Harmony 1100 Advanced Universal Remote Control with 3.5-Inch Color Touch Screen

The Logitech Harmony 1100 gives you powerful home-entertainment control through a customizable, 3.5-inch full-color touch screen. Controls are easy to access and are backlit, so you can easily find them in the dark. One-touch, activity-based controls turn on the right devices in the right order with a single command. RF wireless capability lets you control devices without direct line-of-sight, so you can keep components in a closed cabinet or even another room (requires Logitech Harmony RF Extender, sold separately). The on-screen commands are customizable, so you get the commands you want, when you want them. The Harmony 1100 supports more than 5000 brands and over 225,000 devices.

Nice remote, but very pricey

Review Date: February 6, 2009

Reviewer: Raymond Parsons, Issaquah, WA

Since I have no previous experience with the Harmony 1000 from Logitech, I won't be able to make any comparisons for those that are considering an upgrade. Price: Prepare yourself for some sticker shock. At nearly $500, this remote carries a hefty price tag, and it's a bit hard to justify that much money for such a small device. On the other hand, this device may be the only one that you'll ever need while using your home electronics, and if you're unhappy with a bunch of remotes (or just want the cool factor), then maybe it's worth it. Look and Feel: It's very light in terms of weight and easy to hold. In general, it has a very slim form factor and is not bulky by any means. On the downside, the finish is easily susceptible to fingerprints, as well as the actual touch screen, so you'll find yourself cleaning it every now and then. Setup: The setup is pretty straightforward and you don't have to be a genius to get it going. It's as easy as installing the software, connecting the remote via the supplied USB cable to your PC, and then walking through a wizard which configures the remote. The remote revolves around "Activities" which might be things like "Watch TV" or "Watch a DVD" or "Play a Video Game". All of these are designed such that your various devices are all turned on and configured with a single button push. How well this actually works will depend on the device that you're using. I have a Samsung LCD TV, a Sony DA5000ES receiver, a Motorola cable box (with DVR), a Panasonic DVD/VCR combo, and an Xbox 360. Getting everything working with the exception of the receiver was a snap. Unfortunately, my receiver has a weird way of switching the inputs, and the Harmony wanted me to "teach" it how to change the inputs. While I worked through this for a while, I eventually gave up only because I was short on time. Aside from that, I think I lost one of the remotes to my Sony, and that made the teaching process that much harder. Daily use: While I have not been using it for very long, I'm pretty pleased so far. My wife who is not technical savvy by any stretch loves it and has already started getting used to it and is anxious to get rid of our other remote controls. One minor annoyance is the need to "page" through a number of screens for some of the devices to get to their device-specific controls. For example, if you want to get to your DVR on your cable box, I have to hit the "page down" button five times, but once I'm there, I have full control using the tactile buttons on the right side of the remote. Perhaps there is a way to create a shortcut for this, although I haven't found it yet. Customization: The included software allows a great deal of customization, so if you're into spending a bunch of time on the computer using their software, you'll love this remote. If you don't want to spend a bunch of time, the setup wizard should get you through the initial process in about 10 - 15 minutes and for the most part, further customization is not necessary, although it depends on your device. Device Coverage: It's hard to say how much is covered, but the list that comes in from the software is pretty extensive, although it does not drill down to the specific model numbers, so it's hard to tell. In general, I think they have good coverage, especially from their existing remotes, and they're probably performing updates on their web site all the time. Worst case scenario - you can use your old remote to teach the Harmony the commands, but this isn't much fun. Overall: If you want complete control over your entertainment system and are willing to pay for it, this remote is for you. If you're tired of having a number of remotes and want to consolidate with ease, this remote is for you.

