As the sun set on a quiet evening, John found himself surrounded by a tangle of remote controls. Each one was for a different part of his home theater system. From the TV to the cable box, the soundbar to the streaming device, his coffee table was cluttered.
But then, a solution appeared in the form of the Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote. It promised to simplify his home theater setup. With a $349 price tag, it was a big investment, but it would be worth it.
Key Takeaways
- The Logitech Harmony Elite is a $349 universal remote that consolidates control of your home theater and smart home devices.
- It features a touchscreen, physical buttons, and a charging dock, with a Harmony Hub that acts as an IR blaster and connects to Wi-Fi.
- The remote communicates with the Hub via RF, eliminating the need for line-of-sight control.
- Setup is now done through a mobile app, replacing the old desktop application.
- The Harmony Elite offers a wide range of device compatibility and smart home integration capabilities.
Understanding Universal Remote Evolution
The world of home entertainment has changed a lot over the years. Now, we have many devices like TVs, streaming boxes, and smart gadgets. This has led to a lot of remotes in our living rooms.
This problem has made universal remotes very popular. They help us control all our devices with just one remote. This makes our home theater experience simpler.
The Rise of Smart Home Integration
Smart home integration is a big reason for the growth of universal remotes. Our homes are getting more connected, and we need a central way to control them. Remotes like the Logitech Harmony line are perfect for this, controlling both entertainment and smart home devices.
Why Traditional Remotes Fall Short
Old remotes can’t handle the many devices we have today. They’re not flexible and can’t talk to different devices. This makes us feel stuck and frustrated.
Universal remotes, like the Harmony line, offer a better solution. They let us control everything easily and in one place.
The Harmony Legacy in Remote Control Technology
Logitech’s Harmony brand has been a leader in universal remotes for a long time. Their Harmony remote technology has improved a lot. It now includes smart home integration and works with many devices.
This history of innovation makes Harmony a top choice for people looking for a good remote. It’s known for being easy to use and covering all your needs.
| Feature | Harmony Remote | Traditional Remote |
|---|---|---|
| Device Compatibility | Wide range of devices, including smart home gadgets | Limited to a specific brand or device type |
| Control Options | Customizable buttons and activity-based control | Predetermined, fixed button functions |
| Smart Home Integration | Seamless control of connected home devices | Minimal or no smart home integration capabilities |
Product Overview and First Impressions
The Logitech Harmony Elite is a top-notch universal remote control. It’s priced at $250-$349 and has a sleek design. It also comes with a charging dock for easy storage.
The remote has a 1.5-inch touchscreen display for easy control. Below it, you’ll find physical buttons for volume, channel changes, and more.
This remote is great for controlling smart home devices too. It can manage smart lights, plugs, and other connected gadgets. This makes it easy to control your whole smart home from one place.
The Harmony Elite works with over 270,000 devices from more than 6,000 brands. It uses the Logitech Harmony Hub for control over IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi devices. This makes controlling your home theater and smart home easy.
First impressions of the Logitech Harmony Elite are positive. It feels premium with its solid build and smart button layout. The charging dock adds to its convenience, keeping it ready to use.
Design and Build Quality Analysis
The Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote control is a top-notch choice for home theater fans. It’s built to last and has a smart button layout. This remote is designed to make your entertainment time easier.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Harmony Elite is bigger than its predecessors, measuring 7.5 inches long, 2 inches wide, and over 1 inch thick. But its size lets it replace many remotes, making your setup simpler. It’s not too heavy, weighing 0.75 pounds, so it’s easy to hold for a long time.
Button Layout and Ergonomics
The Harmony Elite’s button layout has been improved. The transport controls are now below the touchscreen. This makes it easier to use these buttons while watching media.
The buttons are well-spaced and feel good to press. This makes using the remote a pleasant experience.
Display Quality Assessment
The Harmony Elite has a capacitive touchscreen display at its core. It’s not as sharp as a smartphone, but it works well. It lets you easily navigate menus and set up custom activities.
“The Logitech Harmony Elite is the best universal remote money can buy, hands down.”
