PC NEWS - Logitech Harmony 676 Remote Review

Logitech Harmony 676 Advanced Universal Remote
Review by : Stuart Feibusch - Editor PC NEWS

Strengths: Smart state, usb setup, strong signal, plenty of buttons,Internet setup
Weaknesses: Internet based setup program.

The Harmony H6xx remotes are the best in their price range. The basic functions among different models are pretty much the same. The difference is the buttons. I liked the normal soft rubber buttons on 676 better than the hard "gem" buttons on 680. All the 676's buttons are user friendly. Making it easy if you want to operate the remote without looking at it.

It’s a rather big looking unit, but lightweight and easy to hold. It even includes changeable faceplates. The 676 comes with 2 extra colored plated (red and blue) which may come in handy if it matches your home theater. The remote is large but lightweight. It feels comfortable in my hand and buttons are easy to reach and works well in the dark. The harmony 676 is easy enough to use for even the most novice users. Some of the functions' names are cut short because of small LCD screen.

The Harmony 676 provides for near fool-proof organization of multiple remotes by the use of clever - internet based programming. In essence after logging on to the Logitech website you describe which models of equipment you own and it will automatically design its own macros - therefore by pressing the music button - it will automatically turn on amplifier and CD player, select the correct input etc.
Its ease of use is legendary.

I put both the strength and the weakness as Internet setup. Because it depends on whether you are a computer user or not. Also if your computer is not in the same room as your a/v system, it can be a hassle to correctly setup the remote. In that case it is best to use a laptop.

The "internet powered" setup is very easy. Although you have to go over quite some pages to get anything done. But don't get me wrong, once the remote is setup correctly, it works wonders! To program the Harmony, you log on to a Web site and tell a wizard what TV, DVD player, cable box, or other devices you have. It can control up to 15 different devices. The setup is easy but takes a little bit of time until you get adjusted to the site. The internet set up using a USB cable is very convenient. The only problem is you have to constantly visit the site for any changes. For example, to teach the remote a function from the original remote for your equipment you have to go online. I like the initial setup online but sometimes it can be overdone.

Another benefit for internet set up is this remote control will never be outdated. As long as Logitech keeps updating new device codes. There are a few more expensive Logitech Harmony and other manufacturers remotes with more advanced functions. However, for normal use with a home theater system, this one is more than enough. What good is a home theater system remote if it's difficult and confusing to use?

A universal remote like Logitech's Harmony Remote 676 makes controlling all of your A/V components easy. To program the Harmony, you log on to a Web site and tell a wizard what TV, DVD player, cable box, or other devices you have. You then answer questions about your setup (for example, what video input your DVD player is connected to), plug the remote into your PC with a USB cable, and download the codes to control your devices. Whatever commands are not transferred automatically to the remote by the online software can easily be learned by the remote. Simply align the bottom part with the IR from your original remote. Sound simple? It really is as easy as it seems.

1. Action buttons: With one press you can watch TV; play a CD, DVD, or video game; or listen to the radio. Custom setup options let you control what happens when you start any of those activities (for instance, you can tell it to set the surround mode on your receiver when you play a DVD). 2. Help button: This is a Help button that actually works! For instance, when the DVD action didn't switch to the correct input on my receiver, the help menu guided me in troubleshooting the problem. 3.Screen: Access less frequently used commands (like the volume-tweaking commands on a CD changer) from this screen. The Harmony can also download TV-program listings for your favorite channels via USB and display them here.4.Command buttons: Finding key commands like Play, Fast Forward, and Change Channel by touch is easy.
5. Glow button: When you need to see what you're doing in the dark, the Glow button makes the other buttons on the remote light up.

Using Your Harmony Remote: 1.Easy to set-up: Just connect your Harmony remote to your computer and the Web wizard walks you step-by-step through a simple set up. Enter in your model numbers for your components, then answer a few easy questions about how you “Watch TV” or “Watch a DVD.” You’ll be controlling even the most complex system without any of the hassles of elaborate macro-programming.2: Easy to use: The Harmony Remote is the world’s only remote with Smart State™ Technology activity control. Just press one of the Activity buttons, such as “Watch TV” or “Listen to Music,” and your Harmony Remote automatically sets up your entertainment system, without you ever having to program a "macro. 3: Easy to get help: With the Harmony remote, you don’t have to know anything about your entertainment system to operate it. No sound? No picture? No problem! There’s even a handy “HELP” button to guide you through simple troubleshooting and get you back in control. Everyone can now enjoy the full home theater experience using one multimedia remote.

You can even view your favorite program listings if you want, just tell it what channels you want to be able to see the listings for, and its set. And you just plug it in for updates, whether you have it set for a weeks worth of listings, or a months worth, whatever. This is truly a terrific remote. If there is a "remote control for dummies" this is it. You will love this Harmony remote. With the Logitech Harmony 676 remote your whole system is now "activity based" controlled. This is very smart. Any action, like watching TV, or a film, listening to the radio, etc., becomes so much more intuitive. Moreover, when you change activity, the unused components are automatically turned off.

As an added bonus, the remote can store the correct programming schedule for your region. This way, the LCD screen shows you what's on! You can view all your favorite program listings if you want, just tell it what channels you want to be able to see the listings for, and its set. And you just plug it in for updates, whether you have it set for a weeks worth of listings, or a months worth, whatever.

This is truly an a terrific remote. If there is a "remote control for dummies" this is it. Bottom Line: Altogether, this is a good purchase, even with the somewhat steep price ($150.00). Especially, if you have many pieces of equipment in your rack.

No other universal remote works as perfectly with everything in harmony. Logitech's Harmony Advanced Universal Remote 676 truly does it all.

For more info, or the purchase the remote :
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/detailsharmony/US/EN,CRID=2084,CONTENTID=9511