As simple as the remote generally is, some people may encounter a few snags when initially setting it up. Luckily, Logitech's customer service is generally very good and the company has continued to make improvements to its software system. Logitech occasionally offers firmware upgrades, as well as upgrades to the Harmony desktop software.
While there's still no way to manage multiple Harmony remotes on the same account (you're required to create separate user accounts, with separate names and passwords, for each of them), Logitech has made it very easy to swap in a new Harmony remote for an old one. For example, if you already had an older Harmony that you use with your main living-room system, you could quickly swap in the Harmony 900, and then set up a separate profile for the old Harmony, to be used in another room.
If you have a complicated system, you can expect to spend some time fine-tuning the remote to get it to work just right, although it should be noted that our set-up of the Harmony 900 went off without a hitch and we had full control over a seven-component system within 35 minutes (including the RF set-up). Logitech's Web site provides advanced, macro-style options for delay times, multi-step commands and other functions.
In terms of complaints, the remote's glossy black finish is a fingerprint magnet, and we wish Logitech would come up with a way to let you manage multiple Harmony remotes from a single user account. Built-in Bluetooth support would be good, but the add-on dongle works fine for PS3 owners. The only other real issue is the remote's relatively high price tag, which may scare off some people. But, if you don't need RF, you can always default back to the IR-only Harmony One, which retails at a more reasonable £120 or thereabouts.
Conclusion
The similarly priced Logitech Harmony 1100, which also features RF, offers more on-screen button options than the Harmony 900, because the screen is much larger. Our tastes lean more towards wand-style remotes, however, and we think the Harmony 900 is more responsive and easier to use than the Harmony 1100. And, unlike tablet-style touchscreen devices, the basic functions of the Harmony 900 can largely be navigated by touch. Its RF set-up is also significantly better than that of the Harmony 1100, so, until Logitech upgrades the RF module and blasters that come with its tablet-style remote, the Harmony 900 is the better choice. It's one of the best consumer remotes with pro aspirations that we've tested to date.
Additional editing by Charles Kloet
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters