Logitech Harmony One
Manufacturer: Logitech Part number: 915-000035
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While it's missing an RF option, Logitech's Harmony One is one of the best--if not the best--universal remote we've ever tested.
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CNET editors' review
Logitech Harmony One price range: $149.99 - $229.95
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 02/21/2008
- Updated on:09/21/2009
The good: Sleek design, both in terms of cosmetics and ergonomics; sharp LCD that offers a touch-screen interface and touch-sensitive buttons for navigation of onscreen menus; Web programmable via Windows or Mac PCs; excellent button layout and design; rechargeable lithium-ion battery and docking station.
The bad: No RF compatibility; somewhat pricey.
The bottom line: While it's missing an RF option, Logitech's Harmony One is one of the best--if not the best--universal remote we've ever tested.
Editors' Note: As of September 2009, Logitech has released a step-up to this model. The Logitech Harmony 900 adds RF capability (and includes two RF-to-IR emitters). However, it does not support the programming of customized multi-step macro commands beyond those of the automatic activity-based menu system.
For the past year or so, Logitech has been treading a bit of water with its line of well-regarded Harmony remotes. Sure, it made some incremental improvements--and even came out with higher-end tablet touch-screen model, the Harmony 1000. But part of the reason behind the lack of advancement seems to have been that Logitech's designers were focused on developing the product reviewed here, the Harmony One. If you think the moniker's a departure for a company used to putting out remotes with model numbers like 880, 890, and 720, it is. But clearly Logitech thinks so highly of its new remote that it's gone with a single number--as in this is The One, the ultimate universal remote. And so long as you don't mind paying the $250 or so it costs--or its lack of an RF option that would allow you to command components behind walls or doors--the Harmony One is arguably the best consumer remote control currently available.
For starters, Logitech's done an excellent job with the design--both cosmetically and ergonomically. The remote is sleek and sits comfortably in your hand. A lot of thought has been put into the button layout, with backlit buttons that are differentiated well in terms of size and shape, so you can navigate by feel without looking down at the remote--at least when performing basic operations such as changing channels, adjusting volume, and play/pause. While the remote does appear to be loaded with buttons, it actually has fewer of them than previous Harmony remotes, as designers have reduced the number of hard buttons in an effort to streamline and simplify operation. The remote is essentially divided into five zones of operation (they're designated by faint silver line dividers), with the color LCD at the top constituting the fifth zone.
The Harmony One ships with a docking station for juicing up the included rechargeable lithium-ion battery; you simply place the remote in its cradle. Not only is it nice to have a recharging option to save dough on batteries, but if you're good about leaving the remote in its cradle, you'll always know where it is when you need it. It's worth noting that Logitech took notice of our complaint that, with its earlier docking stations, the remote wouldn't lock into its cradle as securely as it should have. (If you jostled the dock at all, the remote had a tendency to dislodge from its charging connectors a little too easily and thus fail to recharge.) With this model, however, the remote really does sit securely in its dock.
As with all of Logitech's new remotes, this model features a motion sensor, so that when you pick up the remote, it automatically turns on (the LCD turns off after a short time of nonuse to conserve batteries). You can also easily add your own digital images as backgrounds and screensavers--there's a slide-show feature--though we found that we had to crop our images into vertical shots or they'd appear hideously stretched on the screen. And it really isn't a good idea to have a picture as a background because it makes the icons difficult to read; you're better off sticking with the default black background.
In terms of programming the remote, the Harmony One works in the same way that other Harmony remotes do. As we noted in our earlier reviews, programming a universal remote can be a frustrating and time-consuming process, involving punching a series of multidigit codes for each component in your AV system. By contrast, Harmony remotes are programmed by connecting them to your Internet-connected Windows PC or Mac with the supplied USB cable, installing the model-specific version of Harmony software, and answering a fairly simple online questionnaire on the company's Web site. You simply choose your home-theater components from a list; explain how they're connected; and define their roles in activity-based functions, such as Watch TV, Watch DVD, and Listen to music. For each function, you specify which devices and inputs the remote must enable. You can also choose which keypad functions will punch through to which specific devices--always having the channel buttons control the cable box or the volume controls dedicated to the TV, for instance. After you've completed the questionnaire, the software uploads all the relevant control codes to the Harmony One.
