I was sent a Logitech Harmony One
So, I have wasted money on previous Logitech remotes, so when BzzAgent sent me a brand new Logitech Harmony One (for free) I was excited but at the same time weary. Their software to program the remote was previously unreliable and very confusing, you HAVE to have an internet connection to even run the damn thing.
I was pleasantly surprised when I got my new remote. The first thing I noticed was the color screen on the thing, it is beautiful. I had to plug it into my computer and set things up, and this is where I cringed a little, but to my surprise they have really updated this software nicely. You still have to have internet to access the control panel, but other than that they have really updated the software in a good direction, it walks you through each step one by one to make sure your remote functions exactly the way you want it to.
After about 30 minutes of adding all my devices I know have one remote that controls everything in my house. Let me state that my main entertainment center isn’t the only thing I ended up controlling, I went upstairs and programmed my tv/dvd up there too!
To add everything up, I have:
1 JVC tv
2 DVD players
1 VCR
1 Receiver
1 TV/VCR combo
1 Directv Tivo combo unit
1 Directv unit
The great thing about this new remote that I wasn’t to get done with the previous Logitech I bought, was the ability to use my receiver volume as the main volume for everything; previously I had to switch back and forth in the remote screen, but now I don’t have to switch anything, it controls it automatically.
Another thing previously was when I hit OFF it turned everything off all at once, now it asks you “is this a device you want to always stay on?” and I hit yes, and it never turns those devices off (anyone with a tivo knows what I am talking about!).
Another fun feature is the ability to upload images, and when you are not using the remote it will give a slideshow of those images on the color screen.
All in all I would rate this a 9.5 out of 10, it is missing that extra .5 just for the fact that they are charging $300 for this thing, but anyone that is serious about their entertainment center won’t mind paying that.
Check out this cnet review 