This Logitech Harmony 915-000194 smart control lets you use your compatible Apple® iPhone®, iPod® touch or iPad® or Android device to control up to 8 components for simple, multifunction use.
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I purchased this remote after a few months of trying to manage my electronics via each individual remote. As a rule, programming my remotes is just not something I want to do. I prefer a single 'master' remote to rule them all. Not only to simplify, but something I could keep and use despite my changing my electronics on occasion. I bought with high hopes. I mean, it even has an app!
I was excited to try it out.
For setup, the hardware is easy enough... you plug it in and then go online to configure things. that's where I first became frustrated. Honestly, I found the setup difficult to manage, having to register an account and then work through the various combinations of what you would want to watch. So, I managed the setup but found it to be a little complex to figure out. Not a deal breaker though. But just not totally intuitive.
After the setup was completed, I enjoyed good functionality of the remote. I do like the idea of 1-button to configure all my components to watch a movie, or tv, or music. So that was a joy added to my life, no more 3 remotes to mess with to watch a movie. I just gained a 300% productivity increase right there! Extra time to add extra butter to my popcorn!
But the unit has some issues. And I no longer use this remote as a result of them. It's an expensive paperweight. The issues:
- Loses connectivity with my wifi. It does this quite often. I don't know why. But when it does, nothing happens. I have to log in and re-connect it. or pick up my other remotes and let them carry the load. So, hmmm, bummer. The remote gets tired I guess.
- If I switch from listening to music to watching a movie, it sends a power signal to everything that is needed to watch movie, but that means the things that were already on, now turn off. So my components are not powered on. TV is powered off. It's all backwards and I get to do the manual one-by-one remote thing. Makes me sad.
- There is a delay from when you press to when stuff happens. Not a "big deal" but there is one. Changing channels on the tv takes longer as a result. no casual flipping. Too annoying. I'm an American and expect immediate gratification!
- The base unit has to be out in front of your components to guarantee effectiveness. That means tv's too. My situation has a mantle between my tv's and the base unit. To use this consistently with the tv, I have to place the base unit in the middle of the room or out in the open somewhere. Now I like a sexy space-pod looking thing as much as the next geek, but it doesn't mean I want that on my coffee table. Maybe it isn't an issue for you, I just don't like it.
- The app is more work than it is worth to unlock your device, start the app, push the button, etc... although I liked the app, and after my remote would stop connecting to the wifi i would have to use it, so I guess it is a good back up. And also, I don't think it supports windows phones. Maybe it does now. maybe I should erase that, nope, it is etched in internet. Forever emblazened (sp?).
All in all, not a fan. I know some people are enamored by it. And I bought on the promise of a simplified life. It has provided me with some amusement and assistance, but only on it's terms. No thanks. I don't work that way.