Electronics : Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control |
|
|
 |
Package Contents
| System Requirements
|
see more
see more|
Rating: - * Best I have found so far... ... I have a somewhat complex 2-room system with multiple video/audio components. As a result, finding a remote that adequately accomplishes what I need to do, much less one that my wife can operate without frustration has taken many years/models. But I think I've finally found it in the Harmony 880. First the good: Price - At MSRP of $250 a little pricey, but at half that it is quite a bargain. Set Up - Set up using the web interface is really a breeze. Actually my son did it for me while I was out with friends. He is computer literate, but not a 'techie'. The web setup automatically configures nearly all the standard as well as custom features of the original remotes, including some (like dedicated power on/off codes) not available on the originals! I haven't had to teach it a single command yet, though it's nice to know that option is available. Ergonomics - With all the 'universal remotes' out there it seems strange to say that this is one of a very few I have found with a proper set of hard buttons vs. custom screen options. All the functions I use most (direction, enter, page, transport, numeric) are available as buttons. This is so much easier than hunting through screens. But in cases where you need more functions, everything else you need is configurable on the screens. State Management - Pick an activity (watch DVD, Sat., XM Radio, etc.). The remote knows which components need to be on/off and what inputs/outputs each needs to be set at. This is what really sells it for my wife. Custom Features - If you are like me, on a quest to create the perfect set of functions for each activity, with the right placement, so that you never have to look at an original remote again, you can do it with this one. Screen features include uploading your own custom background and icons for favorite channels. Mine has clouds with button shapes. Sounds great! How could it be better? Ergonomics - This is a beautiful remote and fits great in your hand. However it seems concessions were made in order to achieve that beauty. The buttons are small and similarly shaped, and the direction pad is thin on the left and right. I guess if you're used to texting on your cell phone this won't be a big deal. IR Only - If the remote could handle RF I could use it from my other room. Apparently this is a feature only available at a premium cost, with luggable table-top models. Also, I have a PS-3 for my blu-ray player, so bluetooth would be fantastic. Unfortunately NOBODY offers that in a universal remote :( Custom Programming - It would be very cool if I could upload icons for ALL custom functions as well as activities and devices, not just favorite channels. Also, my Harmony 660 included the ability to edit the xml that is used to update the remote. I could use this to get around minor issues the web UI wouldn't let me fix. It seems these last two would be easily remidied with an update in the software/firmware. Unfortunately, it seems Logitech has already moved on with their Harmony One, so I doubt we'll see it. Rating:  - * Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control ... Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control Outstanding remote and usher friendly. One button touch and everything appears right before your eyes. Anyone who can read can greatly benefit from the use of this remote. I would rate this remote a five Star. Rating: - * Well worth the price ... Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control I've used this device for a couple of years. It works fine in a complex setup with tons of devices and activities. My wife has no problem using it. The product is so well conceived and thought through, that I am moved to write about it. Recently I upgraded my setup and had to re-do everything, so I got another run at reprogramming it. Flawless, even learning complex 30-second skip hacks off the internet. I never had a problem feeling the buttons (OK, so they could be a little bigger) or the thing not charging in the cradle. I have had some crummy products in my day, but this NOT one of them. I like the idea of doing the whole setup on the computer, then just downloading to the device. I hate to see bad reviews for such a good product. Rating:  - * VERY FRUSTRATING ... I found this remote so difficult to program that 1 year after purchase, I still don't use it. If you are techie type, you would probably have no problems. I am not. I did a lot of research before purchasing this and was pretty soundly the best on the market. That is why I chose it. Some day I will sell it on the internet. It will be like new. Actually, I just sold this on Craigslist. Hey, I am 63 and this was too much for non-technologist generation. Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote Control Rating: - * I agree with azog ... If they have your component it their database; and they have thousands; it's a very seamless setup. Only thing you need know is how each individual remote is used and the rest is done for you. You can even setup 2 activities for the same thing. I for example like to watch some tv shows with my home theater on and some with it off; especially when everyones asleep. With this remote I was able to setup 2 watch tv activies; one with the home theater and one without. While I know a bit about electronics I'm by no means a guru. Reading what some said about the difficulty programing scared me; but it was a breeze. Only drawback like azog said is the loction and size of some on the remotes buttons |