Some Additional Points

Review Date: May 5, 2009

Reviewer: Occham's Razor, Pittsburgh, PA

I won't reiterate the other technical reviews here- Read those, they are accurate. Rather, I'll address other issues not mentioned previously. First, this is an incredible remote. I've owned a Sony Commander for 10 years and decided to try this one when my last Sony died. This one puts all others I've owned and used to shame. Save a few exotic features (see other reviews), this is all most people will need. RATING: I gave it 4 stars because of the difficulty of the software. Specifically: 1. I had to turn my firewall and virus protection off (I use McAfee). A call to tech support gave me 6 URLs the software uses, but McAfee requires the IP Addresses to add to the trusted sites list (trusted programs does not work). The tech didn't know these, but I traced them through McAfee. Once added, I was able to leave my firewall and virus protection on. Since Amazon does not permit disclosure of URLs, check the Harmony forum; I've posted the IPs and instructions there. 2. Navigating through the software is not very intuitive and the manual isn't very comprehensive. For example, there is a Device List and an Activities setup, each with several choices. Some items are listed under Activities that logically should be under Devices and vice versa. Even the tech agreed on this point- he said the software was "dumbed down" so the unsophisticated computer user could operate it. Paradoxically, simplifying it actually makes it more difficult to use. 3. The software uses a wizard, "linear" approach as opposed to a "drill down" approach used by most software. This is fine for initial setup, but to make changes, you must find the point in the wizard that guides you through the modifications you want to make. This can become tedious. On the good side: 1. Once operational, the remote performs flawlessly. I don't even need the remote extender. 2. Tech support is the best I've come in contact with (I called twice). They are very pleasant, knowledgeable, patient, and not condescending. I stumped them a couple of times, but they were able to come up with a solution. The software connects with Logitech, so they are able to see your setup and even modify it if you want them to. When completing the initial setup, you are asked to rate the device; I rated it low because of the software issues. The tech said he noticed the low rating and asked what he could do to improve it. That led to a discussion concerning the software issues. 3. Other reviews complain about the size of the remote. Consequently, I was surprised to discover how relatively small it really is (about the size of a slice of bread and about two slices thick). There are also "handgrips" of a sort on the bottom of either side so that it can be operated one-handed. 4. After an activity is chosen, there are several "screens": each denoted by an icon. The heart represents favorites (for example, channels on the TV), the 123 is a numeric keypad, the Star is for custom controls, Stop/Play (called Transport Control) icon is for DVDs, VCRs, etc. and a Game Controller. The favorites and custom screens are individually programmable with your choice of icons, and all icons on all screens may be individually programmed to provide your choice of function. 5. Not mentioned elsewhere are 8 additional programmable icons, four on each side of the screen that provide more user defined functions (called SideBars). These are in addition to the screens mentioned above and can be programmed differently for each screen (i.e. Heart, Star, 123, etc.). I use these for utilities- e.g. TV mode or the menu etc. 6. The unit comes with a small choice of icons, but the tech referred me to a website with over 5,000 free icons including most TV channel icons. Refer to the Harmony forum or call Tech Support for the URL. I was even able to copy icons from the websites of my local TV stations and plug them into the Harmony without any difficulty (technical note- the icons use .bmp, not .ico files). 7. Each screen does have limits. For example, Favorites has a maximum of 24 icons, displaying 6 at a time (for example, 24 favorite TV channels). 8. The buttons to the right of the screen are also individually programmable. 9. There is a Learn function common to most universal remotes, but I haven't had to use it even though I have a wide variety of devices to control (i.e. receiver, dvd recorder, Blu-Ray, CD player, home theater, VCR, & TV).

returned to get a the harmony 900

Review Date: November 4, 2009

Reviewer: B. Wong, los angeles, ca

everything worked as reviewed about the 1100, but i do a lot of dvr fast-forward/rewinding and i found that using the touchscreen is really hard to do with just one hand. it's possible, but uncomfortable for me and i can't grip the remote for the entire viewing session like a wand. i got pretty good at hitting the correct area on the touchscreen without glancing down, but a physical button as on the One or 900 is easier for no-look button pressing. i initially got 1100 for the wow-factor, but 1) the ergonomics of the big screen and 2) the rf not being included out of the box, are the two reasons i'm going with the 900 instead. otherwise everything else is perfect.