The Logitech Harmony Elite shows a focus on remote design, button layout, and touchscreen quality. These features help make your home entertainment setup easier to manage.
Logitech Harmony Elite Universal Remote Review: Core Features
The Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote makes controlling your home entertainment and smart home easy. It has a special system called activity-based control. This lets you set up activities like “Watch TV” or “Listen to Music” with just one button.
This remote can control up to 15 different devices. It works with TVs, sound systems, streaming boxes, and even smart home devices like Philips Hue lights. Its wide compatibility and easy controls make it a top choice for simplifying your home’s tech.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Universal Remote Features | Controls up to 15 devices, including TVs, sound systems, streaming boxes, and smart home devices |
| Activity-Based Control | Allows you to create custom activities like “Watch TV” or “Listen to Music” to control multiple devices simultaneously |
| Smart Home Integration | Supports a wide range of smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Philips Hue, Nest, and more |
The Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote is a complete solution for managing your home’s entertainment and smart home. It offers a smooth and easy-to-use experience. With its strong features and wide device support, it makes controlling your home’s tech simple.
The Harmony Hub: Heart of the System
The Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote has a powerful core: the Harmony Hub. This small device acts as a control center. It sends IR signals to your entertainment system, even without direct sight. It also connects to your Wi-Fi, making it easy to control with your smartphone and work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
IR Blasting Capabilities
The Harmony Hub’s IR blasters let you control many devices. This includes TVs, set-top boxes, game consoles, and smart home gadgets. It can even control devices hidden in cabinets or closets.
Wi-Fi Connectivity Features
Connecting the Harmony Hub to Wi-Fi opens up more control options. You can use the Harmony app on your phone or tablet to manage your system. It’s great for setting up activities, adjusting volume, and more. You can also use voice commands with popular assistants.
Device Compatibility Range
- The Harmony Hub works with a huge range of devices, including those with Bluetooth remotes like the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Wii U.
- It supports over 270,000 products from top brands, making it easy to integrate with your setup.
- But, it can only control about 8 devices at once. So, you might need to choose your most used devices.
The Harmony Hub makes the Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote a central control for your devices. Its IR blasting, Wi-Fi, and wide compatibility make it a great choice for simplifying your home theater control.
Setup Process and Initial Configuration
Setting up the Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote is easy. You can do it through the Harmony mobile app on iOS or Android. This is a big step up from the old desktop app, making it easier to use.
First, you add your devices to the Harmony database. It works with over 270,000 products. This lets you customize the remote to fit your needs perfectly.
After adding devices, you create activities. These are pre-set routines that make using your devices simple. For example, you can make a “Watch Movie” activity. It turns on your TV, Blu-ray player, and sound system with one button.
The Harmony Elite’s setup might take some time. But its flexibility and customization make it worth it. Plus, it syncs wirelessly, so you don’t need cables to change settings.
“The Logitech Harmony Elite offers a premium experience, providing advanced functionalities that can greatly simplify and enhance your home theater and smart home setup.”
In the end, the Harmony Elite’s setup is worth the effort. It offers a detailed and personalized home automation experience. It’s perfect for those who love their home theaters and smart homes.
Smart Home Integration Capabilities
The Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote makes it easy to control your smart home devices. It works with many popular systems like Sonos, Apple TV, Nest, Lutron, LIFX, and Philips. This wide range of compatibility makes the Harmony Elite the heart of your smart home compatibility.
Voice Control Options
The Harmony Elite offers hands-free control with voice commands. You can connect it to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for easy voice control. This feature makes controlling your home entertainment and home automation setup more convenient.
You can also add smart home actions to your custom controls. For example, it can dim the lights for a “Movie Night” activity. This integration makes your smart home compatibility even better for a more immersive experience.
| Feature | Harmony Elite | Harmony Pro 2400 |
|---|---|---|
| Supported Devices | Up to 15 | Up to 30 |
| Smart Home Integration | Sonos, Nest, Philips Hue, LIFX | Expanded smart home ecosystem support |
| Voice Control | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Connectivity | IR, Wi-Fi | IR, Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
| Warranty | 1 year | 2 years |
“The Logitech Harmony Elite seamlessly integrates with a variety of smart home devices, allowing you to centralize control and automate your home environment for a more convenient and immersive experience.”
