Logitech Harmony 550 LCD Remote Control
- Type: Universal
- Broadcasting Type: IR
- Applicable Devices: TV, DVD Player, Receiver
- Devices Controlled: 15
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Logitech Harmony 550 - Sweet and Sour
Pros
Very intelligent macros. Easy setup (no codes!) Excellently designed hardware.
Cons
Complicated tweaking after initial setup. One color LCD screen.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
Excellent remote control for large systems. One remote, easy to learn. Great for older children (8-up) to easily control system as well.
There comes a time in every electronics lover when the small pile of remotes on the coffee table becomes unsightly and noticeable. At first, it's funny and almost a gives you a sense of pride to have so many devices - each with it's own remote. Reality sets in and your wife calls from the room with increasing frequency "Which remote is for the PVR!?" or your kids come up to you with large puppy dog eyes - almost crying - and say "I just want to watch a movie but it's not working.". It's time for a universal remote.
A Brief History:
I've tried them all. When Rotel came out with their $300 touch screen RR990 "miracle" - a few years back - I was first in line to purchase it. The promise of robust macros and a touch screen - let's face it, 'touch screens' are cool - I couldn't resist. The problem with universal remotes used to be that you had to make sure that the remote had the code that entered in your remote commands. Your TV would work, your brand name VCR would work - but then that weird satellite TV receiver didn't work. No listed code. Another probability was that there was only one listed code to enter for your device - but only some buttons work (programmed correctly). Some remotes let you "learn commands" (learning remotes) by butting the original remote up to the universal remote and teaching it button programs - but put on a pot of coffee and take the phone off the hook because that took awhile. You ultimately end up hauling out the original remote from time to time. Another problem with most universal remotes out there is that they lack intelligence when it comes to macros. Sure, you can program button presses so that your TV turns on, the receiver fires up in the correct input and volume and your DVD player fires up and even ejects the tray - but most remotes can't go beyond that. If you change your mind halfway through a movie and decide to watch TV - you hit the "Watch TV" macro button and you watch in horror as your TV turns off, the amp switches off and the only thing left powered up is the satellite receiver. The DVD player is still playing the movie. Most remote macros simply send the button signals - and are not able to determine if the device is already on and decide to leave it on instead of sending the button command - ultimately doing exactly the opposite of what you wanted.
Logitech Harmony 550 Remote:
Enter Harmony Remotes. This company was bought out by Logitech in recent years and - thank goodness - they decided to only print a logo on the Harmony and left the technical side to the Harmony team. The two biggest advantages to Logitech's line of universal remotes is that they are programmed using your computer - no codes. There is the added bonus of a learning capability (see above), but you probably won't need it much. The second most important aspect is the intelligent macro functions - this remote knows what's on and off. This is the reason you buy one of these bad boys.
I purchased my 550 from Best Buy at the low price of $79.99 (you'd think I owned stock in Best Buy or something - but the truth is that I price shop on-line ALOT and Best Buy usually comes through with the lowest price, but you have to check often because the price drops are few and fleeting. Yeah, it's on sale, but there's only 30 units and it's only for an hour becuase 5 units sell out quickly - you know what I mean). I took it home, plugged it in and ran the CD. The software was in need of an update, so that added some time. After that, you need to set up a free account on-line at the Logitech Harmony website. You HAVE to do this because your remote's programming is actually stored at the Harmony website. You are asked to enter in all your components' model numbers, so you do have to reach in back of your wire heavy stereo stand rack and get model numbers (some devices are listed on the front). After that, you simply enter in model numbers and device types and you're ready to begin (rather painless).
My particular setup was unique. This remote was for our gaming rig in the rec room - 360, Wii, PS2, TV, Logitech Z5500 system, Intec Video switcher, satellite receiver and a DVD recorder. I was doubtful that the on-line database - as extensive as it was advertised - would be able to control my cheap-o Intec video switcher or Walmart brand DVD recorder. My mind was still stinging from past universal remote slaps-in-the-face. But guess what! These devices were found instantly (shock!) and they actually.......wait for it......control correctly. I was speechless.
Macro programming is done by the GUI ("gooey" or easy-to-use) software (web pages, actually). Harmony asks you what devices are needed for each macro (set of commands) and you choose your own macros. "Play 360" or "Record DVD" or "Watch TV" - you choose. You name it. You tweak it. It is a whole new experience. I collected my myriad of cheap and some-not-so-cheap universal remotes, took out the batteries, put them in baggies and put them in the garage sale pile (my wife smiled!).
Warning: There is a lot of tweaking that needs to be done. Initial set up is rather fast - but tweaking macros is the meat and potatoes. Not for the faint hearted. Once you devote some TIME to this little marvel - you will treat it as one of your dependents (OK. Just kidding. More like a pet....but still!). The remote senses when you pick it up and turns on the backlight, ready for action. You can switch macros "Watch TV" then decide to "Play Wii" - and the proper devices either turn on, stay on or get turn ed off if not in use. Of course you can take over manually at any time and turn things on (you may want to download some Xbox Live content while watching TV, etc.)
Conclusion:
The 550 is not the top of the Harmony line but it is not the bottom either. It has a unique design that is akin to remotes of old (rectangles) as opposed to the new "peanut shaped" styles (see any other Harmony remote except the XB360 white version or the top-of-the-line 1000 model). This remote (550) is thinner than the rest. You need to be interested in devoting some time and brain power to initially set this thing properly (non-techies stay away - sorry Logitech). This is a solid remote that will spoil almost all other remotes for you. Gone are the days of the 5-in-1 RCA $30 Walmart special for you. Oh woe to thee. You'll be hooked. Other remotes can't cut it. Unless you have the kind of budget that can afford those $2000 Crestron touch screen remotes (the pinnacle - the kind rich people have that you'll probably never afford) - then the Harmony is the best remote you can get your hands on. The more expensive harmony remotes add things like aesthetic additions (880 and it's cool color LCD and icon scheme), don't need to be in the same room control like the 890 or the touch screen (much like Crestron) 1000. All Harmony remotes control 15 devices maximum, even the 1000 (odd) and all remotes use the same interface.
