Check out the Dell Store on CNETLogitech Harmony 880
Manufacturer: Logitech Part number: 966187-0403
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Designing its first universal remote, Logitech takes a nice step forward with the Harmony 880.
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CNET editors' review
Logitech Harmony 880 price range: $115.00 - $189.95
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 05/02/2005
- Updated on:09/21/2009
- Released on: 05/15/2005
The good: Web-programmable, universal learning remote; activity-based programming and usage; DVR-friendly button layout; backlit keys and color LCD; compatible with Windows and Macintosh machines; rechargeable battery and docking station included.
The bad: No RF support; Web interface may frustrate some users.
The bottom line: Designing its first universal remote, Logitech takes a nice step forward with the Harmony 880.
Over the last couple of years, we've developed a fondness for Harmony Web-programmable universal remotes. The brand was originally developed by Canada's Intrigue Technologies, which was purchased last year by accessories giant Logitech. The new parent company finished out 2004 with a couple of models that were already in Intrigue's hopper, but the $249 Harmony 880 is the first Harmony remote to be fully conceived by Logitech's designers. It's also the first Harmony to feature a color screen and a built-in rechargeable battery along with a docking station.
Though slightly larger than its predecessors, the 880 retains a similar dumbbell shape, measuring 8.1 inches long by 2.3 inches wide by 1.3 inches deep and weighing 5.8 ounces. However, a couple of significant differences separate it from previous models. In addition to the screen's color capabilities (previous models were limited to black-and-white), the LCD is larger. The increased screen real estate offers room for a total of eight contextual icons, corresponding to adjacent hard buttons. That's up from six on previous Harmony models.
The 128x160-pixel color display is pretty low resolution (read: early Palm color screen), but it's a big improvement over the monochrome screens found on such models as the Harmony 688 and 676. One thing we didn't love was that the activity-based icons could have been a little cleaner-looking and easier to read; hopefully Logitech will tweak them in due time.
Previous Harmony remotes featured soft, rubbery buttons that sometimes weren't as responsive as we would have liked. For this model, Logitech has gone with all hard plastic buttons--generally a good thing, though buttons such as the video-transport buttons (record, play, rewind, fast-forward, pause, and stop) and the 12-digit keypad are still spaced very close to each other, so it's hard to operate by feel alone. However, it is worth noting that context-specific side keys--volume and channel up/down--are raised nicely in just the right places. All in all, we felt the button layout was pretty well thought out; it shouldn't cause too many irritations and seems friendly enough toward digital set-top boxes, DVRs, and even Media Center PCs, though you will have to map/customize certain buttons manually to perform certain tasks.
As noted, the 880 includes a docking station for juicing up the included rechargeable batteries; you simply lie the remote down 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. The other nice feature that the 880 offers is its motion sensor: 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 wasn't a good idea to have a picture as a background because it made the icons difficult to read; stick with the default blue background.
Other than that, the 880 works 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 driver 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 880. You can also periodically upload channel listings and call them up on the LCD, but that service is free for only your first two months of use.
The process still involves some trial and error. You must verify that the commands work with your equipment as intended, then modify them as necessary. Fortunately, the Web site provides advanced, macro-style options for delay times, multistep commands, and other functions. Even better, 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 Harmony's e-mail-based customer support is excellent; problems are assigned a help-ticket number and followed through to their conclusion.
The Harmony 880 performed just as well as previous Harmony remotes we've tested, and after a couple of tweaks, we were in command of a six-component system: HDTV, A/V receiver, DVD player, CD-jukebox, Xbox, and HD set-top box. Logitech says you should be able to go a few weeks 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 batteries are replaceable, so when they eventually wear out--and they will--you'll be able swap new ones in.
In the final analysis, the Harmony 880 represents a nice step forward for Logitech. While it has some elements of a high-end remote (color screen, motion sensor, docking station), the $250 price tag is still fairly reasonable. In fact, the only real non-Logitech competition in this price range is the Home Theater Master MX-700, but it lacks the color screen and the rechargeable battery, and its PC-programmable macros require more hands-on massaging. In the future, we'd like to see an RF version (unlike IR, RF passes signals through walls and cabinets), which would appeal to people with multiroom setups or hidden components. But for those that have single room setups with all their components exposed, the 880 certainly makes an excellent choice.