Activity-Based Control System
The Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote control has a activity-based control system. It makes your home theater experience easier. Unlike old remotes, you don’t have to switch devices one by one. Instead, you can make one-touch activity buttons to control everything with one press.
With the Harmony Elite, you can set up activities like “Watch Movie” or “Listen to Music”. These activities turn on the right devices and adjust settings for you. This way, your home entertainment is ready in no time, with just a tap.
The remote’s touchscreen and buttons are easy to customize. You can make the controls fit your needs, so you can access your favorite functions quickly. Whether it’s dimming lights or changing HDMI inputs, the Harmony Elite makes managing your home theater easy and fun.
“The Harmony Elite’s activity-based control system is a game-changer, allowing me to easily manage all my home entertainment devices with just a few taps. It’s so convenient and has simplified my movie nights and gaming sessions.”
The Logitech Harmony Elite brings all your components together in one system. It offers control and convenience that old remotes can’t match. Whether you love home theaters or just want to make your living room easier, the Harmony Elite is a top choice.
Touch Screen Interface and Navigation
The Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote has a sleek touch screen at the top. It’s not as fast as a smartphone, but it’s easy to use. The screen works well with the physical buttons, making it easy to navigate.
Screen Responsiveness
The Harmony Elite’s touch screen is pretty good. You can switch between activities and control devices easily. The screen shows clear images, making it simple to see what you’re choosing.
Menu Structure and Customization
The Harmony Elite’s menu is easy to use. You can change the layout and functions to fit your needs. This makes the touchscreen remote even better for you.
The touch screen on the Logitech Harmony Elite is a key part of the remote. It helps you control your home entertainment and smart devices smoothly. Its design makes it easy to use and customize, making your home theater controls simpler.
Device Compatibility and Performance
The Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote works with a huge list of devices. It can control up to 15 devices at once, like TVs, sound systems, and smart home gadgets. This makes it easy to manage your home theater and smart home setup.
The Harmony Elite offers a smooth experience. The Harmony Hub ensures your devices work well, even without direct sight. You can control your system from anywhere in your home.
But, some Bluetooth-only devices, like the PlayStation 4, might have limited control. Despite this, the Logitech Harmony Elite is great for managing your home theater and smart home. It’s all about universal remote compatibility and device control performance.
“The Harmony Elite delivers unparalleled control over my home entertainment and smart home devices. It’s the perfect solution for consolidating all my remotes into one sleek, powerful unit.”
Battery Life and Charging System
The Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote control has a rechargeable battery. This means you won’t need to keep buying new batteries. It usually lasts about two days on one charge.
This design makes it easy to keep the Harmony Elite ready to go. You won’t have to worry about it running out of power.
Charging Dock Features
The Harmony Elite comes with a special charging dock. It’s easy to use: just put the remote in the dock and it starts charging. The dock also keeps the remote in a safe place when it’s not in use.
Power Management Options
The Harmony Elite has features to help its battery last longer. You can change the display brightness and set timers to turn it off. These options help you get more use out of the remote before needing to charge it again.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Remote battery life | Approximately 2 days on a single charge |
| Charging dock | Included with the Harmony Elite |
| Power management | Adjustable display brightness, sleep timers, and energy-saving features |
The Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote’s charging dock and power management options help keep it charged. This ensures it’s always ready for use.
Mobile App Integration and Features
The Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote works great with the Harmony mobile app. This app is for iOS and Android devices. It helps set up, manage, and customize your entertainment system.
The Harmony mobile app makes it easy to add and set up devices. This includes TVs, streaming boxes, and smart home devices like lights and thermostats. The app’s easy-to-use interface makes setup smooth and simple. You can also create custom “Activities” that control multiple devices at once with just one button.
