Customer Reviews

Logitech Harmony 688 Universal Remote Control (Black)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

As anyone with multiple electronic devices knows, less is better when it comes to remotes. One remote that does everything would be ideal. This one has a couple of killer features: Internet-based setup via USB, and "state awareness". With the Harmony 688, you merely install the driver, plug it into a USB port on your PC, and use Logitech's web-based configuration utility. Only in the rarest of circumstances will you need to point your existing remote and "learn" by pressing buttons (but you can do this if needed). Configuration can be arduous, but only because of the large number of parameters. It's easier to set up than other universal remotes although the configuration Web site could be easier to use. For example, if you want to customize buttons for each device, you click "My Remote Preferences", whereas setting up the activities and their related buttons takes place in a different menu. It took me about an hour to do the initial setup, and a couple of short tweaks later I was done (I had initially chosen the wrong audio input mode for the DVD activity).

The 688 uses an "activity" paradigm ("watch tv", "listen to music", etc.) Each activity is a functional mode of operation, combining the required macros, punch-throughs, and custom button definitions. The very best part of this remote is the state awareness. It remembers which devices are turned on, and can negotiate sequential input values (the ones where you cycle through each setting until you hit the one you want). This remote really reduces the amount of fiddling around, and lets you get down to the business of being entertained. For example, if you want to watch a DVD you simply select that activity. All of the appropriate devices are then turned on and the proper settings are selected. My TV's TV/Video selector cycles through the active inputs. You can't use standard macro programming to get around this problem, but the 688 doesn't skip a beat. It knows exactly how everything is set.

Prior to beginning the setup process, do your homework. Jot down all your brands/model numbers, which devices use which inputs for each activity, and the order of any cycled inputs. It's much easier if your computer is in the same room for setup (no problem if your setup includes a PC; laptop owners should consider using the laptop). The PC connection is only required for the initial setup.

PROS:
* Easy to configure, lots of options.
* Knows which devices are on, eliminating fuddling at TV time. This alone is worth the price of admission.
* Non-volatile memory; if your batteries die your settings are safe.
* Perfect for setups with TiVo or satelllite; can handle systems with both.
* Knows what a Turtle Beach Audiotron is!

CONS:
* Dinky buttons.
* Volume controls are "sticky", not as responsive as I'd like.
* Initial configuration can be daunting due to number of options. Default device configurations are lengthy and take some time to edit. Default activity configs are set up well, nice because this is where you will spend most of your time.
* Web configuration could be set up more intuitively; some devices are not listed, and input values were incorrect for at least one of my devices. This is a minor quibble, it just requires a little extra initial effort.

I have owned a few different universal remotes in my life and some have been good, others not. This is the best i have seen although not perfect.

Pros:
-Small and stylish
-VERY universal (knows most electronics including Xbox and Media center computers)
-designed for tivo and DVRs
-Online set-up can be simple or complex depending on what you want to be able to do (I actually liked the complexity. it allowed me to get things just how i wanted them)
-Actual buttons not touch screen
-The Activity buttons are better than any i have ever seen. The remote knows what condition you system is in so that when you switch activities it will turn off what is not needed and turn on the new devices. And if you use multiple inputs on your TV it will change the input as programed. This means no more scrolling through them. This is the only remote that i have seen that can do that (although there are others im sure)

Cons:
-Not great button design (small and different shapes)
Thats really about it!!!!

All i can say is that if you are looking for a remote that can be made to do whatever you want it to and has buttons not a touch screen, this is the one for you. It is a very smart remote for the price

I tried the 659, 680 and 688. They all act identical- just different button layouts. The 688 is near-perfect. The best choice, hands down. The 659 is clean and simple, but the the reverse/fast forward controls are at the bottom. Slightly awkward. The 680 has way too many small buttons spread out in an unlogical way. Stay away from it unless you are self-destructive. After searching for ten years, I have finally found the one. If you're on a budget, get the 659. Otherwise save the trouble and go for the 688.

Like many others out there, my home entertainment system was a mess of remotes [4 in all with usually one or more of them under the couch or in some other God-forsaken place]. I could use the system pretty well, but my wife and daughter were constantly using the wrong settings [a little analog picture instead of HD, for example] and overall, they were very intimadated with the whole setup. I know, this sounds a lot like the Logitech ad, but it is true.

I purchased the 688 in an effort mostly to make things easier for them...and I was also somewhat curious after I read the ad in an electronics catalog. My wife received the first two seasons of Raymond for Christmas on DVD and she wanted to be able to watch them when I was not around to keep her out of trouble. [Actually, I prefer NOT to be around when she has her Raymond marathons].

I was not disappointed. THIS DEVICE IS ABSOLUTLY FANTASTIC! The initial setup was simple and went perfectly according to the Installation Booklet. Setting up and configuring my components was equally as simple...it even recognized a 15 year old Mitsu VCR, which I seldom use. Everything worked perfectly the FIRST time. I was expecting a big setup battle, like with so many other usb devices, but I didn't get one. Wow!!

