Universal Remote: Also For The XBox360

So you have a TV, a VCR, a DVD, a CD Stereo, and for around 20 to 30 US dollars, chances are you could find yourself a nice little universal remote at the local “big box” store. If you’ve thrown in an XBox 360 requirement into the mix though, you’ve probably been out of luck. Until now.

For the gamer/TV addict/all-around couch potato who needs ONE remote to do it all, Logitech‘s Harmony Advanced Universal Remote may be the answer to your prayers. This device is slim, stylish, is colored to match either the black or silver model, and has a display backlit in green (which has gotta be cool, right?). Best of all, it will deal with almost any device in your living room that communicates via infrared.

In order to configure the Harmony, you’ll need a PC with USB and Internet connections and a CD-ROM drive.

The device comes with the software CD, a mini-B USB cable, batteries and the quick-start guide. To configure your remote, install the software on your PC, hook up the Harmony via the USB cable, and follow the step-by-step instructions. One caveat: the Harmony will support up to 12 different devices, so prior to configuring, you’ll want to gather all the information on any and all devices (manufacturer, model number, type, etc.). When the software launches, it will ask what level user you are. To be safe, swallow your pride and choose Beginner – your life will be MUCH easier.

Once all device info is entered, the software will configure your Harmony via the USB connection.

Switching between devices is done through the Activities button.  If you encounter a problem – for example, when you select “Watch a DVD,” the TV turns off – you can press the Help button, bringing up a series of questions that, when answered, will create a solution.

You may also choose to operate the Harmony with the Devices button, but it is more limiting – you will need to press this each time you want to switch.

Logitech’s SRP is $129 USD, although it can be grabbed for as little as $85, so comparison shopping is warranted. If you have just a TV and an XBox, you’re better off without this, but if your set-up is more complex with several devices, the Harmony is a worthwhile purchase that can make your life a wee bit easier.

So you have a TV, a VCR, a DVD, a CD Stereo, and for around 20 to 30 US dollars, chances are you could find yourself a nice little universal remote at the local “big box” store. If you’ve thrown in an XBox 360 requirement into the mix though, you’ve probably been out of luck. Until now.

For the gamer/TV addict/all-around couch potato who needs ONE remote to do it all, Logitech‘s Harmony Advanced Universal Remote may be the answer to your prayers. This device is slim, stylish, is colored to match either the black or silver model, and has a display backlit in green (which has gotta be cool, right?). Best of all, it will deal with almost any device in your living room that communicates via infrared.

In order to configure the Harmony, you’ll need a PC with USB and Internet connections and a CD-ROM drive.

The device comes with the software CD, a mini-B USB cable, batteries and the quick-start guide. To configure your remote, install the software on your PC, hook up the Harmony via the USB cable, and follow the step-by-step instructions. One caveat: the Harmony will support up to 12 different devices, so prior to configuring, you’ll want to gather all the information on any and all devices (manufacturer, model number, type, etc.). When the software launches, it will ask what level user you are. To be safe, swallow your pride and choose Beginner – your life will be MUCH easier.

Once all device info is entered, the software will configure your Harmony via the USB connection.

Switching between devices is done through the Activities button.  If you encounter a problem – for example, when you select “Watch a DVD,” the TV turns off – you can press the Help button, bringing up a series of questions that, when answered, will create a solution.

You may also choose to operate the Harmony with the Devices button, but it is more limiting – you will need to press this each time you want to switch.

Logitech’s SRP is $129 USD, although it can be grabbed for as little as $85, so comparison shopping is warranted. If you have just a TV and an XBox, you’re better off without this, but if your set-up is more complex with several devices, the Harmony is a worthwhile purchase that can make your life a wee bit easier.