The app also acts as a secondary remote control. You can use your phone or tablet to control your entertainment system. This is handy when your main remote is not available or if you like using a touchscreen.
| Harmony Mobile App Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Device Management | Add, configure, and control a wide range of entertainment and smart home devices. |
| Activity-based Control | Create custom activities that automate the control of multiple devices with a single tap. |
| Secondary Remote | Use your smartphone or tablet as a remote control, with access to the same features as the Harmony Elite. |
| Voice Integration | Seamlessly integrate with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free control. |
| Customization Options | Personalize button functions, screen layouts, and other settings to suit your preferences. |
While the Harmony mobile app is very useful, some find it a bit complex. It has many menus and screens. But, its features and tight connection with the Harmony Elite remote make it a great tool for managing your entertainment setup.
Price Value Analysis and Market Position
The Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote costs between $250 to $349. It’s seen as a top choice in the market. Its price might seem steep, but it offers a lot for those with complex setups and smart home devices.
This remote’s main benefit is controlling many devices at once. It replaces the need for lots of remotes. It also adds smart home control, making managing home entertainment and automation easier. For those who want ease and control, the Harmony Elite’s price might be worth it.
Compared to others, the Harmony Elite is a premium remote with advanced features. It’s more expensive, but its wide range of functions and smart home integration make it a great option. It’s perfect for those looking for a powerful and versatile remote for their home.
FAQ
What is the Logitech Harmony Elite universal remote?
The Logitech Harmony Elite is a 9 universal remote. It aims to solve the problem of having many remotes in your living room. It has a capacitive touchscreen, physical buttons, and a charging dock. It works with the Harmony Hub to control many home theater and smart home devices.
What are the key features of the Harmony Elite?
The Harmony Elite has key features like activity-based control and support for up to 15 devices. It integrates with smart home ecosystems and supports voice control through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. The Harmony Hub acts as an IR blaster and connects to Wi-Fi for wireless control.
How does the setup process work for the Harmony Elite?
Setting up the Harmony Elite is now done through an iOS or Android app. This replaces the old Silverlight-based desktop application. The app helps users add devices and create custom activities for controlling multiple devices with one touch.
What is the Harmony Hub and how does it enhance the functionality?
The Harmony Hub is key to the Elite’s functionality. It acts as an IR blaster for controlling devices without needing a direct line of sight. The Hub connects to Wi-Fi, enabling smartphone control and integration with voice assistants. It supports a wide range of devices, including those with Bluetooth remotes.
How does the Harmony Elite integrate with smart home devices?
The Harmony Elite works with various smart home ecosystems like Sonos and Apple TV. It supports voice control through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Users can activate activities or control devices hands-free. The system can also add smart home actions into activities, like dimming lights when starting a movie.
What is the Harmony Elite’s activity-based control system?
The Harmony Elite’s activity-based control system is a standout feature. Users can create custom activities that control multiple devices with one touch. For example, a “Watch Movie” activity might turn on the TV, set it to the right input, power on the sound system, and dim the lights.
How is the Harmony Elite’s touchscreen and button layout designed?
The Harmony Elite has a 1.5-inch LCD touchscreen at the top and physical buttons below. The interface makes it easy to navigate between activities and devices. Users can customize the menu structure and button functions for each activity. The touchscreen offers a mix of tactile and touch controls.
How does the Harmony Elite’s device compatibility and performance compare?
The Harmony Elite has a vast database of compatible devices, covering most major brands and many obscure ones. It can control up to 15 devices at once, including TVs, sound systems, streaming boxes, and smart home devices. Performance is generally smooth, thanks to the Hub for reliable control even without line-of-sight. Some limitations exist with certain Bluetooth-only devices.
What is the Harmony Elite’s battery life and charging system?
The Harmony Elite has a rechargeable battery and comes with a charging dock. Battery life usually lasts several days of normal use. The charging dock is a convenient storage solution, ensuring the remote is always charged and easy to find. The remote’s power management options help extend battery life, though frequent charging is recommended to maintain optimal performance.
How does the Harmony mobile app integrate with the Harmony Elite?
The Harmony mobile app for iOS and Android is key to the Elite’s functionality. It’s used for initial setup, device management, and activity customization. The app also serves as a secondary remote, allowing control of devices and activities from a smartphone. While powerful, some users find the app interface complex, with multiple menus and screens to navigate.
