ricks's stats
- Review count148
- Helpfulness votes587
- First reviewJanuary 16, 2016
- Last reviewApril 19, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.1
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- Answer count9
- Helpfulness votes13
- First answerJuly 22, 2016
- Last answerMay 17, 2021
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Throw away your extra remotes in favor of the Logitech Harmony 665 remote control. This functional remote works with a range of devices, from basic cable to Apple TV, and can combine up to 10 remotes in one versatile unit. This Logitech Harmony 665 remote control offers one-button setup for easy incorporation with your entertainment system.
Customer Rating
4
Does The Job After Learning Curve
on August 21, 2017
Posted by: ricks
from SF Bay Area
This review is for someone like me who has never used a fancy-pants programmable remote like this Harmony 665. Until now, the only "universal" remote I've used is whatever my TV provider gave to control their set-top box along with basic TV functions like on/off and volume. I had no idea what I was missing. The Harmony 665 is a very capable device, but there is a learning curve if you’ve never used one of these. Frankly, most of this learning curve comes from trying to navigate Logitech's MyHarmony support site and their desktop software (needed to program the remote). It would have been nice if their support site had a search function like on their user forum. The summary is here followed by a more detailed review:
Pros
• Ability to program multiple steps into a single button
• Large database of controllable devices
• Remote glows in the dark, with the exception of a few critical buttons
• Easy-to-open packaging
• Ability to program multiple steps into a single button
• Large database of controllable devices
• Remote glows in the dark, with the exception of a few critical buttons
• Easy-to-open packaging
Cons
• Though not difficult, cumbersome to set up, especially for a first-time user
• The “Exit” key functionality is not intuitive
• Allowed me to map Sony Playstation 3 controls, even though PS3 is not supported and doesn’t work
• Logitech’s MyHarmony support site needs improvement.
• Though not difficult, cumbersome to set up, especially for a first-time user
• The “Exit” key functionality is not intuitive
• Allowed me to map Sony Playstation 3 controls, even though PS3 is not supported and doesn’t work
• Logitech’s MyHarmony support site needs improvement.
Though the Harmony 665 can handle a lot, my setup is pretty basic: Comcast Xfinity box, Samsung Smart TV, Vizio soundbar, and Sony Playstation 3.
First Impression
The packaging is easy to open – no need for a chainsaw to rip it apart. This package has perforations on the back, making the remote simple to pull out (see photo). The device is lightweight, albeit a little slippery.
The packaging is easy to open – no need for a chainsaw to rip it apart. This package has perforations on the back, making the remote simple to pull out (see photo). The device is lightweight, albeit a little slippery.
Getting Ready
I dutifully read the sparse instructions in the package. I could hardly believe the warning to set aside 45 minutes for setup, but it turned out to be a good estimate. I had to download software from their site to my Mac. Logitech’s software site also referenced an iOS app. I wasted time looking at the iOS app only to discover it does not apply to this remote. Once installed, the desktop software required me to create an account so that settings can be saved and reloaded if needed. I used my password manager to generate a strong long password, but the software would not let me copy/paste the password. I ended up annoyingly retyping it. Oddly but thankfully, it has no issue with copying/pasting passwords for subsequent logins.
I dutifully read the sparse instructions in the package. I could hardly believe the warning to set aside 45 minutes for setup, but it turned out to be a good estimate. I had to download software from their site to my Mac. Logitech’s software site also referenced an iOS app. I wasted time looking at the iOS app only to discover it does not apply to this remote. Once installed, the desktop software required me to create an account so that settings can be saved and reloaded if needed. I used my password manager to generate a strong long password, but the software would not let me copy/paste the password. I ended up annoyingly retyping it. Oddly but thankfully, it has no issue with copying/pasting passwords for subsequent logins.
Adding Devices
At this point, I gathered the model numbers for my devices. It took me a while to find the manuals since I could not easily move my equipment to see what was on the back. The Harmony software accepted the model numbers for my Sony PS3, Comcast box, Vizio soundbar and even the Samsung TV which had a Costco specific model number. Once entered, the Harmony software recognized the Vizio as an "amp" instead of a soundbar – clearly written by an engineer instead of a product manager. Note: the software allowed me to add the Sony PS3 though I later discovered the Harmony 665 cannot actually control it. Also note, the Logitech web page to check supported devices is buried and difficult to find within the MyHarmony site. I cannot reference it here as Best Buy does not allow URLs in reviews.
