Juggling five or six remotes is a hassle, as is keeping them organized and scrambling to find the correct one. Many people own removes for a DVR, DVD player, sound system, CD player and cable or satellite receivers.  These are just the common ones. Add to the mix all the many remotes that come with the small electronics as well, such as remotes for digital picture frames and anti-bark devices. It can be confusing and difficult. There is an option, though, that will allow users to consolidate several remotes into just one. The Logitech Harmony 700 is a universal remote that will work with up to six different devices, streamlining entertainment and adding convenience. However, is it worth the $149.99 price tag to purchase one?  Scroll down to find out.

Logitech Harmony Remotes – Compare Prices

 

The Logitech Harmony 700

Logitech Harmony 700

Universal remotes are not new to the market and neither is the Logitech brand.  At the same time, this specific model does have unique features that are not found in one package elsewhere. As mentioned before, it will replace up to six remotes, but there are more than six different device types to choose from. The small electronics are typically not compatible with the Harmony 700; it is primarily meant to replace bigger and more used items, such as remotes used for computers, game consoles, television, amplifiers, and DVD players, to name a few.  Changing batteries is not necessary, as it comes with a rechargeable battery that charges via a USB cable and the computer. Other features include a USB cable, guide, and online support. The remote is digital, has a color screen, and one-click activity buttons to simplify which function and device is in use.

On the other hand, there are some downsides to the device.  Purchasing the remote directly from Logitech will cost a hefty $149.99, but it can be found cheaper elsewhere.  At the time of this writing, the Harmony 700 was on sale for a cool $95 at Amazon.com.

Also, the manufacturer only offers a one-year warranty.  Most families will consider this somewhat of an investment, and would certainly expect to get more than one year of use out of it, though the warranty timeframe is not necessarily low for the type of product. It also does not allow for RF compatibility, meaning that it has to be in sight of the device it is attempting to control. The screen is not a touch screen, also needs to be viewed head-on otherwise, it is useless. It is also limited at 6 devices, meaning that there still may be need for additional remotes in the living room.

These negatives may not necessarily be negatives to some, but there are other models available that do have these features. In the Logitech family alone, there are several other options to choose from, with a wide range of features and prices. The less expensive models, such as the Logitech Harmony 650, consolidates fewer devices, some do not have an LCD screen at all. Luckily, as the capabilities go down, so does the price. Likewise, as the capabilities go up, the price does as well. Every model offered by Logitech that is more advanced than the Harmony 700 will allow the user to control at least 15 devices has a rechargeable cradle and some also allow for RF compatibility, touch screen control.

Logitech does not control the market for universal remotes. Other brands include Sony, Philips, RCA, and One for All. Logitech receives consistently high reviews, but so do several other brands and some have prices starting as low as $5.00 for very basic models, while Logitech lists its most basic model at $50.00.

Certainly the best thing to do is to first determine a price range, and then search for models within that price range. Read the available reviews and then choose a model that has both good reviews and the primary features that are wanted.  Adding a universal remote to the home, like the Logitech Harmony 700, can streamline the use of multiple devices people use, often many times daily. For families with small children, the cost may well be worth not having to hide and use several remotes simultaneously, and a remote with a rechargeable battery may eventually pay for itself in battery savings alone

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