Since I am not so besgeistert from the keyboard layout, the new standalone Harmony FBs (eg missing fast forward etc.)
and used Harmony One are either expensive or just abgenudel as mine, it made sense to look for something,
that the same functionality you offers and costs as possible less than 100.
In Amazon DEAL there was now the Smart Hub for only 60 Ücken and I thought, since you can not do nothing wrong.
Now for the Datails art and my assessment:
First of all:
The included remote I did not use and score therefore not, I
use only the HUB + Smartphone APP!
1)
Furnishings:
Positive: All I can Konmfigurationen WITHOUT PC, making only on the smartphone app.
HUB build (free sight to the receivers directly to the front panel or through the attached IR transmitter voraugesetzt)
Start app, create an account with Logitech (all device data is stored there, but unfortunately also the usage behavior stored)
Enable Smartphone Bluetooth, which can search the APP HUB, pairing perform - ready.
It's quick and simple.
2)
Define activities / policy operation
Logitech pretends here that you speak stores profiles, what you want to do (TV movies, video movies, listening to music, etc.)
are controlled in each profile könenn up to 8 devices
Thus profile shall name, and search devices from the database and embed the profile.
I myself watching TV via cable box, but will at the same time to listen to music via minidisc, video by Samsung Blueray
or see my ASUS OPlay (as MP4 HD), all controlled by a Denon AV Receiver.
All my 6 devices were easily detected and integrated with correct (multipage) key assignments.
A small disadvantage is that mani nd the APP setting "equipment" the key assignment on the sides, unfortunately can not change
distributed and so, for example, the Sony minidisk the 1-25 numeric keys on three sides are ...
This can be offset but otherwise (more on that later, s. Point 4)
Within the activity, users can specify what should geschen at the start / end of activity
which devices to go on / off) and the channel to be selected when Cable box.
Furthermore, you can take the favorite channels in an overview as an icon and the appropriate channel
assign (Deafult are as arbitrary assignments offered by the provider)
The icons are but just like many other configurations stored online, so it takes to load
a little.
The smartphone app and the icon representation is well implemented
for my Android phone (HTC One M7) and easy to read at any time and touch to operate.
3)
Necessary permanent WLAN / BT connections / battery life:
WLAN and Bluetooth must be enabled on the smartphone, as FB data is retrieved online
, The attached FB fkt only via WLAN. (This does not send IR signals) and HUB, and Smartphone as mentioned
are connected via Bluetooth.
Although this method is not just to conserve battery charge for smartphones,
but since I use a second phone, it is enough for me loose over 3 days with quite intensive use
(GSM / UMTS is off)
4)
Any Fernbedieungs pages within the activity set:
As with the Harmony One also can call up individual devices and their buttons get there by page.
As mentioned, the command arrangement on the individual pages of the devices is not more changeable
and therefore not intuitive to use ...
... BUT:
Within the Activity mode, to any (I have 6 and could probably even more) many
Pages freely programmed, each side with 16 commands from any selectable devices.
I for example have to S.1 the digit keypad for cable box, p.2. Cable Box menu button, the direction switch and "OK" etc.,
S. 2: TV loud quiet, minidisk controls and Cable box channel rise and fall, p.3: The main receiver commands,
S.4: The main BlueRay commands, p.5: The main minidisk commands, p.6: Key ASUS OPlay commands
P.8 major additional TV commands.
The bottom line is for "Top 4 commands" reserved that stay on all sides:
Here I Info and Guide (EPG cable box), teletext and Cable Box Language (D / English)
Between the pages, you can wipe or navigate by pressing left / right arrow in the menu header.
Overall, this is very easy to program and facilitates my use of 6 devices
parallel is enormous and the Harmony One here in every way.
Only that all "non-standard" commands only text (no icon) are (as with Harmony One)
telweise difficult because one can not intuitively learn a character, but always
must read.
The system font (white on dark blue) is but easy to recognize.
5)
Reaction rate:
Positive: In my wireless network almost instantaneous reaction of the box:
Pressed to command the selected device reacts as fast as as controlled via IR.
6)
My Conclusion:
I see the HUB solution very positive:
Quick setup on Snartphone without a PC, logical menus,
Activities prima also be programmed in the macro, all the commands of the devices as desired can be arranged (s. Point 4)
rapid response to commands.
What is missing?
Actually, I have all the technical features that I will have found
and these are implemented similar to the operating logic
as in the Harmony One and also simple configurable via "Touch and go".
So why still 1 point deduction in my evaluation?
Because of privacy is not guaranteed due to the permanent online connection to Logitech and
Logitech can evaluate all device data and use my (Logitech know it even when the app means towards)
I personally would like to see a data secure local storage device programming in the app
(Quasi as on the Harmony One) as well as completely autonomous ad hoc wireless connection between your phone and HUB.
For those who do not mind the latter, the menus of the app (programming logic) as I
have quickly understood and who have a smartphone with WLAN and BT for the remote home everyday to left,
is highly recommended, the (low-cost) HUB solution.
P.