Yamaha Home TheaterLogitech Harmony 890
Manufacturer: Logitech Part number: 966193-0403
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While it isn't perfect, the Logitech Harmony 890 should be near the top of your list if you're in the market for a sub-$400 RF remote that can operate equipment that's hidden behind cabinets or closet doors.
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CNET editors' review
Logitech Harmony 890 price range: $289.95 - $345.00
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 05/17/2006
- Updated on:09/21/2009
- Released on: 01/03/2006
The good: Logitech's first universal learning remote to incorporate both IR (infrared) and RF (radio frequency) wireless operation includes a rechargeable battery and docking station, an RF base station, a DVR-friendly button layout and backlit keys. As with other Harmony remotes, the Logitech 890 is Web-programmable and is compatible with Windows and Macintosh machines.
The bad: Compared to the IR-only 880, the Logitech Harmony 890 is pricey. Its Web interface may intimidate nontechie users, and it lacks the Wi-Fi connectivity that's beginning to appear on some rival high-end remotes.
The bottom line: While it isn't perfect, the Logitech Harmony 890 should be near the top of your list if you're in the market for a sub-$400 RF remote that can operate equipment that's hidden behind cabinets or closet doors.
Editors' Note: From 2007 onward, Logitech included redesigned charging cradles with the Harmony 890. While 890 owners who purchased the unit with the original cradle are now out of warranty, they can contact Logitech customer service to receive a 50 percent discount on new products. (Given the age of this product, CNET suggests choosing the similar RF-equipped Harmony 900 or Harmony 1100 instead--just be aware that those products do not support macro-based programming.)
If you've followed the evolution of Harmony universal remote controls, you know that 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. We rated that 880 very highly but noted in our review that we'd like to see an RF version--unlike IR, which is limited to line of sight, RF passes signals through walls and cabinets--that would appeal to people with hidden components and possibly multiroom setups.
Now we have it.
Priced at $399 (list), the Logitech Harmony 890 comes with one RF-to-IR receiver and looks identical to the IR-only Harmony 880, except that it comes in a lighter, more silvery finish. Measuring 8.1 inches long by 2.3 inches wide by 1.3 inches deep and weighing 5.8 ounces, the Harmony 890 retains the dumbbell shape of the company's earlier remotes. In addition to the screen's color capabilities, the LCD is larger than that of Harmony's monochrome models. The increased screen real estate offers room for a total of eight--rather than six--contextual icons, corresponding to adjacent hard buttons.
The 128x160-pixel color display is low resolution (read: early Palm color screen), but it's a step up from the monochrome screens found on such models as the Harmony 520 and the Harmony 550. One thing we didn't love was that the activity-based icons could have been a little cleaner-looking and easier to read. Logitech has made some tweaks in this area, but the icons still aren't as readable as they should be.
Some Harmony remotes feature soft, rubbery buttons that sometimes aren't as responsive as we'd like. 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's 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, if not for a couple of nonintuitive choices among the video transport and set-top box keys; we would've reversed the Info and Exit buttons, for instance. Still, it shouldn't cause too much irritation and seems friendly enough toward digital set-top boxes, DVRs, and even Media Center PCs, though you will have to map or customize certain buttons manually to perform specific tasks. Additionally, almost all of the buttons are backlit, which is nice for a darkened home-theater environment.
Like the 880, the Logitech Harmony 890 includes a docking station for juicing up the included rechargeable lithium-ion battery; you simply lay 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. The other nice feature that the Harmony 890 offers is its motion sensor; when you pick up the remote, it automatically turns on (this feature is now available in other, less expensive Harmony remotes). 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.
As noted, the big difference between this remote and the less-expensive 880 are the RF capabilities. You can still use IR if you want, but a lot of folks these days want to hide all their equipment in cabinets and closets. To use RF, you'll have to plug the included RF receiver, which looks a lot like the receivers for Logitech's wireless mice, into an outlet that's fairly close to your equipment. You connect the wiry IR blasters to the wireless receiver, then literally stick each blaster onto the front of your equipment so that it's in line with the component's IR port. If you have more than six components--or components in separate rooms--you'll have to purchase additional Harmony 890 Wireless Extenders, which retail for $150 per unit. While we didn't have an opportunity to test the remote with dimmer switches, climate controls, or security systems that use the Z-Wave wireless home-control standard, Logitech says the remote supports it.