As easy as the remote generally is to use, some users may encounter a few snags when initially setting up their remotes. Luckily, the Logitech customer service is generally very good when you run into problems, and the company has continued to make improvements to its software system for the better. From time to time, Logitech offers firmware upgrades for specific remotes, as well as upgrades to the Harmony desktop software. While there's still no way to manage multiple Harmony remotes on the same account (you're required to create separate user accounts, with separate names and passwords, for each of them), Logitech has made it very easy to swap in a new Harmony remote for an old one and transfer in that remote's system setup. For example, if you already had an older Harmony that you use with your main living room system, you could quickly swap in the Harmony One, and then set up a separate profile for the old Harmony, which you could then use in another room.
As we said in our earlier reviews of Harmony remotes, if you have a complicated system, you can expect to spend some time fine-tuning the remote to get it to work just right. A certain amount of trial and error is involved. You must verify that the commands work with your equipment as intended, then modify them as necessary. The Web site provides advanced, macro-style options for delay times, multistep commands, and other functions. Also, the remote's Help key aids in troubleshooting by asking natural-language questions on the LCD. For instance, the screen might read, "Is the digital set-top box on?" And Logitech's customer support--both via e-mail and telephone--is, for the most part, very helpful.
One thing worth pointing out is that if you have a lot of components in your system (more than six or seven), IR (infrared) does start to have its limitations. Even with your delays set correctly, all the devices interacting together seems to overwhelm the remote and certain devices just won't always switch on or off when they're supposed to. RF is much better suited for more complicated setups.
That doesn't mean the remote's IR is inferior in any way. As for performance, the IR is strong; you don't actually have to point the remote directly at your equipment to get it to respond. But unlike RF, IR can't penetrate walls, doors, and other obstructions, so if you have equipment hidden in cabinets or closets, your best choice--until Logitech comes out with an RF version of the Harmony One--is the Harmony 890, Harmony 1000, or Harmony-powered Monster AVL300, all of which carry steeper price tags.
Battery life is decent enough--Logitech says you should be able to go a week or more without recharging, but obviously, if you leave the unit in its cradle, the battery will remain fully juiced. It's also worth noting that the battery is replaceable, so when it eventually wears out--and it will--you'll be able swap in a new one.
At the end of the end of the day, except for the lack of RF and a couple of other small nitpicks (the remote's glossy black finish is a fingerprint magnet), it's hard to find anything really wrong with the Harmony One. Yes, it's expensive, but it's not outrageous when you consider you're getting the Porsche of universal remotes. For those of you who have hidden components--or just a lot of them--it's probably worth waiting for the RF version of this remote, but those looking for a top-of-the-line IR model should feel comfortable in knowing the One is in fact, number one.
User reviews
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Not too shabby...
by rich615 on February 11, 2008
Pros: Easy to use touchscreen, programming software, completely customizable soft buttons, Onscreen help via Remote Assistant
Cons: Gloss finish shows fingerprints (ALOT), menu layouts for the devices a little confusing at first
Summary: This is my first true Universal Remote, and I must say that I am impressed so far.
Initial programming was a very straightforward process for me. The software asks simple ...Summary: This is my first true Universal Remote, and I must say that I am impressed so far.
Initial programming was a very straightforward process for me. The software asks simple questions not only about your gear, but also how they interact with one another for each specific activity. The only caveat is you MUST know how your gear is connected, i.e. the dvd player is connected to the dvd input or component 1 input.
Initial programming and testing took me about an hour and a half, only because the remote was having trouble switching source inputs on my tv and couldn't figure out how to turn on power to the XBox. A troubleshooting section in the software was able to remedy both issues though.
All the labels are customizable, which helps when you have multiple devices that play video (DVD, XBox, PS3, AppleTV). (The PS3 does not have an IR sensor, so Harmony Remotes are useless for PS3 function. I do have complete control of my AppleTV, however.)
The Activities are completely under your control as well. You can create whatever activity you want by answering a few simple questions about your devices and the software makes all the changes.
The touchscreen function is phenomenal! All of your activities are located on the screen and with the touch of soft button, you can powerdown your dvd player, turn the satellite box on, change the input on the tv and receiver and your golden. The most common functions for the current activity are located on physical buttons beneath the touchscreen, so there is very little hand sliding up and down the remote looking for the volume and channel buttons. The button layout is also a plus.