Editor's note: Senior Associate Editor John Falcone contributed to this review.
User reviews
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Good but beware...
by slink on September 5, 2005
Pros: Easy to use, pretty display
Cons: Collects personal information, 35MB sits in Windows
Summary: The Harmony represents a very interesting concept and that is a remote control which can be programmed easily by downloading a "profile" of the various electronic equipment you may own. ...
Summary: The Harmony represents a very interesting concept and that is a remote control which can be programmed easily by downloading a "profile" of the various electronic equipment you may own. Sounds simple and it can be. While it works reasonably well, there are some items to be aware of.
(1) From a utility standpoint, this remote works well. It's very easy to setup a great deal of the remote using the web software however, the software can be downright confusing and does not include good navigation.
(2) Since they use a web interface, they collect information on all your appliances which no doubt is sold to third parties in some fashion. It was difficult to determine and it would have been MUCH better to download the entire remote database onto your computer.
(3) The software installs a 35 MB program that sits in memory for no reason whatsoever, just to let you know if there is an "update." Not really essential and can't be turned off.
(4) THe remote was designed more to look cool than to feel great. The buttons could be better. Not a horrible dealbreaker but definitely noticeable.
(5) Screen is nice and no need for high resolution. Works fine.
(6) Non-standard rechargeable battery. I hope it never dies since you'll never find the replacement and I can't imagine what Logitech will charge.
(7) No macros such as going through navigation on your unit. You can only use the buttons to program what you would get on the remote control of the unit.
Otherwise a good product but expensive at $200-250. It's disconcerting for them to have a profile of all your electronic purchases that use the remote without any easy to read policy.87 out of 101 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Better icons and fonts coming
by jshalmos on June 2, 2005
Pros: Form factor, screen, simplicity
Cons: My icons! (May 2)
Summary: I designed and produced the icon set and interface components for the 880, however, the compiler we used left us wanting, and we are currently working on making the icons ...
Summary: I designed and produced the icon set and interface components for the 880, however, the compiler we used left us wanting, and we are currently working on making the icons appear on screen as they do in Photoshop! We are also working on another fontset that will allow more special characters and is a bit more condensed. Should be another week or so more. But do update your icons if you haven't already in the past week (June 2, 2005).
42 out of 48 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best in class!
by bigwormonmine on June 4, 2005
Pros: Great layout, your wife will actually like this one, recharging station, automatic activities
Cons: Slightly difficult to navigate without looking at keys
Summary: I have tried a lot of universal remotes for a sub $500 remote, nothing touches it! Better than a lot of sub $1,000 remotes. I also tried the 680 ...
Summary: I have tried a lot of universal remotes for a sub $500 remote, nothing touches it! Better than a lot of sub $1,000 remotes. I also tried the 680 and 688 and this thing is like a totally different remote. The online programming is great but not perfect but the tech support dept is very responsive when problems come up. Your friends will think it is so cool when you pick up your remote and it automatically lights up in color! Very satisfied!
27 out of 32 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fantastic Universal Remote
by MLaGuerra on January 23, 2006
Pros: Small. Handy. Rechargeable. User-friendly.
Cons: I wish the screen were larger but that's negliable
Summary: I'm really surprised by some of the negative feedback I've been reading on this site. Because of them I've decided to actually write a review, my first....
Summary: I'm really surprised by some of the negative feedback I've been reading on this site. Because of them I've decided to actually write a review, my first.
We installed a $30,000.00 audio/video system into our 1 bedroom apt in NYC. We have 3 zones and 7 remotes in each zone. I was told by almost everyone that we had to further invest in a $1,000.00 remote, Philips Pronto, "The greatest remote ever" everyone said? So we did and then realized I needed to persue my 4th degree. One majoring in the Philip Pronto Remote @ Pronto University. It was for no credit and only offered a Pass/Fail grade. I'm only half joking!!
It is no lie that it took me 3 weeks of coming home after work and working on it during the weekends to get it programmed and even then it didn't have all the features of specific remotes installed. I could never not use the TimeWarner cable remote for one thing or another. But it did knock 5 other remotes off the coffee table so I accepted the situation but never really loved it.
