Logitech Harmony 720
Manufacturer: Logitech Part number: 966207-0403
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The combination of a color screen, a battery charger dock, and a sleek design makes the Logitech Harmony 720 one of the company's best universal remotes to date.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | See Site | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/01/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Logitech Harmony 720 price range: $149.99
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Reviewed on: 08/02/2006
- Updated on:02/19/2009
- Released on: 07/01/2006
The good: The Logitech Harmony 720 offers a slighter better color screen and a slimmer, sexier design than those of Harmony's original color-screen model, the 880. This model also includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and docking station, and like other Harmony remotes, the 720 is Web programmable and is compatible with Windows and Macintosh machines.
The bad: The remote could sit a little more securely in its dock, the Web interface may intimidate nontechie users, and the painted text labels printed on the case under the transport control buttons may rub off with extended use.
The bottom line: The combination of a color screen, a battery charger dock, and a sleek design makes the Logitech Harmony 720 one of the company's best universal remotes to date.
Editor's Note (February 19, 2009): The rating on this product has been changed due to competitive changes in the marketplace. Readers interested in this product should compare it to the more recent Logitech Harmony One.
The Logitech Harmony 880 was the first Harmony remote to feature a color screen and a built-in rechargeable battery along with a docking station. Overall, we liked the design of that model, as well as its nearly identical RF-capable (radio frequency) sibling, the Harmony 890. But as soon as Logitech came out with its thinner, sleeker 2006 line of monochrome Harmony models--the 520, the 550, and the Advanced Remote Control for Xbox 360, we knew it was only a matter of time before the company found a way to throw a color screen and a rechargeable battery into the new, slim chassis. And now it has.
Priced at $200 (list), the Logitech Harmony 720, like the less-expensive Harmony 520, is currently sold at discount stores such as Wal-Mart and Costco. Measuring 8.1 inches long by 2.1 inches wide and less than an inch thick, the 6-ounce 720 is a little more than an inch longer than the Harmony 520, 550, and Xbox 360 remotes. As noted, the biggest difference between this model and those is the color screen and the rechargeable lithium ion battery.
The LCD is larger than that on many of Harmony's monochrome models. The increased screen real estate offers room for a total of six contextual icons (vs. four on the aforementioned models), corresponding to adjacent hard buttons. This LCD is also slightly sharper and brighter than the Harmony 880's and 890's, but those models accommodate eight contextual icons on their screens.
The 128x160 color LCD screen is still fairly low-resolution, but it's certainly a step up from a monochrome screen: The activity-based icons are now a little cleaner-looking and easier to read in color than in grayscale.
For the 880 and 890, Logitech went with all hard-plastic buttons--generally a good thing, though buttons such as the video-transport keys (record, play, rewind, fast-forward, pause, and stop) and the 12-digit keypad were still spaced very close to each other, so it was hard to operate those remotes by feel alone. In this design, the number of hard buttons has been reduced, but the overall button layout is again pretty well thought out, and we appreciated that all the buttons are either backlit or glow in the dark.
If you look at the 720 next to the 550, you'll notice that Logitech has moved the main video transport buttons lower down on the remote, which puts them within closer reach of your thumb. The only drawback is that those buttons, as well as those that make up the numeric keypad at the bottom of the remote, are small. We're also a little disappointed that, even though the 720 is longer, it doesn't have the 550's extra row of four buttons--directly below the numeric keypad--that can be mapped to corresponding functions (sound, picture) or specialized keys that relate to your cable or satellite box. (DVRs often require confirmation keystrokes for playback and recording.) And finally, there have been some reports that text labels printed on the case under the transport control buttons have worn off after a couple of weeks of use. (We didn't experience this problem in our three-day trial, but we can see how the paint could rub off. On other models, such as the 550, the labels for the transport buttons are under a sheet of clear plastic).
Like the 880 and 890, the Logitech Harmony 720 includes a docking station for juicing up the included rechargeable lithium-ion battery; you simply place the remote in its cradle. Not only is it nice to have a recharging option to save dough on batteries, but if you're good about leaving the remote in its cradle, you'll always know where it is when you need it. If we had one complaint, it's that we wish the remote would lock into its cradle a little more securely. As it stands, the remote looks really nice sitting in the cradle--the dock and remote mesh well together and keep a low profile, but if you jostle the dock (beware of the curious child), the remote ends up dislodging from its charging connectors a little too easily and thus fails to recharge. Hopefully, Logitech can someday move to a magnetic-style charger or add some mechanism that gives you the option of clamping the remote to the dock.
