Hey, Look at That - Macros!

The Logitech Harmony software now includes a method of adding "Sequences" which is Logitechian for "Macros". Sequences are created in a separate area of the software and can be selected much like a device. Each sequence is limited to 5 device steps, and there are no options for delays. This is a step in the right direction and it provides at least basic support for those who would like to run multiple commands across different devices while not leaving an activity (for example, muting the audio while activating closed captioning on a DVD player).

Timeout!

Logitech apparently believes that programming a remote control is akin to entering in your Social Security number or performing sensitive financial transactions online... or so I would think by the relatively short time-out each session is given. I'm sure they have a legitimate reason (no I'm not) but in either case I was nailed more than once for not saving when I decided to walk away from the desk for a few minutes to attend to another task. When I returned the system lost everything I had just done and informed me that I had to login again. This seems unnecessary and, I imagine, is going to be a real pain for most users. At least store the session variables.

Use and Functionality

The Harmony is as good as the equipment you use in your home theater. For use with products like the Vizio display, which do not have dedicated input IR codes, the results can be unpredictable and frustrating at times. Thankfully, the Harmony One has its useful 'Help' button which quickly fixes any issues users may have with their systems by refiring some or all of the macro commands until the system works. The only thing I'd wish for was a smart on-board processor that recognized repeated uses of the 'Help' command and factored it into future macro executions. For example, the controller had a hard time reaching my DVD player during discrete On/Off commands, and so the player is often left On or Off unintentionally when an Activity or shut-down macro is issued. Since this has happened several times, it would do no harm for the Harmony to execute the Off command (or On command during boot-up) several times to ensure compliance. For toggling power controls this isn't useful, but for those products which have dedicated inputs and power controls the results would be better (and the remote would truly be intelligent). I found that most of my IR difficulties were a factor of how easy my equipment was to control, and not necessarily the fault of the Harmony One.

One of the things users, especially novices, will need to reinforce in their minds, is the necessity to keep the remote pointed at the equipment during the Activity start-up process. This is because the Harmony One has no provision for RF functions. Disappointingly the best remote (my opinion) in Logitech's entire line-up is without the ability to send out RF commands to a compatible base station. This is something I'd love to see added into a future model (the Harmony Two?) but as of CEDIA, Logitech hasn't yet indicated that it will be adding RF control to this style of remote anytime soon. There is also no indication that WiFi, barring any surprise announcements to the contrary, will be on the radar in any short amount of time.

Using the Harmony once programmed is easy and I never felt that I was missing any commands or tactile buttons. In fact, the remote seems eerily "psychic" in its ability to deliver the controls you'll need for everyday use. For those less common or obvious commands, the interface has matured enough to allow users to add in their own controls and tell the remote where to place them on the screen. This is excellent and truly makes for a flexible and successful remote control.

Conclusions

We've used nearly every Logitech Harmony remote control the company has put out and feel that the Harmony One stands in a league of its own. This remote truly has the feel of a complete redesign from the ground up and brings a new reference standard to the word "ergonomic." What's holding this remote back from world domination, in our opinion, is price. At $249 the Harmony One is at a premium for any remote control that is destined to be programmed and used directly by consumers. As much as Logitech wants to look at the One as just another AV component, Joe Average may not quite be ready to fork out that much capital to consolidate a few remotes.

The Harmony One is a great remote that we hope shows the future direction of the Harmony line in terms of style and ergonomics. We love it and can heartily recommend it for those who want to add a splash of style to their home theater while reducing remote clutter and confusion. This might be the One.

Logitech
6505 Kaiser Dr.
Fremont, CA 94555 USA
510-795-8500
www.logitech.com

About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in personal peripherals, driving innovation in PC navigation, Internet communications, digital music, home-entertainment control, gaming and wireless devices. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).