Logitech Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote

Gone from 6 remotes to ONE

Strengths: Versatility, Strength of Infrared Beam, Customizing Features, Lithium Battery

Weaknesses: Battery is ok. Would like to see a stronger Lithium battery.

Summary: 2006-04-05 06:54:13 This is a great item in its price range ($150 to $200)

Currently with a $50 rebate! (as of April 2006)

I no longer need to use ANY of my other remotes.

It has replaced remotes for:

Digital Cable Box

VCR

HDTV

DVR

Digital Receiver

This remote has replaced all of my remotes. I no longer need any of them to use the features of the above listed items. The remote is fully customizable. It will take some tweaking, and some patience. The end result will be worth it. A remote which handles all your electronic toys.

PROS:

1. Strong IR Beam. It's not the strongest, but it is an upgrade to some of the remotes it replaces like Panasonics DVR remote (Glad I don't need to use that remote)

2. Buttons. Once you get used to it (like all remotes) you will find most of the buttons are well placed. The transition period is tough, but get used to it, you will be happy using this wonderful remote.

3. Custom buttons. Program this remote with your PC. It will take some tweaking, but once you customize it, you will be happy.

4. On-line updates. Connect it to PC, use the helpful update instructions. Done.

CONS:

1. One touch programming. Sometimes a unit will fail to switch on or switch features. You will have to simply find the item on the remote's custom unit controls, and turn it on. The extra steps make it a slight annoyance.

2. The screensaver resolution. Pictures are distorted/stretched. Low resolution. It isn't an important feature.

3. Docking station. Needs to sit perfectly on the station to charge the battery. You will know its charging when you see the screensaver is running.

Get this item, you won't be disappointed.

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No more remote control piles!

Strengths: Easy to program via web, extensive library of audio/visual devices

Weaknesses: Some buttons are small, advanced remote functions may be difficult for novice users to get to, charger contacts are poor quality

Summary: 2008-04-23 16:33:58 This remote gets five stars for value and four stars for competence. Although it retails for $150-$200 in the stores, a comparable device from one of the high-end systems (Philips Pronto, CTX, etc.) integrators would cost at least $500 or more.

However, the remote leaves you exposed in a few areas. Ergonomics is good, but not excellent, as the Activity buttons (Watch TV, etc.) can be a bit too small for bigger hands. Also, some of the more slightly advanced remote functions, like Menu for ReplayTV owners is essential for basic things like finding TV programs, but requires hitting half a dozen buttons to find on the Harmony 880.

The charging system is also very weak. Often, the charging contacts are rendered useless by thin layers of dust or oil that collect on the electric receptacles between charging. When charging time comes, users will often have to clean up the contacts on both the remote and the charge pad to ensure a successful charge.

A huge positive is the RF based system (Harmony 890) that was recently released. That should enable much greater user flexibility, especially with systems hidden in other rooms or closets.

UPDATED 04/23/2008: After a few years of careful usage, a few of my remote buttons seem to be losing function. I own two 880s. One one remote, the "up volume" button either needs to be pressed very hard in order to perform its intended task or in other cases it actually lowers the volume. On my second 880 remote, one of the LCD buttons went out. But the worst problem is one that affects both remotes. The signal emitters on both remotes seem to be weakening, such that channel changes don't register appropriately. Now, I know that one can tweak how long the remote sends its signals, but its odd that the signal quality is degrading over time, despite no changes in my entertainment hardware. I'm lowering my overall rating by one star, as a result.

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Harmony remotes rock

Strengths: Charging base and color screen

Weaknesses: Flimsy charging base and no extra battery.

Summary: I got this model this past Christmas to replace by previous Harmony remote and I love it. All I had to do was plug the new remote into my laptop PC, login to Harmony, and programing the remote was done in a few minutes. All of my old settings transferred over without a hitch. I love being able to control my 6 audio/video devices with just one remote.

The only down side of this product is that it only comes with one battery. If you leave the remote out too long or a button gets stuck, your out of commission until a recharge is done. They use a proprietary battery in this unit, which removes the ability to just pop in AAA batteries until the old charge.

The only addition I could think would be a bluetooth function to keep it updates automatically, but that would add to the price.