Then along comes the Harmony 880. I watched the video on cnet, read the review and ordered it. Figuring that I'd return it if I'm not satisfied. Well that's an understatment. I am dazzled!!!! I took it out of it's box & was very pleased with it's peanut shape and sleek look. It reminded me of my TiVo's remote. I'm very fond of TiVo.
I immediately read through the quick guide and loaded the included CD and started the process of configuring the Harmony 880. It asked what "exact" devices (brand/model #) I had and how I use them and how they interact with each other. 25 minutes later I was done and it directed me to test the unit. I followed the tutorial on the remote itself and voila it worked!!! The plasma, receiver, cable box & dvr ALL CAME ON WITHOUT A HITCH!! I was amazed, so much so, I did it a couple of time, turning certain things on and off individually, just to test it. And it still worked... perfectly.
I then took a leap of faith and programmed the extras. The A/C, room lighting, the automatic curtains/blinds and voila it happened again. I pressed the DVD icon and the TV, Receiver, DVD player came on then the curtain/blinds shut & the lights dimmed & the movie started. A tear came to my eye!!I composed myself, jumped up, yelled some profanity and programmed anything else that had a remote.
4 weeks have passed since that day and I've only tweaked the Harmony 880 for the better. I've downloaded channel icons & music icons for the FAV button, changed wallpapers, and personalized some buttons for TiVo use.
So what happpended to the $1,000 paperweight? After I tossed it literally in a draw. I realized I could sell it on ebay and recoupe some of my $$$$. Fortunately it there was a bidding war in the end (gotta love those last minute bidders)and it sold for enough $$$ I could get 2 more Harmony 880's and I did!
I just ordered them for the other zones and am looking forward to getting them soon & clearing off my nightstand & the kitchen counter!
I can not recommend the Harmony 880 high enough!! I'm saddened by all those who can not appreciate it's charms! but I learned a long time ago some people will never be pleased.22 out of 23 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Works great!.....after the programming :o(
by lepto on August 1, 2005
Pros: Operates every component of my home theater system almost flawlessly.
Cons: Programming the remote was a little tricky.
Summary: Once programmed the Harmony 880 by Logitech has, by in large, lived up to all of my expectations. Programming, however, did not go as smoothly as I would have liked. ...
Summary: Once programmed the Harmony 880 by Logitech has, by in large, lived up to all of my expectations. Programming, however, did not go as smoothly as I would have liked. I received several messages that I had discovered a bug in their system and their web administrator had been notified. I don't know if their web administrator fixed the problem or if the problem may have been my error since I was using Opera during setup instead of IE6. Once I changed to Explorer, several hours later, (being sure to turn off all anti-virus, anti-spyware and pop-up blockers) the programming proceeded fairly easily. It does take some time to set up the remote but that is understandable given the thousands of combinations possible. Again, the error with the initial programming could have been mine and not Logitech's.
The remote itself does not seem, to me, to be as cheaply made as some have argued. It does suffer from some ergonomic problems in that the buttons on the side of the screen would, probably, work better if they were of a stickier rubber rather than hard plastic. Also the buttons for "Guide" and "Info" (used a lot while watching TV) seem be easier to use left-handed rather than right-handed. I wonder if the person designing the remote was a lefty? The color screen is nice and legible. The sensor that actvates the screen when sensing movement (like picking up the remote) is great and saves battery power. The docking station is lit making it easy to find and place the remote in the charger cradle even in the dark.
In short, there is defintely a learning curve as regards programming the 880 and its actual usage once programmed. This, however, is true of all new addtions to one's home theater system. Although programming the 880 takes some degree of computer savvy it mostly involves patience on the part of the user. As a practical matter most individuals should find the "getting acquainted period" with their new remote fairly short. Overall the 880 works wonderfully. It replaced a sack full of remotes and is so easy to use even my wife likes it.14 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A remote to 'finally' do the job of 4
by JackSprat on May 19, 2005
Pros: Motion detector, rechargeable, I-net programming
Cons: No Touch Screen, small buttons, nagging issue on component
Summary: After buying 3 other 'universal' remotes in the past 2 years, this one seems to finally do the job. I was looking for one that could be programmed & upgraded ...