As with all of Logitech's new remotes, this model features a motion sensor, so that when you pick up the remote, it automatically turns on. You can also easily add your own digital images as backgrounds and screensavers--there's a slide-show feature--though we found that we had to crop our images into vertical shots or they'd appear hideously stretched on the screen. And it really isn't a good idea to have a picture as a background because it makes the icons difficult to read; you're better off sticking with the default blue background.
In terms of programming the remote, the 720 works in the same way that other Harmony remotes do. As we noted in our earlier reviews, programming a universal remote can be a frustrating and time-consuming process, involving punching a series of multidigit codes for each component in your A/V system. By contrast, Harmony remotes are programmed by connecting them to your Internet-connected Windows PC or Mac with the supplied USB cable, installing the model-specific version of Harmony software, and answering a fairly simple online questionnaire on the company's Web site. You simply choose your home-theater components from a list; explain how they're connected; and define their roles in activity-based functions, such as Watch TV, Watch DVD, and Listen to Music. For each function, you specify which devices and inputs the remote must enable. You can also choose which keypad functions will punch through to which specific devices--always having the channel buttons control the cable box or the volume controls dedicated to the TV, for instance. After you've completed the questionnaire, the software uploads all the relevant control codes to the 720.
As user-friendly as the remote generally is, some users may encounter a few snags when initially setting up their remotes. Luckily, the Logitech customer service is generally very good when you run into problems, but eventually the company should make some improvements to its software system. One of the problems is you can either use the company's desktop software--it's compatible with Macs and Windows-based PCs--or work through a Web-based interface; different remotes are compatible with different software versions. From time to time, Logitech offers firmware upgrades for specific remotes, as well as upgrades to the Harmony desktop software. That's all well and good, but there's currently no way to manage multiple Harmony remotes on the same account; you're required to create separate user accounts, with separate names and passwords, for each of them. You should be able to manage them all under one master account.
As we said in our earlier reviews of Harmony remotes, if you have a complicated system, you can expect to spend some time fine-tuning the remote to get it to work just right. A certain amount of trial and error is involved. You must verify that the commands work with your equipment as intended, then modify them as necessary. The Web site provides advanced, macro-style options for delay times, multistep commands, and other functions. Also, the remote's Help key aids in troubleshooting by asking natural-language questions on the LCD. For instance, the screen might read, "Is the digital set-top box on?" And Logitech's customer support--both via e-mail and telephone--is, for the most part, very helpful.
As for performance, the IR (infrared) is strong; you don't actually have to point the remote directly at your equipment to get it to respond. But unlike RF, IR can't penetrate walls, doors, and other obstructions, so if you have equipment hidden in cabinets or closets, your best choice--until Logitech comes out with an RF version of the 720--is the Harmony 890, which carries a much heftier price tag.
Battery life is decent enough--Logitech says you should be able to go a week or more without recharging, but obviously, if you leave the unit in its cradle, the battery will remain fully juiced. It's also worth noting that the battery is replaceable, so when it eventually wears out--and it will--you'll be able swap a new one in.
It's worth noting that the 720 is available in Europe as the Logitech Harmony 785--that model is essentially identical except for four extra Teletext buttons that are used for European interactive TV functions that aren't standard on this side of the Atlantic. Furthermore, if you like the 720 but want a slightly different design and a larger color screen, check out the Harman Kardon TC30, which is really just a Logitech Harmony sold under the HK name. The TC30's design resembles a stretched-out version of the Harmony 550, but like the 720, it offers a color screen and a rechargeable battery/cradle. Most notably, it's widely available for well below its $300 list price.
Nitpicks aside, the 720's sleeker design and slighter better color screen left us preferring it to the older Harmony 880, and the $200 list price seems right in line with what you're getting, if not something of a bargain. There's always room for improvement, and we're sure Logitech is already plotting new design tweaks to upcoming models, but the 720 certainly is a fine remote that's another step forward for the Harmony brand.
