Manage updates with the Download AppLogitech Harmony 520
Manufacturer: Logitech Part number: 966191-0403
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- At less than $100, the sleekly designed Logitech Harmony 520 is a relative bargain among PC-programmable remotes--if you don't count the two other nearly identical Harmony models.
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CNET editors' review
Logitech Harmony 520 price range: $149.68
- Reviewed by: David Rudden
- Edited by: David Carnoy
- Reviewed on: 03/20/2006
- Released on: 11/22/2005
The good: More attractive shape than previous Harmony remotes; strong backlight; choice between device or activity usage; intuitive, Web-based programming; Windows and Mac compatible.
The bad: No rechargeable battery option; numeric keypad buttons are too small and grouped too closely together; Web interface might intimidate nontechie users; two nearly identical Harmony models have more buttons.
The bottom line: At less than $100, the sleekly designed Logitech Harmony 520 is a relative bargain among PC-programmable remotes--if you don't count the two other nearly identical Harmony models.
User reviews
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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 ...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.5 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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 ...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.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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 ...
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.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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 ...
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.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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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, ...
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.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Drove me nuts.
by speedoman1999 on February 3, 2007
Pros: Nice looking remote
Cons: Doesn't do what it's supposed to do.
Summary: First, any item this small should not take more than an hour to set up. After 8 hours I'd had enough and will be sending it back for a ...
Summary: First, any item this small should not take more than an hour to set up. After 8 hours I'd had enough and will be sending it back for a refund.
Input selection doesn't work. I couldn't get the remote to select the DVD (Component) or VCR (AV1) settings, which are essential in such an operation. Many emails to Logitech Help were ignored. Online tutorial asks questions that don't relate to the problem, and doesn't provide solutions. The Help button on the remote is another useless feature. The learning feature is fine in theory, but even when you set up certain functions, they don't work.
What I also don't understand is why high ratings are given to this product by some who'd had significant problems with it. For an item that promises so much yet delivers so little I have no hesitation in giving it 1/102 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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impossible setup
by rembadog on May 28, 2008
Pros: looks nice in the pakaging
Cons: too many to list
Summary: I was so looking forward to a simple easy to use web based remote. the Logitech 520 was like a nightmare. after 2 hours of fiddling with settings i threw ...
Summary: I was so looking forward to a simple easy to use web based remote. the Logitech 520 was like a nightmare. after 2 hours of fiddling with settings i threw my hands up in the air and packed it up to return to the store. HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED. normally I've had great luck with logitech products but this is the biggest POS. Maybe in a simple system it might be fine, but in a home theater setup forget it.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Could be better
by thibodix on March 30, 2008
Pros: Does what they say it will do
Cons: Display is difficult to read - no contrast
Summary: Everything comes together at the display. The PC software is fine, the size is fine. When it comes to reading the display the blue on blue is just not quickly ...
Summary: Everything comes together at the display. The PC software is fine, the size is fine. When it comes to reading the display the blue on blue is just not quickly readable. The size of the display while small is large enough, but the different shades of blue make it difficult so you memorize what the sequences are if you plan to adjust a component, such aspect ratio on your TV or manage your sat. receiver's menus.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Alot of work and basically useless
by wheatonview on February 8, 2008
Pros: There are no pros on this piece of crap
Cons: too confusing, time consuming, doesnt do what it promises
Summary: I bought this thing as anyone else would like to, simply to clear my coffee table of mutiple remotes. Not the case here, I still have to use each and ...
Summary: I bought this thing as anyone else would like to, simply to clear my coffee table of mutiple remotes. Not the case here, I still have to use each and every one and now i have this one as an additional remote. I programed 4 components, tv, dvd, direct tv and stereo. The remote works on all , however, it does not work every aspect of each component as promised. Took 3 hours to program, the blue screen makes it hard to see anything, the remote itself is confusing to work, therefore, it will take a couple of mins to find the component you are looking to use, by that time you can reach for the original remote, I will assume all models of the logitech remotes are similar. I am returning mine, and getting a $7.00 universal remote, key in the codes myself and it will probalby take minutes to get it operational. Don't buy this product, it will make you frustrated to the point you want to throw it.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Few niggles, but overall - Brilliant!
by jaydee on December 28, 2006
Pros: Dead easy to use (once configured); Intuitive software; Clever help function; Plenty of buttons; Works!
Cons: Flimsy construction; Complex to configure; Slow sync.
Summary: I was highly dubious as to whether this would end up being a worthwhile purchase or a huge failure, but overall I am hugely impressed.
Setup took me a total ...Summary: I was highly dubious as to whether this would end up being a worthwhile purchase or a huge failure, but overall I am hugely impressed.
Setup took me a total of about 3 hours (maybe more) as I configured each device and activity so that it functioned perfectly with my system. This is not to say it never worked - after the first sync (and automatic setup) it controlled my system without a problem, but it ended up getting confused often. I had to refine the programming so that it controlled everything precisely and didnt confuse itself.
The online software is very easy to use and is quite intuitive, hence it was not difficult to setup. The only difficult part was knowing what I needed the remote to do, so if you dont know your AV setup inside out then dont even attempt to set this up.
All configured, the remote is now a joy to use. Point, hold, and it just works. Brilliant. Difficult tasks are now ridiculously simple.
The only thing to remember is that you MUST keep the remote pointed at the system, as delays are incorporated between signals. If you dont keep it pointed, signals will be lost and the remote will *think* your devices are on but they wont be. Any other activity will now fail. Thankfully the help function clears up any problems without a fuss.
My major concern was whether the remote would be able to keep track of which devices are 'on' and which are 'off', and how it would cycle through inputs. Turns out the software has built in codes for each task - i.e. separate commands for on/off, and separate commands for each input. Logitech have obviously obtained codes direct from the manufacturer instead of just duplicating the standard remote. This means it always turns the devices on (wont accidentally toggle them off) and always gets to the right input (doesnt scroll past it, it goes directly to it). Very clever.
If you're planning to buy this remote to simplify things for a non-tech oriented person, then by all means this will work, but by no means can you expect them to set it up. The process is easy, but the knowledge is hard. This, and the flimsy construction (the remote is nowhere near high-quality, it twists and creaks and feels far cheaper than it actually is) are the only things holding me back from giving this a full 10.
I should have bought this long ago.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Logitech
- Part number: 966191-0403
- Description: Control your entire Home Entertainment system with the touch of a single button! Simply select an activity (e.g., "Watch TV", "Play a videogame", etc.) and your Harmony remote will send the right commands so you don't have to juggle remotes or remember a sequence of buttons. The Internet-based setup is a breeze. An intuitive setup wizard will walk you through the steps to get the Harmony remote to work with your systems. The online database contains all the information of 2, 500 manufacturers and over 80, 000 models of components. The Harmony 520 makes Home Entertainment accessible to the whole family.
General
- Remote type Universal remote control
- Remote control technology Infrared
Overview
- Features Easy online set up ,
Multi-brand compatibility ,
Back-lit buttons - Number of supported devices 12
- Supported devices TV ,
DVR ,
CD player ,
AV System ,
VCR ,
AV receiver ,
Amplifier - Input device Keypad
- Display LCD display - Color
Connections
- Type 1 x USB
System Requirements
- Operating System MS Windows 2000,
MS Windows XP,
Apple Mac OS X 10.2 or later,
MS Windows 98,
MS Windows ME - Min Hard Drive Space 10 MB
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable - External
Power
- Battery 4 x Standard battery - AAA type
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Logitech products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Logitech
- Address:
6505 Kaiser Dr., Fremont, CA 94555
