Tag Archives: remote control
Logitech Harmony 890 – Pure Beauty
Beautiful, isn't it?
Okay, I know that Zohner posted a few months ago about his Logitech Harmony One, but I have to add to the hype because I am a long time fan of Logitech, and I just upgraded from the Advanced model (for Xbox 360) to the 890 model
Now, on top of all of the Harmony’s hype, this model includes an RF Extender. This means that the components I don’t need direct physical access to, I can hide. I can also control my entertainment center without worrying about line-of-sight, or I can be in a different room.
Another feature that I like about this one that I didn’t have in the last one is that I can set favorite channels with customized icons. When I am in the “Watch TV” activity, for example, I have quick access to my favorite HD channels: History HD and Discovery HD.
This model also feels sturdier. It doesn’t feel like it’s going to break if I drop it (and believe me, it has dropped many times). The charging station also eliminates the need for batteries.
Now, to reiterate a little bit about what Zohner said in his post about the Hamony One, it does take a while to set up. But it is all worth it. The software it comes with is pretty self-explanatory and does a pretty good job at working out any kinks you may have in your setup. I would recommend a Harmony Remote (any model) to anyone that is juggling more than one remote to control their entertainment center. It is well worth the investment.
In addition to controlling all my entertainment center units, I have also installed quite a bit of X-10 hardware throughout my house. With this technology, I am able to control lights, appliances, and eventually even my thermostat and sprinkler system, all with my remote. What could be better?
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Best Universal Remote Ever
Logitech Harmony One
I don’t like universal remotes. I never have. They are a pain to program because you have to look up a magic code that can be anywhere from four to four hundred characters long and then enter it into the remote while a colored LED is flashing a specific pattern that you initiated by pressing certain buttons in a specific order. Inevitably, the LED will stop flashing when you are only half way through entering the code and then you need to start all over again. After going through this a few times, you come to find out that you needed to enter one of the other codes for your TV/VCR/DVD player. Ugh…
I recently received a new Logitech Harmony One remote control from work. I’ve had it long enough to familiarize myself with it a bit and have to say that I absolutely love it. When I first saw it, I couldn’t have cared less. Then I came to discover that there’s no codes to enter; everything is done using your computer and the internet. Now that’s what I’m talking about!
Configuring the remote is simple; just enter in the make and model of your devices and then follow the on-screen instructions. The software asks how you use a particular device and if it’s used in conjunction with any other devices then sets everything up.
The remote even has a favorites feature. It works like speed dial but gives you the option to upload icons to represent the channel. I found some great looking icons and use this feature more than anything else on the remote. My only complaint is that it limits you to 24 favorites. I flip between a lot more channels than that but somehow I’m managing to survive.
Right now I have my remote configured to run everything in our family room and bedroom. Once the basement is finished, I’ll set it up for that as well.
If you’re thinking of getting a new universal remote, I strongly suggest a Harmony One. It’s a bit pricey at $200+ but it’s definitely worth it.