Logitech Harmony universal remotes compared:
| Model | Quick take | Price |
| Logitech Harmony 520 | Logitech's entry-level Harmony remote offers a monochrome LCD screen with four contextual buttons. | |
| Logitech Harmony 550 | This near-clone of the 520 offers a slightly different keypad layout and is more widely available. | |
| Logitech Harmony Advanced Universal Remote for Xbox 360 | This offshoot of the 520/550 is preprogrammed to control the Xbox 360 and features 360-related buttons and a matching white color scheme. | |
| Logitech Harmony 670 | The Logitech Harmony 670 may not be the coolest-looking universal remote, but it's one of the easiest to use, especially for DVR users. | |
| Logitech Harmony 720 | This step-up to the 500-series models listed above adds a more stylish design and a color LCD screen with six contextual button, and also includes a rechargeable battery and charging cradle. | |
| Harman Kardon TC30 | Despite its Harman Kardon branding, the TC30 is essentially an elongated 550 with many of the same feature upgrades found on the 720: color LCD screen (with eight buttons), rechargeable battery, and charging cradle. | |
| Logitech Harmony 880 | The Harmony 880 utilizes the "peanut" design of the older Logitech remotes along with a color screen and a rechargeable battery/charging cradle. | |
| Logitech Harmony 890 | Logitech's flagship remote is essentially the 880 with the addition of RF (radio frequency) capabilities, for communicating through obstructions. |
$64-$99
User reviews
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Could be way better
by MidniteRaider on August 3, 2006
Pros: Web programming, rechargable batteries, color screen
Cons: Tiny buttons, firm plastic buttons, squeeky buttons.
Summary: It has all the benefits of a standard Harmony remote. But the main draw back with the 720 is the buttons. They are not for someone with big fingers. The ...
Summary: It has all the benefits of a standard Harmony remote. But the main draw back with the 720 is the buttons. They are not for someone with big fingers. The location of the bottom buttons are not suitable for coach potatoes. The side buttons of the LCD are firm and feel real "plastic like", but not in a good way. It can be hard at times to realize what numbers you are pressing to get to a certain channel, at least not without looking at the remote. You should be able to work a remote without even looking at it. And yet when having to look at the LCD screen, you always have to look at it.
The whole remote, just like the 520/550, has squeaks if you put any pressure whatsoever on it.
At the same time, I have a personal preference with rubber buttons.
All in all, it is not as comfortable as the curvy 880.16 out of 20 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Remote....almost perfect!
by vegaspuck on October 23, 2006
Pros: Managed by PC, battery dock, bright display, easy setup
Cons: Small buttons, slips off battery dock
Summary: This is my first 'fancy' remote, and I couldn't be happier. The wife was always complaining about how to turn on the movies, switch off my gaming systems, and ...
Summary: This is my first 'fancy' remote, and I couldn't be happier. The wife was always complaining about how to turn on the movies, switch off my gaming systems, and using a different remote to change volume with our current set-up. We have a HiDef TV, cable box, Playstation 2, XBOX 360, and an all in one 5 DVD changer/receiver for our home theatre sound. I've normally used the cable box remote as a universal remote, and any one of those I've used always had problems with the home theatre box set (DVD/Receiver). After hooking up the remote with the USB to my computer and entering in all the model numbers through the computer setup, I was amazed how easy the remote was to use. By using the 'Activities' button, my wife can do whatever she wants with one touch of the button now. When changing channels or adjusting volume, the remote know which device to control automatically.
The Logitech software is easy to use and follow. Just answer the questions on your current home setup and what you want the remote to do. It does all the rest. The remotes LCD also shows all the features each individual remote had. I no longer have to lose features like I did with previous universal remotes. I'm definitely in love with this remote and so's my wife.8 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not for all equipment and not for use in dark rooms
by NYCelectronicuser on November 20, 2006
Pros: Nice looking
Cons: Did not consistantly work the macos.
Summary: Couldn't use it even if it did program all my equipment!
The LCD blue screen's brightness over shadows the small dimly lit buttons. I need to use a ...Summary: Couldn't use it even if it did program all my equipment!
The LCD blue screen's brightness over shadows the small dimly lit buttons. I need to use a remote in the dark. The Activity button is surrounded by a bright blue display as well. Brightness is not adjustable. The charging base has a small display and that is adjustable!
Tried to program a Panasonic Plasma, Denon DVD player, Sony Receiver, Panasonic DVD R, Motorola DVR and a Panasonic VHS. The Panasonic Plasma had the most bad commands. I couldn't program it nor could the 3 technicians from Harmony.
