Logitech Harmony 555 Remote Control Infrared Universal remote control for DVD player, DVR, TV, Audio system, VCR

Author's product rating:   

Quality	Excellent
Durability	Good
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Completes complex source switching with a single keystroke
Disadvantages:	Not much

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I have a complex AV system that has separate audio and video signal paths. This makes switching sources a nightmare that involves multiple remote controls and a lot of concentration. I have tried many programmable remotes over the years (three in the last 2 years) and this Logitech Harmony product stands head and shoulders above the rest.

The set up requires a PC or MAC. I found the software excellent. Initially the software asks for the make and model numbers of the devices you want to operate. Logitech have a huge library of devices (they claim 175,000+). If your device is not there it has the ability to learn from the original R/C. Then you can set up activities listing the devices involved and the initial setting for each. For example watching a DVD may need the TV, DVD and AV amp with the TV source set to scart 2. If you need to you can assign any function to any key in any mode and you can fine tune the operation right down to the time delays between commands on individual devices. I have 9 activities programmed for 8 components but the device can control up to 15 devices. The final operation is sending the settings to the R/C via a USB cable.

All the standard buttons for controlling AV devices can be found together with some mode selection buttons and also 4 soft keys that have programmable LCD labels (there are scroll keys so more than 4 soft keys can be set up if needed). Right at the top are the Activity and Device keys. Pressing one of these will present you with either the list of devices or activities on the soft keys. If you select a device then the Harmony R/C will emulate the original equipment's R/C. Selecting an activity will turn on the required devices, set them to the required inputs and map the R/C'sbuttons to the correct functions of the corresponding devices.

The look and feel of the device is very good. Not too large with a nice glossy finish. It sits nicely in the hand and can be operated single handed (I have found some larger R/Cs need both hands). The backlight works well.

It is powered by 4 AAA batteries. I actually prefer removable batteries to inbuilt rechargeable because you don't have to remember to replace it back in a cradle. Also it saves one mains plug and lead (I use enough of those in my living room already) and you don't have the worry that if the inbuilt batteries die you have to buy a complete new device.

Likes:

Feel and finish
Software and set up
Comprehensive library of remotes
Very good value

Dislikes (being very picky):

Mute and Prev buttons don't have illuminated legends
USB connection sluggish