Logitech Harmony 688 Universal Remote Control (Black)

Rating:
Summary: Flawless setup
Review: After installing the software, it took about 5 minutes to setup up the remote. Everything worked perfectly the first time. Yes, the buttons are a tad small, but well-worth that very minor flaw.

Rating:
Summary: Less fiddling, but tiny buttons
Review: As anyone with multiple electronic devices knows, less is better when it comes to remotes. One remote that does everything would be ideal. This one has a couple of killer features: Internet-based setup via USB, and "state awareness". With the Harmony 688, you merely install the driver, plug it into a USB port on your PC, and use Logitech's web-based configuration utility. Only in the rarest of circumstances will you need to point your existing remote and "learn" by pressing buttons (but you can do this if needed). Configuration can be arduous, but only because of the large number of parameters. It's easier to set up than other universal remotes although the configuration Web site could be easier to use. For example, if you want to customize buttons for each device, you click "My Remote Preferences", whereas setting up the activities and their related buttons takes place in a different menu. It took me about an hour to do the initial setup, and a couple of short tweaks later I was done (I had initially chosen the wrong audio input mode for the DVD activity).

The 688 uses an "activity" paradigm ("watch tv", "listen to music", etc.) Each activity is a functional mode of operation, combining the required macros, punch-throughs, and custom button definitions. The very best part of this remote is the state awareness. It remembers which devices are turned on, and can negotiate sequential input values (the ones where you cycle through each setting until you hit the one you want). This remote really reduces the amount of fiddling around, and lets you get down to the business of being entertained. For example, if you want to watch a DVD you simply select that activity. All of the appropriate devices are then turned on and the proper settings are selected. My TV's TV/Video selector cycles through the active inputs. You can't use standard macro programming to get around this problem, but the 688 doesn't skip a beat. It knows exactly how everything is set.

Prior to beginning the setup process, do your homework. Jot down all your brands/model numbers, which devices use which inputs for each activity, and the order of any cycled inputs. It's much easier if your computer is in the same room for setup (no problem if your setup includes a PC; laptop owners should consider using the laptop). The PC connection is only required for the initial setup.

PROS:
* Easy to configure, lots of options.
* Knows which devices are on, eliminating fuddling at TV time. This alone is worth the price of admission.
* Non-volatile memory; if your batteries die your settings are safe.
* Perfect for setups with TiVo or satelllite; can handle systems with both.
* Knows what a Turtle Beach Audiotron is!

CONS:
* Dinky buttons.
* Volume controls are "sticky", not as responsive as I'd like.
* Initial configuration can be daunting due to number of options. Default device configurations are lengthy and take some time to edit. Default activity configs are set up well, nice because this is where you will spend most of your time.
* Web configuration could be set up more intuitively; some devices are not listed, and input values were incorrect for at least one of my devices. This is a minor quibble, it just requires a little extra initial effort.

Rating:
Summary: not perfect but the best i have seen...
Review: I have owned a few different universal remotes in my life and some have been good, others not. This is the best i have seen although not perfect.

Pros:
-Small and stylish
-VERY universal (knows most electronics including Xbox and Media center computers)
-designed for tivo and DVRs
-Online set-up can be simple or complex depending on what you want to be able to do (I actually liked the complexity. it allowed me to get things just how i wanted them)
-Actual buttons not touch screen
-The Activity buttons are better than any i have ever seen. The remote knows what condition you system is in so that when you switch activities it will turn off what is not needed and turn on the new devices. And if you use multiple inputs on your TV it will change the input as programed. This means no more scrolling through them. This is the only remote that i have seen that can do that (although there are others im sure)

Cons:
-Not great button design (small and different shapes)
Thats really about it!!!!

All i can say is that if you are looking for a remote that can be made to do whatever you want it to and has buttons not a touch screen, this is the one for you. It is a very smart remote for the price

Rating:
Summary: Rough start - but with a little trial and error, it's good
Review: I purchased this device because of the manufacturer's review here. My initial thought was - wow - this will be a breeze to have, much better than the Sony universal remote (the one that looks like a mini-computer). And, for the most part, that's right.

