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1
stars
DO NOT BUY IT
by bluebird775
on
October 21, 2005
Pros: There are none
Cons: Wont do anything
Summary: Never could get it to do anything. Tried to download data for my 5 devices and received a error message that the,"Configuration" is too big for remote. Remote is ...
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Summary: Never could get it to do anything. Tried to download data for my 5 devices and received a error message that the,"Configuration" is too big for remote. Remote is advertised to handle up to 12 devices.....am programming only 5. As a result of the error message the program will not download anything leaving me with a $100 piece of junk. Sent email to Logitech for support....they never answered. It is going back to store pronto.
Updated
Since my original posting a revision is needed. With reference to my download problem....I was finally able to load my data into the remote. There may have been a bug in the software program at the time of my first attempt to update the remote. However after working with the program I was able to download my data and the remote now works very well. I was pleasantly surprised by the ability of the data downloaded to operate all 27 functions of my Yamaha amp/receiver as well as my Panasonic HDTV and my panasonic dvd/vcr combo and also my Dishnetwork Set top box and all their respective menus. I must say that this remote does all I expected it to do. Considering the price, about $98....this remote will not disappoint most buyers. The software is relatively easy to navigate for loading your custom setup through the USB cable provided.
The only cons I have is that the keyboard buttons are a little small. The cosmetics and layout of the remote make for relative easy operation. The case is about as sturdy as most remotes I have used.
This remote does a lot for the price and I feel it is a very good value. I am very happy with it and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a nice reasonably priced remote.
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14 out
of 19 users found this user opinion helpful.
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10
stars
Outstanding Options for Price!
by BulletTooth
on
January 16, 2006
Pros: Controls any home theater device you can think of. All controls are customizable. Excellent back light. Excellent price $98.00. Great LCD screen.
Cons: Set up is lengthy, but awesome if you enjoy tweaking your settings.
Summary: I researched several remotes before buying this one. I've grown tired of having 5-6 remotes on the table. It's also annoying to be the only one who knows ...
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Summary: I researched several remotes before buying this one. I've grown tired of having 5-6 remotes on the table. It's also annoying to be the only one who knows how to turn everything on.
This remote is sweet. The software worked great for me. It updated the firmware and software right away. Then it walks you through all your device set ups. As long as you know the make and model number of your equipment you will not have a problem. I found all of my devices listed. Then it asks you several questions based on your current settings like TV inputs and AV inputs. I've set up 6 activities Watch TV, Watch DVD, Watch VCR, Play Xbox, Listen to CD, Listen to Radio. Now I can click one button, Watch TV, and it will turn on my AV Receiver, TV, and Cable box. It sets each device to the appropriate setting. All of this is done by hitting one button! Now it knows when I hit the volume up button that it has to tell my AV receiver to turn up the volume, if I hit channel up, it knows to tell my cable box to change the channel.
I'm really amazed that this remote works so well. All the devices are programmed so you can select any single device and all the remote buttons automatically are set for that device. I never had to use the learn function. Logitech's software preloaded all the remote buttons based on my model numbers. It will access everything. I even set one device as my theater lighting. It now can turn my lights on/off/dimm/bright.
The LCD screen allows you to customize all the labels for custom buttons you want set.
If you get this remote you will not be dissapointed. Just make sure you are a little tech savvy and have a couple hours to spend setting everything up. If not, have a friend do it. This will be the next gift for my parents!
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6 out
of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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9
stars
Takes some time to set-up
by csadrovitz
on
December 14, 2005
Pros: Handy troubleshooting guides, endless programming possiblities
Cons: response times can be slow, even on fastest settings
Summary: This thing works wonderfully for me. You just have to take the time to set it up properly, which does take a lot of trial and error. And with slow ...
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Summary: This thing works wonderfully for me. You just have to take the time to set it up properly, which does take a lot of trial and error. And with slow update times (1-3 min.) it can become irritating. Once all the kinks are ironed out, it works great. I prefer the look of this remote over the other (more expensive) harmonys. It matches my A/V equipment much better than those curvy k-mart universal look alikes that cost twice as much. It's built really well, and with "activity" oriented operations, even the technologically challenged can operate it. But unless you are tech saavy, you probably won't be able to get it set up to it's maximum potential. The range is great on it, and doesn't require direct line-of-sight.
A few CONS:
I've turned the response times as low as they go, and it's still not as fast the OEM remote on my set-top box . All the other components seem to respond fine.
For some reason the screen doesn't turn off or hibernate. They put in a feature that senses when you pick up the remote to turn it on, why not have a battery saver mode? Maybe the power draw is marginal. Who knows?
I found the software helpful. They try to dumb down the setup, which is a few page process. I'd have preferred an advanced setup with 1 or 2 pages of options. Even if the software doesn't work, your OEM remotes can "teach" the harmony the proper code.