At this point, I gathered the model numbers for my devices. It took me a while to find the manuals since I could not easily move my equipment to see what was on the back. The Harmony software accepted the model numbers for my Sony PS3, Comcast box, Vizio soundbar and even the Samsung TV which had a Costco specific model number. Once entered, the Harmony software recognized the Vizio as an "amp" instead of a soundbar – clearly written by an engineer instead of a product manager. Note: the software allowed me to add the Sony PS3 though I later discovered the Harmony 665 cannot actually control it. Also note, the Logitech web page to check supported devices is buried and difficult to find within the MyHarmony site. I cannot reference it here as Best Buy does not allow URLs in reviews.
Programming
Harmony can be used to control each device individually (as if using multiple remotes). But Logitech encourages you to program activities like "watch TV," or "listen to music." Each activity then issues all necessary commands for that activity. There are several shortcut buttons that can be mapped to these activities. For example, I programmed the "listen to music" activity button to turn on my soundbar and switch it to bluetooth so I can play music from my iPhone. Similarly, the “watch movie" button turns on the TV and brings up the Samsung Smart Hub so I can select a TV app like Netflix or YouTube. It works well and is what separates Harmony from simple universal remotes. Exactly how much you can program varies depending on Harmony's features and the device controllability. For example, even though using “watch movie" brings up the Samsung Smart Hub, my Samsung TV will not let it select a specific app like Netflix – that I do manually. Another useful feature is Harmony’s keys are automatically reprogrammed to work with the chosen activity. That means when in “watch movie” activity, the play/pause/rewind keys act like my TV remote and let me control what I’m watching on Netflix, YouTube etc… But in “watch TV” activity, those same keys control my Comcast DVR. Before Harmony, I was constantly switching remotes.
Harmony can be used to control each device individually (as if using multiple remotes). But Logitech encourages you to program activities like "watch TV," or "listen to music." Each activity then issues all necessary commands for that activity. There are several shortcut buttons that can be mapped to these activities. For example, I programmed the "listen to music" activity button to turn on my soundbar and switch it to bluetooth so I can play music from my iPhone. Similarly, the “watch movie" button turns on the TV and brings up the Samsung Smart Hub so I can select a TV app like Netflix or YouTube. It works well and is what separates Harmony from simple universal remotes. Exactly how much you can program varies depending on Harmony's features and the device controllability. For example, even though using “watch movie" brings up the Samsung Smart Hub, my Samsung TV will not let it select a specific app like Netflix – that I do manually. Another useful feature is Harmony’s keys are automatically reprogrammed to work with the chosen activity. That means when in “watch movie” activity, the play/pause/rewind keys act like my TV remote and let me control what I’m watching on Netflix, YouTube etc… But in “watch TV” activity, those same keys control my Comcast DVR. Before Harmony, I was constantly switching remotes.
Actual Usage
I love using the activity keys. It’s a much better experience than constantly switching Harmony to function like a specific device remote. But, there’s a hurdle in the “exit” key functionality. If I’m "watching TV" and then switch my activity to “watch movie” on Netflix, I can exit the Netflix app via the “exit” key on Harmony as expected. Even though I’ve exited the Netflix app, the remote stays mapped in “watch movie” activity, and the keys are still programmed for the Samsung TV remote. That means the guide button will not bring up the Comcast guide, nor will it now control the Comcast DVR. Intuitively, I expected that by exiting Netflix, Harmony would reconfigure itself as the Comcast remote. Instead, I have to press the “watch TV” activity button or manually set it to act like the Comcast remote. This issue comes up quite a bit on the Logitech community forum, and while some folks discovered a way to program a better exit, it did not work for me. If all else fails, you don’t have to use activities; Harmony can easily be configured to work like each device’s native remote via the handy 4-button center display. Finally, I was very pleased that the remote glows orange in the dark, though inexplicably not for the power or activity shortcut keys. That’s a very strange design decision given how much Logitech wants us to use activities.
