Logitech Harmony 700 Remote Control (Black)

Logitech Harmony 700 is the rechargeable remote that’s simple to set up and use. It can go a week between charges, so you won’t be looking for batteries when you want to be watching TV. Its color screen can show icons for your favorite channels as well as the commands you need for the devices you’re using. And its one-click activity buttons automatically turn on the right components and select the right settings depending on what you want to do. It replaces six other remotes and supports 5000+ brands and 225,000+ devices, so you can be confident it will work with what you own today, and the things you’ll add in the future.

Missing a couple of nicities that you might be used to.....880 could be a better call

Review Date: September 10, 2009

Reviewer: Bhavesh K. Patel, Chicago, IL

Hi, I had tried this remote but was disappointed by a couple of things. Don't get me wrong, like all Harmony's, this remote is overall great and is well worth the money if you want a great universal remote. Compared to some of the others, however, it's a little disappointing. For reference, I own a Harmony One, and 880, and have used Harmony for 6 or 7 years, back when the first remote ever came out. If you're looking at Harmony remotes, you already know how great they are and you will know if this will do the job. I'll basically mention what I don't like about this remote, and why I would go for the 880 instead: 1) This remote has a flimsy feel to it. The buttons are squishy and have some "play" in it..they don't just press down -- they move a little in some other direction while being pressed. It's a little subtle, but noticeable compared to the other remotes. It somewhat has the feel of one of the rubberized button cheap remotes that come with the AV equipment you might buy. Overall the remote just feels light and plasticky and I just don't get the feeling that it would handle normal drops and wear and tear that well. Obviously, I didn't test the durability. Again, I would just note that in contrast to every other Harmony I've owned, the build quality on this is not that great. It's not bad, just not what I've come to expect. It does not have the same premium feel to it. 2) No cradle. Definitely disappointing that there is no cradle for this remote. The charging is through the supplied USB cable and a wall dongle. Basically, it takes two hands to plug this remote in. But think about it from the perspective of where you would keep this remote. Do you want to have a lone USB cable dangling around, free to slip off the endtable when you're not charging it. It seems like a pain to fish for the USB cable and plug it in. This is in contrast to dropping it into a nice custom cradle that the other remotes just "slip" into. A word on the wall charger part of it...Cheapo. It comes in two pieces (the plug and the transformer), but the fit and finish is just bad. It really feels like it was made with minimal effort in design...it reminds one of buying a really cheap piece of electronic gear by some off brand that no one has ever heard of and is only sold in Korea or China, with one of those cheap boxes with bad faded photography and Asian letters describing all the features and you know it's just not going to work. I know, I digress, but when you buy a [...] remote, you really don't want to be reminded that they cut a corner here. (for reference, I own other Logitech devices that don't have cradles, but at least the power supply is decent, such as the DiNovo Mini Keyboard). 3) Only 4 screen buttons. When it comes to extending this remote, the screen only supports 4 buttons. At first, I was excited that it actually had easy to access buttons next to the screen. The Harmony one has Touch Screen buttons, which I personally find hard to use. In the dark, you can't just go on feel with the One. The One supports 6 potential buttons. The 880 supports 8 buttons on the screen, via hard buttons next to each item. While the buttons are hard, they can be a little hard to find in the dark without practice. But it's doable. I was hoping the 700 would be the best of both worlds. In reality, it probably is, especially if it supported 6 functions instead of only 4. But even at 4 buttons, it's a reasonable sacrifice if the rest of the remote was outstanding. One advantage of this remote is the 4 colored buttons that correspond to a lot of the DVR and Satellite boxes out there, as well as game systems, etc. So in a way, you don't need as many Screen buttons. Still, this remote would have been better with 6 buttons and would have made it feel like you were buying a premium Harmony remote. Here, it just feels intentionally crippled. 4) This is a bit of a minor gripe....but, after getting the less than premium/cheapo feel on this remote, the batteries continue the cheap feel. It comes with AA sized rechargeable batteries. They are NiMH. Now, if I got a remote in 1997 that sported AA batteries that charged inside the remote, I would be telling everyone how awesome this was. But these days, we're all used to those slim little Li-Ion batteries that come in every other rechargeable gadget like cameras, gameboys, etc. So overall, again, this remote is still a great Harmony remote and will blow away most of the other remotes out there. These are all relatively minor points of distinction for the discerning user. I would think about your purpose and how often you'll be using, and how many devices you will control. In fact, I would agree with the first poster on this point: it's a great second remote for limited applications. It's perfect for a bedroom, or a very small, simple setup. I don't think this competes at all with the One or the 880. With the 880 at only $10 more on Amazon right now, I think it is the better buy. Personally, I find some of the buttons more user friendly on the 880 than on the One/700. And of course, there are some buttons on the One that are better than the 880. The layout of the 700 could have been awesome, but the remote is limited by the fact that it is designed to be a crippled, entry-level remote in comparison to the higher end models. So I would think hard about the 880 (I wish the screen on the 880 was prettier....) if you're looking at this. Finally, I really hope Logitech isn't ruining the Harmony brand here. I hope they are not planning on continuing to make a cheaper feeling product across all the models. The new 900 apparently is weaker than previous remotes in that it does not support "sequences". I know most people were hoping that it would be a One with RF. But it sounds like you have to give something back to the get the RF. I hope Logitech remembers that there are plenty of "power users" out there who want a fantastic remote and are willing to pay for it.

