Logitech® Harmony® 890PRO Universal learning remote with web-based setup

easy Internet-based setup * 8 dedicated on-screen activity buttons * color LCD screen * interactive display * built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery *

This is a great product....if you know what you are trying to accomplish. If you wish to control equipment in one room and do not require any of the wireless functions, then the Harmony ONE is a much better choice (great ergonomics, beautiful touch screen). BUT, if you have varied equipment and multiple rooms to control, I have yet to find a better remote. The programming is, for the most part, intuitive and customizable. Having had experience with a Pronto and MX-810, I found the Harmony software excellent. To start, we programmed in control of all of the equipment in my Great Room, including: TV, DVD player, cable box and a karaoke machine. Only one issue was with the swap tuner function, which was corrected with a phone call to Logitech customer support. We then programmed in the other rooms, including the theater in the basement and my daughter's room, which has an RF wireless extender. I can now take the remote downstairs, hit the "change location" button, select "Home Theater and, voila, the TV, A/V receiver and DVD player in this room is now under my complete control. One complaint, that could be an especially frustrating for those that have multiple RF extenders: every time programming changes are made to the system, all of the wireless extenders must be updated. This can be an arduous chore if you have installed them behind equipment. This is due to the fact that the communication between remote and extender is made with Z-Wave protocol. The extender actually stores all IR commands internally and transmits them to IR emitters when appropriate Z-Wave signal is received. Which leads to another reason this remote is so exciting; with more and more manufacturers joining the Z-Wave alliance, you can look forward to being able to control a multitude of devices, even through walls and floors. Leviton has introduced a lighting system (ViziaRF) and several brands of thermostats are available ([...]). Furthermore, we tested and successfully programmed control of a Roomba robotic vacuum into the Harmony 890PRO. A camcorder or digital camera that accepts commands from a remote could likely be controlled by this Harmony as well. If only my ceiling fan had a IR remote... Finally, the remote has the ability to load your own images and use them as channel logos. We were able to snag logos off the internet and edit them to our taste, including the addition of an HD next to the channels we receive in high-def.

The 890 Pro is set up for professional installers setting up a number of systems in the same area (maybe in a store or showroom). For a home installation, the 890 is the better bet. My system has a projector, a DirecTV DVR, a BluRay player, a sound system, and a controller for the lights. The 890 Pro does control them all, but it took 2 hours on my own plus 2 1/2 hours on the phone with LogiTech support (Level 1 and 2) to get the devices all paired. With the 890, the pairing is instantaneous with the intuitive web-based configurator. The 890 pro is intended for applications where multiple controllers control overlapping devices and extenders, so the pairing has to be done manually and very painfully. I wish I had bought the 890 instead of the 890 Pro. Both work with the wireless extender as well as over IR, according to LogiTech.

This remote does it all, it even worked my air conditioner in guest room. It has the RF function and with the RF extender this remote will work across the street once it is paired to it. The programing is a little intense but once you have your entertainment room setup you will never go back to the cheap universal remotes. I am very happy with this remote and it is excellent for the person who wants to have the lights dimmed, curtains drawn, and the projection screen to drop down automatically while turning on everything you need to enjoy your setup. I am amazed at what this remote can do. Don't forget to buy the extender with this remote to work the RF function. Logitech® Harmony® RF Wireless Extender I bought both from another site as a set and paid $285.00 plus shipping so look around first. A must have for the person who has everything.