I love using the activity keys. It’s a much better experience than constantly switching Harmony to function like a specific device remote. But, there’s a hurdle in the “exit” key functionality. If I’m "watching TV" and then switch my activity to “watch movie” on Netflix, I can exit the Netflix app via the “exit” key on Harmony as expected. Even though I’ve exited the Netflix app, the remote stays mapped in “watch movie” activity, and the keys are still programmed for the Samsung TV remote. That means the guide button will not bring up the Comcast guide, nor will it now control the Comcast DVR. Intuitively, I expected that by exiting Netflix, Harmony would reconfigure itself as the Comcast remote. Instead, I have to press the “watch TV” activity button or manually set it to act like the Comcast remote. This issue comes up quite a bit on the Logitech community forum, and while some folks discovered a way to program a better exit, it did not work for me. If all else fails, you don’t have to use activities; Harmony can easily be configured to work like each device’s native remote via the handy 4-button center display. Finally, I was very pleased that the remote glows orange in the dark, though inexplicably not for the power or activity shortcut keys. That’s a very strange design decision given how much Logitech wants us to use activities.
Overall, the remote is 4 stars and the Logitech software/website are 3 to 3.5 stars. The product is very nice but the experience needs some tweaking. Regardless, now that I have it set up, it’s a keeper.
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+164points
178of 192voted this as helpful.
Take your DSLR camera on the go with this Lowepro Fastpack BP 250 AW II LP36869 backpack, which features 3 interior zones to organize and store a camera, lenses, a laptop and accessories. An All Weather AW Cover protects your equipment from the elements.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent bag
on July 29, 2017
Posted by: ricks
Verified Purchase:Yes
This bag has plenty of room to carry a reasonable amount of gear. In my case, an APS-C DSLR, 18-200 zoom, 11-18 wide angle zoom, 85mm prime, plus 4 filters, battery charger, extra batteries, lens cleaner...and a still a bit of room to spare. This all fit at the bottom, leaving the top compartment for snacks etc. In fact, my MeFoto Backpacker tripod fit in the top compartment, leaving the outside pocket available for a water bottle. The only nit I have to pick is the shoulder straps material is a little rough. Other backpacks I own have a more comfortable strap, but it's not a deal killer.
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
The thrill and allure of the Skyrim series is that you get to choose who your character will become. Do you wish to uphold the powers of good? Then use your skills to battle evil. Care to switch it up and fight with the bad guys for a change? The freedom is yours. In a game where every choice you make affects the future outcome of the storyline, it's easy to become lost in this ethereal and transcendent land of lore. With The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Legendary Edition, you have access to the iconic story of the original game, as well as the official Dawnguard, Hearthfire and Dragonborn add-ons for an immersive experience you won't soon forget.The storytelling and adventure of The Elder Scrolls comes to life in one comprehensive experience with this Legendary Edition that places additional weapons, armor, spells and shouts at your disposal. In Dawnguard you have the option of battling the Vampire Lord Harkon as a member of the ancient order to save the sun, or becoming a Vampire Lord yourself. Explore the vast island of Solstheim, off the coast of Morrowind, whose lands are littered with ash wastes and glacial valleys. As you become more powerful with shouts that bend the will of your enemies and even tame dragons, you come closer to facing off against your deadliest adversary — the first Dragonborn. Create a home for your character that reflects your style — from a simple, single-room cottage to a sprawling compound complete with armory, alchemy laboratory and more. Hearthfire lets you purchase land and build from the ground up with tools, such as the drafting table and carpenter's workbench, that transform clay, stone and logs into structures and furnishings. You can even adopt children to bring the light of youth to your hearth. The Elder Scrolls gives you the chance to live another life in another world that has consequences and choices, just like this life on Earth. Except in Skyrim, you get the added perk of battling vampires and dragons to spice things up.
Customer Rating
4
Fun game but a little buggy
on February 8, 2017
Posted by: ricks
Verified Purchase:Yes
The PS3 version is graphically dated and buggy. For example, when trying to pick up items, the controller simply moves them instead. But overall it's a fun game to play if you haven’t upgraded to PS4 yet.
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Ideal for photography, art and design applications, this Wacom Intuos Professional PTH451 pen and tablet assist you in your creative process. The tablet's multitouch interface with gesture support allows simple navigation of on-screen content.
Customer Rating
5
It just works
on January 7, 2017
Posted by: ricks
Verified Purchase:Yes
The small version is a perfect size for occasional photo editing. If you’re a graphic designer or artist, it might be too small for large arm movements. But for a photographer, it's perfect. Wacom and Adobe have a strong partnership so their tablet works seamlessly in Photoshop and other products. I would not waste time with generic brands who have a reputation for poor drivers and software.
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
I would recommend this to a friend!
