Logitech Harmony 550 Universal Remote $83.88

[Ioman]

http://www.bargainist.com/deals/2007/01/logitech-harmony-550-universal-remote-8388/

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000EUGX70.01.PT01._SS400_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Looks like a pretty sweet deal, Neuroking, didn't you review this or own this one?

[ECA]

for the price I can get 10 Phillips 4, remotes...
WHY would I want this???

[Ioman]

Link us to the Philips 4 remote please.

I have the Harmony 670 at home and I think it's a great remote!

[ECA]

http://www.remotecontrol.philips.com/index.cfm?id=1218

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7714878&st=remote+control&type=product&id=1138087098324

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7977022&st=remote+control&type=product&id=1153999180171

the things have a code for the XBOX..and about 2000 other devices...Old and new..

http://www.shoplocal.com/default.aspx?action=searchbroadreach&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&N=208131&Ntk=ALL&Ntt=philips+remote&dlpd=y&keywordsearched=philips+remote&adref=Google_Consumer+Electronics_Television+Remot e+Controls+DLPD&WT.srch=1

I find only 1 problem...with the cheaper versions...
After about 1-2 years they FAIL. and cleaning the contacts dont help. The coating is so thin, there isnt anything left.

But at the price, I can get 10+ to last 10-20 years, and with NEWER/more codes and I still havent spent as much. I dont need bells and whistles...I want it to WORK.

[Ioman]

Ah, I see what you think. The Harmony remotes support macros man, that's why it is different. Imagine hitting one button that turns on your receiver, DVD player, TV and then puts them all on the right inputs. One button does it all.

[ECA]

Lazy of the world UNITE....
NOw you dont need to push 4 buttons, only 1...
And the philips works with X-10....DOES yours??
That means you can turn the lights ON/OFF also..

PS go look up their HIGH END versions.

[neuroking]

The Logitech Harmony remotes kick MAJOR ass. You program them through the computer, which means it supports EVERY device, includsing X-10, PS2/3, XBox, etc. And they are great for those that don't want to deal with turning 5 devices on and off just to watch TV. Everything is task based, and it keeps track of the state of the devices, so I cand watch TV with a single button press, then switch to my HTPC, and then wireless music streamer, each with only one button press. It is actually better than macros, since you would have to have a macro to turn each activity on and then off and then start the next. Trust me, these things friggin rock!

[Ioman]

Lazy of the world UNITE....
NOw you dont need to push 4 buttons, only 1...
And the philips works with X-10....DOES yours??
That means you can turn the lights ON/OFF also..

PS go look up their HIGH END versions.

Dude cry me a river, this is a tech site, what do you expect!?

And yes, my wife likes hitting the "Watch TV" button and having everything turn on an work instantly. It's a lot better than explaining which inputs to use on the TV, Receiver etc all the time.

[ECA]

To a point...
But watch the person who wants to watch TV...
Push a button and 3-4 things turn on....
Please put up a sign....DONT TOUCH

[Ioman]

right....DT is about early adopters man, but grunge tech!! :)

[jtfields]

I was at Fry's Electronics today and that remote was $129 so that definitely seems like a good deal. The model 659 was also $129. I'm not sure what the difference is between the two.

[Ioman]

Costco, has one that looks identical but has a different model number. I was not able to find it on the Logitech website, must be special for wholesalers?

[neuroking]

I think the 659 is an older model with the bean kinda shaping, but I'm not sure.

I got the 720 from Costco ($180) and I love it. Main difference between it and the 550 is a color screen. I have to say it is one of my favorite pieces of tech I use on a daily basis.

[neuroking]

Ah yes, there it is. Kinda ugly in comparison...
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/detailsharmony/US/EN,CRID=2084,CONTENTID=8865
versus
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/detailsharmony/US/EN,CRID=2084,CONTENTID=11700