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Harmony 880 Remote

Strengths: NA

Weaknesses: NA

Summary: Great remote with awesome features and good ergonomics. This is one of the best remotes from Logitech in the harmony line with all the bells and whistles like Color Screen, and a new button layout. The new button layout takes some time to get used to. The remote features rechargeable internal battery with a charging station, and can be programmed easily on the computer for virtually any device. Great remote overall. A bit pricey though.

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Family can finally watch my TV

Strengths: Macros. Super easy guided setup.

Weaknesses: None

Summary: This remote is phenomenal! First off, the setup program is brilliant. It first asks what components you have (TV, receiver, DVD, etc.) and then asks how you use them (TV or receiver for volume? TV or satellite box to change channels?). Then, it downloads all the codes for those products from the online database and creates macros.

You literally just press the button that says "Watch TV" or "Watch DVD" and it turns on all the needed components, and puts them on the right settings. It changes the input on your TV from HDMI to Video 1 or whatever, and on my receiver changes from DBS (satellite) to DVD to get the audio.

Best of all, visiting parents and friends can now turn on my TV without having to call me at work.

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Nice fancy remote with good functionality - nice package!

Strengths: Fancy look, Computer programmable, Easy programming

Weaknesses: Programming could have been easier, Sometimes hickups, No touch screen

Summary: OK - one of the reason I bought harmony 880 remote was because it looks cool! Second reason was I was tired of using walmart/target type 10-20 bucks remotes which doesn't do anything. And lastly, I got great deal on Dell's site for this remote (under 80 bucks).

I have Panny plasma, Sanyo A/V Receiver, cable box, Coby DVD player, Sony CD player - this remote handles everything most of the times without any problem. The setup was little confusing but fairly painless. The remote does the job nicely most of the times. The battery has long life and runs weeks without charging.

Through activites when I choose any option - it turns on specific things on my plasma tv & A/V receiver - makes life a lot more easier. Otherwise to watch TV I had to use three remotes - TV, receiver & cable box. Same goes for other activities too. Once in a while, if something doesn't go ON or OFF as it was supposed to - I can turn it ON or OFF through devices menu.

I know this could be better - no hickups, touch screen etc. but for this price it was a good buy! It does most of the regular things fine and so I am giving 4 points.

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Harmony 880

Strengths: Easy to use web interface

Weaknesses: You can't program a single task.

Summary: 2006-04-02 14:05:58 [4/2/2006 UPDATE] Well I contacted support about the docking issue and they knew about this issue and sent me a new dock which I recieved within 3 days. Wonder support and quick service is what I like.

I haven't looked into issue 2 or 3 but those don't seem to be big annoyances anymore.

[8/27/2005] I have now been using this remote for about 30 days. I am still happy with this remote as is my wife which is truely the most important opinion! I do have a couple of issues however I have not contacted support on them.

Issue #1: When placing the remote in the charger you must set it in just right... otherwise it will beep at you because it's not perfectly on the charger.

Issue #2: The battery life is just as doowop02 stated Lasts 1 day off of the charger.

Issue #3: Once the remote is in the charger the screen saver keeps running... it does not shut off unless you press the glow button which will turn the LCD off... carefull here as if it's not on the charger perfectly you will have to press the glow button a few times as it will move on the charger.

Overall I am happy with this remote.

[END 8/27/2005 UPDATE]

I set this remote up online before I had the remote. Hooked it up and updated the device and everything worked! I couldn't believe how simple this was to use.

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Logitech H880

Strengths: Completely configurable via USB & web site; Lit buttons and configurable view screen;

Weaknesses: Battery life & cradle; Not for noobs; Requires fine tuning but well worth it

Summary: SETUP ISSUES: If you don't like configuring gadgets then this isn't the remote for you but once you've spent some time with the configuration it is golden. You'll need to have your browser (WinXP-SP2) up to date with bug fixes or you'll have no luck setting the 880. Logitech's web site wouldn't allow me to use Firefox. The database of hardware is vast but there are many duplicates. If you pick a component that doesn't seem to work properly, try another. I'm using it with a HR10-250 DTivo, B&K Ref 50 receiver/amp, Panasonic 42" PHD7UY and a Media Server w/MCE5. It's working great.

