I have some technical devices are in my living room, and each has its own remote control. Of course, each remote control is precisely tailored to each device and fulfills its purpose perfectly, but it's not so nice to have the coffee table full of remotes. And if you go a few clears away of those missing in the next moment and is more than an arm's length away. So why not use a single remote control for all devices? Some manufacturers offer though with a device-specific remote control and the use of other devices, but so far I have therefore not had good experiences. However, different with the Logitech Harmony 350th
## Why the choice fell on the Logitech Harmony 350? ##
The Harmony series of Logitech was me already longer a concept. Some blogs and bargain hunters sides this has surfaced already frequent. Furthermore, I have also been an eternity always mice and keyboards from Logitech and was always very happy. The Harmony 350 can control up to 8 devices. I myself use 4 devices in the living room:
- Samsung TV (UH6600)
- Sony Blu-ray player (BDP S480)
- Okyo surround system (TX-SR508)
- Sky + receiver (Pace HD 4)
Each of the devices has some very different functions that need to be covered by the universal remote control (eg. As switching the channels, sound source, various setup menus, apps etc.). The Harmony remotes have a very extensive device database and can also be freely assigned. Because I wanted to have no remote control with touch display or otherwise computer-like, I have decided for the entry-level model (Harmony 350).
## Processing quality and appearance ##
The Harmony 350 is made of plastic, the buttons made of rubber. The remote control is quite long, but fits comfortably in your hand. The buttons can be easily operated and are very accurate. In my opinion, the remote control is not necessarily one of the most beautiful, but it fully meets its purpose. And that's the main thing!
## Setting up the remote ##
One ahead. The remote control is not for those without a PC and Internet connection. To set up and adjustment of the remote control has to be connected via USB to your computer and requires an active Internet connection to download the software and sync with the cloud. During the subsequent use of the remote control device itself, of course, no Internet connection is required. This is always needed only for setup and customization. The Internet may be forced for some an eyesore, so I personally have no problem. Above all, one must go through the database which is downloaded from the Internet read any code tables for more frequencies and try.
The remote control is not software, it is loaded by connecting via USB from the Internet. After a brief software installation Internet account for the remote control must be set up. This can all settings are stored in the cloud. The remote control so easy to set forth even after a new installation of the PC or other PCs.
After that it goes to the establishment of the remote control. Back to the top one enters the names of the machines that are to be operated with the remote future. Here no serial number is required, it is sufficient for example. The input (UH6600, or Pace HD 4). Then you can determine which devices are to be (upper left yellow button) simultaneously turned on or off with the TV-action button. A very useful feature. I use z. B. the Samsung TV and Sky receiver together basically. The other devices can be later on or off via Device keys and the small on / off switch. The remote control is then already grundkonfiguriert and can be used for basic operations (program change, volume etc.). Due to the diversity of the existing remotes 4 but did not work all the operations I had imagined so (z. B. Change of sources for surround sound system, back-function in the Samsung Apps TV and teletext at the Sky receiver. This requires the remote control to be adjusted again, but this is very simple.
## The advanced customization / programming of the remote control ##
The remote control of Harmony-series have a big advantage over many other universal remotes. It can be assigned to a function, all buttons on the remote. The Harmony 350 has z. B. no key for teletext. No Problem. In the software I choose to just for the remote control switches easily from a button, I want to assign a function. Should it happen that a function does not exist, to be assigned to a button, this can in also teach. To this end, the original remote control at a distance of about 3 cm behind the Logitech Harmony 350 is held and pressed the desired function. I have to set up all functions with the Harmony that I need.
## Ease of use and the first days ##
In the beginning, it is of course a bit strange to use a remote control for all devices. Sometimes I have the wrong device selected and then z. B. the channel switch on the TV instead of on Sky receivers performed. Some of the individually-assigned keys you are looking at the beginning, of course, a little. But after a few days you know exactly where you have to press and internalized all operations.
## Advantages and disadvantages ##
+ Reasonable price
+ Very large device database (more than 225,000 units)
+ Easy setup
+ Good haptics
+ Large range of functions and individual assignment of the keys
+ Storage of the configuration in the cloud and thus secure the setting and use on multiple PCs
- No optics, a umhaut
- Internet compulsory (but not bad for me personally)
## Conclusion ##
The Logitech Harmony 350 fully meets my expectations. The wide range of functions, ease of operation and the excellent price make this remote highly recommended. From me there is therefore 5 of 5 stars.
