Manage updates with the Download AppLogitech 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: $349.99
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John Falcone
- Reviewed on: 05/17/2006
- 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.
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.32 out of 32 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.20 out of 28 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 side12 out of 12 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.12 out of 12 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.6 out of 6 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
- Remote type Universal remote control
- Remote control technology Infrared
Overview
- Features Back-lit buttons ,
Easy online set up ,
One-click activity buttons ,
Multi-brand compatibility ,
Programmable - Number of supported devices 15
- Supported devices TV ,
DVD player ,
VCR ,
Game console ,
AV receiver ,
Amplifier ,
CD player ,
DVR ,
Radio - Input device Keypad
- Max operating distance 100 ft
- Display LCD display - Color
- Color display Yes
Connections
- Type 1 x USB
System Requirements
- Operating System MS Windows 2000,
MS Windows XP,
Apple Mac OS X 10.2 or later,
MS Windows 98 SE,
MS Windows ME
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Wireless AV receiver,
AC power adapter,
Remote control charging stand - Cables Included 1 x USB cable - External
Power
- Battery Remote control unit battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion
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
