105 of 115 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Overall a Great Choice-If you just want one, February 17, 2011
This review is from: Logitech Harmony 300 Remote Control 915-000143 (Electronics)
If you are like me, universal remotes have always been a gamble, wondering if it will work with the intended devices. Yes, learning remotes help alleviate that a bit, but getting them set up just how you want can be tedious. The Harmony 300i remote is amazingly simple and effective.
Many of the low reviews for this remote (and its sibling, the
Logitech Harmony 300 Remote Control (Black) - the only difference is the 300 has a matte finish and the 300i is glossy) are written by those comparing it to a full fledged Harmony, which cost significantly more. This remote is better compared to things closer to its price range, the typical universal remotes with learning features. It seems to be for people who want the benefits of the Harmony line without extra features they will not use. It is in this comparison that the Harmony 300i shines.
The first and most significant benefit is the HUGE Harmony library of compatible devices. No more wondering if a device is supported unless it is VERY uncommon. We got this for a new 55 inch Insignia TV, and Insignia Blu Ray player, and a Direct TV box. The Insignia items were particularly troublesome with other 'universal' remotes, but were simple with the 300i. We used the default programming for all three items, and it works great.
Aside from the large library of supported devices, this remote is remarkably easy to program. Plug it in to your computer, log in (more on that later) and type in your devices' maker and model number. Then sync your remote to your choices. All done. When you choose an actual model number, no more wondering if the code is correct. No more typing in various codes from some small printed manual to see what works. I was able to program these three items at my house and then take over to a relative for her to start using.
If for some reason you do not like the default set up for a device, the remote's software allows you to move options to other buttons by simply dragging the option to the button you want to control that choice. For example, you can choose Volume Up an drag that to any button you so choose. Much easier than having to relearn things button by button to set it up the way you want.
Also, the Harmony does allow learning for functions not included in an items default set up. Since this process is software driven, it is much simpler than any other learning I have tried.
(Note: I did say I am using the default set up, but did try the drag and drop and also learning features just to see how they work.)
One other benefit of the remote is the appearance and comfort level. It looks classy and the shape has a great feeling. If is contoured nicely to your hand and despite its longish size is easy to operate with one hand. While one would expect that, I have used enough universal remotes to realize that not all of them feel great in your hands and not all of them are as easy to operate with one hand.
So... Why only four stars? This remote does require you to register at the Harmony web site to set it up. There is no software included in the package, and even with the appropriate software, it requires logging in to the Harmony web site to make any changes to the remote. Sorry, that bugs me. I have enough items I've had to register, and to do so just to program a remote seems unnecessary. Does it justify a one star drop? Maybe, maybe not. But I could not bring myself to give this items five stars (which implies perfection) based on the registration and log in necessity.
In summary, however, this is a great remote. Does it measure up to the much more expensive Harmony's? Probably not. But for people wanting an easy to use learning remote just to get rid of the remote clutter, this is a great choice.
EDIT: Since the first one was so good, the relative wanted a second one for another room, also with a TV, Blu Ray, and DirectTV box. Long story short... Not only is registration required for EACH remote,, but it must be done with a different email address - you cannot use the same email address to register a different remote at myharmony.com. One registration is bad enough... Having to register each Harmony 300 separately is annoying... But not being allowed to use the same email address is ridiculous...
Considering this, I have reduced my review to three stars. If I wanted annoyances, there are many remotes I could choose from, making the Harmony 300 very average. I hope Logitech takes this into consideration. It almost seems like they expect people to buy only one... But its a good enough product that they should make it easier to own more than one...
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20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very nice multipurpose remote for the money., February 10, 2011
This review is from: Logitech Harmony 300 Remote Control 915-000143 (Electronics)
This is a great multi-function remote. Very easy to program using their on-line web site, and the supplied USB cable. You can check and see if this remote will duplicate your particular equipment before purchasing. It allows for 1 source volume control for all of the devices. Initial programming takes about 4-5 minutes, but simple one button changes only take a few seconds after initial set-up. The online software remembers your settings.
What I like about this remote: 5 Stars for...
Ease of programming for all devices.
Easy to add/change button functions.
Easy to hold, very ergonomically designed.
Plenty of buttons to do almost everything.
Good price if you don't have more than 4 devices to control.
A friend found one at Best Buy for under $30.
What I don't like about it: 3 stars for....
Buttons are too small and close to each other.
The markings and fonts on the keys are too small.
It would be great if all the buttons lit up when using.
Very hard to find your place on the remote in a dim lit room.
Black buttons on a black shell makes them almost invisible.
It is very nice and you would be hard pressed to find one this good for the money.
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26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Logitech Harmony 300i, January 19, 2011
This review is from: Logitech Harmony 300 Remote Control 915-000143 (Electronics)
I have Onkyo Receiver, Vizio TV and Verizon Cable box (DVR). I tried many universal remotes earlier but always messing up with remote codes, and nothing worked fully.
I bought it accidentally. I thought I will return it, but then decided to give it a try.
The online programming of remote (while remote attached to computer via USB cable) is awesome and quick. It took 3-4 minutes for initial setup.
Some of the keys did not work for onkyo receiver initially. However, website provided two options to program the keys which were either not programmed or I wanted to program differently. Two options were:
1. I could drag and drop the the command from list of commands of onkyo (available on harmony's site) to the key which I wanted to program. Done. This is interactive and easy process.
2. Second option is called "Teach" where the old remote can transfer the command wirelessly to Harmony remote, and then you can assign that command to a key on harmony remote. Again very easy to use.
I bought it accidentally but I am glad that I bought it. This is cheap and best solution for those who want to get rid of many remotes yet all functions should still available in single remote.
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