I use a Logitech Harmony for Xbox 360 remote to control a TV, Av Receiver, HD DVR, Xbox 360 with HD DVD add-on, and an Apple TV. I've also used it on a Media Center PC and a DVD player, it's great because you can program it with all your devices and it automatically looks up the codes and sets your remote, and even if it can't find the codes it had an IR receiver so you can point your original remote at it and press the button so the Harmony can learn it. The Xbox 360 remote was about $100 but there are Harmony remotes out there that do the same thing for less money.
Harmony 550 - $95 This is the greatest remote I've ever had. It's thin, sleek, and beautiful. I much prefer the look of it to any of the other "one-hand" Harmonys, which have ugly form factors and a very cheap plastic look. (Haven't held the new $250 Harmony One). I purchased it from Best Buy for about $95 about two months ago, and it literally has changed everything! It's incredible. It connects via USB to Logitech software on your PC which can immediately download IR codes for every possible component you could ever own. Just like the rest of the line, it features "activity-based" operation, allowing simple one-touch control for watching cable, watching OTA, watching BD/HD-DVD, listening to Music, etc. This is great for family members, however, you can also geek out and individually set each button per activity with custom commands, macros, etc.
The only "con" is that the remote does not have a color touchscreen like the higher end models. It's a regular non-touch monochrome screen with tactile "side" buttons. however it's NOT black/white; the backlighting is like a cool "neon" blue which I don't mind at all.
If you want to spend under $100, the Harmony 550 is hard to beat. If you want to spend $250, I would definitely look at the brand new Harmony One, which has the stylish look of the 550, with a new color touch screen. soooooooo perrrrrtyyyyy.
+1 on this remote. I LOVE it. Potential downsides: - If you want to do some crazy macro programming, you might have issues with the software. The software for this one is focused on normal on/off/choose input scenarios. I've used this in a home theater and multiple different living room configurations without ever running into the problem. - It takes a split second for the button press to be translated into an IR command. 99% of the time it's fine, but I do keep my Tivo remote handy in case I'm going to be doing a lot of button mashing.
It's well worth the money. I'd buy another in a heartbeat.
I have the 880, and I noticed that there was this delay when pressing buttons... wasn't as responsive as my dishnet remote. But some poking around in the logitech software and I found a setting to adjust it. So i just lessened the delay and it got much better.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mike Jenkins @ Jan 23rd 2008 12:11PM
I use a Logitech Harmony for Xbox 360 remote to control a TV, Av Receiver, HD DVR, Xbox 360 with HD DVD add-on, and an Apple TV. I've also used it on a Media Center PC and a DVD player, it's great because you can program it with all your devices and it automatically looks up the codes and sets your remote, and even if it can't find the codes it had an IR receiver so you can point your original remote at it and press the button so the Harmony can learn it. The Xbox 360 remote was about $100 but there are Harmony remotes out there that do the same thing for less money.
Big Wizz @ Jan 23rd 2008 12:17PM
Got the same remote and love it. Newegg usually has it for $80.
MikeUF @ Jan 23rd 2008 12:19PM
Same one...greatest thing since sliced bread...Amazon for 80
Sulli @ Jan 23rd 2008 12:29PM
I have the same remote. You can not beat the combination of features and price for this remote. I got mine for cheap on buy.com.
BadMammaJamma @ Jan 23rd 2008 1:40PM
Same here. Good time, good price... most importantly my wife can use it!
Jon @ Jan 23rd 2008 1:58PM
I use this remote as well , i don't like the buttons much but ? and is it just me or does it kill batteries very fast .. but otherwise its great
Super Bleeder @ Jan 23rd 2008 4:11PM
Same one...I love it...doesn't work on my PS3 but I hear there is an adapter out there somewhere.
ZworT @ Jan 23rd 2008 5:47PM
I love mine, but my new Samsung DLP does not get along with it at all.
They hates each other.
Sam Winter @ Jan 23rd 2008 5:54PM
Harmony 550 - $95
This is the greatest remote I've ever had. It's thin, sleek, and beautiful. I much prefer the look of it to any of the other "one-hand" Harmonys, which have ugly form factors and a very cheap plastic look. (Haven't held the new $250 Harmony One). I purchased it from Best Buy for about $95 about two months ago, and it literally has changed everything! It's incredible. It connects via USB to Logitech software on your PC which can immediately download IR codes for every possible component you could ever own. Just like the rest of the line, it features "activity-based" operation, allowing simple one-touch control for watching cable, watching OTA, watching BD/HD-DVD, listening to Music, etc. This is great for family members, however, you can also geek out and individually set each button per activity with custom commands, macros, etc.
The only "con" is that the remote does not have a color touchscreen like the higher end models.
It's a regular non-touch monochrome screen with tactile "side" buttons. however it's NOT black/white; the backlighting is like a cool "neon" blue which I don't mind at all.
If you want to spend under $100, the Harmony 550 is hard to beat. If you want to spend $250, I would definitely look at the brand new Harmony One, which has the stylish look of the 550, with a new color touch screen. soooooooo perrrrrtyyyyy.
BenM @ Jan 23rd 2008 7:40PM
+1 on this remote. I LOVE it. Potential downsides:
- If you want to do some crazy macro programming, you might have issues with the software. The software for this one is focused on normal on/off/choose input scenarios. I've used this in a home theater and multiple different living room configurations without ever running into the problem.
- It takes a split second for the button press to be translated into an IR command. 99% of the time it's fine, but I do keep my Tivo remote handy in case I'm going to be doing a lot of button mashing.
It's well worth the money. I'd buy another in a heartbeat.
locke6854 @ Jan 24th 2008 2:20AM
@ BenM
I have the 880, and I noticed that there was this delay when pressing buttons... wasn't as responsive as my dishnet remote. But some poking around in the logitech software and I found a setting to adjust it. So i just lessened the delay and it got much better.
PtChAnG @ Jan 24th 2008 1:04PM
Logitech Harmony all the way.
Only way my wife could keep up with my A/V setup (not to be sexist, just being honest).
fopkins @ Jan 28th 2008 6:36PM
Bought the Harmony 360 for $37 from Sears. :)
LOVE IT!