Logitech Harmony 676 Universal Remote Control

Rating:
Summary: Lives up to the hype...
Review: Got the remote for christmas as it was on my list, and this is one item which will *not* be getting returned. Initially after set up I was a bit disappointed thinking that all of my various component's features were not supported (as I have several very new to market items like a Plasma and HD PVR), but after spending about an hour digging into the LCD menus and online configuring/tweaking, I discovered the remote *had* been programmed for *EVERY* feature available on the native remotes.

Another great feature was the ability for me to over-ride default button assignments on the remote, which are context sensitive, which resulted in a highly customized and fully functional master remote.

I think you get out of it what you put in, so as long as you dont expect to be up and fully running in 10 minutes and have some patience, this remote will finally allow you to take every other remote you own and retire them to the sock drawer.

Rating:
Summary: Totally sweet!
Review: I didn't believe the claims, but they are true. It hooked up to my iMac and I programmed it for all my devices. For the things it didn't already have on the web site, I "taught" it the infrared commands by holding the remotes close together and following the instructions on the screen. I am using this with Tivo, a DVD/VCR combo unit, a tv, and cable box. The only bummer is my Bose home theater system does not accept infrared commands, so I still need that remote to control the audio. The Harmony remote is perfect. And shockingly, the competent and friendly tech support people are actually available live without having to sit on hold. Can't recommend highly enough.

Rating:
Summary: Almost perfect
Review: I had a very difficult time finding a remote to control my Sony Dream Station. Even other Sony remotes fell short. Not this one! Very customizable. For the money, I don't think you'll find a better remote. The help screens are especially nice. I was running with it in only 10 minutes (including installing software). I only had to make one modification, but that was because I was trying to program it from my memory of where I plugged everything in, rather than actually looking at the inputs on my system.

The only downfall I see is that I need to connect and log into the Logitech Harmony website to make changes. I would prefer a client on my computer (with online updates) instead of the website. It's not like changes are critical, but what happens if the website is down, or my Internet connection is down? No changes.

Rating:
Summary: Simply Amazing
Review: I was skeptical. I wrote down all the model numbers for my system which was installed when I built my house in 96. I entered them all into the website and in minutes I had a SUPER universal remote. My Tivo is so old I can't find a remote for it and some of the feature buttons were cooked. It's good to have them back again. The built in troubleshooter leaves other remotes in the dust.

Rating:
Summary: Your Last Remote Control
Review: Over the last several years I have purchased four high-end so-called universal remotes. All of them sort of worked but not really. There was always some function that was not supported that I would have to drag out the original remotes. I found one two years ago that I was able to teach how to control the mish-mash of components in my entertainment system. It took weeks to program everything into it and to get every function covered. Then I discovered that it had an huge appetite for batteries (At lease once a month I had to replace the six AA batteries it took to keep it running.) My brother-in-law put me on the track of the Harmony 676 when I was grousing about having to reprogram my remote to control my new TV set. Harmony's web site had all my components listed and it took one setting at the computer to setup the perfect remote control. I've now lived with it for eight months and still love it. It's so easy to use that even I can get our system to do what ever I want it to. (I used to have to ask my husband to set it up to do anything other than watch TV.) Battery life? By the time the low battery display comes up I've forgotten the last time I changed them. The $199 list price is steep but worth every penny for the ease of use and to throw the six remotes it takes to control my entertainment system in a drawer and forget about them.

Rating:
Summary: Best Harmony Remote yet
Review: This is my third Harmony Remote, and is the best yet. Like all of the previous models, it supports every A/V device I own and the web-based setup has a good balance of ease-of-use and flexibility.

The interchangable face plates are a nice extra, but not a major factor in my selection. The button layout is very good and the LCD screen can be set up to add a couple of buttons needed for specific devices. (I added the "live" button for my Hi-Def DVR as an example).

This is a good value when compared to other "universal remotes" and the Tech Support is amazing. I replaced at least five remotes and support the following components: 50" HDTV, HD DVR, Receiver, DVD player, VCR, 5 disc CD player, and an old dual cassette deck.

Rating:
Summary: Logitech Harmony 676 Remote Control Universally Excellent
Review: Wow. This unit is all it says it is and more! Set up was easy and it worked like a champ. Some small questions, but customer service was EXCELLENT! I have TIVO, DVD/CD, HiFi, and a VCR in the family room and they (now) work without a fuss on this one remote. The whole family uses it (without any training). I can't say enough, it's too close to perfection. (By the way, its sister model, the 688, is not a good design for TiVo because the keys are too small and easy to miss-hit. I'm glad I exchanged it for the 676.)