Logitech Harmony 659 (black)
Manufacturer: Logitech Part number: H-659BLK
- CNET Editor rating: Not yet rated
- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 158 reviews
- More product information:
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Description:
- The Harmony Remote is the world's only remote with Smart State Technology Activity Control. Just press an Activity button such as "Watch TV" or "Watch a Movie", and the Harmony Remote will automatically set-up your entertainment system in seconds without you ever having to program a 'macro'. The Harmony Remote provides simple, intuitive control of even the most elaborate ... Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ![]() | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/24/2013 |
User reviews
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amazing and easy to use
by boboss76 on August 27, 2007
Pros: easy to setup, clean up your coffee table
Cons: much lower battery life than any other remote, buttons wear out after a year or two
Summary: I love this remote - I got it two years ago and everything about it is great: easy to setup, customizable to do everything you like.
The software sucked a ...Summary: I love this remote - I got it two years ago and everything about it is great: easy to setup, customizable to do everything you like.
The software sucked a year ago, but they have improved it and still are - and all my components were referenced, immediatly recognized - you can create all the macro functions you want and all the setup is visual, so easy to understand.
One bad thing is the poor battery life, and the buttons wear out after some time (I am shopping for a new one now because I cannot change the channels anymore and the volume is getting difficult) - I will stay with the harmony line, but maybe upgrade to a more recent model -
Great remote that will control about anything.
by Conradicle on July 1, 2007
Pros: Online set-up is fantastic, backlight, price
Cons: small buttons
Summary: I am not sure why anybody would not give this remote a great review. I got mine on ebay for $40, and I am amazed at how easy it is ...
Summary: I am not sure why anybody would not give this remote a great review. I got mine on ebay for $40, and I am amazed at how easy it is to program this thing. Harmony is the best. My wife even thinks it is nice. She just has to push one button

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Superb remote
by chugawoo on May 2, 2007
Pros: Controls everything and anything
Cons: LCD sreen tricky
Summary: For the $$ you cant beat this remote. Setup was done online with ease. You can even type in you own device names to appear on the screen. The scren howevr ...
Summary: For the $$ you cant beat this remote. Setup was done online with ease. You can even type in you own device names to appear on the screen. The scren howevr only hold so many characters. It could have been of better quality. if you own multiple components, this is a must. It is a a one touch magician.
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Not ready for primetime!
by radioactive1 on April 5, 2007
Pros: Nice all-in-one concept
Cons: Sucks batteries like crazy
Summary: I was pretty excited when I got this remote for Christmas. Finally a remote that would do it all with one click of the button.
My excitement changed pretty quickly ...Summary: I was pretty excited when I got this remote for Christmas. Finally a remote that would do it all with one click of the button.
My excitement changed pretty quickly to frustration when I tried to program the darned thing. For someone who has worked in the computer industry for over 25 years, and built my own PC, there isn't much in the way of technology that I can't figure out.
This remote changed that in a hurry. I installed the software and followed the instructions step-by-step. When I tried the remote out, it turned on my Onkyo receiver and DVD player just fine, but my Sanyo 55" TV wouldn't respond. So I went back through the steps again and the TV worked. Turned everything on and off a few times and decided to show the wife - now the receiver wouldn't respond........back to the software. Got the receiver working and then the TV stopped responding - NOW I WAS GETTING frustrated !! This went on a few times, then I decided to reset everything and start over - no luck.
Called technical support and they ended up walking me through every single command that my TV supported and finally got everthing working - WHEW!! Man and I was ready to through the &@#$ thing out the window.
I also asked tech support why there was no option to turn off the back lighting when you were done with the remote. He told me it just wasn't designed that way. I said "gee seems like it would suck a lot of batteries".........turns out I was right. I have to replace batteries in this stupid thing about every 3 weeks. I don't use plain alkaline batteries either. I've tried both NimH and NiCd, and have to replace both with about the same frequency. I should also point out that this remote is in my media room which only gets used when I'm watching movies - not every day, but perhaps once a week.