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QuietComfort® 35 wireless noise cancelling headphones are engineered with world-class noise cancellation that makes quiet sound quieter and music sound better. Free yourself from wires and connect easily to your devices with Bluetooth® and NFC pairing. And enjoy up to 20 hours of wireless listening per battery charge.
Customer Rating
5
Great Noise Canceling and Sound
on July 22, 2016
Posted by: ricks
Verified Purchase:Yes
Bose has hit it out of the park with the QC 35. The fit, comfort, noise canceling and sound quality are exceptional. Battery life is good and does not require long to charge. The bluetooth connectivity can use some work. Sometimes there's interference when connected to multiple devices and it's better to have just one device paired at a time.
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Enjoy your favorite tunes with these Jam Transit Mini HX-EP315GY earbud headphones, which feature sound isolation and dynamic 8mm drivers for immersive audio. The sweat-resistant technology and magnetic neck attachment enable active, on-the-go use.
Customer Rating
4
Good value for working out
on April 1, 2016
Posted by: ricks
Verified Purchase:Yes
This is a good inexpensive wireless earbud, perfect for active workouts, including running. (It's not a high end sound – for that you'll have to pay up.) Other sets are very difficult to keep in place while running. The ear hooks on these are a huge help. I also like the cord keeper that allows you to adjust the cord length. The microphone picks up a lot of wind noise, so try to take calls indoors.
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Harman Kardon One Portable Bluetooth Speaker: With Bluetooth capabilities and HTC Connect technology for simple pairing with HTC devices, this portable speaker makes streaming your music easy. You can also make and take calls with the built-in speakerphone.
Customer Rating
4
Good speaker when on sale
on January 16, 2016
Posted by: ricks
Verified Purchase:Yes
I wanted a portable speaker for use at the office and tried the Sony SRSX33 as well as the Harmon Kardon One, Bayan Audio Soundbook GO, and Cambridge Audio G2. All are available for $100 or less when on sale. The Sony by far had the richest sound regardless of the music type – rock, pop, classical, rap, etc… But the HK One came in second. It doesn’t quite have the bass of the Sony, but the mid-tones are very crisp. I would pick this over the Sony if you’re primarily listening to classical.
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+20points
22of 24voted this as helpful.
Stream music from compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices with this Sony SRSX33/BLUE portable speaker, which features a Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR interface and NFC (near-field communication) technology for quick and simple pairing.
Customer Rating
5
Rich sound for its price
on January 16, 2016
Posted by: ricks
Verified Purchase:Yes
I wanted a portable speaker for use at the office and tried the Sony SRSX33 as well as the Harmon Kardon One, Bayan Audio Soundbook GO, and Cambridge Audio G2. All are available for $100 or less when on sale. The Sony by far had the richest sound regardless of the music type – rock, pop, classical, rap, etc… It strains at high volume, but in an office, that’s not my intended use. The slight negative is that it beeps when connecting or disconnecting from bluetooth. I would rather it be silent, again more appropriate for an office. But it's not obnoxiously loud.
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
My Best Buy number: 0394868316
I would recommend this to a friend!
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+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
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ricks's Answers
B&W PI5 true wire-free headphones are attractive, well-built, and they deliver a refined sound quality. Featuring Bluetooth 5.0 with Qualcomm aptX technology these earphones ensure reliable connectivity whether you are streaming from your smartphone, tablet or PC. Allows connection of up to two devices at the same time, however, only one device can be used to play or make a call at a time. Download the Bowers & Wilkins free headphone app, available for Apple and Android for further control of the sound and noise cancellation, right on your phone. The PI5 headphones feature the latest innovations in adaptive noise cancellation along with 4 built-in microphones that pick up ambient noise and cancel it with an equal, but opposite, audio signal and enhance the call quality. There are three levels of Adaptive Noise Cancellation – High, Low and Auto, that can be controlled either by the multi-functional button on the left earbud or via the app. Similarly, the touch-sensitive button on the right earbud allows you to enable voice assistance. The buttons also allows you to control playback and phone call functions with single (play/pause, answer call), double (skip forward, end call), or triple presses (skip backward). Another stand-out feature of these headphones is the intuitive detection sensors that put the earphones on standby or reconnect them depending upon whether they are removed or put back on. The PI5s come with a sturdy and attractive charging case for charging the earbuds when not in use. The case is equipped with two 350mAh rechargeable batteries. Each earbud has a rechargeable battery which provides up to 4 hours of wireless playback. Including the charging case, the PI5 can provide up to 12 hours of continuous playback.
