Logitech Harmony® 520 LCD Remote Control

I LOVE universal remotes that can be customized. My first was a Philips Pronto PSU-2000. Love the large touch-screen and fully customizable "everything". The tough part was getting all my "latest and greatest" gadgets to work with it. Macros; you need a PhD in Rocket Science to figure those out. When I got wind of Logitech's acquisition of Harmony, I was excited. The cost for the remote was a bit high so I passed on them. After procrastinating for 3 years I finally decided to buy one to experiment with.

I really didn't need a large graphically enhanced remote anymore. I wanted simplicity. So, instead of going to the model 880, I decided to go with an earlier model. It was also cheaper. I chose the Harmony 520 because it can store up to 15 devices and it matches all my Sony equipment. Programming was so easy a Caveman could do it. The remote is FAST and responsive. There is a built in motion sensor to detect when the remote is picked up and will make all the keys glow. This is great for saving batteries. The best part is Logitech keeps their database very updated. Each time you plug in the USB to the remote and update any changes, it will search for new firmware for the remote and new codes for the devices stored on the remote. They have a massive inventory of codes and I doubt if you'd have trouble finding the the most obscure make/model of a device.

So my first Harmony 520 cost me $40 here on eBay. I've purchased 5 so far and my average price has been around $40. So, it's a great buy for a fantastic remote. You can spend less by buying a "refurb" model but you screw yourself with only a 90 day warranty. A new remote gives you a full 1 year warranty.

Logitech also has a user forum board. It's filled with Logitech Techs, enthusiasts and guys like me who just need a little help and guidance. It's free to join and there is a wealth of knowledge to be found there.

*Update* After about a month of using this remote I still love it. I do notice somethings that I don't like, but it's a matter of personal preference. After awhile, some of the rubber buttons require you to press down much harder to activate. Also, the fixes volume/channel buttons "click" very loudly and they have kinda sunk down into the remote a bit, so it's no longer flush with the bezel. All in all, still a fine remote for the price. I paid an average of $45 each for the 5 remotes. I can't find a quality generic universal remote for that price! Kudos to Logitech!

Took me about 20 minutes to do the initial programming. Make sure you have all of your equipment Make and Model information. The IR learning mode is slow but reliable if your equipment is not listed. This thing runs my home theater great including screen, projector, surround sound, DVD, VHS, Sattelite Receiver, etc. I've gone from 5 remotes to 1 and most functions require only one press of a button. Not too bad! This product would have gotten an "excellent" except for one con. -- While doing your programming you must be on an active internet connection. I think the software should run offline even if at a slightly reduced capability. I'm sure there are some functions that could work without a constant connection to the web.