At this point I've had enough. I'm calling Logitech tomorrow to tell them that they can keep their worthless piece of #%^& - I want a refund. As far as I'm concerned if batteries only last 3 weeks in something that gets such infrequent use, the technology is simply useless.
I've read the reviews and have seen the number of people that are pleased with this product - I'm not one of them. Maybe they haven't had the same battery issue that I'm having; I don't know.
RadioActive1 -
I'm a big fan. Have recommended it to others
by jond0 on April 3, 2007
Pros: works like a charm
Cons: expensive for a remote control
Summary: We replaced 6 remotes with this, which is nice. Even better, are the single button activity controls. The set up was OK. It took 2 iterations through their web site ...
Summary: We replaced 6 remotes with this, which is nice. Even better, are the single button activity controls. The set up was OK. It took 2 iterations through their web site to get it working well, but it was quite straightforward. All of our equipment was in their database.
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Awesome remote!
by skellener on April 3, 2007
Pros: Ease of use, controls everything, works with Mac OS X
Cons: none encountered
Summary: Single greatest technology purchase - ever! One remote to rule them all! Trust me, you need this remote!
Summary: Single greatest technology purchase - ever! One remote to rule them all! Trust me, you need this remote!
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So far so good...
by samdabull77 on March 26, 2007
Pros: Easy Set up once you figure out their terminology; Help button is a life saver
Cons: Does not seem to remember the Video output for TV and every time you turn off the TV you need to use the Help Button to get to the right video output; no touch screen...
Summary: So far so good in my mind for my first Universal Learning remote. The User Manual is a joke and the tech support people actually asked me to call back ...
Summary: So far so good in my mind for my first Universal Learning remote. The User Manual is a joke and the tech support people actually asked me to call back because they were closing down for the night but once you can figure out Logitec terms, it was done and set up fast. My TV is Video 6 for cable and the remote seems to skip past it at first and then I need to set it up by using the help button.
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Amazing device that learns EVERY function of EVERY device
by cbrf23 on March 17, 2007
Pros: Frequently used buttons plus access to intricate device menus using softkeys and lcd screen. Customizable. Learns all devices, all types, all brands, very simple software is easy to use and navigate
Cons: sometimes slow response time to buttons pushed, takes a few minutes to get used to, not bad, just slightly delayed
Summary: This is an excellent remote. I bought it for 60 after rebates, skeptical at first because i had tried about 5 other universal remotes (ranging from 10-40 dollars in price) ...
Summary: This is an excellent remote. I bought it for 60 after rebates, skeptical at first because i had tried about 5 other universal remotes (ranging from 10-40 dollars in price) to try to find one that worked with my TV that i bought without a remote and that AKAI had on "backorder" for over 3 months (by the way dont EVER by an AKAI tv - worst customer service ever) and none worked with this tv. This harmony picked it up NO PROBLEM! And it replaced my home theater remote as well. I like the "watch tv" or "watch a movie" one touch buttons. Press one button, and the remote automatically turns on the devices used for that action, turns the them to the right input/output/mode/etc and your ready to go. Then press the next button and it turns off all uneaded devices, turns on the rest, and sets it all to the right mode for that! I love it! It took me a minute to figure out that if you press the device key it lets you pick what device you want the remote to act for, and then you can use the softkeys around the lcd to navigate throgh all that devices buttons that arent a seperate button (like pip, aspect ratio, etc, etc) just make sure to hit the "next" key to see everything available.
I like this remote alot. I dont like spending 60 for something that should have been in the box, but i would say now that i have it, it was definately worth the money. Very nice product, good software, good layout. I'm very happy with this remote and would recommend it to anyone who needs it, especially if you have extremely new devices that the "codes" arent available, or anyone who has any off brand stuff. I was surprised at how thorough brand list was! -
excellent but for tiniest details
by sporter86 on March 13, 2007
Pros: if you can use MS word, you can use this
Cons: buttons don't match newest equipment
Summary: Maybe 5 years ago this would have been the perfect remote. Today it is still an excellent one due to its flexibility and internet integration.
I primarily bought it for ...Summary: Maybe 5 years ago this would have been the perfect remote. Today it is still an excellent one due to its flexibility and internet integration.
