the more basic functions of any electronic device I own. Here's what it would have:

• A touchscreen interface would work perfectly here. On/Off should always be in the same spots right on top with some sort of standard button layout a la Harmony, or layouts could graphically mimic the devices I want to control for a more intuitive system with less reading. Want to turn on the shower? Then just twist the on-screen knob. Turning off the lights? Just flick the switch.
• Proximity sensing could automatically pick up local "favorite" items for me to control. That way I'm not searching through menus all the time.
• Trigger activated voice recognition is a must for the most simple commands. Just like I'm calling in for an air strike, I could walkie-talkie "teapot on!"
• Obviously consumer electronics manufacturers would need to decide on some standards. But they can have a choice: IR, 802.11n and Bluetooth will all be in my little remote. Actually, no. Screw IR. We're officially in the future and I never want to worry about line of site again...we'll keep it for backward compatibility.
• Two button syncing. You activate the device while you activate the remote. Done.
• Fingerprint recognition activation keeps it more secure than you bank account.
• Oh, and maybe my cellphone should be in this thing, too. That way I can lose both the remote and my mobile at the same time. And besides, it's already got my touchscreen, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and super-kinetic-recharging battery (sorry, forgot to mention that).

Monster Cable's attempt to control your home theater's lighting system wasn't bad, but we need to multiply that idea by about 1,000. We shouldn't need fancy, expensive home automation to make this work. Most of us already have our own Wi-Fi networks, and face it, wall controls are so 1980s. If someone could invent this by Christmas and leave it on my doorstep, that'd be just great.

Here's a trio of pics of the button in use in other devices, including a gaming joystick and a PDA.

But what about that remote? As the reasoning goes, that pic looks like a Logitech design, Logitech does make mice as well as remote controls, and mice such as the Logitech MX Air that we reviewed last week aim to be useful in the home theater, and the next Logitech Harmony remotes might be hitting the market fairly soon. Come to think of it, the Logitech Harmony 880 is getting a bit long in the tooth, and its button layout is similar to this one, especially the soft keys on either side of that color screen. Put all these together, and you might think this little navigation button will be on the next Harmony remotes.

Or not. Looks like the company's trying to do a sales pitch on Logitech with this illustration, and Microsoft, too, with this Xbox 360-like mockup. Even so, it's still a useful idea for a pointing device. [AVing USA, via Remote Shoppe]

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]

As you can see in the picture here, you're instructed to "never remove protective foils!" You never know, the time/space continuum could get a rip in it, you might open up a black hole ... who knows what? We want to pay the $197 just to remove the protective foil and see what happens. This looks like fun, but for about $190 less, you could get yourself the same thing in a package of Nothing. – Charlie White

Product Page [Harmony United Ltd., via Red Ferret Journal]

The news came straight from Logitech's reps, who confirmed that their next Harmonies will use IBM's ViaVoice recognition software so that you'll be able to change channels by barking out commands. It gets better though.

The remotes will also rely on fingerprint readers to load customized preferences for every person in your household. Lastly, Logitech is working on a search function that'll let you load up songs from your media library by simply saying the name of the band you want to hear. So in other words, "play Sinatra" would launch your Sinatra tunes. I tend to stay away from universal remotes 'cause of their price, but something like this might be worth the splurge. – Louis Ramirez

Harmony Remotes to Include Speech Recognition, Search [PC Mag via Gadget Lab]

[Via Dealhack]

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

The Linx technology increases the intensity of higher frequency harmonics in the audio signal. In layman's terms: it makes the audio sound good, damn good. These headphones, at $299, are definitely comparable, if not better, than some of the Bose headphones that carry a higher price tag.

In addition to the great sounding audio, these headphones provide 18 decibels of active noise cancellation. The noise cancellation is activated with a switch and powered by AAA batteries within the actual headphone. The inclusion of standard batteries is one of the only downsides of these headphones. Rechargeable is always better, and for a pair of expensive headphones, rechargeable is a must.

–Travis Hudson

Product Page [Able Planet]

Product Page [Via Dealhack]

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]

• 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]

Product Page [Newegg via Fatwallet]

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]

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]

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.

Here's a sexy bit of kit. Logitech's latest Harmony 1000 universal remote does the usual song and dance— an Irish Jig, really— that previous Harmony remotes do. We're talking about access to an online user-grown database with codes for 150k devices. But it also has a 3.5-inch touchscreen, control of RF devices through some extender box, and Z-Wave. Z-Wave, you know. No? It's a wireless home automation standard that can be used to control lights, door locks, window shades, and appliances. Or, think about it like this. With one click, you can turn on the DVD player, dim the lights, and start the laundry.

More photos after the jump.–Brian Lam

Logitech Harmony 1000 [Logitech]

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]

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]

If you're looking for an excellent Internet-enabled universal remote, here's a good deal on a Logitech Harmony 628, which doesn't have the color LCD screen, soft keys or charging pad of its more sophisticated brother, the Logitech Harmony 880, but then it doesn't have that $250 price tag, either.

Plus, the 628's fast-forward, rewind and play keys are in more user-friendly positions. Even though the soft keys that show up on the 880's color LCD display will definitely impress your friends, using that feature every day is not as easy as pushing the dedicated activity buttons on the Harmony 628. Take my word for it, I've used them both for many hours, and the 628 is the best value in remote controls on the market and couldn't be easier to program and use. Best of all, it's selling for $40 ($130 retail) at Tiger Direct. While they last. – Charlie White

Morning Deals Roundup [The Consumerist]

UPDATE: If you simply must have the Logitech Harmony 880 with its fancy color LCD and charging cradle, Dell is offering a great deal on it for today (7/11/06) only —$100 after a $30 rebate. (Thanks, Jeff!)

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]

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 Reviewed [eHomeUpgrade]

Product Page [Amazon]

Logitech s New Harmony Remote Delivers Advanced Control for Microsoft s Xbox 360 [Product Page]

Prices for Logitech Harmony Universal Remote Controls [Amazon]