Bottom Line:
If you have A.D.D. or aren't willing to put in the time setting everything up, just stick with your OEM remotes, or get someone to help set it up.
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4 out
of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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6
stars
unfinished product
by apguser
on
December 5, 2005
Pros: works quite well and looks cool
Cons: software very, very poor
Summary: Once again, we see a very usefull, cool looking gadget with extremely badly designed software that comes with it. WHY JAVA??? And if Java, why so poorly written?
Is the ...
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Summary: Once again, we see a very usefull, cool looking gadget with extremely badly designed software that comes with it. WHY JAVA??? And if Java, why so poorly written?
Is the cross-platform compatibility that important in this case?
The good news is that the remote works great, after several attempts to try to get the setup working and few days of getting used to feel of it. I like having 1 remote on my coffee table instead of 5. The sleek black and silver design with bluish glow fits well today's gadget-filled living room. But the software, that's another story. GUI is very sluggish, lack for coursor keys support for scrolling, "exit" button doesn't work to name only a couple of faults, JRex for viewing pdf user manual? BTW, links in the pdf viewer don't work. Reminds me of PRISMIQ media player, works great but looks ugly (the early 90s external modem look is not in style anymore, guys) and the software absolutely sucks.
Overall, great idea, gets the job done but lacks a decently designed piece of software to come with it.
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4 out
of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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6
stars
Gets the job done, could be better
by bc0203
on
December 30, 2005
Pros: slick design, programmable keys/labels, downloadable codes for thousands of devices
Cons: default layouts for several devices not optimized for this remote, occasional slow response times
Summary: I bought this remote to replace the stack of remotes that came with my receiver, cable box, tv and streaming media device.
The included software guided me through setting the ...
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Summary: I bought this remote to replace the stack of remotes that came with my receiver, cable box, tv and streaming media device.
The included software guided me through setting the remote up to perform specific activities, and as far as that goes, I have little to complain about - it functions as advertised. The problem is the device-specific menus, which are NOT well laid out, can be very frustrating to navigate. I ended up having to manually re-program them, which kind of defeats the purpose of a downloadable codes database.
In short, if you purchase this unit, expect the "activity-based" tasks to work as advertised, but still expect to spend some time re-programming the device-specific buttons and menus to your preferences.
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3 out
of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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9
stars
This Unit Worked Better Than Expected!
by speeder150
on
January 17, 2006
Pros: All configuration done on your PC
Cons: None identified
Summary: After a co-worker told me about the simple on line set-up capability, I began researching the various Logitech Harmony remotes prior to accidentally finding this one at my local Sears ...
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Summary: After a co-worker told me about the simple on line set-up capability, I began researching the various Logitech Harmony remotes prior to accidentally finding this one at my local Sears store.
This remotes appearance is better than several of the other Logitech remotes I have seen and all of the factory Sony/Denon/Philips/Comcast DVR remotes scattered throughout my family room. The blue back-lighting for all the keys and the LCD display makes the 520 much easier to use in low light conditions.
I was surprised to find the exact match for each of my audio/video component models and had no problem setting up the unit. (I too loaded the new version of the software prior to starting).
I quickly set up 6 Activities and each one worked perfectly the first time. I also particularly like the Device Mode feature. For example, if you select Device then TV, you get 24 pages of key functions on the LCD screen that emulates the factory remote. I have tried 90% of these key mappings and so far they all work
I would recommend this remote based on the ease of set-up, appearance and overall functionality.
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2 out
of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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9
stars
A great remote. Extremely easy to use and setup.
by Mogambo
on
January 7, 2006
Pros: Extremely easy to use and setup. Looks super cool.
Cons: There appears to be a lag between a button click on the remote and actual action
Summary: I love this remote. Contrary to some of teh other reviews I have read here, I found this remote extremely easy to setup. I installed the software, connected the remote ...
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Summary: I love this remote. Contrary to some of teh other reviews I have read here, I found this remote extremely easy to setup. I installed the software, connected the remote to my computer via the USB port.
I then enterred the brand and model information for each product in my home theater system and other products too.
The software was amazing. It looked at what I had and proposed macros that I would most likely need. The macros were accurate. Clearly it could not decide which DVD to play on my carrousel (sp?)but that is minor. Once I accepted all the changes, the remote was programmed within seconds.
I was actually shocked by the ease of use. I was expecting a very complex process, but instead, in under 10 minutes, my remote was programmed and functional.
While the buttons on the remote handle only very basic functionality, all advanced features of each device can be controlled via the LCD monitor and 4 buttons around it. Takes a little getting used, BUT, what I love about this is that the remote has very few buttons.
Most universal remotes offer so many buttons that they are virtually impossibel to use.
So, in conclusion, contrary to most reviews here, I think Logitech got this product right. Oh! and it looks cool.
