The Logitech Harmony SmartControl I choose because I wanted to have a cheap and above all truly universal (Wii, XBOX) remote control. So I did the hub placed directly under my TV and started to set up a smartphone, which is by the way very intuitive. One must only make and model number of his device type and you can control it. Even Bluetooth-controlled devices are recognized and can be controlled (as mentioned above Wii and XBOX). The devices can then link in Actions by selecting which input is selected, for example, on television and which the AV receiver to watch a movie. This also works really perfectly, unless you - like me - has TV (brand LG) and AVR interconnected via Audio Return Channel and one is forced Simplink (ie so LGs CEC) to activate, otherwise you will have no sound. This CEC leads namely to the fact that after the action was performed, the TV will be recognized by the AVR as the source and the AVR automatically switches to TV, in other words: The action is working properly and at the end you have a black picture, since due to CEC the wrong source is selected on the AVR. Now you have several options: The whole set somewhat inelegant per input delays and other delays (however, this is just the browser, not the smartphone possible, what a pity, I think), what means that the actions also need considerably longer until all commands have been executed. Or has the actions additional commands manually (also goes only in browser) with the disadvantage that you have to experiment a lot around and the actions are also longer.
I decided at the end of the solution, simply turn off the TV and Simplink to connect an optical cable to the AVR: No CEC = No problems.
This review should therefore help those who have to put up with the problem and are looking for possible solutions.
Finally, a Pro - Contra list:
+ Actually very easy to set up + Accessory remote control (battery operated) provides all the necessary buttons, is very handy and also very visually appealing + If you have misplaced the remote control once, you can do everything via app control (even the TV channel you can select per app) + Even Wii and XBOX can be managed (to my knowledge should also operate PS3) + Sitting on the couch, pressing a button or just click on the Actions per app and off you go
- In special cases, require the establishment of some workarounds - The logo button for actions and channels within the app can not be changed
All in all, the Logitech Harmony SmartControl for couch potatoes like me to use super, as you simply plug all the other remotes in a drawer and can forget forever. The friend would be if you no longer have to constantly juggle with all remotes.
