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Logitech Harmony 900: Review

Posted to Accessories 2009-12-21

The Logitech Harmony 900 is a full-featured universal remote control with RF, which allows you to control devices through closed cabinet doors. The Harmony 900 will work from a distance of up to 100 feet in RF mode, and also includes traditional line-of-sight IR control. The unit is easy to set up and program, using your PC and the supplied software from Harmony.

The software is compatible with Windows and Mac OS X PC's, and guides you throughout the setup process. The Harmony 900 can replace up to 15 devices, has a database of codes for over 5,000 brands and 225,000 devices, and has a built-in color LCD display. It includes easily programmed one touch activity keys (such as Turn On Bedroom TV, etc.), sculptured backlit buttons for common commands on most devices and uses a rechargeable battery pack.

Rating:

3.6 out of 5

Value

The Harmony 900 is a very powerful device, but its price puts it out of range for the average consumer. It's really only an option for expensive, high-end A/V setups. The device does add a lot of convenience if it's in your price range, and the RF control is a very nice feature to have. The guided PC setup and programming makes this task a simple one, and the unit connects easily to your PC via USB cable. At this price, however, Wifi similar to the Acoustic Research ARRU449 would be nice.

Performance

The Logitech Harmony 900 performs flawlessly, both in RF and IR modes. It has one of the most complete databases of device codes, so you're likely to be able to use it with all of your devices. And since the Harmony 900 can replace up to 15 devices, it's the only remote you'll need. If it's in your price range, the convenience offered by this device is hard to beat. The color LCD includes user-friendly menus for most devices, and also offers guided on-screen help if you get stuck.

Summary

If you're building a high-end home entertainment system, and want only one remote to control everything, then the Logitech Harmony 900 can likely handle the job. With it's database of device codes, you should be able to replace the remotes for all of your devices. And with its RF capability, those devices can remain behind closed doors and you can still control them. All in all a good offering from Logitech -- just too expensive.

Pros

Color LCD display
RF control of compatible devices
Can replace up to 15 remotes
Guided PC setup and programming

Cons

Expensive