USER HIGHLIGHTS: The buttons and screen are all configurable via USB and the web. The illumination time and the angle of tilt required to activate the lights are adjustable. This plays into the battery charge time. Initially, it was lasting about 2 days between charges. After some fine adjustments, I'm out to about 4 days now. The charge cradle is a bit of a balancing act. Make sure you hear the beep to confirm contact to the charger. I was able to adjust the stickiness of the volume control whereby 1 press = 1 notch. Most stock remotes can't do that. My g/f even likes it. Maximum control w/o the bulk she says.

CONCLUSION: Awesome control but you'll have to spend less time whining and more time fine tuning. Just think of it as an integral piece of your home theater. You get back what you put into the setup.

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880 beats the old models, but still not perfection

Strengths: Color screen, auto backlight dimming feature (after 10 seconds), rechargeable battery with GREAT life, 8 available action buttons per screen within each activity (vs. 6 or 4 on other models)

Weaknesses: Buttons have little tactile response, and are crammed next to each other. I am constantly looking down to find the buttons, VERY difficult to memorize remote, unlike the older Harmony 688 and 659.

Summary: I have the Harmony 688, so I can make a good comparison.

PROS:

Turning on and off everything at once, controlling volume and channels from one remote is HUGE! Big points for doing what remotes should have done long ago.

I don't know why other reviews are saying the battery life is bad. I use the remote for 1 Hour a day, and only have to recharge it once every 4 weeks!

Unlike other reviewers, I use this with a ReplayTV with great success.

This remote also controls my Toshiba TV/DVD combo, which NO universal remote could control. Only a learning remote is capable, and with the USB feature, I didn't even have to teach it, I just downloaded the codes from the Harmony website during setup.

CONS:

The buttons are terrible. They have have little tactile response, and are crammed next to each other. I am constantly looking down to find them, I just can't memorize this remote.

When I push buttons too fast, there is a delay in between sending commands. Meaning it is slower than the factory remote when pushing buttons quickly. This is a major annoyance. I have set the delay to 0 ms, and there is still a constant delay. I asked Logitech customer support, and they told me to upgrade the firmware and reset the remote. I did, and no luck. So I believe it is a flaw of the remote. My harmony 688 did NOT have this problem!

Overall I give it a 4 out of 5. The awesome features and power and usability you get far outweigh the cons.

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Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote

Strengths: Color screen, recharging stand

Weaknesses: Buttons don't feel great

Summary: A nice remote, its an improvment over the prior models, I have had the 688 for about two years and I like this one a lot better. All my components were already in their online database, and I only had to make 1-2 tiny adjustments after running the online wizard before it controlled everything perfectly. I reccomend it if you need the latest greatest, but other wise one of the other harmony's will work just the same.

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Harmony 880

Strengths: Controls everything I own. Old stuff, new stuff and an Xbox 360. Sweet!

Weaknesses: Charging cradle contacts don't make good contact, charging intermittent.

Summary: In addition to the Harmony 880 I also own a large Sony remote. The Sony has to be manually programmed, a difficult and unpleasant task, but the Harmony easily programs via the Web. So far I have not had to add any commands. The remote seems to know them all although I will rearrange some of them. I bought a Media Center remote for the Xbox 360 before I bought the Harmony remote and now the MC remote sits unused with all the others.

I've cleaned the contacts in accordance with tech support's advice and haven't had any problems since. But I shouldn't have had any problems to begin with.

Banish all your remotes to the graveyard. This is an excellent remote at a reasonable price.

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Best bang for the buck

Strengths: Simple programming via Logitech's web site, stylish, well designed, excellent display

Weaknesses: Takes a little getting used to where all the buttons are located at

Summary: While I haven't had this remote long, I could tell as soon as I opened the package charged the remote (took about 3-4 hours for the initial charge) and downloaded all of my settings that this was going to be a winner.

First I will start off by saying the dispay is so much better than Sony's dispay (night and day difference). The thinging I hated about the Sony was everytime I am watching TV I would grab for the remote and fumble to find the backlight button. Then everything looked the same and lacked any appeal factor. This unit detects as soon as you touch it on comes the remote backlit (with cute color pics) not the bland Dot Matrix dispay.

The activities button makes it a no brainer for the wife to use (not bashing the wife but she expects a user-friendly entertainment system) and the sleek design and coolness factor makes her want to use it and away with the cluttering 5 remotes. Win-win situation, it didn't take me an eternity to program and does everything I want and is simple and effective enough for her with all the coolness factor bundled up in one control.

