Logitech updates the Harmony Remotes

[dkennedy]

Logitech updates the Harmony Remotes look and feel with the 1000

September 12, 2006

By Matt Burns, HD Beat Magazine

Logitech finally spent some cash with their design department and updated the look of their dated Harmony remotes.

The previous high-end design wasn't anything pretty but it did function very well in it's conventional form factor.

If you have never used one of these remotes, they have built in macros which makes it a joy not only to you but everyone else that uses your amazing, but complex, AV system.

The 1000 brings a nice, big LCD touch panel to work with.

Basically, Logitech took the look and feel of those uber-expensive custom install remotes and worked the Harmony system into a similar form factor.

Just like the previous high-end, the 890, it operates via RF waves that will allow users to control the volume of the tunes in another room.

For $499, it isn't a bad package and a rather nice alternative to remotes that cost more then your house payment.

[dkennedy]

Logitech Announces the Harmony 1000 Remote

September 12, 2006

CEDIA News Release

Logitech has reinvented the Harmony® remote control.

Adding a touch of luxury to its award-winning family of Harmony advanced universal remote controls, the company unveiled its new flagship Harmony 1000 remote, which includes a striking, color touch-sensitive screen.

While it looks as expensive as traditional high-end, custom-installed remotes, the Harmony 1000 remote is more affordable, is easier for consumers to set up, and sets a new standard for ease of use.

“The Harmony 1000 remote delivers affordable luxury — it simplifies control of today´s complicated home-entertainment systems at a fraction of the price of traditional custom-installed remotes, and it´s luxurious in its sophisticated design, which adds an element of prestige to any living room,” said Bryan McLeod, vice president of Logitech´s remote control products.

“The Harmony 1000 remote is the interface that people crave for their home-entertainment system — it´s sleek, it´s easy to use with its one-touch activity based control, and it comes without a prohibitive price.”

The Harmony 1000 remote´s touch-sensitive screen makes the renowned Harmony activity control even easier by displaying the important controls when they are immediately relevant.

And unlike some of today´s high-end universal remotes, the Harmony 1000 remote controls any device with an infrared receiver — including VCRs, digital video recorders, high-definition televisions, and many household appliances.

Using radio frequency (RF) technology, the Harmony 1000 remote can also control multi-room entertainment systems and high-end components hidden behind closed doors, when used in combination with the optional Logitech® Harmony® Wireless Extender (sold separately).

Meanwhile, its stunning brushed-chrome and piano-black finish makes the Harmony 1000 remote an aesthetic complement to today´s most sophisticated living rooms

Some of the basic features include:

3.5-inch color screen
Nine fixed buttons
Activity-based control by using patented Smart State Technology
Optional Logitech Harmony Wireless Extender
Discrete codes and infrared commands of the more than 175,000 devices from more than 5,000 manufacturers

As far as pricing and availability:

The Harmony 1000 remote is expected to be available in both the U.S. and Europe later this fall for a suggested retail price of $499.99 in the U.S. The Logitech Harmony Wireless Extender will be available at the same time for $149.99 in the U.S. and Europe.