Logitech Harmony 650
Replaces 5 remotes, reducing clutter in your living room
The Logitech Harmony 650 is a universal remote control device that is capable of controlling multiple devices. If your home entertainment system is currently just a collection of random devices that dont work well together youll enjoy the Logitech Harmony 650s ability to draw each device into a functional cohesive whole. You can connect up to 5 devices with this remote, which makes it more than capable of meeting the average homes entertainment needs.
Once you have the Logitech Harmony 650 you can throw away your other remotes. Its simply not necessary to have 4-5 different remotes any longer when you have a universal remote like the Logitech Harmony 650. This is especially good if you have to pick up two or more remotes to make your system work presently, such as having to turn on the TV with one remote, turn on the DVD with another remote, turn on the stereo with a third remote for your surround sound and then mess with some combination of the three to get to the appropriate channel.
Setting Up
Setting up your Logitech Harmony 650 is relatively easy. You simply connect the device to your computer and allow the set-up wizard to guide you through the process of adding each of your devices. There is little chance that the Logitech Harmony 650 wont be compatible with one of your devices simply because it supports up to 5,000 brands. While the list is of course not absolute youd have to have a rare set-up indeed to find a device that the Logitech Harmony 650 wont deal with.
If you are a former Logitech Harmony customer you might find your setup is even easier. It is possible to completely import your previous remotes settings onto your new Logitech Harmony 650 device. Be aware that this will completely wipe out the settings on the old device, so if you dont want this to happen you should create a new account entirely.
Using Your Logitech Harmony 650
The Logitech Harmony 650 is very easy to use. You simply select the system you wish to run. This is easy enough to do with buttons that are clearly marked and labeled: watch TV, watch a movie, listen to music or more activities. This is very straightforward and it eliminates the guesswork of mashing down a bunch of remote control buttons to get to the option that you want.
The commands for each device will show up on a small color screen which will allow you to scroll through and select various commands with a pair of buttons which sit to the side of the screen.
Advanced Entertainment Systems
Since the Logitech Harmony 650 is only capable of controlling 5 devices its not good for more advanced home entertainment system set-ups. Youd be better off with other Logitech Harmony devices which usually control up to 15 devices.
Batteries
You will have to replace the batteries on the Logitech Harmony 650. It requires 2 standard Double A batteries and does not offer any kind of recharging capability. Youll need to make sure you have a good selection of batteries on hand if you dont want to suddenly lose your remote control capability.
The Bottom Line
The Logitech Harmony 650 is a very solid, reliable universal remote. Even though it doesnt contain all the bells and whistles of more expensive remote control devices it still achieves the objective of creating a seamlessly integrated entertainment system that you can enjoy without too much fuss. At $75-$99 the Logitech Harmony 650 is very fairly priced and you get a good value for your money. Its not the sleekest or most impressive universal remote out there, but it is a very good remote.
