The Logitech Harmony Elite Experience: Ultimate Control
by Brett Howse on February 14, 2017 8:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Accessories
- Logitech
- Remote Control
- IoT
- Smart Home
- Harmony
Programming The Remote
Whether you use the smartphone app, or the PC application, the basic process of setting up a Harmony is practically the same. The app contains the instructions on initial setup, and if you’re using a PC, you have to connect the remote to your PC using a USB cable, but if you’re using the smartphone app that’s not necessary. It recommends using a laptop in the same room as your TV, and that makes a lot of sense especially for the older Harmony remotes, but with the ability to reprogram the Elite using the Hub, you can make changes at any time and save them.
Basically, the entire point of hooking the remote up the computer is so that you can join the hub to your Wi-Fi network. Once that step is complete, you can add your devices regardless of whether the remote is connected to the computer. The initial setup is likely the one stumbling block that Logitech has worked hard on making smooth, and the latest software version really is a big step forward in usability.
What the Harmony software used to look like
Once you’re ready to add devices, select the Devices tab for a view of what you have added, and how you can add more. You can add traditional devices, or the Harmony Hub can scan your network for devices to add automatically. Without creating a tutorial on the setup, which of course Logitech already has, when you add a device, it asks for the manufacturer, and the model number, and the software shows you in animated images examples of where to find the model number. You can also add a Windows or Mac computer, which will allow you to use the remote as a virtual keyboard, and it connects over Bluetooth.
And the new software looks much better
This step is where the huge database, built up over years, really plays into the Harmony’s favor. Harmony now boasts over 270,000 entertainment and smart home devices in their database, so odds are that if you search for it, they will already have the device’s control mapped out. If for some reason they don’t have the device listed, you can also have the remote learn the IR commands from the original remote. This is certainly a tedious process, but luckily, it’s not called upon very often.
Once you get your devices added, you can group them into activities on the Activities tab. Just select Add Activity, and then run through the steps depending on what you are up to. If you’re adding “Watch a Movie”, for instance, you’ll select what input for the TV to be on, what devices to be powered on, what input for the A/V receiver, and what controls the volume. You can change the icon as well from the standard one to a JPEG or PNG image.
Once you have your activities mapped out, you’re done. Sync the remote to the hub, and give it a try. The Harmony Elite features on-screen troubleshooting steps if something doesn’t function, but that is only for if a device is on, and on the right input. If one of the activities is missing steps, or controlling the wrong device, you’ll have to use the app or software to sort that out.
If you’re into technology, the Harmony setup is easier than it sounds. The biggest things are to know your model numbers, and how your gear is connected. If you have that knowledge, or can get it, the process is pretty straightforward. I’m not sure how Logitech can make it much simpler than it already is, but it’s definitely the one part of the usage that would deter a lot of people.
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Sivar - Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - link
nVidia Shield, projector, pre-amp, amplifier, and Amazon FireTV are just a few items that I use a Logitech Harmony keyboard to control. Just because you no longer own a television (or projector or other device that uses a remote control) doesn't mean they have become somehow obsolete. More than 40,000,000 TVs are sold in the U.S. every year.BrokenCrayons - Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - link
I guess so, but it just seems so behind the times to have fixed-location entertainment devices that largely exist just to play back non-interactive video. I mean, hey it's 2017 so strikes me as odd that we're still basically locked in the 1950s - 1980s with consoles and TV sets.In my case, since laptops started shipping with DVD drives, the party's been in my lap the whole time and I can take it with me anyplace I want to go. That's only gotten better with streaming services and devices that can do more than just play video. Nowadays, I can have a party in my hand OR in my lap no matter where I am or what time of day it is. If I get that itch, I can whip out my toys and scratch it pretty much anywhere like say at a public library or at a local Starbucks. If I'm sick of just watching the action, my toys let me do interactive things so I can get as involved as I want all without having a universal remote.
mjeffer - Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - link
Most people prefer a TV to watching on a laptop. Not only can you get a much better picture and sound with a dedicated AV setup, it's just more comfortable to watch that way. Most people don't want to balance something on their lap or sit at their desk to watch TV. They want to lay back on the couch and relax. No that there is anything wrong with the way you do it if it works for you, but you're certainly in the minority. So yes, people still use lots of remotes.BrokenCrayons - Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - link
Yeah, I realize I'm not among even a slim majority, but I couldn't resist putting it out there like this because I've been waiting for MONTHS (years?) to say something about a party in my lap in Anandtech's comments section. What better context is there than a discussion about a $300 universal remote? My only regret is that it didn't fit the situation to invite others to that party, but whipping it out at Starbucks sort of made up for it.wolfemane - Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - link
it's missing the one key feature to make those parties worth while, a good vibration.BrokenCrayons - Thursday, February 16, 2017 - link
My goodness yes! So much yes! You can't have a party in your lap without a good vibration. Does this Harmony thing have force feedback or something? Maybe it can compete with an Xbox controller in that department.aapocketz - Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - link
I guess so, but it just seems so behind the times to have hand held/lap entertainment devices that largely exist just to consume content. I mean, hey it's 2017 so strikes me as odd that we're still basically locked in the 2000's with smartphones and tablets.In my case, since interactive VR goggles started shipping with motion and eye tracking, the party's been in my face the whole time and I can take it with me anyplace I want to go. That's only gotten better with interactive worlds where you can immerse yourself completely in. Nowadays, I can have a party on the moon or in the ocean no matter where I am or what time of day it is. If I get that itch, I can whip out my toys and scratch it pretty much anywhere like say at a public library or at a local Starbucks. If I'm sick of just watching the action, my toys let me do interactive things so I can get as involved as I want all without holding some tiny screen in my hands.
Jad77 - Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - link
I dated myself, but I was in my teens and didn't have a clue.BrokenCrayons - Tuesday, February 14, 2017 - link
How'd that work out for you? I could see lovers' quarrels getting a bit awkward in that situation.Jad77 - Wednesday, February 15, 2017 - link
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