A couple of things: 1 - The Longitech web page didn't like my Mozilla browser initially, but I just went on with the process and everything worked out fine. 2 - The buttons are a tad small, especially the Activity Buttons...but, I'll learn to live with them.

This product is outstanding. I would recommend it to anyone.

I have owned this remote for about a year now. I have a full blown home entertainment center with mixed components, including HDTV, satellite receiver, DVD, VCR, video processor, etceteras.

I agree with most reviewers that the online setup is really impressive and worked right the very first time, once you put in your model numbers correctly. I was shocked to see that they even had my video processor (an iScan Ultra) as a selection, because this is a pretty unusual component.

The next thing I like is the ability of the remote to help the not-so-techies through the process of getting their systems turned on and off and set up for different functions. With all other universal remotes I have seen, as long as everything goes perfectly, all is well, but the first time the amp fails to turn off when you select the "all off" on the remote, you get out of sync and figuring out how to re-sync is a nightmare for my wife, mother, and kids. The Help function makes re-syncing easy. Of course if you know what you are doing you can re-sync without using the Help function, something I'm not sure was made clear in other reviews.

The power consumption is impressively low, I have only changed the batteries twice in a two year period, and the unit's shape is comfortable to hold. Also, I have contacted customer service with a couple of questions and problems and have found it excellent in terms of response time and courteousness. Perhaps one of the best ever for an electronic component that I have experienced. Hats off to Harmony on that one.

Now for the negatives. Several buttons failed to program correctly. I finally did get them to work right but it did take some patience.

Perhaps the most annoying negative, though, is the tiny buttons for things like INFO and EXIT, two functions that you need to use continuously when surfing with a satellite receiver. This is inexcusable. You must turn on the backlight and physically LOOK for these buttons each and every time or you will miss them and accidentally hit the volume button or the channel up/down button. Even the number buttons are crowded so close together that you end up hitting the wrong one constantly unless you are looking at it. Extremely annoying, enough so that I am looking at upgrading to the new 880. (Update: Which I have now done - see my review.)

Also annoying is the shape of the central joystick component. It's just not very ergonomic. It's a raised ring that is only about a millimeter wide. Your finger can feel it easily enough, but it just does not feel comfortable and could have been so much better.

Other flaws, which can probably be resolved with patience, include that the not-frequently-used functions on my components are not easy to get to at ALL, and many of them are incorrectly labeled or don't work, period. In order to resolve this I will have to go into the website and completely redo the programming for each button, manually programming them as I go. This to me defeats the benefit of having the component available online. What they really mean is that the on/off and other MAJOR functions will be correct, but the detailed programming, like changing from Dolby 5.1 to Dolby Enhanced 5.1 or Jazz Club effect on my amp, will not be.

(Update: I finally got around to reprogramming all the soft buttons. Once you get the hang of it, it's not a terribly long process, but it should have a function that allows you to just clean out every soft button and start from scratch. Instead you have to clear each one individually. Not a major barrier, just a gripe.)

The LCD screen only offers a few characters worth of width, so many labels have to be abbreviated. This makes the programming very cluttered and unprofessional looking, not to mention having to get creative with some abbreviations. A wider screen with higher resolution is what needs to happen here; you will be very disappointed by the screen on this unit, to the point of not using it very often; it's sometimes much easier to walk up to the component and make the change manually than to have to surf to the right LCD button. (Update: the 880 addresses the screen issue very well.)

There is a function to allow you to download the titles of all the on-air programs right to the remote, so that you can literally see what's on by looking at the LCD. Forget it; it's not worth the effort due to the tiny screen and the time required to download it. A total waste of what could have been a handy feature.

We still have two other OEM remotes available at all times to deal with the shortcomings of this unit. I still believe in the concept, it just needs some refining. (Update: I now use this remote in my bedroom and the 880 with the main entertainment unit. The refinements I had hoped for are indeed taken care of on the 880.)

I was able to go from 6 remotes down to 1. I have fairly new equipment and did not have any issues with the 688 working with all devices with ease. The Activity buttons are easy to setup and are wonderful to use. They allow to turn on & set all devices to the correct mode with the click of a single button. It used to take me 3-4 remotes to do the same thing when watching TV or the DVD player.

The web interface used to setup the remote is easy to use. The standard config 'pushed' to the device works well. I made quite a few changes to allow quicker access to buttons I frequently use. It is very easy to modify the standard configure.

One downside to the remote is that it eats batteries very quick. I have changed the batteries every 12 days (4 - AAA batteries). The batteries just die, basically no warning. I plan to invest in rechargables.

Not as pleased with the volume controls of the 688 when controlling my receiver. The Harmony changes the volume in 3db increments and is not very responsive. If I press the volume up 4 times, the receiver will go up 12db - and will take a little time to react to go back down in volume when pressing the volume down. The remote that came with the receiver moves in increments of .5db and responds immediately. I found a simple workaround that allows for increments of 'only' 1.5db using the Harmony. I press the volume button while directed at the receiver and then immediately cover the IR of the remote. I was able to get used to the volume controls and am very happy with the remote.

