Logitech Harmony 670 Universal Remote

Harmony 670

Strengths: Computer Programmable; good button layout

Weaknesses: Software is not a flexible as it should be and it a bit buggy; screen is hard to read when it's not backlit

Summary: I also have a Home Theater Master MX-500 that has been moved into the bedroom, while the Harmony is used for the Home Theater/Living Room. The MX-500 is great, but it has a few weaknesses. It doesn't connect to a computer, so all programming is done through the remote. This means that buttons cannot be moved and only commands either on the original remote or in the HTM database can be programmed. It's also rather large. The Harmony solves both of these issues. When I first started programming and using the Harmony, I was somewhat disappointed, but once I learned how to use the software better and got everything the way I wanted it, I've been very happy with it. The buttons are very well-placed and have a good feel. The remote feels good in your hand. Overall, the hardware could not be much better. The software, however, could be very much improved. The good thing is that you can get things to work the way you want them, but it's not easy. One thing I haven't been able to do is order the devices the way I want them in device mode. That's really the only thing I haven't found a workaround for, and you shouldn't have to use device mode too often, if at all. The remote is set up for activities, so if you want to watch TV, you select the "Watch TV" activity. This sets up all your components to the right inputs or whatever else you need to do, such as turn on the lights. There are many other features that I could get in to, but that information can be found elsewhere. The Remotecentral.com forums are an invaluable resource for this remote. As with any remote of this caliber, you're going to spend several hours tweaking it to get it just right, but after that, you won't spend much time programming it until you buy new components. Compared to the MX-500, there are pluses and minuses to both, but I would rate the Harmony slightly better overall than the MX-500 simply because of the computer connectivity. This is an excellent remote and I feel that I will like it even more as I get more familiar with programming it. Although there are improvements that could be made, it's the best remote available in this price range.

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Harmony 670

Strengths: Location and feel of all the buttons. Easy one-hand use.

Weaknesses: A little pricey. Glow of buttons only limited to 20 seconds.

Summary: I have had both the fancy Sonys - the 3000 and 4000. They took two hands to operate; you had to look at the touch screen to make sure you hit the correct button. This remote I can use with one hand and do not need to look at it any more than I would have to look at any remote. Great for pvr pause/play action - the sony was lousy for that. I did not want the 880 or 890 due to the docking station as another component plugged in and sitting somewhere. I did not want to "put the remote away" every day. You can't go wrong with this remote.

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Logitech Harmony 670 Review

Strengths: Works with all my components, Good layout, Simple to use, Tech support very good, Help button great, Very customizable

Weaknesses: Web/app setup a little clunky-some selections are counterintuitive, All changes have to be done through computer, Slow download of settings file

Summary: 2007-01-09 14:39:04 --I received this remote and got it setup for all my components. They were all listed and worked after initial setup. The web/app setup is a little bit counterintuitive at times. However, once playing around with it for a bit, you can find all you need. I did have to "learn" a couple less common buttons from the original remote, but that worked well. However, downloading to the remote takes up to 5 minutes each time, so try to set as many settings up as you can before updating the remote.

--The activity modes work great. And if for some reason one of your components did not turn on/off or the input did not get set right (perhaps the remote was blocked), then simply push the help button. It will ask you a few questions to resolve your problem, and it works!

--There is a Picture and Sound menu, so you can change settings on your TV or Receiver without having to leave the current activity you are in. All the commands that appear on the LCD are customizable through the web/app interface.

--The remote fits well in my hand and has two grooves on the back for my fingers. I got the 670 because of the placement of the PVR controls, and they are in a very good location. The channel/volume buttons are well placed as well. The bottom row of numbers can be a little tricky to get to, but I think that is just because I am not quite used to this remote yet.

--I had to call tech support about 1 minor problem, and they were able to get it resolved in a timely manner. Plus it was an American!!

--I am also controlling my X10 home automation (lights, etc) with this remote. I had to order an IR543 that will receive IR signals. This remote has that module in its database, and it works great. I set up an activity to control the lights, and set up actions for specific lights. It works well.

--This is a great remote that I would happily recommend to anyone!!

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Would Buy Again

Strengths: Easy to Setup. Huge list of compatible components.

Weaknesses: Price. Truncated titles in display. If you change anything on one of your components, like power or input, the remote will not work correctly and you will need to use the help function.

Summary: Overall a great remote. I would wait for a sale before buying because over $100 is too much to pay. I got it for $90 minus some rebates. I use rechargeable batteries so I don't have an issue with battery life. One reviewer mentioned that the display items get truncated and it does make it a bit annoying to find the correct function. My main issue with this remote is that if you make changes to your components manually (power off/on, input device, etc) the remote will no longer function properly and you will need to use the help menu to restore functionality. For example my Wii setup turn off my receiver but sometimes I like to play music while playing games so I turn on my receiver and switch it to Aux for my mp3 player. When I am done playing and push the TV button the receiver will not switch to the correct input so I won't get the sound from the TV. The Help button fixes this quickly but it keeps me from giving it 5 stars.

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First review of any product - this thing is SWEET!

Strengths: Easy Set Up; I put away 6+ remotes; My Home Theater/Audio Systems now has flawless integration

Weaknesses: One minor one...cant make your own macros to say lower the volume automatically when switching from TV to Audio

Summary: Like I stated previously, I rarely get on a soapbox about a product. This is worth the effort. Seamless integration, complete control, intuitive setup, and simplicity. Wish I had gotten this years ago.