Summary: After buying 3 other 'universal' remotes in the past 2 years, this one seems to finally do the job. I was looking for one that could be programmed & upgraded via my computer though all the Logitech?s do this. The Logitech web site made programming nearly effortless though I still have a nagging issue with input controls on my Samsung TV that I can't currently remedy. The features I most enjoy are of course the color screen, on-screen help functions, "instant-on' motion sensor & cradle for charging & docking. It would have been nice if the screen was touch sensitive, but that is a minor nuisance. Overall a great item ? hats off to Logitech!
13 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Harmony 880 Totally Awsome! And available at Best buy stores only , Very Limited Supplies.
by texaslonghorns on May 6, 2005
Pros: Color screen, Rechargable battery, charging base included, internet set-up same price as the 688. 880 is 100% better.
Cons: I have only had it 1 day and have found none so far,
Summary: I purchased the Harmony 688 a couple of days before buying this one and returned it as soon as I found out the 880 was available sooner than expected. The ...
Summary: I purchased the Harmony 688 a couple of days before buying this one and returned it as soon as I found out the 880 was available sooner than expected. The 880 is FAR better than the 688. The 880 has the color LCD screen, rechargable battery and charging base included for 249.99 (same price as the 688). The only problem is trying to find the 880 anywhere. I found out that BEST BUY sent a few to most of it's store's in every state is what I was told. I called up this morning here in Albuquerque and they had 1 in stock and I hauled A** down there to pick it up. They are suppose to be available at most store's by the middle of June. But Best Buy does have them in limited supply (not available online.Store only). it control's my electronics way better than the 688 did. Best remote I have ever purchased. and it is so easy to set up. it is light,fits in your hand perfect. you have to buy it and try it out yourself to see what I am talking about.
16 out of 24 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Remote, Confounded Web Setup
by edrxpark on September 7, 2005
Pros: Universal Remote that grows with your system
Cons: Confound Web Setup
Summary: I consider myself above average in my knowledge of hot syncing to web sites. I've owned several different types of Palm units. This by far has been the most ...
Summary: I consider myself above average in my knowledge of hot syncing to web sites. I've owned several different types of Palm units. This by far has been the most frustrating to set up. I have yet to set up my remote all the way through without having the website timeout on me. Which questions why we must sync to the website, why not have a software application that updates? Secondly, the menu options keep changing. One minute you're selecting model numbers from a list, the next time you're manually entering the numbers in a box...and when you do, it doesn't recognize them because of your syntax. Then you select your TV and suddenly all the inputs are no longer showing. What's the dealio here? The biggest problem is the flow of the setup. They try to make it so darn user friendly that it becomes a chore to navigate back and forth to setup the remote. It's a good thing you only have to do this once. I give it a "3" because of the web user interface alone.
15 out of 22 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Luvin in!!
by PRUVEIT on May 20, 2005
Pros: This remote actually makes since, groupings, editing abilities, etc. It speaks to the geek in me!
Cons: I got the blue screen of death twice while attempting to update my remote the first time. Ensure you download the new version of the software 4.4., not on harmony site. Since then narry a problem.
Summary: I had been looking at this remote on line for months, and was fortunate enough to find one- bought for a great deal on ebay. I think a little below ...
Summary: I had been looking at this remote on line for months, and was fortunate enough to find one- bought for a great deal on ebay. I think a little below the Best Buy price...
Anyway, I visited all of the prerequisite forums to read up on the remote before it arrived and was happy I did. You should check out http://www.remotecentral.com for great user info and updated issues/software/advice. You can also download the installer software version 4.4 from one of the forum links.
Also, I recommend you visit http://squareworld.com/harmony/ to obtain icons and backgrounds for the remote, will save you time and have you up and running in no time.
Ok, now I need to go out and buy something else new...
