So Simple, Even a Woman Can Use It!

(And before you accuse me of being politically incorrect, I AM a woman – and not only female, but that rarest of breeds, a middle aged woman who appreciates the “cool’ factor in techno gadgets that work). :)

Despite the fact I swore I would not spend a single dime on any more techno-gadgetry this year, yesterday I succumbed to temptation and picked up the Logitech Harmony 520 Universal Remote during a visit to my local Costco. Admittedly, the $69.98 CDN made it an easy impulse buy – especially in comparison to the higher end Harmony 880 that was displayed next to it (at $169.98 CDN). Upon comparing the features of the two, it appeared the only major differences were:

1. The 520 has the capability to control 12 devices, as opposed to the 880’s 15;
2. The 520 runs on four AAA batteries, whereas the 880 recharges in a dock;
3. The 520’s display window is merely text on a backlit blue light, compared to the 880’s full colour screen with pretty icons.
4. The 520 is sleek and rectangular, the 880 is a curvy peanut shape.

Aside from these differences, both appeared to do what I wanted them to do – namely, eliminate the remote control juggling act I have to perform every time I simply want to a) watch television b) watch a DVD c) use my Apple TV. (The latter being a very attractive option – as it adds the ability to control the volume when using the ATV – something the remote included with it does not do).

The 520 not only gives me the capability to individually control my LCD HDTV, DVD player, home theatre receiver, and Apple TV, it also allows me to (somewhat) effortlessly program all these devices to work in unison with the touch of one “Activity” button. For example, the internet based, USB connected set up wizard (more about that later), allows me to program the 520 to “Watch a DVD”, “Listen To Music”, “Watch My TV” – and in doing so, starts up all the needed devices for each “activity” simultaneously. For example, when I choose the “Watch a DVD” activity, my system simultaneously changes my TV setting to the HDMI connection that my DVD player is connected to; and powers up my DVD player and receiver (automatically switching my receiver to the “DVD” setting in the process). When I’m finished watching that DVD and want to listen to my iTunes library via my Apple TV, I simply choose “Listen to Music” – and accordingly, the DVD player is shut off, the receiver switches to the “CD” setting, and the TV switches to the HDMI port which is connected to the Apple TV. Easy!

Now, as mentioned, in order to give the 520 the capability to perform all these functions, there is a set up process which requires you to connect the 520 to your computer (either a Mac or PC) via a USB port, (with the included USB cable), and install software via an included CD. (I used my iBook G4 for this process, with nary a glitch). If you have a working knowledge of your computer,, this process shouldn’t be rocket science – and even if you’re only slightly technologically inclined, the set up “wizard” is about as straightforward and user friendly as it gets.

For example, once everything is connected and installed, you’re led through a series of on screen steps where you input the make and models of your individual devices (the options are endless –even if you have the rarest make of television set, etc., you’ll most likely find it here). No need to search through lists and lists of codes either – simply typing in your make and model is all that’s required. During this process, my Satellite/PVR device wasn’t completely recognized, which required a few extra steps so that the 520 could “learn” it – but again, this was a simple step-by-step process that worked like a charm.

Once that’s done, you’re on to setting up your “activities” – i.e. “watch my tv”, watch a DVD”, etc. It was in this area that the process became a tad more challenging – although it “recommended” certain automatic settings, I found it necessary to manually choose my settings in order to customize them to my particular needs. No biggie, really, just somewhat time consuming.

Finally, I was instructed to disconnect the 520 from my computer and to try it out to see if it worked. All in all, the time spent online was probably 45 minutes to an hour (in between running back and forth to the kitchen to prepare dinner for my kids).

With some trepidation, I aimed the remote at my system, and chose “watch my tv”. And much to my delight and surprise, as promised, I watched the power indicator lights fire up on my tv, and my receiver go through the process of powering up, including switching to the “TV” setting. Not yet convinced, I chose the “Listen to music” activity. It was here that I thought I had them stumped – although my receiver switched to the “CD” setting automatically, the television did not switch to the HDMI connection needed to play my Apple TV. But wait!! I looked at the screen on my remote, which was asking me – “Is this correct? If not, press Help” – so I duly complied, and amazingly, it led me through a series of 2-3 steps which culminated in correcting the glitch – in essence, “learning” the correct settings needed to use my Apple TV. Impressive!

Besides having the capability to perform these one-step “activities”, of course this remote is also capable of controlling each of your devices individually – for example, from what I’ve been able to discern so far, by pressing the “Devices” button, and choosing TV, I can perform every single function that the remote supplied with my satellite/PVR device performed, and so on and so forth. Admittedly, this wasn’t immediately apparent to me, and it did take about half an hour, with a small amount of frustration, to teach myself the capabilities of all the function buttons on the 520.

The bottom line? It works. Does what it’s supposed to do, and for a minimal cost for this “smarter” type of universal remote. I haven’t had it long enough yet to comment on battery life – I have heard that the backlighting function results in quick drainage – but even if that’s the case, the cost of a battery charger is still less than the $100.00 or so I’d need to spend to upgrade to the Harmony 880. (If I remember to, I’ll update when I have a clearer answer to this question).

If it’s any indication of the confidence I have in this new toy, after fine-tuning it to my specific needs last night, I tucked my previous six remotes away in storage, where hopefully they will remain for some time to come. If you’re also looking to simply your home entertainment viewing and listening experience for minimal cost, I’d highly recommended the Logitch Harmony 520.