Take control: A harmony 1100 advanced universal remote control review

Review Date: March 14, 2009

Reviewer: L. T. Beasimer, Dallas, TX

I was fortunate enough to tryout and review the Logitech Harmony 1100. Having recently purchased the Harmony One, I looked forward to putting this universal remote to the test. Most of all I wanted to know what more I would get for almost twice the price. The Harmony 1100 is a highly customizable universal remote designed for easy set up and take control of all your electronic needs. If you normally turn on a PVR, amplifier, and TV plus be concerned with the TV's input setting just to watch your programs, this remote can handle all this by pressing one button. Unlike the Harmony one, the Harmony 1100 is more customizable, and supports Z-Wave (RF) Technology although won't support third party Z-Wave devices such as light dimmers. Like the Harmony One, setting up this remote is meant to be simple. Start by installing the software and make a list of all the remote controlled electronic components including model numbers. This remote will work with the PS3 using the economical Nyko Blu-Ray Remote or the more expensive Harmony PS3 Adapter. In the case of the Nyko remote, enter the model of the PS3 as "PlayStation 3 Blu-Wave" so the Harmony 1100 can recognize the remote. This option will not control the on/off function of the PS3 though. Once the components are entered, buttons can be reset, favorite channel buttons can be created. If desired channel icon images can be uploaded and are easily found on the web. Additionally change activity order, upload slideshow or background images, alter remote settings, and spend as much time customizing as you desire. Customizing is not necessary, however if desired is accomplished with ease. The slideshow function is not included with the Harmony One and feels like a forgotten afterthought on the 1100. This feature has been used in previous remotes, however it's less intuitive than the 1100's other features. The software recommends a pixel width of 320 and height of 240. Follow this to the letter, as the remote will not shrink an image to fit, it shrinks and crops the image to fit the specified dimensions to eliminate blank space. The remote doesn't rotate a vertical shot either, rotate verticals on their side before uploading into the software or the slideshow will crop the image forcing it to be horizontal. Many devices today use Bluetooth remotes. The PS3 and my media center computer are two components this remote doesn't control without using a workaround. Bluetooth remotes are not typical, but they are not rare these days. With the class and cost of this remote in mind, I feel it should be able to handle both without purchasing workarounds. I don't feel as strongly about this for the Harmony One remote though. If Logitech truly wants to replace all my remotes, they need to provide Bluetooth capabilities. Holding the remote and pressing buttons feels unnatural, especially after using the ergonomically designed Harmony One. Turning the Harmony 1100 sideways feels more natural to me, and could've easily been done without altering the remotes capabilities or features. While there is room for improvement, Harmony 1100 delivers where it counts. If you have a complicated set-up requiring major remote customization, the Harmony 1100 is the remote to purchase. However, at close to half the price of the Harmony 1100, the Harmony One is worth considering. Both remotes basically have the same capabilities outside of the RF feature and additional customizing capabilities of the Harmony 1100. PROS: Easy to set up Highly customizable Simplifies remote control usage CONS: Slideshow seems like an afterthought Bluetooth capabilities missing Feels unnatural to hold and use

Best Harmony Yet...Just Short of Perfection!

