Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote
June 12th, 2009 | 44 views | Posted by in Cheap HDTVs | Other Electronics
Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote
The essential center of your entertainment system. Say “Goodbye” to the wasted time and endless frustration of multiple remotes controlling multiple devices, and say “Hello” to one single, easy-to-use device with a cool new shape. The Harmony 1000 remote control, with its engaging and logical interface, simplifies even the most complex programming functions. Logitech’s patented Smart State technology® makes it possible to seamlessly control up to 15 separate components with just one touch.
Programming your HDTV? The Harmony 1000′s color display makes it easy to control even the aspect ratio and sound modes. And, you can do it all without direct line-of-sight, since the Harmony sends both infrared (IR) and Z-wave wireless home automation standard (also known as radio frequency or RF).
1. Easy to set up:
Just connect your Harmony remote to your computer and the Web wizard walks you step-by-step through a simple set up. Enter in your model numbers for your components, then answer a few easy questions about how you “Watch TV” or “Watch a DVD” You’ll be controlling even the most complex system without any of the hassles of elaborate macro-programming.
2. Easy to use:
The Harmony Remote is the world’s only remote with Smart State Technology® activity control. Just press one of the Activity buttons, such as “Watch TV” or “Listen to Music,” and your Harmony Remote automatically sets up your entertainment system, without you ever having to program a “macro.”
3. Easy to get help:
With the Harmony remote, you don’t have to know anything about your entertainment system to operate it. No sound? No picture? No problem! There’s even a handy “HELP” button to guide you through simple troubleshooting and get you back in control.
4. Never out of date:
The Harmony Remote device database is constantly updated with new components and fine-tuned settings. Simply connect it to your computer using its USB interface, and your remote is updated automatically!
Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote Review
A warning for Mac users, although Logitech claims this Harmony remote works (can be programmed) using a Mac, and the box clearly shows the Mac logo stamped on it, the Harmony 1000 cannot currently be set-up using your Mac. Plenty of web forum users have reported the same issue. Hopefully a Mac patch will be posted on Logitech’s site. Shame on Logitech, especially given the one year delay to get the product right.
Secondly, if you currently own a Harmony web-programmed remote, the web software is EXACTLY the same as your previous experience. In other words, if you hated Logitech’s old on-line software, you’ll still hate it with the 1000.
The touch screen itself looks and works great, but as with any touch screen remote, you may find yourself longing for tactile rubber buttons after a week or so of touch screen use. DVR users might struggle to get the remote button layout to work to their individual satisfaction, as the colored default touch screen buttons that are professionally laid out by Logitech are in fact permanently labeled. So if you choose to change the function of any colored button, the old default name must remain painted on top of your “custom” button. Strange oversight.
However, you can customize additional pages of ugly buttons to your liking, but they will be black and white buttons laid out in static tic-tac-toe fashion. Hardly what the box cover would lead you to believe. As with all touch screens, you will have to “look before pressing” – every single time – you want to send a command. That’s OK when using an ATM, but not so great when watching a TV across the room.
I’d recommend a trip to your local retailer to play with the 1000 for a while before deciding to buy. It does feel solidly constructed, though not as comfortable in your hand as a $45 programmable remote after two hours of commercial busting DVR use. Also keep in mind that while you’re shopping for a touch screen remote, there’s someone next to you in the store looking to change back to something smaller with real rubberized buttons on it!
To add to the fun, the user manual for this $500 wonder is not located in the box or on the installation disc, but rather it is buried in the online remote software. Once you get the remote’s firmware updated from the web (using the online software) the right side of the website screen will have a “Tip Center – More Help” button. Click that, then click “Manuals” to download the 15 page PDF manual for the remote.
A steep learning curve might await buyers new to the Harmony line due to the “Activities” philosophy. Just keep in mind that everything is done with Activities and you’ll be way ahead of the game. Don’t waste time programming each “device” as you would normally want to do. Harmony remotes don’t work that way. You only need to enter your devices (audio/video components in your collection) once during the initial set up to give the database your overall equipment list. After that, concentrate on setting up your activities (Watch Cable, Watch DVD) for two or three days to get everything just right.
If all this sound like fun to you, you’ll probably love tweaking this remote to near perfection. But if the thought if spending hours in front of your PC setting up a remote control sounds ominous to you, steer clear.
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