Is there an App to set the equalizer?
The app currently does not have an equalizer function. Not sure if they plan to add this functionality in the future, but would be nice.
2 years, 11 months ago
by
ricks
Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine w/ LatteGo, Black
is that machine automatic?
Yes. You just put coffee beans in the hopper and it makes espressos and coffee.
4 years, 6 months ago
by
ricks
Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine w/ LatteGo, Black
Is this compatible with Google Home or Alexa...???
Capture up to 1440p video with this Nextbase 522GW dash camera. Alexa enables hands-free control through voice commands, and Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi technologies sync with compatible smartphones for quick access to important footage. This Nextbase 522GW dash camera has ports for connecting compatible camera modules for easy expansion.
This specs states that it has GPS. Does it record GPS location and speed on the viewed camera footage? There is a GPS powered mount that is available for these types of cameras. Are these extra mounts needed to record GPS and speed on the footage?
GPS recorder is built into the cam so you don't need any mount other than what's included. Yes, the video footage will show you the speed and GPS location. Additionally, if you use the myNextbase player app on your PC or Mac, you can also see your route overlayed on a map side-by-side with the footage.
4 years, 9 months ago
by
ricks
Meet Bose Frames. Bluetooth sunglasses with a soundtrack. The first audio sunglasses with built-in Bose speakers for an immersive audio experience unlike any other. A revolutionary personal audio experience hidden inside two classic designs, each enriched with premium accents and materials. Play music, take calls, and enjoy the sun with UVA/UVB protection. Bose Frames Alto feature a classic angular lenses, available in small and large size.
Where’s the camera? A camera would make this product complete. While hiking a hands free everything would be awesome.
Listen to tunes in peace with these Sony headphones. Their noise-canceling processor blocks out background noise so you can fully enjoy your playlist, and the Smart Listening feature adjusts noise-canceling levels based on your activity. Quickly charge these Sony headphones in only 10 minutes to provide 30 hours of battery life. Industry Leading Noise Cancellation. *As of August 30, 2018. According to research by Sony Corporation measured using JEITA-compliant guidelines. In headband-style of wireless noise-canceling headphones market.
Is there latency when watching videos?
I did not notice any latency at all watching YouTube.
5 years, 7 months ago
by
ricks
Sleep better. Cover unwanted noise with soothing sounds. Bose noise-masking sleepbuds™ are uniquely designed for sleep. They don’t stream music or have acoustic noise cancellation. Instead, these tiny, wireless earbuds use pre-loaded, soothing sounds to cover up unwanted noises, so you can get to sleep — and stay asleep. Plus, unlike traditional earplugs, they’re super comfortable and made to stay in place all night long, even if you sleep on your side. 1. Choose your sound, 2. Set an alarm, 3. Fall asleep without unwanted noise.
How well do these work for silencing out loud snoring from your bed partner?
The volume of the sleepbuds can be turned up pretty high, so as to cover up the snoring. But then the question is can you sleep with loud sound playing in your ears? These are not earplugs – they do not reduce external sounds, they only mask them.
5 years, 9 months ago
by
ricks
Create incredible images every day, anywhere with Adobe Creative Cloud Photography plan. Get the magic of Adobe Photoshop CC and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC, plus everything else you need to organize, enhance, and share your photos like a pro on your desktop and mobile devices.
With this program, can you make flyers, posters and layouts? crop your photos also?
The short answer is yes, you can do all of those things. Note that Lightroom and especially Photoshop are like "Swiss Army Knives." They are powerful editing tools designed for many different functions and activities. That means you won't find a simple setting for "make a flyer," and so on. But if you take the time to learn the software (which admittedly can take some time), it will more than deliver what you’re asking.
6 years, 2 months ago
by
ricks
QuietComfort® 35 wireless noise cancelling headphones are engineered with world-class noise cancellation that makes quiet sound quieter and music sound better. Free yourself from wires and connect easily to your devices with Bluetooth® and NFC pairing. And enjoy up to 20 hours of wireless listening per battery charge.
Where does the music heard on the headphones come from? Can you program the music directly into the headphones so it is a complete unit?
The headphones play sound from your phone, computer or whatever device you’ve paired it with. There is no onboard memory to hold music – it must be streamed.
7 years, 9 months ago
by
ricks