In terms of programming the remote, the 890 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 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 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 890.
As user-friendly as the remote generally is, we did encounter a few snags when we initially set it up. The firmware had to be updated, as did the Harmony software. That wasn't a big deal, but we were then unable to update the remote using the Harmony software installed on our Windows PC. Instead, we logged onto the Logitech Web site and used the company's Internet-based system to update our configuration to the remote. This time, the update worked fine.
As we said in our earlier review of the Harmony 880, if you've got 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. We should also point out that while it's quite possible to program the remote for two separate rooms, it's not the most elegant solution, since you'll be left with Activity-based icons that read Watch TV2 and Watch DVD2. On the plus side, 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 via the LCD. For instance, the screen might ask, "Is the digital set-top box on?" And Logitech's customer support--via both e-mail and telephone--is mostly very good.
To test the remote's RF functionality, we simply walked out of our dedicated home-theater room and headed to a bedroom on the other side of our apartment. The remote was able to continue controlling the equipment, even separated by two walls. Logitech says you can expect to stray about 100 feet from your equipment, but RF performance will vary depending on what your walls are made of. Also, you may occasionally have to resync the remote with the wireless receiver--you simply press the Connect button on the top of the receiver.
As for battery life, 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 end, as with most other Harmony remotes, we came away really liking the 890. No, it's not perfect, and yes, it will seem a bit pricey for those stepping up from an IR-only remote. But at this stage of the remote game, most RF models tend to run at least $100 higher--and sometimes more--than their non-RF siblings. Of course, after seeing Logitech's design updates to its entry-level remotes, it wouldn't shock us to see a sleeker, color-screen Harmony offering--with RF--in the not-so-distant future. Likewise, Logitech needs to keep an eye on the competition: remotes such as the Philips RC9800i and the forthcoming Acoustic Research ARR2470 Wi-Q model incorporate Wi-Fi networking to enable such cutting-edge features as music streaming and real-time programming guide updates. But for now, this is a very good option for those looking to avoid spending a lot of money on a fancy console that requires a home installer to program.
User reviews
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Functionally stunning. Suffers from poor setup software.
by bmiklosey on February 12, 2006
Pros: Performs RF-to-IR universal remote functions elegantly.
Cons: Setup software clunky. Many hours to achieve results
Summary: This remote control is the icing on the cake of my new home theater where I have a wall mounted plasma monitor and NO supporting components in view. My cable ...
Summary: This remote control is the icing on the cake of my new home theater where I have a wall mounted plasma monitor and NO supporting components in view. My cable box, DVD player, and audio receiver are stowed in an adjacent closet and therefore out of the line-of-site of a standard remoted control. In order to achieve this arrangement, IR-to-RF remote control converters were necessary, and ideally with universal remote capabilities. Logitech's Harmony 890 appealed to me based on the USB setup and the dynamic LCD screen. The remote itself is well layed out and is simple to use by anyone in the family. One click will turn on all of the necessary devices, whether it is to watch TV, a DVD, or just music.
In order to realize this goal, it took several hours on my PC with their setup software. I read other reviews that noted this as a negative, but I was confident that I could overcome any of these problems swiftly with my mastery of most application software. The good news is that I became a master of the setup software. However, I wasnt planning on that much time to complete (a full Sunday afternoon). Firmware updgrades sometimes fail, multiple choices are offered in dialogs that do not match the issue at hand, and there is little automated detection between the remote and the software to confirm success. The user must identify this on their own, and sometimes failures occurred.
Bravo to Logitech for an excellent appliance, but please invest in improving your software interface even if it means starting over.30 out of 30 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Works well both RF and IR
by cevans11 on January 31, 2006
Pros: Does exactly what I need. AV Components now hidden in closet.
Cons: Once in a while I must hit connect button to re-establish RF communication between remote and RF extender.
Summary: I love this remote. I use it for my 50" plazma and Comcast HDTV cable box with DVR. It provides more functionality than the remote provided by Comcast. The IR ...