Overall, as I use the device, I do find it of value and like the ability of the device to quickly learn and correct itself. But, I did have a rough start. I would recommend for someone buying the device to read the install booklet and THEN the user guide (online) prior to setting up your system. It will definitely make it much, much easier.

I've found it relatively easy to use, once it's been set-up. I do admit that the set-up was a challenge at first (and I'm tech savvy). So, I wasted about two hours initially.

What's important to know is that once you start setting up the system, you really can't go back until you've done the initial install. So, as the other reviewer noted, have all the information about your system set-up (make, model, remotes handy, etc.). You'll need it.

I called the help desk and the first time they really couldn't help until I had finished the initial install. The 2nd time I called, they were able to assist me (with my Dish TV PVR set-up).

The jury is still out on it - I gave it 4 stars for the overall ability/ease of use. I'll come back and rerate (lower) in the next few days if I don't get a few kinks knocked out (i.e. not all the devices turn off/on when I command - it's primarily the dish TV box).

Rating:
Summary: Very nice remote - but eats lots of batteries
Review: I was able to go from 6 remotes down to 1. I have fairly new equipment and did not have any issues with the 688 working with all devices with ease. The Activity buttons are easy to setup and are wonderful to use. They allow to turn on & set all devices to the correct mode with the click of a single button. It used to take me 3-4 remotes to do the same thing when watching TV or the DVD player.

The web interface used to setup the remote is easy to use. The standard config 'pushed' to the device works well. I made quite a few changes to allow quicker access to buttons I frequently use. It is very easy to modify the standard configure.

One downside to the remote is that it eats batteries very quick. I have changed the batteries every 12 days (4 - AAA batteries). The batteries just die, basically no warning. I plan to invest in rechargables.

Not as pleased with the volume controls of the 688 when controlling my receiver. The Harmony changes the volume in 3db increments and is not very responsive. If I press the volume up 4 times, the receiver will go up 12db - and will take a little time to react to go back down in volume when pressing the volume down. The remote that came with the receiver moves in increments of .5db and responds immediately. I found a simple workaround that allows for increments of 'only' 1.5db using the Harmony. I press the volume button while directed at the receiver and then immediately cover the IR of the remote. I was able to get used to the volume controls and am very happy with the remote.

The remote works well with my new DIRECTV HD TiVo HR10-250. That was a key component for the remote to control.

It would be a 5 star if not for the battery and volume control issues.

Rating:
Summary: Harmony 688
Review: Like many others out there, my home entertainment system was a mess of remotes [4 in all with usually one or more of them under the couch or in some other God-forsaken place]. I could use the system pretty well, but my wife and daughter were constantly using the wrong settings [a little analog picture instead of HD, for example] and overall, they were very intimadated with the whole setup. I know, this sounds a lot like the Logitech ad, but it is true.

I purchased the 688 in an effort mostly to make things easier for them...and I was also somewhat curious after I read the ad in an electronics catalog. My wife received the first two seasons of Raymond for Christmas on DVD and she wanted to be able to watch them when I was not around to keep her out of trouble. [Actually, I prefer NOT to be around when she has her Raymond marathons].

I was not disappointed. THIS DEVICE IS ABSOLUTLY FANTASTIC! The initial setup was simple and went perfectly according to the Installation Booklet. Setting up and configuring my components was equally as simple...it even recognized a 15 year old Mitsu VCR, which I seldom use. Everything worked perfectly the FIRST time. I was expecting a big setup battle, like with so many other usb devices, but I didn't get one. Wow!!

A couple of things: 1 - The Longitech web page didn't like my Mozilla browser initially, but I just went on with the process and everything worked out fine. 2 - The buttons are a tad small, especially the Activity Buttons...but, I'll learn to live with them.

This product is outstanding. I would recommend it to anyone.