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Review: Logitech Harmony 900 Universal Remote
Harmony 900 universal remote brings easy programming to audio/video enthusiasts.
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Logitech Harmony 900 Universal Remote
December 04, 2009 | by Stephen Hopkins

Daily use also revealed some of the 900’s flaws. The most annoying was the insensitive tilt sensor. There were times when I would go to use the 900 after it powered off, and it would not jump to life until I physically shook it. It was much more responsive when I picked it up from a flat surface.

The touch-sensitive buttons on the edges of the touchscreen were also slightly less responsive than I’d like. And the right page scroll button was particularly finicky.

Streamlined RF Programming
The RF programming process is greatly streamlined. It’s handled on the remote and is as simple as selecting the devices you want controlled by RF, those you want controlled by IR, and then pairing the remote with the transmitter. One “puck” transmitter and two smaller IR blasters are included.

This setup works very well with multiple devices arranged horizontally (like in a TV stand), but is not well-suited for vertical setups and racks with components flush-mounted in front. Logitech says extra transmitters and blasters will be available for purchase soon.

One possible workaround is using the “puck” to output to individual “eye” transmitters used by other systems, though that is not officially supported by Logitech.

As Good as it Gets
All quirks aside, the Harmony 900 is as good as it gets in a universal remote that doesn’t require programming by a custom installer. And the addition of RF brings the updated Harmony One ergonomics to those who like to keep components out of sight. While RF support of home automation is missing, IR automation works well and is probably more in line with those going the Harmony route.



Stephen Hopkins is chief technology editor for EH Publishing. He writes product reviews, features, and focuses heavily on 3D TV, iPhone and iPad apps, and digital content.


At a Glance

Specs:
- RF capability
- Gloss-black covering
- Deep and wide charging base
- Online guided setup
- Colored, back-lit hard buttons for added functions
- More than 5,000 brands and 225,000 devices supported
- Full-color touchscreen
- Ergonomic design
- Lithium-ion battery, charging station included
- $399

Pros:

  • Retains Harmony One styling
  • High-res screen
  • Adds RF control
  • Easy programming

Cons:

  • No RF automation, only IR
  • Insensitive tilt sensor


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    Comments (3) Most recent displayed first.
    Posted by Jon Adams  on  12/08/09  at  12:53 PM

    The new Harmony 900 uses IEEE802.15.4 radio technology, which is the basis of ZigBee and RF4CE. Now that most major CE manufacturers have put RF4CE on their roadmap or in their products, I could see Harmony remotes being able to control all the CE devices, interact with the home control systems, smart energy stuff, and provide full two-way control. Battery life testing by the CE companies shows tremendously better battery life than the old IR days, with some manufacturers claiming the ability to support “batteryless” operation. My own analysis shows as much as 20x better life. That means in some cases that the remote’s batteries NEVER need replacement. Neither BT nor BTLE can do that.

    Bluetooth never made sense, given that handset manufacturers and cellular carriers don’t see a way to derive income from being able to manipulate CE devices in the home. Bluetooth low energy doesn’t solve any of those problems, either. Either way, adds cost and complexity to the handset, and increases service calls for something that’s not central to the “can you hear me now?” business model. And who really needs a remote control that must be recharged regularly?

    Z-Wave is dead - the assets of the company that built the chips was sold at a huge loss a year ago to a little company for which home control just isn’t that valuable. Add to that Intermatic (the #1 vendor of Z-Wave stuff) closing their Z-Wave-enabled product line, the only stuff remaining is orphan or showing up in the bargain bin.

    Last CES showed a couple of the first devices. CES 2010 is going to be awesome. We just picked up a Panasonic Viera 55-in HD set that is the 1st certified RF4CE device. Beautiful unit and fantastic performance.

    ZigBee and RF4CE technologies are really the path industries focused on the home have chosen. Logitech’s choice for the new Harmony 900 is pretty savvy.

    Posted by Eneas  on  12/07/09  at  10:26 PM

    I agree with all the pros. But I would like to add one Con. As an A/V custom installer sometimes I have to use multizone AV Receivers, and unfortunately the 900 (and all the Harmony line) can control just one activity at the time. So to control the 2nd zone you have to do it by devices and it could be really confusing for some customers.

    Posted by George  on  12/04/09  at  02:18 PM

    One other annoying missing feature: no Bluetooth. The new Bluetooth Low Energy spec includes support for a new generation of Bluetooth remote controls. Right now, it’s just the Playstation 3 (and only their tens of millions of users). Next month Vizio will begin deploying HDTVs with Bluetooth remotes.

    Sure, you could pay $50 extra to get Logitech’s PS3 Harmony adapter. But for the new “top of the line” Harmony, Bluetooth should just be built in. Plus the PS3 adapter only works with the PS3. It won’t work with the Vizio or other future BT devices. And I’m not even sure if it’ll work with the RF capabilities of this remote without additional add ons.



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