Logitech Harmony 650 Review
I didnt want to spend a lot of money on a universal remote control, but by the time there were four remotes clogging up my coffee table I decided it was time. I wasnt at all impressed with the cheaper remotes that Id bought at the grocery store, so I went ahead and took a step up, taking a chance on the Logitech Harmony 650. At $80 I felt comfortable with the priceI didnt feel like I was spending a fortune, but I still felt like I was getting some quality for my money.
Lives Up To Its Promise
Once I got the remote set up it definitely lived up to its promise. I am now running a television, a DVD player, my Dish Network DVR, the Xbox 360 and a stereo system off of my Logitech Harmony 650 remote. I threw away all of those other remotes and have lost the headaches that came along with trying to juggle them all. The remote is comfortable in my hand and seems durable, so Ive been pretty happy with it all in all. Since I dont plan to buy any other devices I feel like the 5 device capability was more than enough for me.
I really like the look of the color screen. It lets me know what my remote control is doing and it helps me maintain a greater degree of control over my entertainment system by working through the available options. I also just thought it was attractive, a little something to set this above the usual grade of remote control.
Once I got it set up I found this to be an extremely user-friendly remote.
Compatibility Issues
Initially, the 650 seemed to have a bit of trouble with my Dish Network DVR. Im not sure if thats due to a flaw in the 650 or if the DVR has simply been built in such a way that it prefers to use Dish Network technology and only Dish Network technology. I finally had to give up and call tech support. Fortunately, the Logitech Harmony tech support staff is really supportive and good at what they do. I walked away feeling pleased with the experience, which is not normally the case when Im forced to call such services.
Weaknesses
Set-up is the nastiest part of this remote. I advise you to have all of your information directly at your elbow and I advise you to download the full software package. Trying to set this thing up on the web browser was a nightmare. Come armed with about an hours worth of time and a ton of patience. Do it when the kids arent around clamoring to use your television or asking when youll be done. It wasnt rocket science, but it wasnt exactly a smooth process either, nor a short one. Its possible this is just due to the challenges of getting 5 separate devices to play nicely with one another.
I was also surprised to find theres no battery indicator on this remote. It will beep to tell you the battery is low, but it seems like it would have been an easy function to incorporate given the color screen, just to make it that much more user friendly.
Overall Impressions
Its a nice little remote. Its impressive for its price point and Im glad to have bought it. I would buy it again and I would recommend it or another Logitech Harmony universal remote to any of my friends.
