gdgt

I've had this remote for a year or so and I cant imagine not having it. When I first got it, I got an earful from my girlfriend as to why I'd spend so much money on a stupid remote. 1 week later, she wont give it up! This remote becomes more and more invalueable the more devices I add to my Entertainment center.

When I first got it, All I had was a 32" 720P TV, Cable Box, PS2 Slim, Wii and a DVD/VCR combo. I got tired of trying to remember what input did what and having my girlfriend ask me (she'd even call me to ask what input the Wii was on again... at work...). While things like the Wii dont have iR for control, it does have its own controller with a power button that you need to interact with the console, and the remote will setup everything around it correctly (TV input, A/V receiver, iR controlled A/V switch, if applicable etc). As I added more devices to my entertainment center, I also added them to the remote.

Setup is easy. I turn my Entertainment Center off, check for an open input, goto my computer and add the new device under the appopriate input, and program. by the time I go back to my computer after setting up the device to power et all its ready for me. No programming the universal remote to get the most basic of controls, it just works. If a function of the original remote doesnt show up in an activity, just goto the device itself within the remote and cycle thru the touchscreen menu.

I would have to say that the Harmony Software is somewhat of a weak link. This is the software that taps Logitech's Remote code database to program device features and activity presets to the remote. While its not flashy (which i dont care about), it works. The main problem I have is if i want to tweak how a device interacts, its sometimes easier to scrap and start new. Items in the software are broken down into Devices and Activities. when you add a new device, it then looks it up and gets the code for it. You may need to know the exact model numbers (which are conveniently located on the back of a device for the most part...) to get the exact correct code. From there it asks if you want to setup activities for your device. This is where trouble can start. I had a heck of a time setting up my HTPC to work. Not to mention, HTPC and Xbox 360 share the same remote codes... this is a real problem. Solution would be to get an alternate iR receiver for the HTPC that uses different codes, but maintains Media Center functionality (Yes, I use Windows Media Center and love it... moreso now that it has Netflix)

When it comes to guests coming over to visit (Family, Babysitters, etc..) teaching them the remote is a snap. you tell them "Hit 'Activities', then choose what you want to do... thats it" and, if the screw up, theres a Help mode that walks them step-by-step how to get things on track...

My current Entertainment Center consists of a Toshiba 52" 1080P LCD, Xbox360, HD DVR, DVD/VCR (2 different inputs), PS2, PS3 (New, non BC... bastard Sony), Wii, HTPC (Apple Mac Mini running Win7)... all controlled with one remote. I had to get the Logitech Playstation Harmony adapter (even thou i already had the Sony BT remote, but worth the $50 i spent on it... for neat freaks like me... one remote with no comprimises on functions and features is worth 2x the multi-remote option)

What I'd like to see: a newer version with Blu-ray buttons/color buttons. my DVR has 4 color and shaped buttons that it clings to, that i have to use the touchscreen to use, and it kinda annoys me. in DVR mode, the Red Triange C button can be replaced with the red button, yellow square C, Green whatever D and Blue circle B... or whatever... the color is whats important... my only problem, what I have now works nearly flawlessly, is it worth the upgrade? Maybe if it also includes Blue Tooth to remove the BT-iR PS3 adapter and to act as a remote for my HTPC w/o having to worry about conflicts w/ my xBox360... this could also allow the remote to power the Wii.... just as long as it doesnt capture the remotes as a Wii Remote. Also, MS designed the IR port on the 360 as an afterthought... you have to be head on for it to work... so half the time, the 360 doesnt see the remote. Why does this matter? I've used Netflix on it, i use it as a MCE for the Touchsmart w/ TV tuner in my room and custom soundtrack, yes, i can skip tracks w/ the remote w/o having to pull up the miniguide easily! if BT is included, getting a wall mounted BT to iR blaster thats mounted on the wall opposite of your devices that blasts iR for you from a static location to ensure proper activation time and time again would be awesome... but more likely a dream.

Long story short, I love this remote. It's investment pays off time and time again. I would recommend to anyone.