Oct 20, 2008 12:00 AM

Review: Logitech Harmony One

Name: Harmony One
Item: Harmony One

Logitech’s 2.2-inch color touchscreen remote definitely had the looks of the bunch. Testing proved it had the brains, too. Instead of forcing you to toggle between various devices, the Harmony One is activity-based — select “watch a video” and it powers on all the required electronics at once and sets them to the proper inputs. […]

Buy Now at Logitech

Rating:

8/10

WIRED

Responsive touchscreen is a smooth operator. Software-based setup easier to handle than a doorknob.

TIRED

Some automated functions are kooky and need to be manually reprogrammed. No RF means you have to stand right in front of your gear.

Logitech's 2.2-inch color touchscreen remote definitely had the looks of the bunch. Testing proved it had the brains, too. Instead of forcing you to toggle between various devices, the Harmony One is activity-based — select "watch a video" and it powers on all the required electronics at once and sets them to the proper inputs. And with codes for hundreds of thousands of devices, you can be sure that the off-brand CD changer you scored at some swap meet is in there somewhere.

Others Tested
Universal Remote Control MX-980 $599
Activity-based color LCD with customizable graphics. It's pricey, though, and programming requires a pro.

Marantz RC3001 $350
Uses IR capture for easy — if basic — programming, but the monochrome screen is dated.

Philips Prestigo SRU8015 $180
Sleek remote with handy scroll wheel. But programming is burdensome, and the labyrinth of menus gets tedious fast.

Buy at Logitech

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