[MadTiger]

Hello BHpian's

I am here to write a review about my recent purchase of Logitech Harmony 300 remote.

By now many of us use multiple devices in our living room, For ex: TV, DTH, DVD / BlueRay Player, HD Media Player's, AV Receivers etc. Just imagine having some 5 remotes on your tea table. Well I was in a similar situation until my friend (member here) suggested to go for a universal remote, which can put an end to my remote woes.

Now I being a novice about such a device was very skeptical to buy one. You have some very cheap to very expensive remotes available in the market. I came to know that universal remote generally work on some unique codes for each remote. You have to program the remote using codes for each device.

My setup was: Tata Sky HD +, Philips LED, Sherwood amp, a Pioneer DVD and ASUS Media Player.

I was concerned about full functionality available for my Tata Sky remote on any universal remote.

Suddenly as I was browsing through ebay website , I found Logitech Harmony 300 in deal of the day. The price was attractive (Rs 1499) so were the features . I did a bit of research and was amazed by its features . This was a new generation Universal remote, unlike conventional ones this can learn on its own and support some 5000+ device's. I quickly bought it.

It was delivered to me in flat 24 hrs. ebay rocks.

Some interesting features:

Watch TV Button - Lets you turn ON and turn OFF your TV and the DTH simultaneously.

Supports upto four devices at the same time

Dedicated volume control - you can set one device volume to be controlled. (I set my amp in my case)

Guide button - Same as Guide on your DTH.

Favorite buttons: Lets you configure upto four frequently used buttons.

Time to setup:

Connect the remote to your computer navigate to logitech harmony website - create your account and you are ready to program the remote.

I must say, the website has a neat GUI. I quickly started to enter one device after the other and it went on programing.

I initially could not program my TV as it was not listed. So I had to manually make it learn, although it wasn't difficult as the setup wizard is very friendly with detailed instructions.

During initial setup I selected Tata Sky instead of Tata sky HD + which disabled the recording and playback buttons. I just had to reprogram it to Tata Sky HD+ and was all set.

Soon I was able to work with all my devices with ONE single remote. AMAZING. Its stylish, easy to hold and beautiful.

Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

[Pri2]

Thanks MadTiger, I was searching for a universal remote for my entertainment setup but wasnt sure if it would work with my Tata Sky HD + STB. I have done some searching on the interwebs but couldnt find anything that confirmed that it would work with my STB. Like me I am sure there are more who haven't purchased a universal remote without a guarantee it will work. Thanks again for the review!!

[mohit]

I own an older gen Harmony 550 and it has been a blessing when multiplexing a cable box, Home theater, DVD player and the TV. Love the computer based setup and the massive database of devices they have. Mine can control upto 15 and has LCD based dynamic buttons. I can customize names for actions e.g.

Watch Movie - Turn on TV, Switch to HDMI2, Turn on DVD player.
Watch Movie HT - Turn on TV, Switch to HDMI2, Turn on DVD player, Turn on Home theater receiver, Switch to DVD.


Best part - If you own a device they don't support, let them know and they just might put it in the database.

[supratim07]

I am using ONE-for-All device purchased from CROMA and it works really well.Its a product of Netherlands but of-course made in China.All my devices from TV,Set top Box,VCD mapped to this device.And its easy to configure and works nicely.This device is much cheaper than Logitech ones available in market now.

[carwatcher]

Originally Posted by supratim07

I am using ONE-for-All device purchased from CROMA and it works really well.Its a product of Netherlands but of-course made in China.All my devices from TV,Set top Box,VCD mapped to this device.And its easy to configure and works nicely.This device is much cheaper than Logitech ones available in market now.

Would be helpful if you mention price and when you purchased and is it still available. Thanks

[supratim07]

Originally Posted by carwatcher

Would be helpful if you mention price and when you purchased and is it still available. Thanks

I got it for 850 MRP purchased a year back and last time when i went to CROMA its was still visible on one of their counters.Not sure if they have increased the pricing though.It has lot many features then other bands offering in that range.

[MadTiger]

Originally Posted by supratim07

I am using ONE-for-All device purchased from CROMA and it works really well.Its a product of Netherlands but of-course made in China.All my devices from TV,Set top Box,VCD mapped to this device.And its easy to configure and works nicely.This device is much cheaper than Logitech ones available in market now.

Hi Supratim,

Great to know about your device, how do you program it, by entering codes, or can be downloaded from computer? How many device can you control with it at the same time.

[Astleviz]

supratim07, Is it similar to this? The design is different but id it the same brand with identical features
ONE FOR ALL-UNIVERSAL REMOTE-URC3940-TV-DVD-VCR-SAT+WRT | eBay

[Monaro]

Thanks for the review!

The price for this seemed to have gone south even more. I ordered it today from ebay for Rs.1,099 including delivery.

[shankar.balan]

Will it work across any brand of TV, DVD Player, Music System, Satellite TV Set top box etc?
If so, it is definitely worth having and put away all the individual remotes!

Originally Posted by Astleviz

supratim07, Is it similar to this? The design is different but id it the same brand with identical features
ONE FOR ALL-UNIVERSAL REMOTE-URC3940-TV-DVD-VCR-SAT+WRT | eBay

[ghpk]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

Will it work across any brand of TV, DVD Player, Music System, Satellite TV Set top box etc?
If so, it is definitely worth having and put away all the individual remotes!

Yes, the universal Remotes are supposed to cover all AV Devices.
While logitech looks cool, but its little expensive.

I found another seller giving your mentioned remote at more reasonable price, it looks worth taking risk.
ONE FOR ALL UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL URC3910 LCD LED TV | eBay
Edit: looks likes the one i mentioned is for T.V. only, anyone please check with seller before buying.

I would check with one local friend, who deals in remotes, but last month when i visited him, he didn't had universal remote, will check with him and if possible ask him for any bulk buy discounts.

[jkdas]

Thats a great price. Thanks for sharing.

I love the 'look' of the Kameleons; pricey though.
One For All Kameleon 8 URC 9960 Review - Remote Controls - CNET Reviews

[pnredkar]

Hi,

I have used Logitech Harmony 525 in the past (similar to the 550 photo above) and am currently using Logitech Harmony 650. And for those who are worried about whether it would work with their STBs: Logitechs database is huge and even has codes for unknown companies/devices. I had no problems controlling my hathway cable boxes: one Humax device and the current C9000N (don't remember the company). I also control a Sony EX400, Sony DVP NS51, Cambridge Audio Azur 540R and Himedia HD600B in addition to the C9000N. Yes, Logitech remotes are a bit costly (harmony 650 for $100 and harmony 300 for $40). But I had them configured for my 5 devices using their intuitive web interface in less than half-hour. And I have put away my original remotes.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Prasad.

[Digital Vampire]

Logitech Harmony 300 Universal Remote at now at Rs.1099 (inclusive of shipping) from the same dealer making it even more attractive.

Logitech Universal Harmony 300 Remote- (Company sealed Box with Genuine Bill) | eBay

[Bass&Trouble]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

Will it work across any brand of TV, DVD Player, Music System, Satellite TV Set top box etc?
If so, it is definitely worth having and put away all the individual remotes!

Most universal remotes have IR learning feature. If that's the case ANY remote's codes can be "taught" to the universal remote. No need to rely on any database.

Just make sure you're not trying to replace a RF remote with one of these IR based universal ones. Bose, some projection screen manufacturers use 'RF-only' remotes.