Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote with Color Touch Screen review
Using Logitech's Harmony One universal remote control, I can't help but hear Queen's "I'm In Love With My Car" playing in my head. That may be overstating the appeal of this device a bit, but not by much. I haven't been this impressed with a technological gadget since the Flip video camera. The concept of a universal remote control that replaces the various "factory" remotes that come with most home entertainment devices isn't new, but Logitech takes it to a whole new level with this device. The Harmony One remote includes the remote control unit, a rechargeable battery, charging station with power adapter, USB cable, and a CD that is used to program the device. Setup is extremely user-friendly. Once you have the software installed, you're asked to provide the make and models of the devices you want to control, as well as a few questions on how those devices are used. The software then programs the remote accordingly. The total setup time is roughly 30 minutes, and doesn't require any significant computer skills. In addition to providing basic operational control over a huge array of audio/video components released since roughly the dawn of time (the dawn of remotes at least), the setup process programs key actions that are real time savers. Instead of using my TV remote to switch the set to Video 3 and then turning on the DVD player to watch a DVD, I just touch the "Play a DVD" button and the remote makes it happen. How cool is that? Right now I have a TV, DVD player, stereo, and iPod home unit controlled by the remote, and as I add or upgrade components, I can use the software to update the remote accordingly. The remote's design is a wonder all by itself. In addition to the usual array of buttons you expect to find on a universal remote, the Harmony One also boasts a touch screen that works well beyond expectations. The ergonomic design makes the device fit perfectly in your hand, with your thumb resting right near the most utilized buttons. If you've gone out of your way to make sure you have the best possible home audio and video system, you really need to invest in this uber-cool remote control. It's the perfect accessory for the flat-screen/HD/Blu-Ray era. UPDATE: I recently upgraded my TV and DVD player, and updating the remote software took less than 10 minutes, including a bit of very user-friendly troubleshooting when things didn't work perfectly the first time. That's one more great feature of this ultimate remote control.
Product Description
Ergonomically Designed, Easy to Use
The color touch screen and sculpted buttons, organized into logical zones with backlighting, give you easy, one-touch access to your home entertainment – even in the dark. Just one press and you're watching a DVD or your favorite TV channel. The ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand, and because it's rechargeable, you won't need to worry about buying new batteries. With support for more than 5,000 brands, you can control home-entertainment devices that you own today or will buy tomorrow. Our online software guides you through setup, and our live customer support team is available if you need help.
Intuitive Color Touch Screen for Easy, One-Touch Access to Your Entertainment
One-touch, activity-based control provides any member of the family with easy access to home entertainment. The color touch screen has buttons that "think" like you do. All you need to do is choose the activity that you want. Want to watch TV? Play a DVD? Listen to the radio? Just press a single button, and the Harmony remote will do the work for you.
Sculpted Buttons with Backlighting for Easy Navigation, Even in the Dark
The sculpted buttons on the Harmony One remote have been organized into logical zones, making it easy to find the function that you're looking for. And because the buttons (and the color touch screen) also have backlighting, the remote is easy to use even in the dark.
Contoured Design that Fits Comfortably in Your Hand
The shape of the Harmony One remote has been ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand. By helping position your hand in just the right spot on the remote, the distinctly shaped grips give you easy access to key buttons.
Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery with Sleek Recharging Stand
The Harmony One remote is rechargeable, so you won't need to worry about buying new batteries. The battery indicator lets you know when the remote battery is low, so when it needs recharging, just put the remote into its cradle. And this recharging stand can serve as the "home base" for your remote, so you always have a place to keep it.
Seamless Control of up to 15 Components
Your Harmony One remote can support up to 15 separate devices, making it easy to control even the most complex home entertainment systems.