There are many “universal remotes” that can than replace some of the functions of your remote control collection, but the Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote Control can just about do it all, and is not any larger than most single component remotes. When Logitech purchased the Harmony brand back in 2004, things really took off for the originally Canadian company.
Logitech’s large network allowed the remote to reach a larger audience, and as a result, allowed Harmony to build up the heart of their product, which is their device database. As the userbase grew, so did the number of products that were contained in this database, making the programming of the Harmony remote easier and easier.
The relationship with Logitech also gave Harmony access to advanced materials that allowed them to shed that somewhat “Toy Like” feel of their early products. The year 2010 may also be considered a year where convenience takes on a new meaning. There have been many new gadgets that came out this year trying to give a one up in terms of convenience. One of them is this Logitech Harmony One Remote Control.
In order to use the Harmony One, you install the provided software, identify devices intended for use by brand and model number, and organize what activities you want to perform. The online database that the software is linked to has almost all possible remote control codes for home theater, audio, and video devices, including many brands that are no longer being made, and accessory devices, such as remote-controllable A/V switchers.
If a device is not on the list, the Harmony One has a learning function, provided you have a functional remote control available for that device.
After setting up devices and activities in the software, you then plug the Harmony One remote to your PC via the provided USB cable and click on the “Update Remote” icon on the top right corner of the software. After a minute or so, the information inputted into the software is downloaded to the actual Harmony Remote. It is now ready for use.
This remote has both a touchscreen to access both device and activity control. Also, as a backup, all of information entered into the PC software database is saved and can be changed and re-downloaded to the Harmony One at any time.
Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote features:
The magic touch
Your Harmony advanced universal remote turns on the right devices, in the right order with one touch.
Lighting the way
A full color touch screen, backlit buttons and an ergonomic design make it easy to get to your show even in the dark.
Clutter control
You can say goodbye to coffee table clutter one Harmony remote controls up to 15 video, audio, and gaming components.
Using both the touchscreen menus and function buttons, I found it to be very flexible and easy to use. One touch of the “Play DVD” icon, turns on all the correct components, and sets the proper inputs. The only problem I had is that I sometimes accessed the wrong device because my fingertips are large for the menu icons. However, it is easy to go back and forth using the arrow icons. Once you get used to the way the touchscreen icons work, operation becomes easier.
The Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote may probably be the most universal of remote controls. That is because this advanced remote control does not only give you the power to control your TV, it also can control your DVD player, sound system and most other home entertainment devices.
It is compatible with around 225,000 devices from 5,000 and more brands. It can also control up to 15 devices at a time, giving you the convenience for using only a single remote control for most of your many devices around the home. The Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote Control is available at Logitech for US$159.
.