One of the best features is the onscreen Remote Assistant. If watching a dvd causes you to perform multiple functions and the tv doesn't change to the proper input, pressing the Help key does exactly that, it helps. The remote asks you simple questions, Is the tv on?, Is the DVD player on?, and so on until it finds a device not set properly based on your input. It will then resend that command to the device until the setting is correct. This is extremely beneficial when your tech terrified girlfriend calls you at work because she can't get General Hospital on tv, or she can see it but can't hear it.
I've been using the remote for a couple of days and I am very pleased so far. The girlfriend likes it as well, which makes life easier all the way around for me.
Now the bad: The glossy finish shows fingerprints and smudges way to easily. It comes with a micro fiber cloth to wipe it down, but I have found myself wiping it alot.
Touchscreen is way too sensitive out of the box. A very light brush across the screen was activating several functions. Fortunately though, there is a sensitivity setting that you can manipulate (Once you find it, that is).
I have also noticed that my girlfriend had to use two hands at times. She has small hands and was holding it near the touchscreen while entering channel numbers which are near the bottom. She has also had to use two hands when using the touchscreen. It's not a deal breaker, but maybe something to consider for some buyers.21 out of 22 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Works Great! Must have patience and follow the directions!
by BMWguy206 on February 10, 2008
Pros: Black finish, ergonomics, touch screen, programming and favorite features, easy to use once you finish programming.
Cons: Finger prints on shiny areas, programming the remote could be frustuating for a first time user. Battery life seems short. NO RF.
Summary: I was seriously considering the 890 but I didn't like the feel of it on my hands. It feels like I have to put a death grip on it ...
Summary: I was seriously considering the 890 but I didn't like the feel of it on my hands. It feels like I have to put a death grip on it so that it won't slip from my hands. I looked at the Harmony 1000 but read too many negative reviews on it so I passed. That's when I found out about the Harmony One. Bought the Harmony One from a popular auction site at a killer price.
This is my first Logitech Harmony All in One remote and it took me a long time (almost an hour) to program the settings right. At first my TV was not powering on when I pressed on "Watch TV". I was very frustuated but realized I was doing something wrong. After I corrected the problem I can now put away my old remotes and use the Harmony One for now on. This thing works great!!!
I like the color of the Harmony One but due to it's shiny finish and touch screen it will leave fingerprints. Logitech does include a wipe cloth though in the package.
The feel of the remote feels just right and isn't heavy or bulky. No death grip and pressing the buttons feels a lot better and precise than the 890.
Touch screen is very responsive and is one of my favorite features.
I highly recommend the Harmony One but if you need a remote that has RF then don't get this one. I heard Logitech is making a Harmony One with RF.
Need channel icons for your Harmony? Go to www.iconharmony.com18 out of 20 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome home theater coordinator
by blortmaster on February 8, 2008
Pros: Good ergonomics, tactile feedback, uniquely shaped buttons
Cons: Glossy touch screen shows fingerprints
Summary: This remote does a great job of simplifying your home theater setup. One press on the touch screen will fire up the appropriate components in your system, set the inputs, ...
Summary: This remote does a great job of simplifying your home theater setup. One press on the touch screen will fire up the appropriate components in your system, set the inputs, and show the appropriate buttons on your touch screen.
All of the configuration is done on your PC and you can set up any button configurations you want. If the remote doesn't know your device settings, it can learn them from your existing remote - but Logitech's database is extremely good and I've never had to learn a command yet.
The ergonomics of this remote are excellent. The buttons are raised and well spaced. The shapes and position make using this remote in the dark extremely easy. The remote does have a backlight as well. Every part of the remote and charger have a solid, quality feel to them. I would highly recommend this remote.9 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best so far!
by Jeeonathan on February 22, 2008
Pros: Very sleek, wonderfully responsive touch-pad. Great range, and it seems to work faster then previous Harmonies that I've owned.
Cons: No bluetooth! The buttons to a Sony PS3 (which I use as both a regular DVD player and Blu-Ray player) show up on my touch screen, but the remote does not have the technology needed to actually run it
Summary: Huge improvement over the 880, and much better range than the 1000--I just wish that they wouldn't taunt me with PS3 buttons when I can't actually control it!
Summary: Huge improvement over the 880, and much better range than the 1000--I just wish that they wouldn't taunt me with PS3 buttons when I can't actually control it!
