Reviewed by: huff1 on 28-Jan-06 Rating:

Strengths:Fantastic for the kids and my wife to easily use a complicated system.

Weaknesses:buttons are to small for my big fingers. one touch buttons (watch tv,watch dvd, ect.) are not illuminated very well and hard to read in low light.

Summary:I was a little apprehensive about spending this much money for a remote but after I got it all working properly, I realized it was a great decision. It works so well I\'d pay double. Setup was a little stressfull but after a few calls to a very helpful logitech custer service, I got it running perfect. Now, my 7 year old can run the whole system without my help, not to mention my wife. my only complaint is that the buttons to control my satelite reciever are to small but I will get use to it. The advantages of this remote far outweigh the problems with the buttons. I will be buying another on of these remotes for our other entertainment center. It\'s a great product and that\'s coming from a really picky person.

Reviewed by: arsrini on 10-Oct-05 Rating:

Strengths:Easy Setup. One button to switch off everything

Weaknesses:I still couldn\'t switch from Watching TV to Watch DVD. I have to setup my receiver manually.

Summary:It\'s a great product. I can switch on DVD or TV or VCR. But when I switch between watching TV to DVD or DVD to VCR, it is not working correctly. So I need to switch off everything and start all over again. That\'s the only minus point I found. I am yet to call Logitech support. Hopefully I can find some solution to that. Otherwise it\'s a great product. Even my child could operate TV without my help.

Reviewed by: highroler2 on 02-Sep-05 Rating:

Strengths:The one touch buttons, watch dvd etc., make this remote user friendly. Its 15 device capability make this remote the last one you\'ll ever need.

Weaknesses:Some of the commands for each device have no use at all. I still need to customize. The silver ring directional pad does not respond as quickly as I would like.

Summary:I really like this remote! It\'s so user friendly that my 6 year old is using it. Now when I buy a DVR and an HDTV receiver, I will add them to the remote. The blue illuminesence is extra cool too.

Reviewed by: vanhalen26505 on 18-Aug-05 Rating:

Strengths:Nice, ergonomic feel. Intelligent design. Internet database to assist in programming

Weaknesses:None so far.

Summary:I researched the Logitech Harmony line a bit after seeing the impressive appearance of some of the higher end models. I did not want one that needed to be recharged regularly, and I decided to go with the 688 model. I have a TiVo and it is designed to mate well with it as well as the rest of a standard Home Theater system. It was easy to program and made it possible to place the other remotes in a drawer. Multiple steps can be executed with a single button. Prior to this, I had to turn on the components individaully and change a variety of settings to get the proper source and such. Less clutter and a simple interface are just what the doctor ordered.

Reviewed by: alymor on 03-Mar-05 Rating:

Strengths:easy to setup, great tech support when I had a question.

Weaknesses:the buttons could be a little bigger. It would be nice to have a way to find it if you miss place it.

Summary:I have a very complicated home entertainment system that involved using seven remotes. The harmony does a great job of combining my remotes into one. The other thing that is nice is that I can program another room on this remote so that if I want to I can take it with me. I have a sitting room in my bedroom that has another TV and stereo system and this is perfect, in fact I can use it to open my lights.

Reviewed by: Casper1 on 27-Feb-05 Rating:

Strengths:Relative ease of setup, controls everything, sexy shape

Weaknesses:Some additional setup options would be nice.

Summary:This is one great remote. After I went to an HDTV, I had to use (literally) six remotes to control it all. This remote has replaced them all, and even my wife loves it! Press a button, you are watching TV. Press another and you are watching a DVD. Press off and it ALL turns off. Very nice.

My only gripe (if any) is with the setup. It\'s easy to do the initial stuff, but customizing all of the screens, etc can be a bit confusing. Some commands must show up on all screens, and changing the setup on one screen will monkey with the others. You just have to take that into account when you are setting it up. After a few tries you will get it.

It\'s a great product. I haven\'t had problems with the button size either... guess I have small fingers.

Reviewed by: The Shoopster on 04-Feb-05 Rating:

Strengths:Finally, a universal remote control that actually works!

Weaknesses:Price

Summary:This little gem is amazing. You simply make a list of all your AV components (manufacturer, type of equipment, and model number - by the way, that is about the hardest thing you have to do with this little guy). You establish an account (at Logitech for your remote... enter the info, and it does the rest. You hook your remote up to your computer (via a USB cable) and it programs based on your exact set up (I even had some fairly old components and it still knew each and every model number that I input). Try to buy on sale, when there is a rebate, or through Pricegrabber!

Reviewed by: rbendell on 03-Feb-05 Rating:

Strengths:I had no difficulty during setup. All you need is the various electronics model numbers. Website is very easy to use. The 688 worked exactly as described on the Logitech website.

Weaknesses:I haven\'t found any so far.

Summary:I\'ve had other universal remotes and none of them are as easy or complete as this unit. At the price I paid, I can\'t imagine why amyone would look at anything else.

Reviewed by: studer on 31-Jan-05 Rating:

Strengths:Setup via WebUSB connection to download setupBacked up on Web (no headaches when battery dies)Works with TivoEasy to use with 4 preset buttons Nice size

Weaknesses:buttons hard to read, even with backlightLCD screen is way cool, but requires over an hour to set up right with many pieces of equipment

Summary:Highly recommend! Value is pretty good, just over $100 street. I have tried many universal remotes, including the Sony touch lcd and this is the best yet. The setup couldn\'t be easier. The Web site walks you through everything. You tell it the brand and model numbers and which devices you use when you watch tv, listen to music, watch a dvd, listen to a cd, etc... It takes care of the rest. For optimum use however, you will want to customize the text and functions of the lcd screen. Depending on what device you are controlling, a different set of options appears (4 with a title or six without a title). The defaults for the LCD were not what I use the most and I suspect everyone will be different. The setup is not hard but it is time consuming. Be prepared. Have your manuals and remotes next to the computer when you set it up. Ideally, be in a place where you can actually control all the equipment so you do not end up getting up and down over and over.

Now that it is setup, I do not expect to ever connect it to the computer again, at least not until I get that new plasma and satellite Tivo system. They have a feature that allows you to download the TV listings and have them display in the LCD. I thought this would be pretty cool until I learned that you would have to hook up your remote to the usb cable at least once a week for a long download.

Bottom line, this is the best universal remote I have ever owned and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by: spear32 on 01-Jan-05 Rating:

Strengths:It does what it says it will. Ease of use, installation and one touch activation of multiple components.

Weaknesses:Not enough people know about this amazing product.

Summary:For the first time ever, I actually have one remote for my entire Theater Room. I am so surprised, I\'ve never seen an \"all-in-one\" that actually handles all components and the features for each component. You know how it goes...if you do get a universal to work, you can usually only use it to turn on/off or volume/channel up/down? Not with the Harmony...you get to use one remote for all your components complete functionality.

Press a button called \"Watch TV\" and my HD TV, HD Tuner, and Receiver all activate and are ready to go.

Press a button called \"Watch DVD\" and my system automatically switches to the correct inputs.

Press the \"oFF\" button once and everything is off.

Just a couple examples that say everything. Wow, very cool item. I\'m very pleased.

Reviewed by: MarathonDon on 30-Jun-04 Rating:

Strengths:Extremely user friendly. Hook up to a usb port on your computer and follow the instructions. Next thing you know all of your remotes are now one. Excellent technical support!

Weaknesses:None

Summary:This product is a must for people who own multiple remotes. This remote couldn\'t be easier and it takes on all the functions of your existing remotes! Buy it, you\'ll llke it!