The 720 has no owner's manual. The installation disk hung ½ thru the installation. Use the installation from the website for the 880.
Battery indicator doesn?t always shows that it is fully charged for a few minutes out of the cradle.. Known problem.Updated
The Harmony 720 had three features over the Harmony Universal Remote for Xbox 360: the time on the display, a rechargable craddle and motion detection (that automatically enabled the back lighted keys and LCD display)
What I objected to were the following:
1) The LCD screen was overly bright for dark or no light in the room. You couldn't see the other backlighted keys unless you covered the LCD screen.
2) The keys were much smaller than those on the Harmony Universal Remote for Xbox 360 and you couldn't make out their functions
3) It had fewer keys than the Universal Remote for Xbox 360, though the 720 had two more dislays on the LCD. Not a purchase killer.
4) It didn't take the commands from my new Panasonic 65" 1080p plasma, the Universal Remote for Xbox 360 did.
5) Did not always sit on the craddle for charging
6)Battery indicator does not always say the remote is fully charged. Harmony knows about this problem as well as the overly bright LCD screen.6 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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What we've been waiting for
by lkorahood on October 3, 2008
Pros: All my devices work, LCD Screen, Easy to use
Cons: Charge Dock, Buttons
Summary: Our remote is no longer working on our surround sound and it was going to cost 200 to replace so I review the various Logitech devices and this seemed to ...
Summary: Our remote is no longer working on our surround sound and it was going to cost 200 to replace so I review the various Logitech devices and this seemed to be just what we were looking for. AND IT WAS. Even our DVR(PVR) works. We are down to one and only one remote. Ability to progam via computer is really nice too! Simple to make changes. It took me more time to figure out all the models of my devices than it did to everything loaded into remote.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great so far, like it a lot.
by eagleboy on May 9, 2007
Pros: rechargeable, easy set up, nice looking, mid price point,
Cons: no list button for PVR
Summary: I am not sure why some people had problems with the software but my experience was quick and everything was done in less than 15 minutes. I have a Samsung ...
Summary: I am not sure why some people had problems with the software but my experience was quick and everything was done in less than 15 minutes. I have a Samsung 4212 plasma, motorola dct6416 pvr box, jvc rx-5060b reciever, philips dvp5900/37 dvd and a PS3. All my units were in the database. All single button activities are working and the 4 remotes are in the closet. The PS3 is bluetooth so I keep that remote close by if I am watching the odd blueray disc. All major functions of each device were good to go without mapping the buttons and other functions that have no buttons are shown on the lcd display. Sotware loaded quickly, updated itself and questions were straight forward to set up. I use the list button on my pvr a lot so I will see if I can map it the one of the buttons on the lcd. Looks much like the Monster 100 remote at 150.00 less. Neither has RF but I find that the IR is strong enough that the separation of 5 ft between my tv and equipment causes no problems.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Love this remote
by jmathew22 on May 5, 2007
Pros: Nice LCD screen. All most-used functions are within easy reach. Very easy to set-up. Great tech support.
Cons: There's none that I can think of. I've been using this now for almost 6-8 months.
Summary: I was looking for a universal remote that would control all my audio/video equipment, be easy to program and have a macro feature to remember my routine functions.
Well ...Summary: I was looking for a universal remote that would control all my audio/video equipment, be easy to program and have a macro feature to remember my routine functions.
Well I got all that with the Logitech Harmony 720 remote. It was surprisingly easy to set-up and very easy to use. This is one gadget that my wife actually was ok with me purchasing. She uses it, the kids use it...again it talks to the ease of use of the product.
The product is sleek looking with a nice color lcd screen which allows you to customize with your favorite functions.
I've added a remote-controlled light controller in my entertainment room. Not surprisingly, the remote supported the controller. Now, when I want to watch a DVD, I press "Watch DVD" and my amplifier turns on, switches to the DVD audio, TV turns on, switches to the right video control, my DVD player turns on and starts playing and my light slowly dims.
It's great.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Easy to use after setup; replaces most remotes
by thayes8334 on January 7, 2007
Pros: Separate controls for activities and devices; comprehensive setup options
Cons: Challenging set up; small buttons; loose on docking station
Summary: The exact model numbers of the devices are critical. An incorrect device model number results in aggravation and frustration. Setup software was not very helpful for correcting model number errors. ...