Summary: I love this remote. I use it for my 50" plazma and Comcast HDTV cable box with DVR. It provides more functionality than the remote provided by Comcast. The IR is used only for the TV monitor. All other components controlled via RF. I've had only one issue that is on going: Once in a while I must hit connect button to re-establish RF communication between remote and RF extender. The remote did need firmware upgrade out of the box. The process for firmware upgrade was not as easy as it should be.
18 out of 18 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Should not have made it out of beta testing
by jacobs.fam on January 22, 2006
Pros: great idea
Cons: doen't work
Summary: I bought this remote to control my home theater..the first remote did not work right out of the packeage. I returned the product to the store, where I bought ...
Summary: I bought this remote to control my home theater..the first remote did not work right out of the packeage. I returned the product to the store, where I bought and exchanged for a second one. After two weeks, the remote will not work or keep a charge.
Software is buggy, firmware out of date, Logitech support is the weakest I have ever seen. If this were a $40 item rather than a $400.00 item, I would expect this.19 out of 27 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Finally very pleased with this product
by vrajku on March 31, 2006
Pros: Controls hidden equipment perfectly
Cons: Required testing of 2 remotes
Summary: I recently purchased this remote with the RF extender to control all my audio/video equipment placed behind closed doors in another room. The first remote just did not work ...
Summary: I recently purchased this remote with the RF extender to control all my audio/video equipment placed behind closed doors in another room. The first remote just did not work -after 2 days and several hours with tech support, I had to return the remote to the store. I was very frustrated at this point. But the store very kindly replaced my remote with another one and this was just a piece of cake to setup with minimum of tech support.
I am so very pleased with this remote since it controls all my equipment perfectly. Once it works, it works so well and does whatever I purchased this equipment for. I took a 2 year warrenty though just to be on the safe side10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Functionality good, ergonomics terrible
by msahlu on March 3, 2006
Pros: Comprehensive functionality, activity based remote
Cons: Forget about finger memory with this remote.
Summary: Just got this remote to control a home theater system and some Z-wave light controls. Primary factors that led me to its purchase was the Z-wave compatibility (which apparently won'...
Summary: Just got this remote to control a home theater system and some Z-wave light controls. Primary factors that led me to its purchase was the Z-wave compatibility (which apparently won't even be ready for another couple of months or so), the RF capabilities and the activity based control scheme which I'd gotten used to from a previous Harmony remote (659). As always setup was fairly easy to do although Logitech could make significant improvements to their interface and navigation of the config tools. This remote seemed to need more adjustments for time delay than did the 659 but again, this is not too difficult to do.
My biggest problem with this remote (and therefore the reason that I'm going to part with it as soon as a better alternative comes out) is that it's pretty much impossible to accurately use the functions on it without looking at it directly. Buttons next to each other are RIGHT NEXT to each other and are similar in size and shape to the point that they are indistinguishable by feel alone. Navigation cluster is too narrow and the LCD soft keys are so far away from the transport controls (and suffer from the same proximity and likeness problems described above) that it almost makes this a 2 handed operation.
Anyway, I had a suspicion just from looking at the remote that ergonomics were going to be an issue but what I experience was worse than anything I imagined. I'm going to get the Monster MCC AVL300-S when it comes out because it's essentially the same remote with a much more usable form factor. Not as 'sexy' but much more usable from the way it looks.10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Works well, finally...
by kscottdunn on May 18, 2006
Pros: Controls everything from anywhere
Cons: RF function took forever to work properly
Summary: I've noticed similar complaints among other posters. I bought this a few months ago and initially had it set up for IR only and the setup was quick and ...
Summary: I've noticed similar complaints among other posters. I bought this a few months ago and initially had it set up for IR only and the setup was quick and easy. However once I tried to switch it all over to the RF, it would not link up with the extender base. I spent several hours on the phone and it took a few weeks for their tech people to find a solution, but they did. It works fine now, so hopefully Logitech has been able to apply their solution to all the new ones. I would have given this an 8 or 9 for how it works now but the intial problems and long wait times with tech support has to lower the score significantly.
