Logitech Harmony 659 LCD Remote Control
- Type: Universal Learning
- Universal Remote Control Type: Learning
- Broadcasting Type: IR
- Applicable Devices: VCR, DVD Player, Cable\Satellite Receiver, Amplifiers, CD Player, Receiver, HDVR Recorder
- Devices Controlled: 15
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Harmony SST-659 Remote Control: Does This Really Work Well?
Pros
Easy to use, easy to set up, wonderful performance, well constructed
Cons
Can be a little confusing to set up
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
A wonderful remote that will do away with your other remotes in a heartbeat.
Are you tired of having 20 different remotes laying around any room with electronic devices? I know I was. I had gotten to the point where I needed a remote for the remotes. Something that could tell me what went with what and what it did when I figured out what it went with. Did that make sense? No? Well, that is how I felt making my way through the myriad of remotes I owned.
So, I decided to do something about it. I had read about the truly universal remotes that are being made and how they actually do make things easier and also how they are not as difficult to program as they used to be. Off I went in pursuit of one.
The first thing I noticed was that these are not the same old clunk remotes that you would buy a few years back when you lost a remote. These were called universal remotes because they could operate any TV. No, these are sleek remotes that can operate any device- TV, stereo, CD player, VCR, DVD, etc. No longer did the universal remote involve giant blue and red number keys? Suddenly, they had become almost sexy.
The second thing that surprised me was that you set this remote up through a USB internet connection. Slightly different, but something that I really liked and something that I found pretty easy to follow. While not as easy as following a few simple directions that pop up on the screen, you are also not dealing with a simple remote. Hence, it has a few more steps, but in the end those extra steps are well worth it.
The next thing that surprised me was how user friendly the remote is. I expected it to be difficult to use and to have way too many buttons with too many functions to even consider remembering. While it does have a lot of buttons, they number no more than any other remotes and they are fairly easy to follow. The remote also has a scroll wheel for quick and easy movement through the various menus. I would also add that the remote is comfortable and fits in your hand. It seems as if companies are finally making remotes that fit the hand and this is one that will not disappoint. The remote also features an LCD backlight that should be expected on all better products these days.
I was also surprised by the way the remote works. When you want to do something it will literally ask you the question, "Watch TV". Press the button to basically say "yes" and you are on your way. Very simple and easy to use and follow. Furthermore, the remote is intelligent. What do I mean? Well, if you want to watch a DVD and were watching something via satellite, the remote will turn the satellite off. A pretty cool feature that at the least saves you a few pennies in energy charges and wear and tear on various electronic systems through the house.
So, does it work? Does it ever. We control a TV, DVD player, VCR, and CD player with the remote. One thing to note is that the database contains over 30,000 devices and manufacturers, so you should not have a problem finding your makes and models. I operate two new Sony's, a decade old Zenith, and a Nakamichi without any trouble. You really will not notice a difference in the operation from a performance perspective. Correct that. You will not struggle with the Sony working and the Zenith not working. The performance changes will be noticeable in a positive manner.
What do you get for your money? You get the remote, four AAA batteries, a quick start guide and the software. The batteries will run about as long as they will with any other somewhat sophisticated remote. The start guide is pretty easy to follow and will get you up and running relatively quickly. The software is easy to follow and- in conjunction with the quick guide- provides the ability to run all the aspects of the remote. I would also add that the remote is well built. You cannot throw it to the ground and expect it to work, but it is solidly constructed and will last for quite awhile.
I highly recommend the Harmony remote. While the set up may take a few more minutes than you are accustomed to with a remote, in the end you will be glad you took the time. The instructions may seem a little confusing, but again, when you get where you want to be, it will be well worth it. The remote is well constructed and the quick guide start up book is easy to follow and makes sense. The remote has made our lives a lot easier and, something we never really thought of- has removed the problem of the missing remote. It is much easier to lose a remote when you have eight of them than when you have one.
So, I decided to do something about it. I had read about the truly universal remotes that are being made and how they actually do make things easier and also how they are not as difficult to program as they used to be. Off I went in pursuit of one.
The first thing I noticed was that these are not the same old clunk remotes that you would buy a few years back when you lost a remote. These were called universal remotes because they could operate any TV. No, these are sleek remotes that can operate any device- TV, stereo, CD player, VCR, DVD, etc. No longer did the universal remote involve giant blue and red number keys? Suddenly, they had become almost sexy.
The second thing that surprised me was that you set this remote up through a USB internet connection. Slightly different, but something that I really liked and something that I found pretty easy to follow. While not as easy as following a few simple directions that pop up on the screen, you are also not dealing with a simple remote. Hence, it has a few more steps, but in the end those extra steps are well worth it.
The next thing that surprised me was how user friendly the remote is. I expected it to be difficult to use and to have way too many buttons with too many functions to even consider remembering. While it does have a lot of buttons, they number no more than any other remotes and they are fairly easy to follow. The remote also has a scroll wheel for quick and easy movement through the various menus. I would also add that the remote is comfortable and fits in your hand. It seems as if companies are finally making remotes that fit the hand and this is one that will not disappoint. The remote also features an LCD backlight that should be expected on all better products these days.
I was also surprised by the way the remote works. When you want to do something it will literally ask you the question, "Watch TV". Press the button to basically say "yes" and you are on your way. Very simple and easy to use and follow. Furthermore, the remote is intelligent. What do I mean? Well, if you want to watch a DVD and were watching something via satellite, the remote will turn the satellite off. A pretty cool feature that at the least saves you a few pennies in energy charges and wear and tear on various electronic systems through the house.
So, does it work? Does it ever. We control a TV, DVD player, VCR, and CD player with the remote. One thing to note is that the database contains over 30,000 devices and manufacturers, so you should not have a problem finding your makes and models. I operate two new Sony's, a decade old Zenith, and a Nakamichi without any trouble. You really will not notice a difference in the operation from a performance perspective. Correct that. You will not struggle with the Sony working and the Zenith not working. The performance changes will be noticeable in a positive manner.
What do you get for your money? You get the remote, four AAA batteries, a quick start guide and the software. The batteries will run about as long as they will with any other somewhat sophisticated remote. The start guide is pretty easy to follow and will get you up and running relatively quickly. The software is easy to follow and- in conjunction with the quick guide- provides the ability to run all the aspects of the remote. I would also add that the remote is well built. You cannot throw it to the ground and expect it to work, but it is solidly constructed and will last for quite awhile.
I highly recommend the Harmony remote. While the set up may take a few more minutes than you are accustomed to with a remote, in the end you will be glad you took the time. The instructions may seem a little confusing, but again, when you get where you want to be, it will be well worth it. The remote is well constructed and the quick guide start up book is easy to follow and makes sense. The remote has made our lives a lot easier and, something we never really thought of- has removed the problem of the missing remote. It is much easier to lose a remote when you have eight of them than when you have one.