Summary: The exact model numbers of the devices are critical. An incorrect device model number results in aggravation and frustration. Setup software was not very helpful for correcting model number errors. With correct numbers, the 720 recognized manufacturers and models for all of my devices, even those without remotes. No turntable device options. Most other remotes are now in a drawer -- but handy for fine tuning as we get used to the 720.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This remote is addictive
by wpbradley3 on July 3, 2007
Pros: styling, color screen, overall capabilities
Cons: unreliable, off-shore customer service
Summary: I'm on my second remote in less than a month and the third one is enroute from Logitech. The first one wouldn't turn off so the battery died ...
Summary: I'm on my second remote in less than a month and the third one is enroute from Logitech. The first one wouldn't turn off so the battery died all of the time. Returned it to WalMart and the second went blank and I'm hoping that the one being sent by Logitech works. Sure glad I purchased the 2 year warranty.
Now I bet you think I'm disgusted with the romote; I have every right to be but the truth is that it's addictive. It has such cool capabilities that you want so desparately for it to work. You'll get it programmed then give it one more tweak and then another. Before you know it, it's midnight. If you get one that works, you'll be a happy camper. Notice how polarized the reviews are. It's just that love-hate relationship that keeps you going. Logitech even has stars to rate your current mood. Buy one and save the receipt.1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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lasted 2 days
by critic57 on March 21, 2007
Pros: nice styling, good functional design..in theory at least
Cons: nonfunctional software, slow ineffectual tech support
Summary: The Harmony 720 has good styling and the "macro" functions are a great idea (in theory). It was relatively easy to program online, but only after manually identifying and going ...
Summary: The Harmony 720 has good styling and the "macro" functions are a great idea (in theory). It was relatively easy to program online, but only after manually identifying and going to the website, since the installation software would not initiate. The software update from the website fared no better. Unfortunately the unit lasted 2 days and locked up. Extended waits on the phone were followed by futile technical suggestions to revive the unit. This was not a major frustration until I was forwarded to the next level of technical service with an incident report number. After another long wait, the next technical level repeated the same futile exercises and then suggested I return the unit to the merchant.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good Remote, But Has Flaws
by Smolenski7 on March 11, 2009
Pros: Able to control every device I own, Programming can be customized
Cons: Customer No Support, Not very ergonomic, Programming can be confusing, Reliablility
Summary: For the most part, I like my Harmony 720. I have owned it now for about 1 1/2 years and it works fine 95% of the time. However, 95% ...
Summary: For the most part, I like my Harmony 720. I have owned it now for about 1 1/2 years and it works fine 95% of the time. However, 95% of the time isn't good enough for me when I take into account the cost. Any remote that costs well over $100 should run properly 100% of the time, especially if it's only 1 1/2 years old.
In addition, Logitech as taken away its phone support for products purchased over 60 days away from when the problem first occurred. This to me is outrageous! There are options, like a knowledge base and a forum, however, I personally have never received an email back from customer support even though I'm promised a reply within 5 business days. I guess if I didn't fix the problem myself I would have been with out the use of my remote for almost a week. That's ridiculous and is the sole reason that I will never buy another Logitech product ever! I expect customer support.
Learning how to program the remote can be confusing, however, since customers who first purchase their remotes have access to phone support, it isn't a problem. I suggest writing down all of the model numbers of your devices and calling customer support. They will walk you through the process. It's a lot less aggravating. They will also customize your remote and settings to anything you want.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Logitech
- Part number: 966207-0403
- Description: Control your entire Home Entertainment system with just one button! Simply select an activity and your Harmony universal remote will send the right commands so you don't have to juggle remotes or remember a sequence of buttons. The Internet-based setup on the Harmony 720 is a breeze, making home entertainment accessible to the whole family.
General
- Device Type Universal remote control
- Enclosure Color Black
Remote Control
- Connectivity Technology Infrared
- Supported Devices TV, DVD player, Audio system
- Input Device Keypad
- Features LCD display, LCD backlight, Back-lit buttons
- Display LCD display TFT active matrix
- Color Display Yes
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB
System Requirements
- Operating System MS Windows ME, MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows 98 SE
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable
- Included Accessories Power adapter, Remote control charging stand
Power
- Battery 1 x Remote control unit battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion
- Included Qty 1
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Logitech
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Logitech products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.logitech.com/
- Address:
6505 Kaiser Dr., Fremont, CA 94555