Updated
Well it's almost a year since I bought the 890 and a few months ago they updated the programming on the 890 and fixed a few minor bugs so that now it works perfectly. I have it programmed to control 8 different funtions plus the lights in my TV room and it handles it well. Only problem now is that the PS3 decided not to be RF or IR but that is Sony's problem.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A good buy if you need RF
by Peachboy on September 17, 2006
Pros: Easy setup, backlit buttons that won't rub off
Cons: Doesn't sit easily in charging cradle
Summary: Many people don't like the software for setup, but I found it intuitive albeit somewhat slow to respond. Total configuration/tweaking time for me was 2.5 hours, which ...
Summary: Many people don't like the software for setup, but I found it intuitive albeit somewhat slow to respond. Total configuration/tweaking time for me was 2.5 hours, which includes setting up Activity macros, adding custom buttons, favorite channel logos and configuring RF.
My biggest con is that you have to set it in the cradle perfectly for it to charge. The cradle should be deeper or the charging contacts should be bigger.
The RF receiver comes with 4 sets of "double" IR eyes, which allows it to control up to 8 devices in this method. The receiver also has an IR emitter for additional devices within line of sight. I like that I can still control certain devices via pure IR. My TV is always line-of-sight, so that is controlled via IR while my components are all set up for RF.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great remote, difficult setup
by rstewar on May 23, 2006
Pros: RF, nice LCD, backlit keys, setup
Cons: Setup, pricey
Summary: Ok... This is the 3rd Harmony remote I've owned and one of many, many universal remotes I've set up. I mention that the setup is both good and ...
Summary: Ok... This is the 3rd Harmony remote I've owned and one of many, many universal remotes I've set up. I mention that the setup is both good and bad.
If you look at the Harmony Remote as a piece of consumer electronics as it is and compare it against other universal remotes, this thing is a dream to set up. However, if you look at it as a computer peripheral, it's set up is abysmal.
Basically, you register with Harmony at their website (now Logitech) and you are taken through a series of screens to set up your remote. They should consider hiring a couple of usability experts as these screens and the workflow are all pretty bad.
That said, it is the easiest time I've had perfecting a universal remote to my liking. The benefit of programming the remote on a computer, rather than on the remote itself, is a dream come true.
The remote, once it is set up, is really nice. I love being able to hide my equipment away and use the RF to control them. The shape of the remote is very comfortable and the keys are well laid out. Additionally, the keys are backlit for control in a dark room.
All in all, this is the best remote that I've seen from Harmony and if you don't need the RF, consider the much cheaper Harmony 880.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Product is DEFECTIVE...
by ifly on January 21, 2006
Pros: Works well if you only want IR.... then buy 880 and save the $
Cons: The product is DEFECTIVE..
Summary: Have had product for a month and the RF (radio freq) does not keep its link with the RF extender. Customer support is "working on issue" and keeps trying software ...
Summary: Have had product for a month and the RF (radio freq) does not keep its link with the RF extender. Customer support is "working on issue" and keeps trying software fixes. Can anyone say CLASS ACTION !! Why release a defective product.?!!
5 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent Remote
by calamita on May 24, 2006
Pros: Works perfectly
Cons: More buttons would have made this unit better
Summary: This is my third Harmony Remote and it works flawlessly. It takes a while to program it, but I didn't have any trouble connecting to Harmony's web site ...
Summary: This is my third Harmony Remote and it works flawlessly. It takes a while to program it, but I didn't have any trouble connecting to Harmony's web site to program it that an earlier reviewer mentioned (using a Mac Powerbook, Time Warner cable modem connection and D-Link WiFi router / firewall).
My only minor complaint is that sometimes you have to dig deep into the (programmable) soft-keys because there isn't a dedicated button.
Even with this conplaint, this is still the best universal remote I've used and I'm on my sixth (3rd Harmony).3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Logitech
- Part number: 966193-0403
- Description: Imagine... controlling all your devices using only one remote - without a direct line of sight to the components! With the Harmony 890 Remote, you can still control your home entertainment while all those unsightly wires and components remain hidden behind cabinet doors or walls.
General
- Device Type Universal remote control
Remote Control
- Connectivity Technology Infrared/radio
- Supported Device Qty 15
- Input Device Keypad
- Max Operating Distance 100 ft
- Features Programmable, Back-lit buttons
- Display LCD display
- 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 AC power adapter, Wireless AV receiver, Remote control charging stand
Power
- Battery 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