9 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Last Remote You'll Ever Buy
by deluxedirt on February 18, 2008
Pros: Easily Identifiable buttons, Nice touch screen, Easy programming via USB, Works every IR remote in the home
Cons: A little pricey; however, its the only one I have found that did it all
Summary: I purchased this remote online last night for instore pickup today. I could hardly sleep, thinking I had just spent $250 for another friggin remote. Worth every penny! My previous ...
Summary: I purchased this remote online last night for instore pickup today. I could hardly sleep, thinking I had just spent $250 for another friggin remote. Worth every penny! My previous attempts at learning remotes had always left me with at least one device that never really worked right; even after much effort in teaching the remote all I could. Once I logged in and installed the software for the Logitech Harmony One, I simply starting populating the remote with my device models. This included 2 tvs, 1 soundbar, 1 dvdr, 1 digital cable box, 1 hd cable box w/ dvr, a tv tuner set top box, a vga monitor, and a Bose wave radio. They all work as expected and with the same buttons they did before. Setting the activities is a breeze, and they can be adjusted and renamed via the software. I like the PC interface vs. programming codes from a book, that always seems to get misplaced before you next gadget purchase. The only downside I could forsee is the lack of RF; so I am curious how it will work with other home automation toys, like lights. Its a pricey little remote, but works as advertised and its rechargeable. In my case, thats a saving of least 10 AA or AAA batteries a month. Feels like a normal remote, and looks cool too.
7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Improvement Over Harmony 880
by mikel1049 on February 11, 2008
Pros: Easy, simple interface; great design
Cons: No major issues
Summary: I upgraded to the Harmony One after the Harmony 880 I bought turned out to have a defective screen. The store was out of 880's and couldn't even ...
Summary: I upgraded to the Harmony One after the Harmony 880 I bought turned out to have a defective screen. The store was out of 880's and couldn't even order a new one, so I accepted a credit instead and upgraded to the One.
The touchscreen makes a big difference in simplifying the interface. The setup was easy, but it's a little annoying to have to install software and be connected to the internet. I hate installing more software on my computer and it just so happened that my internet connection was down for a few hours the day I bought the remote. But everything has worked exactly as advertised.4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome purchase!
by bexter22 on February 22, 2008
Pros: Does it all!
Cons: There are no cons
Summary: I am a gadget-hound and the Harmony One fits the bill. Please note, if you have any components behind walls or cabinets...wait for the RF Harmony One.
I have ...Summary: I am a gadget-hound and the Harmony One fits the bill. Please note, if you have any components behind walls or cabinets...wait for the RF Harmony One.
I have a TV, DVD (hooked up 2 different ways), Cable STB, Onkyo 605 (using Zone 2), Archos 605 & Media PC...and this single remote controls ALL of my devices. The price is absolutely reasonable considering it's the BEST universal IR remote on the market today. Cheers to Logitech for listening to its customers' suggestions and actually implementing them. This one remote has replaced 6 remotes in my house and I LOVE IT!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The Good, The Somewhat Bad, and The Very Ugly
by pcozza on February 24, 2009
Pros: Very nice hardware design
Cons: Serious flaw in the firmware, atrocious customer support, overly complicated and tedious to use software
Summary: The Good
The Harmony One hardware is excellent. It was designed well and seems to address all the inadequacies found in some remotes Logitech previously produced.
The Somewhat Bad
The ...Summary: The Good
The Harmony One hardware is excellent. It was designed well and seems to address all the inadequacies found in some remotes Logitech previously produced.
The Somewhat Bad
The software used to program the remote is overly complicated. It requires repetitively passing through page after page to enter information. I find it a very tedious process. I would also expect that some users would find it intimidating.
What is worse is that the Harmony One firmware has a very serious flaw that keeps the unit from operating properly. When the LCD on the unit is UNLIT, then when a hard button is pressed, the device command for the button pressed is NOT always sent. (When the LCD is LIT, the device command is always sent.) On my unit I have found that the command is not sent perhaps 25% or more of the time. I have found no pattern to this failure. It seems to happen randomly. This flaw makes the unit a nuisance to operate. Many times you cannot tell whether your device is failing to respond immediately because the Harmony One has not sent a command, or because the device is simply slow in responding.