A Brief History:
I've tried them all. When Rotel came out with their $300 touch screen RR990 "miracle" - a few years back - I was first in line to purchase it. The promise of robust macros and a touch screen - let's face it, 'touch screens' are cool - I couldn't resist. The problem with universal remotes used to be that you had to make sure that the remote had the code that entered in your remote commands. Your TV would work, your brand name VCR would work - but then that weird satellite TV receiver didn't work. No listed code. Another probability was that there was only one listed code to enter for your device - but only some buttons work (programmed correctly). Some remotes let you "learn commands" (learning remotes) by butting the original remote up to the universal remote and teaching it button programs - but put on a pot of coffee and take the phone off the hook because that took awhile. You ultimately end up hauling out the original remote from time to time. Another problem with most universal remotes out there is that they lack intelligence when it comes to macros. Sure, you can program button presses so that your TV turns on, the receiver fires up in the correct input and volume and your DVD player fires up and even ejects the tray - but most remotes can't go beyond that. If you change your mind halfway through a movie and decide to watch TV - you hit the "Watch TV" macro button and you watch in horror as your TV turns off, the amp switches off and the only thing left powered up is the satellite receiver. The DVD player is still playing the movie. Most remote macros simply send the button signals - and are not able to determine if the device is already on and decide to leave it on instead of sending the button command - ultimately doing exactly the opposite of what you wanted.
Logitech Harmony 550 Remote:
Enter Harmony Remotes. This company was bought out by Logitech in recent years and - thank goodness - they decided to only print a logo on the Harmony and left the technical side to the Harmony team. The two biggest advantages to Logitech's line of universal remotes is that they are programmed using your computer - no codes. There is the added bonus of a learning capability (see above), but you probably won't need it much. The second most important aspect is the intelligent macro functions - this remote knows what's on and off. This is the reason you buy one of these bad boys.
I purchased my 550 from Best Buy at the low price of $79.99 (you'd think I owned stock in Best Buy or something - but the truth is that I price shop on-line ALOT and Best Buy usually comes through with the lowest price, but you have to check often because the price drops are few and fleeting. Yeah, it's on sale, but there's only 30 units and it's only for an hour becuase 5 units sell out quickly - you know what I mean). I took it home, plugged it in and ran the CD. The software was in need of an update, so that added some time. After that, you need to set up a free account on-line at the Logitech Harmony website. You HAVE to do this because your remote's programming is actually stored at the Harmony website. You are asked to enter in all your components' model numbers, so you do have to reach in back of your wire heavy stereo stand rack and get model numbers (some devices are listed on the front). After that, you simply enter in model numbers and device types and you're ready to begin (rather painless).
My particular setup was unique. This remote was for our gaming rig in the rec room - 360, Wii, PS2, TV, Logitech Z5500 system, Intec Video switcher, satellite receiver and a DVD recorder. I was doubtful that the on-line database - as extensive as it was advertised - would be able to control my cheap-o Intec video switcher or Walmart brand DVD recorder. My mind was still stinging from past universal remote slaps-in-the-face. But guess what! These devices were found instantly (shock!) and they actually.......wait for it......control correctly. I was speechless.
Macro programming is done by the GUI ("gooey" or easy-to-use) software (web pages, actually). Harmony asks you what devices are needed for each macro (set of commands) and you choose your own macros. "Play 360" or "Record DVD" or "Watch TV" - you choose. You name it. You tweak it. It is a whole new experience. I collected my myriad of cheap and some-not-so-cheap universal remotes, took out the batteries, put them in baggies and put them in the garage sale pile (my wife smiled!).
Warning: There is a lot of tweaking that needs to be done. Initial set up is rather fast - but tweaking macros is the meat and potatoes. Not for the faint hearted. Once you devote some TIME to this little marvel - you will treat it as one of your dependents (OK. Just kidding. More like a pet....but still!). The remote senses when you pick it up and turns on the backlight, ready for action. You can switch macros "Watch TV" then decide to "Play Wii" - and the proper devices either turn on, stay on or get turn ed off if not in use. Of course you can take over manually at any time and turn things on (you may want to download some Xbox Live content while watching TV, etc.)
Conclusion:
The 550 is not the top of the Harmony line but it is not the bottom either. It has a unique design that is akin to remotes of old (rectangles) as opposed to the new "peanut shaped" styles (see any other Harmony remote except the XB360 white version or the top-of-the-line 1000 model). This remote (550) is thinner than the rest. You need to be interested in devoting some time and brain power to initially set this thing properly (non-techies stay away - sorry Logitech). This is a solid remote that will spoil almost all other remotes for you. Gone are the days of the 5-in-1 RCA $30 Walmart special for you. Oh woe to thee. You'll be hooked. Other remotes can't cut it. Unless you have the kind of budget that can afford those $2000 Crestron touch screen remotes (the pinnacle - the kind rich people have that you'll probably never afford) - then the Harmony is the best remote you can get your hands on. The more expensive harmony remotes add things like aesthetic additions (880 and it's cool color LCD and icon scheme), don't need to be in the same room control like the 890 or the touch screen (much like Crestron) 1000. All Harmony remotes control 15 devices maximum, even the 1000 (odd) and all remotes use the same interface.