JP9 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very Good, some flaws. Read here for what you need to know
by jehrico on March 24, 2006
Pros: Outstanding flexibility, intuitive setup, most usable universal I've seen yet
Cons: Battery life, bad cradle/charger
Summary: First off, I love the remote. Here's what I'm running with it:
Sony KDFE60A20
Motorola DVR Cable Box through Adelphia
Onkyo TXDS 989 receiver
Onkyo DXC703 DVD carousel...Summary: First off, I love the remote. Here's what I'm running with it:
Sony KDFE60A20
Motorola DVR Cable Box through Adelphia
Onkyo TXDS 989 receiver
Onkyo DXC703 DVD carousel
Sony PS2
Home made Home Theater PC
An old JVC VCR (not sure why I bothered to hook it up, I haven't used it yet)
It's also programmed with activities for my bedroom, with a:
JVC 27" TV
HK AVR 335
Toshiba DVD player
Motorola standard cable box (non DVR)
Once it was set up, it's nearly flawless. I had to manually program a couple of buttons, but that's to be expected. It had over 98% of the commands I needed for all of those components. I put in a generic DVD players codes to work the HTPC, then had to do a bit of programming on the PC itself to get it to do what I wanted with this remote, that took awhile. It would be nice if there was a default Girder code set, but there's not.
Other things I like about it, it has a help button on it. The remote trys to keep track of what components are on, and what settings they are set at. If you manually turned the TV off last time, the next time you hit "watch tv," it may not turn the TV off. Just hit the "Help" button, and it will resend all of the commands, and ask you some questions to make sure it's set up right. Very easy to use. Their Activities approach is much more intuitive and user friendly than any macro feature I've encountered on other remotes. The remote has a tilt sensor in it that makes it light up when you pick it up. No guessing in the dark to hit the backlight buttom. I've owned several other universals, including the programmable touch screens like the Pronto, and many other remotes in between. This is by far, the best thought-out remote I've come across.
The only bad thing I can say about this remote has to do with the battery and charger. The contact terminals on the back of my remote are now corroded, and I can't get the remote to charge anymore. By looking at Logitechs user forums on their website, it looks like there was a batch of 880s with bad cradles, and has supposedly been fixed. I'm trying to get a new one right now. Had it not been for this flaw, I would have given it a 10. This is a serious flaw though, as the color LCD screen can chew up the internal rechargeable battery within a couple of days, easily. The only other complaint I can come up with is sometimes the remote is a little slow to react to pressing keys. For example, if I'm flipping through channels, I might hit the up button 3-4 times before the channel changes up. The remote will continue to send 3-4 "up" commands. If you're flipping through alot of channels, and you stop flipping when you get to your channel, it'll keep going right past it for awhile until it's sent the backlog of commands. I would consider this more of an occasional minor nuisance than an actual problem or design flaw though.
If it's true they've fixed the charging base, then I would highly, highly recommend this remote. I would have given it a 10 otherwise, as the remote could not reasonably be significantly improved. If they haven't fixed the cradle, then you buy at your own risk.Updated
I got my second 880, best buy was kind enough to allow an exchange even though I was well outside of the return period. This one also has a problem charging. It will NOT charge no matter how you set it down on the charger unless you apply additional pressure. I got a tip off of their forums. Fold up a little piece of paper, and put it on the cradle so it elevates the bottom of the remote, and that will help put more pressure on the top to make a better connection with the contacts on the cradle.
I'm disappointed that they incorporated such a poor charging dock design with such an outstanding remote. Since this seems to be a problem that cordless phones have never encountered (in my experience), it makes me wonder why they can't get this right. But, it appears to be a flaw that can be worked around.Updated
I had emailed Logitech's customer service. They sent me a new charging cradle free of charge, I didn't have to pay shipping or send the old one back even. The new cradle thus far seems to fix all of the problems the old one had. I would no update my rating to about a 9 out of 10. Only the short battery life (if you don't put it back on the charger every night) is the only draw back, but it's an extremely minor drawback at that.8 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Logitech
- Part number: 966187-0403
- Description: The Harmony 880 Advanced Universal Remote puts you in control of your entire audio-video system with just one button. It's home entertainment the way it should be - simple. Optimized for complicated HDTV and PVR systems, the Harmony 880 helps you tame tough configurations like switching your television between video aspect ratios depending on the program source. The interactive color display lets you quickly choose a 16: 9 ratio for movies and HDTV, or a standard 4: 3 ratio for basic television programming.
General
- Device Type Universal remote control
Remote Control
- Connectivity Technology Infrared
- Supported Device Qty 15
- Supported Devices TV, Audio system, Home control, Audio/video components, VCR, DVD, satellite receiver
- Features Learning, LCD display, Glow buttons, LCD backlight, Multi-brand compatibility
- Display LCD display
- Color Display Yes
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB
System Requirements
- Operating System MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000
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
