Logitech Harmony 880 LCD Remote Control Review

The first problem in looking for a universal remote we had was our Tivo, none of the remotes looked like they would make the Tivo work right. Most looked like they would control it, but without some of the features we use all the time (love that quick back up button).  We did look at this remote, but we were not sure. It did not seem like it would do everything we wanted and were unsure of the ease of use and programming. We began to move up the price range we would be willing to pay for the perfect remote.

We went to my cousin's house for a first communion party. He is one of those people who always knows what are the best new things in tech, but some of his stuff is costly. We were talking to him about the search for a good remote, and he went to get his to show us his new one. I was expecting something that he could use to control a 747 flying over China in a thunderstorm while comfortably seated on his couch, when he pulled out this remote. He explained how it worked with his entertainment equipment and showed us how easy it is to program. We were sold. This remote did all that we wanted and more.

This remote is programmed by plugging it into the USB port on your computer and loading helper software that connects to the Logitech web site. You then type in the make and model of all the entertainment equipment you want to control. The program then asks you how you watch TV. The questions go something like this: "What equipment do you use when watching TV?" "What video input does the TV have to be on?" "Do you turn off your cable box?" and "What equipment controls the sound?" and so on. The remote then programs a macro to control all the equipment used. It then puts a label on the video screen marked "Watch TV".  It goes through the same process for "Watch DVD" "Play Game" "Listen to CD" and any thing else you use your entertainment system for. The remote can also learn commands from your old remotes if the command is not part of the Logitech database.

To watch a DVD just press the button marked "Watch DVD" and the remote turns on the TV (if it is off), the DVD player (if it is off), and the AV Receiver (if it is off). It changes the TV and the receiver to the proper inputs. The volume controls the receiver volume and the other buttons (play, stop, fast forward, etc.) control the DVD player. When you push the off button it turns all the equipment off.

This remote also has a backlight that lights up when you pick it up and goes out when you set it down. This is great for use in darkened rooms.

Overall we are happy with this remote and would not go back to the "remotes all over the place system".