The nicest thing was within 2 minutes I went throught the Logitech's web site. Picked all the equipment I have and told it how I wanted it set up in a simple question ad answer format. In fact I did this to see if they had all my equipment in their database before I bought the remote. They had everything, Onkyo receiver, Onkyo DVD, JVC VCR and JVC TV. Exact model on each. So I didn't have to waste time trying to teach it everything and figuring out how to relabel all the keys (done that with a different brand - not going back there). Nothing like buying a premium $100 universal remote only for it to hand during the learning process.

Ok so for the extra $70 over the Sony was it worth it? Absolutely... Easier to handle, easier to program, looks much better, easier to use and has everything there, which I can't say happened on the Sony universal remote.

I would recommend anyone looking for a universal remote to visit the Logitech website and walk through the configuration screen. If your equipment is there and you like the user-friendliness of running through the programming screen then save yourself from trying to key in codes in another remote that may or may not activate the features you want..

This is definitely what I was looking for... Wish I could have got one for under $100, but to avoid further aggravation with other models it was worth the $170 I paid at onsale.com when it was ON SALE. Also they have fast shipping - arrived in 3 days (not bad). I would definitely shop there again but I would wait for this unit to go on sale for $160-170 with shipping. Even though I love it I love a bargain and while $170 is expensive to me for a universal remote - some people charging $250 for this are out of their mind.

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What A Package!

Strengths: Nice Size, Intuitive, Nice Button Feel, Attractive

Weaknesses: Online Programming Is Slow

Summary: 2005-09-02 14:48:07 I've had the remote for a week now. When I received it I jumped right in and programmed it online. None of my components in my system including the TV, Surround Sound, DVD, DBS, TIVO, or VCR are the same brand. No problem as the online programming set up the macro's I needed to handle all the activities. I still had to go back and fine tune some settings but that was relatively easy. I also used the Infrared Learning feature for a couple of commands. It worked fine. This may be the first time I can truly use one remote for all my components. I will update this review after one month to update my feelings. So far I give it 5 stars.

UPDATED 8-31-2005

I've been using it a few weeks now and it's still going well. The device does forget to turn particular pieces on from time to time but overall I'm still pleased.

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This is probably the prettiest remote I've ever se ...

Strengths: Aesthetically-pleasing; One touch activity commands; Highly programmable; LCD screen; Rechargeable base; Sensor lights up remote when picked up, Good customer service

Weaknesses: Time-consuming process to perfect desired controls; Buggy website and/or software; Though programmable, some desired functions are not currently possible; Awkward button placement

Summary: This is probably the prettiest remote I've ever seen. It has a color LCD screen, plastic buttons (as opposed to rubber), a rounded-sleek look, and is comfortable to hold. However, after two weeks of use, I have not gotten used to the button placement. The number buttons, which I use to change channels, are at the bottom and to access them, I have to shift the remote up in my hand to use. This is because by default, I have my thumb placed at the center of the remote. The buttons used to control the LCD are small and flimsy. The remote is programmed through the website. You upload your changes to the remote via USB, but only after signing up to use the website (didn't think I'd have to sign up to a website to program my remote!). It's really easy to set up the remote the first time, but perfecting the way the remote controls your devices is entirely different. After two weeks of uploading changes to the remote, I have yet to have it control exactly the way I want it to. For example, when hitting an "activity" button to turn on three devices at once, it sometimes doesn't turn one of the devices on. Additionally, it doesn't change channels or send successive signals nearly as fast as my old remotes. Though I believe there is a way to remedy these problems, it's going to be a time-consuming, trial-and-error process. The website seems to have a few bugs in it and some of the set-up functions are slower than they need to be. To add a device to control, you input the model number of the device and the IR controls are added from the Harmony website. This is far superior to using a numerical code that I've experienced with other traditional universal remotes, but there are two limitations. First, some of the commands in the Harmony database are inaccurate. You can, however, learn the command from your old remote by pointing the old remote at the Harmony. Second, per the agreement, you have a 30 device limit per year. This is a great remote, but at this point, I don't think I would spend MSRP+tax to purchase again.

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Logitech Harmony 880 vs. Harmony 688

Strengths: Logitech tech support is just a phone call away and helpful sometimes, but compared to my previous Harmony 688 - Color screen with icons; that's about it so far.