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2 out
of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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8
stars
Great Remote - It Does What It Says It Will
by nscave
on
December 22, 2005
Pros: It runs all your equipment activities with one button as advertised. Easy to edit or change your setting on the internet.
Cons: The small display can be difficult to read, the number buttons are very tiny, and it may miss some features on some TVs.
Summary: I found it only handled some TV models basic functions. If you needed to get to the TV's setting for colour, etc. you needed to have the original remote, ...
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Summary: I found it only handled some TV models basic functions. If you needed to get to the TV's setting for colour, etc. you needed to have the original remote, or go through a long procedure for learning those functions. And in most cases you would again need the original remote to do that. Keep in mind that I am using it to control one complete home theatre system, and another separate TV in another room.
To get a good manual with full instructions, especially on the learning capabilities, you have to search a bit on their web site to find the pdf version. It is not easily found when first setting up the remote during the anxious moments.
It's main purpose is to control a home theatre system by pushing one function button. It does a good job at this once a little tweaking is done. For example if you press "Watch TV", it turns on all associated equipment to do that. Since our large screen TV is only used as a monitor, I did have to customize the setup a bit so that it does not select the input - because it is always on the proper input anyway. By sending the signal to select the proper input, when that input was already properly selected from the last use, caused the tv to do other things sometimes.
Pressing "Watch A Movie" powered up all equipment to do that, as did "Listen To Music". Pressing "Off" turns all equipment off from any of the selected function activities.
Overall this is a fine remote, I like it a lot. It is not perfect. On the other hand, I have used a number of programable remotes. Second best was a plain twenty dollar one for all six. This one now sits at the top of the list despite a little required tweaking as listed above.
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2 out
of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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7
stars
Small and stylish but limited for advanced users
by Leo Wong
on
February 10, 2006
Pros: Feels good holding it; Looks good; custom multi page LCD buttons
Cons: Volume and channel buttons are not build to last; Activities are limited to those defined by Logitech; No printed manual; Cannot assign multiple commands to one button
Summary: I own a first generation Sony Commander remote and it is still working fine for me. Comparing with the Sony remote, this one has the big advantage of saving all ...
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Summary: I own a first generation Sony Commander remote and it is still working fine for me. Comparing with the Sony remote, this one has the big advantage of saving all your settings online. The online software is usable but not very user friendly.
The remote itself is very stylish and the blue backlit is cool too.
You can use this remote in two ways. One is by using the "Activities" mode and the other is to use it by switching the remote to control one of your device ("Device" mode.) In the Activities mode, the remote can perform a series of commands to your devices when a specific Activity is selected. Once in this mode, the remote can be used to control more than one device by assigning physical buttons and LCD buttons to control different devices. In the device mode, you can only control one specific device although your LCD buttons can still be customized.
One of the shortcoming is that your custom LCD buttons, once defined, are shared among all your Activities (e.g. "Watch TV", "Watch DVD"). Also you have no control on the ordering of those LCD buttons on the LCD screen. You cannot put more frequently used LCD buttons to the first page. BTW, yes, it does provide page up and down buttons to allow you to flip through pages of defined LCD buttons.
You go through a wizard to create activities. You cannot add/remove single device (IR) command from the defined activity. In other words, you cannot do more advanced macro programming available in Sony's remotes. The logitech remote will decide which device to turn on first and which to turn on next and you cannot change that too.
You cannot assign multiple IR commands to a button.
The volume and channel buttons on the 'curve' are not built to last. You get a very slight click when you press on it. If you hold it for a while to turn the volume up and down, you have a feeling that the button may not come back up again.
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1 out
of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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8
stars
Does everything it's asked
by sweetmoses
on
July 9, 2008
Pros: Easy online setup, "learns" other remotes, customizable Activities
Cons: Too light, click noise on some buttons, small number buttons
Summary: I don't see why this remote gets such bad reviews. I have had it for 1 day and it rather seamlessly controls my cable box, surround sound/DVD system, ...
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Summary: I don't see why this remote gets such bad reviews. I have had it for 1 day and it rather seamlessly controls my cable box, surround sound/DVD system, and tv all at one time. The Activities button lets me jump from playing a DVD to watching cable to listening to music very quickly and intuitively. There is a learning curve, but I haven't had it for 24 hours yet and I have it pretty much figured out. It's a bit light and doesn't have that quality electronics weight to it, but that could be a good or a bad thing to you. The number buttons are pretty small and the channel and volume buttons click which I don't really like. But overall, I can't complain for the money. The best thing about it is it can learn from other remotes and control things it didn't know it could. I have an iPod setting on my surround sound system, and I used the old remote to teach this one how to work that. I'm sure the one for $250 is better in all aspects, but this one definitely gets the job done. I went from 3 remotes to 1 overnight. There's nothing wrong with that.
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