I have been using and reviewing Logitech Harmony remotes for years and so far, I have found them to be some of the best universal remotes on the market. The only real downside to most of the Harmony remotes is that they are expensive devices.
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Universal remotes are still all the rage, right? Well, SMK-Link is either hoping that's still the case, or that there's still someone out there who hasn't consolidated all of their home entertainment remotes down into one, fancy-looking device. Of course, there's always the little fact that this remote, the Blu-Link, actually controls your PlayStation 3, too. And, according to SMK-Link, they're the first company to do it, while also including other home entertainment devices.
Logitech have unveiled their latest universal remote, the Harmony 900, an RF unit that – with the three bundled IR blasters – can control devices in other rooms or enclosed in cabinets. The Harmony 900 remote has a full-color touchcreen as well as numerous backlit hardware buttons, and can be set up via an online wizard; Logitech claim battery life of up to a week.
Universal Remote Control (URC) have announced their latest mode, the MX-5000, offering a haptic feedback touchscreen. Based around the same technology as the URC MX-6000, only with a more traditional form-factor, the MX-5000 supports two-way communication via WiFi b/g and RF.
Logitech have announced availability for their Harmony Adapter for the PS3, the adapter which links the company’s Harmony universal remotes with the Sony console. Priced at $59.99, the Harmony Adapter will be available “in the next few weeks” in North America, together with a European launch in July and an imminent arrival in Australia.
Update: It’s available to order at Amazon
Logitech’s Harmony 1100 universal remote has finally gone on sale at Newegg, offering a 3.5-inch touchscreen, both infrared and RF capabilities, customizable icons, layouts and macros, and the ability to set it all up via a PC. The Harmony 1100 has access to Logitech’s 225,000 device-strong A/V control database, including models from 5,000 brands.
Not everyone has an All-in-One Home theater system that can manage its full-feature within a single remote control. Thanks to a programmable Universal remote control, I’m able to operate multiple electronic consumer devices using a single controller device on my component shelf, regardless of the brand. If you are in the process to eliminate the need of multiple remote control units, Philips has refreshed their Prestigo Universal remote line-up with SRT 9320 with a 2.8-inch touchscreen LCD screen mixed with hard buttons. It worth a look.
The SRT9320 can control up to 20 devices and is completely programmable to enable multi-devices macro and learning modes. Though it come equipped with a USB port for software update, the device can be programmed directly without the need of the software apps. The touchscreen LCD can display your favorite channel line-up and customized commands.
Unlike their flagship Pronto series remote control, the Prestigo doesn’t has a cradle or charger docking station (doesn’t use rechargeable battery) and it lacks the much-advanced RF capabilities. Priced at $249, Philips’ Prestigo SRT9320 is slated to release in the first quarter of 2009.
Universal Remote Control have announced a new remote, the Digital R50, capable of controlling up to 18 different components through preprogrammed and learnt IR commands. Unlike rival remotes, which require a computer connection or professional help to setup, the R50 can be completely programmed via the integrated 2-inch LED backlit display, including custom labels, logos and more.
We don’t cover universal remotes all that often here on SlashGear, but this one is definitely worth noting. Logitech released the Harmony 510 today, which–while entry-level–sports numerous features and brings a cool design to a wider consumer market.
JP