I primarily bought it for my parents so they could properly use the surround system I installed.
PROS
This takes almost all difficulty out of the equation. Listening to a music station through directv takes 1 button instead of about 10 button presses (the remote is set to change the speaker mode to listen to music and then switch it back once you leave this mode).
CONS
The buttons are exactly ideal. The feal and layout isn't perfect(the vcr type controls are on the very bottom). Also, it lacks built in chapter forward/rewind buttons, though this is easily fixed through programming the programmable buttons next to the screen.
OVERALL
Great remote at an even better price(I've seen it for $60 lately). -
Great remote that works with older components
by stxcep on March 7, 2007
Pros: Actually works as expected after initial configuration
Cons: Software install a little temperamental
Summary: I purchased this remote with the intention of reducing my impressive collection of bedside remotes from five to just one "handle it all" remote. Not only did the Harmony 659 ...
Summary: I purchased this remote with the intention of reducing my impressive collection of bedside remotes from five to just one "handle it all" remote. Not only did the Harmony 659 accomplish this as hoped, it did it without even blinking an eye at my eclectic array of AV equipment. You see, some of my components are ancient by anybody's standard (my RCA TV is seven years old). The Harmony 100,000+ device list on their web site had my RCA TV in its database as well as my other "Vintage" components. Hats off to Logitech and their 100,000+ device database. You'd be hard press not to find your AV equipment in their DB listing.
The only drawback, if there is one, deals more with the software rather than the remote. The installation of the Logitech remote control software tended to be a little on the finicky side. By being patient (and turning off my Cyberdefender software), I was able to complete the installation and then program my 659 remote. Remember, you're buying this for the remote control, not the software *grin*.
Not sure how well this remote fits into a AV system that includes a DVR (my bedroom system only has a DishPro 301 satellite box). The 659 might be Ok but I know the Harmony 550 and 670 models are more geared to setups that include a DVR.
Bottom line,
If you have old equipment and want to replace all of their associated remotes with just one remote control, then the Harmony 659 is for you.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Logitech
- Part number: H-659BLK
- Description: The Harmony Remote is the world's only remote with Smart State Technology Activity Control. Just press an Activity button such as "Watch TV" or "Watch a Movie", and the Harmony Remote will automatically set-up your entertainment system in seconds without you ever having to program a 'macro'. The Harmony Remote provides simple, intuitive control of even the most elaborate entertainment system for anyone in the family. With the world's only Smart State Database of electronic devices, set-up is a snap. The community-driven database together with IR learning ensures support of all infrared-controlled devices made by any manufacturer, including TiVo, HDVCR, HDTV, Plasma Displays, Monitors, Projectors, Lighting Control, CD/DVD-R, PVR, Satellite Radios, Amplifiers, DVD Players, Receivers, Dual VCRs and even combination devices like DVD-VCR components. With interactive media capabilities, you can select TV Shows, Movies or Music titles from the interactive display. You can even control devices like lights, fireplace and your personal computer!
General
- Remote type Universal remote control
- Remote control technology Infrared
- Dimensions (WxDxH) 2.3 in x 1.3 in x 8.1 in
- Weight 5.8 oz
- Color Black
Overview
- Features Learning ,
LCD display ,
Built-in speaker ,
Memory backup ,
Glow buttons - Supported devices CD recorder ,
VCR, DVD, satellite receiver ,
Home control ,
Radio ,
DVR ,
Projector ,
Amplifier ,
TV ,
Plasma panel - Input device Keypad
- Buttons qty 51
- Max operating distance 40 ft
- Display LCD display
Connections
- Type 1 x USB
System Requirements
- Operating System MS Windows ME,
MS Windows 2000,
MS Windows XP,
MS Windows 98 SE,
Apple Mac OS X - Min Hard Drive Space 10 MB
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Software kit,
USB cable,
Booklet - Cables Included 1 x USB cable - External
Power
- Battery 4 x Standard battery - AAA type
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Logitech products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Logitech
- Address:
6505 Kaiser Dr., Fremont, CA 94555



