New Logitech Harmony Ultimate and Smart Hub receiving good reviews

[Kaido]

Just read a review on Engadget:

http://www.engadget.com/2013/07/05/logitech-harmony-ultimate-smart-hub-review/

The Hub with the dumb remote (vs. smart remote w/ touchscreen) is exactly what I'm looking for. You can use your Smartphone as a backup remote in case you lose the dumb remote, but you get a no-frills remote with real buttons in this package. I like having physical buttons because then I don't have to look down or unlock my phone or anything just to change a channel or the volume. That bundle goes for $129 on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-915-0.../dp/B00BQ5RYI4

It has a built-in IR blaster and two ports for additional external blasters. The dumb remote unfortunately doesn't have local IR capabilities, but it does have a coin-type battery that has an estimated year battery life, which is awesome. I'd still prefer a Tivo remote, but this will due in place of not having to futz with a remote with a screen built-in. The Hub also has Bluetooth for PS3 & Wii control.

 

[RandomFool]

I was looking at that the other day. My problem is my Harmony 550 does everything I need and I can't justify the extra features for the price.

 

[purbeast0]

i could never go back to a harmony after using roomie remote.

 

[samboy]

Harmony was great until they started putting device limits on their remotes........

Even my USB adapter for my PS3 counts as another device....... yes there are ways and means of getting around some of these limitations; but I find that voting with my $$$ (or lack of) is the best way of getting attention.

 

[finbarqs]

i have that stupid logitech touch screen remote, that I got on sale for 159. Problem is that controlling my PS3, doesn't have a home button, and various other buttons. Plus because it's IR, i have to be pointing RIGHT at it! And I ALWAYS have to hit the "help" button because of an unsuccessful shutdown or power on...

 

[tential]

i have that stupid logitech touch screen remote, that I got on sale for 159. Problem is that controlling my PS3, doesn't have a home button, and various other buttons. Plus because it's IR, i have to be pointing RIGHT at it! And I ALWAYS have to hit the "help" button because of an unsuccessful shutdown or power on...

I use my phone currently. I think a Nexus 7 (on sale) is a good remote for me (controls majority of what I need). If they could make a new tablet with an IR blaster for under 200 dollars, I'd use that over any Harmony device. Right now though, I'm waiting on the Samsung Galaxy S4 to get a good IR software so I can use that as a remote. The tech is just almost there that I can use a tablet as a remote but not quite.

 

[Fallen Kell]

I can't stand touch screen remotes, which means this still isn't for me. I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO LOOK AT THE REMOTE TO CONTROL MY DEVICES! I don't mind it for certain little used features or functionality in which I wouldn't already be watching the TV/listening to audio. In other words, I don't mind it for changing activities, but not for pause, play, stop, fast forward, rewind, skip, top menu, volume, channel changing (including number pad), menu, info, exit, and prev channel.

 

[ImpulsE69]

I can't stand touch screen remotes, which means this still isn't for me. I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO LOOK AT THE REMOTE TO CONTROL MY DEVICES! I don't mind it for certain little used features or functionality in which I wouldn't already be watching the TV/listening to audio. In other words, I don't mind it for changing activities, but not for pause, play, stop, fast forward, rewind, skip, top menu, volume, channel changing (including number pad), menu, info, exit, and prev channel.

Agreed, and this is the same for pretty much all touch devices taking over (looking at you cell phones). There are certainly aspects that lend themselves better to having the physical memory so you don't have to stare at it the entire time you are trying to do something. Something manufacturers seem to be forgetting.

 

[Kaido]

I can't stand touch screen remotes, which means this still isn't for me. I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO LOOK AT THE REMOTE TO CONTROL MY DEVICES! I don't mind it for certain little used features or functionality in which I wouldn't already be watching the TV/listening to audio. In other words, I don't mind it for changing activities, but not for pause, play, stop, fast forward, rewind, skip, top menu, volume, channel changing (including number pad), menu, info, exit, and prev channel.

Um, you didn't actually read the review or my first post, did you?

There are two versions of the system available: one with a touchscreen...and one that is simply a regular remote. That's what the big deal is about...you can now buy a Harmony remote that is simply a remote, but still talks to multiple devices & is programmable. In this picture, the touchscreen remote is on the left, the smartphone remote is in the middle, and the new, simple, non-touchscreen "dumb" remote (Logitech calls is the "Simple Remote") is on the right:

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/06/harmonyhub41md.jpg

The Simple Remote with the IR blaster is $129 on Amazon right now, and also allows you use your smartphone as an alternative remote: (like if you lose the tactile remote in the couch cushions)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BQ5RYI4

I think you win the misplaced rant of the day, sir :biggrin:

 

[royo]

Considering the price of the touch remote, I'd also be inclined to go for the dumb remote.

 

[boomhower]

I bought one. Just got in up and running today so not a ton of usage but I'm loving it so far. Set-up was an absolute breeze. I used an iPad Mini for the initial set-up and it was very easy. Just follow the prompts and you go right through. The app is nice but they really need an iPad version with more of the inputs on one screen to reduce the scrolling. My previous remote was a Harmony One that my dog destroyed so I've used them before.

One negative that is really grating my nerves is that you can only use two blasters. I guess for most this would be sufficient but I had to redo my entertainment system to get all the media boxes combined into one section where the Hub would hit all of them. One blaster for the TB and the second to the receiver that's in a separate compartment due to heat. Be aware that it only comes with one blaster so you may need to purchase a second ahead of time, I already spares from the One.

Set-up is a Panny plasma, Yamaha receiver, PS3, Apple TV, and a WD Live TV.