Review Date: March 15, 2009

Reviewer: M. Pickering, MI, USA

I have been a big fan of Logitech Harmony remotes for the past several years. I own many, including the Harmony 550, the Harmony 880, and the wonderful Harmony One. I was completely thrilled when I was given the chance to test and review the new flagship Logitech Harmony 1100 Universal Media Controller. A similar yet refined upgrade from the Harmony 1000, the Harmony 1100 is just as big and yet bolder and more beautiful than its predecessor. The real stand-out feature of the 1100 is the bright and colorful 3.5-inch LCD touch screen. It really is beautiful, and the graphical icons are easy to identify and use. You can even customize the icons for your favorite TV channels, to display the familiar logos of these channels. Unfortunately the custom logos included with the Harmony 1100 are few and very plain. You can easily find a large variety of custom channel logos, available for download, on the Internet via Google. You can even customize the order in which these icons are displayed on the touch screen. Logitech has done a great job packaging the Harmony 1100 universal media controller. The package is decorative, protective, and the contents are laid out very well. The package includes the following: - Harmony 1100 remote control - Remote charging station - USB cable (USB to mini-USB) - AC adapter - Lithium-ion battery - Installation CD - Quick-start and features guides - Warranty and registration paperwork In order to install the Harmony software, you will need a Windows or Mac PC, running Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS X 10.3 - 10.5. Your computer will also need an available USB port and an active Internet connection. The software installation is very straightforward and simple. My Harmony 1100 remote arrived with enough battery power that I was able to watch the pre-installed demo (displays on the remote touch screen when you install the battery), and was then able to connect to my PC and get all of my media devices added and configured on the remote. The Logitech Harmony software supports more than 225,000 devices, from 5,000 different brands, so all you need is the make and model number of each piece of hardware you wish to control with the Harmony. Once you input the make and model of each device, the Harmony software automatically adds all of the remote functions of each device to your Harmony 1100 remote profile. Once you have added all of your devices, you can then configure Activities, which allows the Harmony 1100 to run multiple commands to control several devices at the same time. For example, to watch a Blu-ray movie you can setup a "Watch Blu-ray" activity on the 1100, which will power on your TV, change the TV to the proper input, power on your Blu-ray player, power on your Hi-Fi receiver and change it to the appropriate input, and then the 1100 brings up the proper control interface for the Blu-ray player on the touch screen. So you simply push one button to prepare all of your entertainment system hardware to perform the activity you desire. When you are finished watching your movie you push just one power button, on the Harmony 1100, to power off all of your media hardware. It's really that simple! No more wrestling with several remote controls just to watch a movie. The Harmony 1100 is capable of controlling up to 15 different devices, so this essentially allows you to tuck away up to 15 remote controls, and control all of your hardware with one easy to use device. And unlike many other universal remote controls, which are limited by the number of physical buttons they have, the touch screen interface of the Harmony 1100 allows full, unlimited control of every device. Even if the Harmony software omits a control feature, you can use the original remote(s) for your media hardware to teach the Harmony 1100 the needed command. That's right, the 1100 can learn new commands very easily, and the Harmony software is updated with more new devices on a regular basis. This means that the 1100 universal media controller gives you full control of the devices you have today and for what you'll add in the future. It is a great way to future-proof yourself for many years to come! While the Harmony 1100 is sleek, gorgeous and powerful, it is not without a few shortcomings. First of all, the 1100 is not a remote that you can hold and control with one hand. Although it is thin and impressively light, it is rather large compared to most typical single device remotes. The Harmony software, although quite easy to install and use, can be a bit confusing to navigate when trying to configure the more advanced features of the 1100. I think Logitech engineered the software to be user friendly to a fault, utilizing setup wizards to walk you through all of the simple steps and therefore burying the advanced customization features in obscure areas that are sometimes tricky to find. I also don't appreciate the fact that the Harmony 1100 remote cannot be used in any way while on the charging stand. The stand holds the remote at a near perfect angle to allow the user to reach over and just tap a button to increase volume or pause playback. However, in order to perform these simple tasks you must remove the 1100 from the stand before you can do anything. The 1100 also allows you to upload a handful of pictures to the remote, to display them as a slideshow, and while previous Harmony models invoked playback of the slideshow when the remote was placed on the charging cradle, the 1100 does not allow this feature. In order to view the slide show you must go into the setup menu and select slideshow from there. That is simply too much trouble just to display a small number of digital photos. The 1100 also does not come with native RF or Bluetooth capabilities. I can forgive the omission of Bluetooth, but even though Logitech brags about the RF wireless capability of the 1100, it requires you to purchase the Logitech Harmony RF Extender, sold separately. So really the Harmony 1100 is just an advanced IR remote control that can be accessorized to allow RF capabilities. Although most of these issues are fairly minor quibbles, one would think that spending $500.00 on a universal remote would net you a few of these capabilities without needing to spend even more money. Overall I am very satisfied with the Logitech Harmony 1100 Advanced Universal Remote Control. It is a sleek, bold and beautiful device, with an easy to use interface, a bright and colorful 3.5-inch touch screen, and several dedicated buttons (including volume up/down, mute, channel up/down, replay, 4-way directional rocker, up/down scroll, etc.) to control all of your home media devices. But the 1100 goes beyond just media hardware, allowing you to control lighting, security systems, climate control systems, and virtually anything that accepts an IR signal. It is rechargeable, so you never have to worry about changing batteries, and the installation and configuration of the 1100 is pretty straightforward for most basic functions. If you are looking to tweak the remote for customized perfection, be prepared for some head scratching and time consuming searches through the Harmony software. Also, be aware that occasionally the Harmony software seems to lockup during configuration. Be patient and wait for it, as it always seems to come back to life on its own. I think certain features, such as uploading pictures and custom channel icons tend to task the software in a manner that makes it appear to freeze for a few minutes. If you don't mind the somewhat hefty price tag, and the fact that this remote will require both hands to hold and use, I feel the Harmony 1100 is a great device that is sure to please most every home audio/video enthusiast. It is a very professional device that allows complete control of your home media system, and will surely grab the attention and bring forth compliments from friends and family that visit your home. With a few firmware tweaks and the inclusion of RF support out of the box, this remote would be perfect. However, at this point the Logitech Harmony 1100 is a solid 4-star product with 5-star potential.