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Best Universal Remote I have Used

Strengths: Works with all entertainment center products-old and new

Weaknesses: Set-up is a bit confusing

Summary: I have a Macintosh iMac G5, running OS X (10.4.8). CD software loaded and updated without hastle. It found all the products in my entertainment center, from an old Sharp VCR to a new Samsung HiDef TV. It did not immediately know all the inputs on my Pioneer DVD AV Surround System, but it had a quick fix (as long as I had the original Pioneer remote, if not I am not sure how it would have "worked-around" the problem). The set up process took about 30 minutes but then it worked perfectly--no punching in codes. For the price, its a good deal (compared to Logitech's newer Harmony Universal Remotes). I'd recommend it.

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Another Great Logitech Harmony Remote

Strengths: Controls Everything. Very Customizable. Comfortable Feel in your Hand.

Weaknesses: Small Buttons. Learning IR Sensor is Very Sensitive.

Summary: I bought this remote for my parents after they used my 880 with my system and didn't have to ask me "How do I turn on the TV?". I would have to say that the 670 is a little brother of the 880. I was successful in configuring the 670 for my parents setup. They have a Toshiba HDTV and DVD, RCA VCR and Receiver, and SA HD DVR. It took about an hour for the initial setup, and then couple more to tweak everything to their liking. I would recommend this remote for anyone that has even the slightest complex setup. However I do like my 880 better, but it cost at least twice as much.

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Harmony 670 Universal Remote

Strengths: (1) Comfortable design (2) Good trouble-shooting assistance via "Help" button (3) Works well with newer and older componants

Weaknesses: (1) Goes through batteries much quicker than regular remote

Summary: This is my first all-in-one type remote, but the setup was pretty intuitive. It did not take long to gain control of all of my equipment. When I did encounter a problem, the Help button walked me through the fix. It's nice to condence multiple configurations of audio level/channel, video device and TV channel/input into simpler commands like "Watch TV" and "Listen to Music". Overall, a great value when considering a learning type remote.

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A Smart Universal - well done Logitech

Strengths: Activity functions. Recognizing my components, web based customization.

Weaknesses: A tad small on buttons, but that helps keep it compact.

Summary: Within 30 minutes had DirecTV, PVR, HD-DVD, AV-Receiver, and Panasonic 42" working harmoniously. Love the activity buttons ("Watch DVD", "Listen to Music" etc.). After starting with the desktop software, I moved to the web based customization -- members.harmonyremote.....

This lets you customize or map buttons/functions to your heart's content. Easy to do the basics - I changed defaults to leave components powered "on" when changing between activities. Could spend much more time fine tuning, as you like.

I conclude it is worth the money to have full control in one smart device, and to banish other remotes.

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Almost the only Remote you will ever need.

Strengths: I started using my remote after 10 minutes of setting it up on my laptop. My wife can finally switch from cable to a movie without asking for help.

Weaknesses: Sometimes a device will not turn on, the help menu will fix the problem its just annoying. Or lets say the TV was turned on manually the remote will turn it off. Not a major issue.

Summary: 2008-03-19 09:43:00 I'm really happy with my Harmony 670. Its not perfect but I don't think any $500 remote will do a better job. I liked these design over the others b/c there is a light button and a good layout. I do most things without looking down at the remote a real plus over some other models. Another benefit are the 6 programmable buttons (there is a next screen that will allow for more!) Also the 6 main buttons are different for each setting. Let me explain: cable mode (buttons A,B,C,Aspect,etc) Music mode (change disc, search station, etc.)

Awesome remote!

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Update!!!

the USB thing broke off. I fixed it, but poor support for this part of the remote.

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Harmony 670 Remote review

Strengths: Replaces multiple remotes, Good customer service from logitech,easy to use buttons

Weaknesses: Battery life

Summary: This remote control replaced around 7 remotes at my home including TV, DVR,VCR,DVD,Air conditioning to name a few.

Programming the remote is easy provided you know the Make/model# of the equipment you would like to control alongwith an internet connection. Once you are on the website you can plan using your remote control with Activities.

The button layout on the remote is very intutive and ergonomic.They are backlit so you can use them in the dark without fumbling.

I was unable to program the remote and the logitech customer service was great, they helped me program the remote.

The only downside the batteries get drained easily because of so many Activities (Imagine using 1 remote instead of 7 in my case. The workaround for me was to use re-chargeable batteries.

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Excellent remote

Strengths: It can operate anything, Programmed on PC & Internet, can learn from other remotes, help/self correction feature, under $100

Weaknesses: Screen hard to read when not backlit, some of the buttons need to be slightly larger.

Summary: It took me a little over an hour to get the activity keys to work exactly as I wanted them to. The process was straight forward. Very powerful prograing for anyone who wants to spend the time to get it to do exactly what you want it to do.

This is better than a learning remote, packs the features of more advanced remotes, and under $100 with shipping. I was able to consolidate 5 remotes into this one remote.

My only complaints are: the backlight turns ff too quickly, and some of the buttons are too small. . . I would almost favor a remote with no numbers and larger more inteligantly placed video transport and navigation buttons (Up, Down, Left, Right, OK/Center). The remote is also fairly thick.

Overall this remote combines the functions of a learning remote, and that of a more advanced home theatre remote, in an easy/quick setup. Many codes are availble for a wide variety of devices and can be downloaded from the internet. This saves a lot of time when compared to a learning remote. I especially enjoy the activity functions on the remote.

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Harmony 670 remote is great product

Strengths: easy to program, comfortable to hold, good button placement

Weaknesses: Words often truncated on display screen

Summary: Overall I give it 4 of 5 stars. Battery life is a concern based on web reviews, so I use rechargeable and recommend unit only if buyer plans to use rechargeables.

I like the shape and size, unlike others who posted reviews. Computer programming worked flawlessly.

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