Perfect For My Bedroom!

Review Date: September 4, 2009

Reviewer: Matt J. Rose, De Pere, WI USA

I'm a huge fan of my Harmony One, and use it to control my entire living room...from lights, TV, computer, ps3, a/v receiver, xbox 360, blu ray player, even the air conditioner! After a year or so of perfect operation, I decided Logitech was the way to go for universal remotes...and decided to look into something for my bedroom. I Tried the 550 and 880 but they just didn't feel comfortable in my hand, and the hard buttons (namely the ones up the side of the screen) were just to hard to press or find in dark situations. I was just about to buy another One for my bedroom (which would be total overkill) when I saw the 700 series, with a $30 dollar price difference. I picked one up and brought it home. Setup: The setup is just the same as all Harmony remotes, internet based, and simple! I wrote down the model numbers for my components and started the setup. I breezed through this because I'm used to using the interface, but even for beginners its quite easy and user friendly. For this setup I was going to be controlling A 46" Sony Bravia, PS3 Slim (with Logitech's ps3 BT adapter) a tower fan, and a IR light switch. Everything worked perfectly, and the new hard keys on top of the remote are perfect for choosing your activity. The remote includes an internal rechargeable battery, and a charging cable for your wall (AC Power). I haven't gotten to test the battery life, and the only thing I can say I miss from my H1 is the charging base, though not a deal breaker it was nice to keep track of your remote. This is an all around excellent remote, with great features and quick setup (be sure to write those model numbers down) Anybody who's sick of struggling with numerous remotes should give a Harmony 700 a try!

Lots of pros and cons -- but still a great device

Review Date: October 18, 2009

Reviewer: Noname,

I have heard so many wonderful things about the Harmony line of remotes. I could not wait to try this one out. OUT OF THE BOX In the box came a remote with a USB cord and a charger with partially charged rechargeable batteries. The remote is sleek and stylish. It is weighted towards the bottom, but my hand wants to be in the middle to control the buttons up top, so there were balance issues, but no big deal. I have lots of rechargeable NiMh batteries, so I put a pair of fully charged hybrid batteries in. That way, I wouldn't need to plug in my remote very soon. It immediately flashed instructions on the little tiny screen about how to set it up, including when to connect to a computer and what website to visit. SETUP Setup was easy but much more time consuming than I expected from all the buzz. I am not that familiar with the Harmony remotes, but I thought ease of setup was its allure. So when the instructions said to allot 45 minutes for setting up, I was surprised. And remember, you'll need a computer with an internet connection. For the technologically challenged, this could be a problem. Most of my time was spent pulling the AV units out of the cabinets and looking for a model number. I also had to run up and downstairs in order to answer setup questions about how the remote operations are set up on my television. Once, when I did not know the answer to a question of how my old remote is set up, the Harmony "learned" from my old remote by having me place my old remote behind it. The availability of channel icons is pretty limited. I could not find most of the ones I wanted and had to either go without or find them on the internet, download them, unzip them and install them. Once I was done, I got to experience the beauty of the remote. PERFORMANCE Once it's set up, it's very easy to use. My 8 year old figured it out right away. My husband, who's not technologically savvy, figured it out. The favorites show up on screen as soon as I press the "watch TV" button. If you have a very challenged family member, put their favorites right there and s/he can just press the button next to his/her favorite channel. I press a button and all the proper equipment turns on or off. Want to watch TV? The satellite receiver and TV turn on but the DVD player and VCR stays off. Want to watch a movie on DVD? Press the button and the DVD player, TV and satellite receiver (I have that set to always be on but it can be set to automatically be off) are on but the VCR stays off. The biggest disadvantage with the operation I see is a mild delay when I press the commands. Press the "watch TV" button and I have to wait a second. Press the Disney channel and I have to wait a second. It's not a long wait, but it is noticeable. PROS: + a true all in one remote + Harmony remote can "learn" from other remotes + easy to use and learn + one touch on/off operation -- simultaneously turn everything you need on and off at once (things you don't need on will stay off) + set up instructions flash on screen when batteries installed -- includes which website to visit + sleeps when put down, wakes up when picked up + favorite channels show on remote screen when watching TV for quick access + comes with batteries CONS: - allow 45 minutes to set up - included icon selection is limited -- must download your own - must plug in to recharge -- no cradle, and no memory if batteries removed - need an internet connection for setup - weighted towards the bottom but my hands wants to be near the top -- causes balance issues - slight delay between pressing a command button and seeing the action desired SUMMARY Overall a terrific device, definitely a step above the all-in-one remotes requiring code entry. Love the customizability of the favorites channels and the ability to add icons. Wish I didn't have to go hunting the internet for those icons and would like a cradle for my next Harmony. I do plan on upgrading one day. UPDATE: I did find a way to fix the delay issue in the online manual (that is another disadvantage, no printed manual), but I haven't gotten around to fixing it, yet. If it's a problem to fix, I will update. UPDATE: Before writing the initial review, I did take out the batteries to see what would happen with the remote. When I put them back in, the remote would not turn the TV or any other device on, so I had to go back to the computer to get my settings back -- hence the comment about no memory. I have since been told there is a memory, so I went back to try again. This time, I did get the settings back, but it was not perfect. Some things changed, little things, like the remote assistant is on when I turn on the TV. I had it set to off. Thank you, Logitech, for assisting me. At least I know there is a memory.