The Very Ugly
I contacted Logitech customer support about this flaw. They are, unquestionably, the worst support staff I have ever had the misfortune to have to deal with. Their responses ranged from misinformed to ignorant to inane to dismissive. After I had spent weeks of dealing with such people and hours of wasted time, and after I had had my requests to speak with a manager or someone familiar with the firmware ignored, the support staff then came up with the novel explanation that my use of the remote was not "normal". According to them the remote was designed to function correctly ONLY when the LCD is lit. This is obviously absurd, something which they have apparently concocted to dismiss the problem (and me) without having to admit to it or fix it.
It is difficult for me to describe just how poor this support was. However, for a lengthy, much more detailed description of my Harmony One experience, I refer you to my review of similar name to this one at:
http://www.remotecentral.com/ureview/145.htm3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The Best Harmony Remote Ever Built
by smoothbassman on June 15, 2009
Pros: Great Design, Easy to Set Up, Works Everything!
Cons: No RF for a remote that's 250 bucks!
Summary: I jumped pretty high to get this remote last summer. I wasn't sold on its $250 dollar price tag considering that I was getting by on a $100 dollar ...
Summary: I jumped pretty high to get this remote last summer. I wasn't sold on its $250 dollar price tag considering that I was getting by on a $100 dollar Harmony remote. I said, it couldn't hurt to try it and, I am so glad that I scooped up this remote.
I would advise anyone getting this remote to collect all their Brands and model numbers of their gear prior to opening the box. If you have it all, it makes the setup go very fast.
This remote is almost fully customizable. All the activities are nicely done with the software and its somewhat easy to program. It asks you a series of questions to get you 75% there on controlling your devices and in some simple setups it will get you all the way there with the automated activity setups. It could be a lot better though and some of the options are not directly intuitive. Like adding a light controller function to all your activities to control your theater lighting. This should be a no brainier, and should be a global thing, but you have to go into each activity and add this function manually.
Also, if your trying to combine multiple items together into one setup you have to do that manually, which takes a lot of time. i.e. DVR, DVD Recorder, with Receiver and TV to backup recordings onto DVD.
Logitech really needs to adjust their software for this remote. I have a 1080P screen on my laptop and the software is coded for a 480 screen so its a tiny box that i have to navigate thru to make adjustments. Maximizing the software does nothing but add a huge back border around this tiny box with scroll bars in the corners. Also the software times out after 15 minutes, and you loose all your changes, so make sure you save often!!! Poorly done but not a deal breaker because once you get this set up the way you like it, you wont use the software again until you buy another piece of gear for your theater.
Other than my software gripes, and the alpha letters not being lighted, this bad boy is the best remote that I have ever had and I hope it stays working for years.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Solid well design remote great button feel one hand operation
by mark956101957 on June 3, 2008
Pros: Overall feel, design, operation
Cons: Slower to download programming than my old 680
Summary: Had this almost one week. Had the 680 and the 880. Got it right with the One. Very well designed, solid button operation, touch screen was a wise touch to ...
Summary: Had this almost one week. Had the 680 and the 880. Got it right with the One. Very well designed, solid button operation, touch screen was a wise touch to avoid too many buttons, lighted operation is very good. My only complaint is unless you wanted pages and pages of menus you don't really need than you have to go into your programming online and clean things up and make adjustments. The downloading on line is much slower than with my 680 remote although I don't know why but it is which is a bit painful waiting for the changes to download to the Harmony one. It can be frustrating waiting otherwise they did a great job and one you have everything dialed in you are set. Plus another con would be the price at $250. Otherwise if you have the money and the patience to wait for the downloaded changes to your remote in the end it is a great remote.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Logitech
- Part number: 915-000035
- Description: Logitech knows who you are. You have a half-dozen remotes on the coffee table. And you're the only one in the family who knows how to use them. Logitech can help with the Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote. Enjoy a full-color touch screen. Intuitive button layout. And an ergonomic design. So easy to use, the whole family will love it.
General
- Device Type Universal remote control
- Localization United States
Remote Control
- Connectivity Technology Infrared
- Supported Device Qty 15
- Input Device Keypad, Touch screen
- Features Learning, Back-lit buttons
- Display LCD display - 2.2 in
- Color Display Yes
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB
System Requirements
- Operating System MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable
- Included Accessories AC power adapter, Remote control charging stand
Power
- Battery 1 x Remote control unit battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion
- Included Qty 1
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Logitech
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Logitech products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.logitech.com/
- Address:
6505 Kaiser Dr., Fremont, CA 94555