Weaknesses: Update (08/21/05), I've lowered my rating to 1 star; Too many for the limited 200 character space available here; please see below comments. If I begin to enjoy the use of the 880, I'll let you know.

Summary: 2005-08-27 08:12:35 Final Update (08/27/05):

Overall opinion - Time to take advantage of my 30 return policy from where I ordered this remote and go back to my Harmony 688. Save your money and reduce the level of frustration; the Harmony 688 is a better buy. (Please see final comments A. - C.) - Doowop02

A. The Logitech Harmony 880 just flat out does not work well with my ReplayTV 5504; even standing 10 feet away from my PVR, you must point the remote in just the exact position and angle, and press buttons on the 880 just right (not too hard, not too soft, not too short and not too long). I have now worked for 10 days and over 20 hours trying to tweak and tweak. With this problem the Logitech tech support has been no help. (Please see further comments on this topic with comment item #6).

B. I have found that unlike the Harmony 688, the database for the Logitech Harmony 880 does not contain all or the correct commands for my new Denon DVD-2910. For example, I have had to use the manual learn function of the 880 for basic commands such as Next Chapter, Previous Chapter, and Select.

C. I have found that if I don't keep the 880 in its charging stand when not in use I only get 1 day worth of battery life with the remote's lithium ion battery.

1) Update (08/21/05), Linksys has a firmware upgrade posted on their web site that corrects this problem; had to contact Logitech tech support because I was unable to download the device settings file from the setup web site for the Logitech Harmony 880. Logitech tech support was helpful; they stated that some users of the 880 were experiencing this problem due to the large size of the setup file and some Linksys WRT54GS routers. They stated that a fix was in the works. I did not experience this problem with my Harmony 688. I've had to remove my PC from my home network, bypass my Linksys router and connect to the net directly from my DSL modem in order to download the setup file for my 880.

2) Device inputs for my Pioneer (VSX-36TX) receiver, Audiovox SIRPNP2 (Sirius) receiver and ReplayTV 5504 (more on ReplayTV below) were missing or incorrect on Logitech's database.

So -> 3) Have all of your device model numbers and remotes at hand; be patient and ready to spend time using the learning function of the 880 and tweak, tweak. So far I've spend a total of 8 hours (over 2 days) and am still trying to get everything working. Be prepared to tweak down to the mms (not sure what that stands for on the setup web site) on the setup web site to get the timing of device inputs to work between devices and between inputs for a single device; again be patient (I tell myself).

4) Favorite channels can be saved in the 880, but labels for each channel would be nice; you can add an icon, but where do I get an MSNBC icon; maybe when I have more time to work on the setup of my 880 beyond getting my devices to work I can create one that says MSNBC.

5) Update (08/21/05), Tiny nubs of buttons along side of the 880; at least with the Harmony 688 these buttons are larger and have a distinctive feel compared to the rest of the remote. On the 880 all buttons feel the same compared to the overall feel of the remote; so with the lights down and watching a movie, good luck trying to find the up/down volume; even with these buttons back lit I have to turn a light on to find most buttons on the remote before I have to use a finger nail just to press them.

6) Update (08/21/05), I hope you TiVo folks have better luck then I have controlling my ReplayTV with the 880. I had really no problems with the 688. With the 880 you have to press the nubby buttons just right; not to long of a press; not too light of a press; make sure the 880 is pointed in exactly the right location toward your ReplayTV (just pointing the remote at the ReplayTV doesn't get it) and at exactly the right angle; or forget it. Even standing just 10 feet away from my ReplayTV unit I experience the same frustration trying to control the unit with the 880. So I tweak some more and ...

I'm still tweaking just to watch TV; and yes I can get up to set the input setting on my TV correctly. And true; my Pioneer receiver is an older model and newer models are always on the market, and keeping up with them can be difficult but ... for $249 I was hoping the 880 could manage it for me.

Update (08/21/05), My 8 hours over 2 days of tweaking is now 12 hours over 5 days. If you like this kind of stuff and enjoy the challenge of trying to figure something out and making it work ... enjoy. I couldn't imagine trying to spend this same amount of time on the phone with Logitech tech support. I've been following the helpful hints and the instructions on the Logitech Harmony web site.

I do hope my experience with my 880 will help you with your decision to purchase. I'm still deciding myself before my 30 day return period is over.

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