Great remote for the price!

Review Date: September 9, 2009

Reviewer: johnhminor, Boston, MA

I bought the Harmony 700 to replace an earlier Harmony remote that had reached the end of its lifecycle. I let it charge for a couple of hours and then set out to update it on the Harmony website, hoping that all of work I put into setting up my original remote would be transferable. I was pleasantly surprised that there was an option to "upgrade my remote" on the opening screen, front and center. It was a matter of less than a minute to click through a couple of screens and then just let it go. A little while later, everything was transferred over and the 700 worked perfectly with my AV system. All in all, it took less than half an hour of setup and most of that was just letting the files transfer over to the remote. The process could not have been any easier. It is very convenient having "activity" buttons at the top of the remote, so hitting one button can turn on the TV and stereo, selecting the proper components for each. It feels light in the hands, very comfortable. There is a fair amount of customization that can be done on this remote, changing what the buttons map to and what you would like to do with each device you own. A very good remote, and a good price for one that works so well! And if you already have a Harmony remote, your settings get copied over easily so you don't have to spend time re-defining all of your activities.

Love the buttons and Software works well with Mac

Review Date: October 22, 2009

Reviewer: Neil Gandhi, Dublin, CA

I've had the remote for a couple of days now and I've got to say its a great remote. I am an owner of the Logitech Harmony 890 as well. The 890 has RF capability as well as a larger LCD - and it's also about double the price. Obviously there are things that the 890 has over the 700 but I really found the 700 to be a better remote in terms of the "feel" it has. I'm using the remote to control a bunch of electronics. I have an Onkyo receiver, Panasonic Plasma, Xbox 360 (which it doesn't control), PS3 (which it controls through a separate attachment), a Blu-Ray player, and a Tivo. To program the remote, you download and install software (Mac or PC), plug in your remote to your USB port with the included cable, and start the wizard. In the wizard, you enter the devices you own and it automatically figures out the infrared codes for the remote that comes with your device (you can still manually enter buttons from your old remote to the new one, but its not necessary). You then choose activities you want to perform like "Watch TV" or "Listen to Music", etc. For each activity, the software asks you a series of questions about what channel to turn the TV to, or which source to turn the receiver to, etc. After you configure each activity, it programs your remote and you are good to go! Simple as that! Software was pretty standard and I had the same great experience with my old harmony. What was different was the feel of the remote. I honestly LOVE the feel of the Harmony 700. The buttons have a great feel to them; they are responsive and springy. When you press down on them, you can really feel the quality of the remote. The remote feels great in your hand; heavy enough to feel like a quality remote, but light enough not to get tired holding it up. The ergonomics are great and it fits well in your hand. I also love that the buttons are raised (unlike the 890 where the buttons are all flat) because I can feel my way around the remote without having to look down on it. While I think its a great remote, I do have a few minor gripes. First of all, I wish the resolution of the LCD were a little better. There are only a few "activities" and controls that fit on the screen, but I supposed if I was far-sighted, I would not be complaining as much. Also, I wish that the remote came with a cradle and RF like the 890, but then again, the 890 costs about twice as much. The way you charge this remote is by plugging in the USB to the top of it...Its much like the first few generations of iPods; there is this wall block that you plug the other end of a USB cable (the same one you use to plug it into your computer with). Finally the Macros can take a few seconds to all kick in (Turn on TV, turn on receiver, turn to channel, etc.). I wish there were some way to speed those up. Again, the gripes that I have are very minor. I really love this remote and highly recommend this one. I think its also at a great price point for what you get.