Universal remote with radio frequency
- Radio frequency and infrared signals
- Quick web-based setup process
- Color touch screen
- Sleek design
- Expensive
- Overkill if you only have a few components
- Glossy case shows fingerprints and dust
- Range not as long as claimed
- Can't create custom commands
- Some issues with the latest Mac operating systems
Many reviewers say that the Logitech Harmony 900 offers one chief advantage over the widely praised Logitech Harmony One (*Est. $140) -- the inclusion of radio frequency (RF) support. That means that the Logitech Harmony 900 can communicate with audio-video (AV) components in other rooms or behind closed cabinet doors. The addition of RF adds a few more pieces to the puzzle -- an RF module and small "blasters" that must be placed near your components -- but reviewers say it's great for those with big, complicated systems.
The Logitech Harmony 900 looks very similar to the Harmony One, and it includes a 2.2-inch color touch screen, backlit keypad and charging cradle. Multiple experts say it's the best remote they have ever used, but user reviews, while still largely positive, are more mixed. The big issue is that when used in a typical home, the RF range is reported to be shorter than claimed. Others say that the Harmony 900's inability to create custom commands (called custom sequences by Logitech) makes the remote too limiting. The hefty price tag and a glossy case that attracts fingerprints and smudges are other knocks. Some Mac owners have noted problems in communications between the Logitech Harmony 900 and their computers. If you don't need the RF module, some reviewers say the Logitech Harmony One (*Est. $140) is a better deal.
The Logitech Harmony 900 has attracted a good number of professional reviews. CNET has the most comprehensive test-based coverage, complete with a rating system and lengthy analysis. Other sites, including DVice.com and Gizmodo.com, have good reviews that are a little less detailed. CrunchGear.com also has a good review, which represents a competing opinion to most of the professional reviews we saw. Go to Amazon.com to read user opinions about the Logitech Harmony 900.
| Logitech Harmony 900 Refurbished Remote with Color TouchScreen | |
(654 reviews) In Stock. |
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Our Sources
1. CNET
The Logitech Harmony 900 earns an Editors' Choice award from CNET, where David Carnoy says it is "hands-down the best universal remote control we've ever tested." He's impressed with the sleek design, responsive touch screen and easy-to-use setup process. However, the lack of customized macros is a notable shortfall, and one that's highly criticized by the users posting here. Issues found by some Mac users are noted in a Jan. 27, 2010 update, and a link to symptoms and their solutions is posted.
Review: Logitech Harmony 900, David Carnoy, Aug. 11, 2009
2. CrunchGear.com
Matt Burns at CrunchGear.com has a different opinion of the Logitech Harmony 900 than most of the reviews we saw. He describes the RF system as "lackluster" and says he found that the RF range falls far short of the manufacturer's claim -- just 20 feet in his setup.
Review: Review: Logitech Harmony 900 Universal Remote, Matt Burns, Aug. 31, 2009
3. DVICE.com
Peter Pachal at DVice.com says the Logitech Harmony 900 is "the best remote control I've ever used." He especially likes that it is not intimidating for non-techies to use. His only complaint is the IR blasters, which he says are frustrating to set up.
Review: Logitech Harmony 900: The Last Remote Control You'll Ever Need, Peter Pachal, Aug. 11, 2009
4. Gizmodo.com
Jason Chen is impressed with the new Logitech Harmony 900, saying that it is "the best universal remote by Logitech yet." Like other reviewers, Chen cites the hefty price tag as the biggest drawback.
Review: Logitech Harmony 900 Universal Remote Review, Jason Chen, Aug. 11, 2009
5. Amazon.com
User reviews at Amazon.com are mixed. Although the majority of the more than 330 reporting in give the remote ratings of 4 or 5 stars (out of 5), a significant minority is less happy, bringing the average down to 3.7. Lack of RF range is a major beef with some. Others say they are disappointed that there's no way to transfer programming from a different Harmony remote to the Logitech Harmony 900. Some Mac owners voice their frustrations over getting the remote to work with their computers.
Review: Logitech Harmony 900 Rechargeable Remote, Contributors to Amazon.com
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