The remote works well with my new DIRECTV HD TiVo HR10-250. That was a key component for the remote to control.

It would be a 5 star if not for the battery and volume control issues.

I purchased this device because of the manufacturer's review here. My initial thought was - wow - this will be a breeze to have, much better than the Sony universal remote (the one that looks like a mini-computer). And, for the most part, that's right.

Overall, as I use the device, I do find it of value and like the ability of the device to quickly learn and correct itself. But, I did have a rough start. I would recommend for someone buying the device to read the install booklet and THEN the user guide (online) prior to setting up your system. It will definitely make it much, much easier.

I've found it relatively easy to use, once it's been set-up. I do admit that the set-up was a challenge at first (and I'm tech savvy). So, I wasted about two hours initially.

What's important to know is that once you start setting up the system, you really can't go back until you've done the initial install. So, as the other reviewer noted, have all the information about your system set-up (make, model, remotes handy, etc.). You'll need it.

I called the help desk and the first time they really couldn't help until I had finished the initial install. The 2nd time I called, they were able to assist me (with my Dish TV PVR set-up).

The jury is still out on it - I gave it 4 stars for the overall ability/ease of use. I'll come back and rerate (lower) in the next few days if I don't get a few kinks knocked out (i.e. not all the devices turn off/on when I command - it's primarily the dish TV box).

Overall, I'm glad I bought it. It does control all of my stuff: my discontinued DirecTV/TiVo receiver, my off-brand TV I bought at Target six years ago, the JVC stereo I got on college and my Xbox(classic, not 360). So not matter how obscure you equipment it, this thing can probably control it.

Now the "not-so-cool" stuff:

I have slightly larger than average hands. The buttons (as some people here have already mentioned) are very small. The layout is also a little weird. I'm used to my old TiVo remote where I can hold it in one hand and just use my thumb. Not this one. Sometimes I have to hold it on one hand and hit the buttons with the other. A little uncomfortable.

Setup was not the delightful experience they make it out to be. I had gone out to Logitech's website the day before I ordered it and did their interactive demo where you can simulate programming a remote. I wanted to see if it would control all of my "vintage" electronics. Anyway, you sign up as a visitor, but you cannot make changes to your selections until you buy a remote and register it. I tried to do this, but for some reason it "didn't take" and I had to call customer service to fix my account. The remote comes with a CD, which I don't really understand since you have to go on-line to download the code to control your stuff, and as soon as you do (the first time) the website tells you your local software is out of date and downloads an update anyway! The application then runs in the tray, and if you plug in the remote it will tell you that it can't do anything because it is already running.

The last negative is the battery usage. What people here say is true; this thing sucks down the batteries. I'm used to my remote batteries lasting years. This one had them last about two weeks. And you get no indication that they are low other than it just up and stops working. Which, if you don't have AAA batteries lying around (four of them) means you are out of luck. Definitely invest in rechargeable batteries if you get this.

All in all, I'm pleased. I'm not sure if the higher end models would get around these issues. I may have been inclined to upgrade if they did. But, this will do for now.

This is the second "universal" remote I've tried to reduce the clutter of remotes (and the power struggle over component control) that comes with even a modest A/V or home theater environment.

This remote is a dragonslayer when it comes to recognizing devices via Logitech's web-based database and then giving you an activity based model that is easy for the non-geek to take on. The Web/USB transfer of settings is a huge improvement over other products that require either "learning" commands via IR exchanges, entering product codes, or entering long strings of macro commands (although it does retain the option to learn IR commands for unidentified or specialized devices).

For this overall ease of use it gets an A plus.

My S/O, whom is definitely *not* a gadget freak, lover of technology or remotes is delighted to now be able to press one button to shift between "watch hi def TV", "Watch TiVO recordings" and "Watch DVD" without having to reselect audio and video input settings on multiple remotes (or scroll through multiple menus on a single universal remote). For this it gets an A plus.

Others have mentioned some negatives. Let me echo them. They are not showstoppers, but you will have to live with them.

The buttons are small. If you have reached an age in life where you need reading glasses....keep them nearby.

Some advanced functions (and some fundamental Tivo functions) are hard to find or require customization..and even though I've found the instructions online for customizing some function buttons, I haven't figured out quite how to do so yet...Customization is not especially intuitive.

The web site fusses unneccasarily over browsers. If you are using MSIE, you probably won't have a problem. If you are using Mozilla, you'll probably get nagged...and it will work fine anyway.

For the price....a decent solution to a pile of remotes, and probably worth keeping the reading glasses at hand:-)

I bought this remote here a while back and I really like it so far. Setting up the remote with the software was relatively easy and only took about a half hour to have all my AV equipment working on the remote. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it created bottoms or screen choices for all the functions of my Dish PVR. I like how you can customize the on screen display so that the features that you use most often show up first. Overall a very good remote, the only complaint I have is concerning the buttons. They appear to be to small for my taste and the layout is a little strange.