After you've completed the questionnaire, the software uploads all the relevant control codes to the Harmony 650. You can also choose which keypad functions will "punch through" to which specific devices-always having the channel buttons control the cable box or the volume controls dedicated to the TV, for instance. You simply choose your home-theater components from a list, explain how they're connected, and define their roles in activity-based functions, such as "Watch TV," "Watch DVD," and "Listen to music." For each function, you specify which devices and inputs the remote must enable.
You connect the 650 to your Internet-connected Windows PC or Mac with the supplied USB cable, install the model-specific version of Harmony software (downloaded from Logitech's Web site), and answer a fairly simple online questionnaire. The setup process is identical to that of previous Logitech Harmony remotes. In addition to the LCD, all of the remote's buttons are backlit, so it's easy to use in a dark room.
On the bottom third of the remote, you'll find standard video transport controls (play, pause, rewind, etc.) and a 12-digit keypad. The middle section has a five-way directional pad, channel and volume controls, and some standard DVR keys (Menu, Guide, Info, Exit). You can also page through additional screens, multiplying the available choices.
It's not a touch screen-you'll need to spend at least twice as much to upgrade to a Harmony One for that-but there are five buttons (two on each side, one on the bottom) for choosing contextual items on the screen. The top section is dominated by the aforementioned color LCD screen-it's a square 1-inch-by-1-inch display. The remote is roughly segmented into three main areas. As is standard for Logitech remotes, all three models are programmable via a Mac or Windows PC, and use activity-based commands such "Watch TV" or "Listen to Music" to control a home AV system. The 700's price tag is slightly more expensive-it retails for between $120 and $150-but it controls six devices to the 600/650's five, and it has the ability to recharge its Sanyo Eneloop batteries by attaching the USB AC charger (both included). The Harmony 650 improves on the 600's monochrome screen with a color version (it can display colorful favorite channel icons instead of just text, like the 600). For 2010, the lineup expands to include the $50 Harmony 300 and the $80 Harmony 600, as well as the $100 Harmony 650 reviewed here.Įxcept for different color schemes, the Harmony 650 (gray with black buttons) has the same chassis and button layout as the step-down Harmony 600 (silver with white buttons) and the step-up Harmony 700 (all black).
Note also that, on some models, you will need to re-apply your Activity/Device profile as the firmware update will wipe out these settings.Logitech's line of Harmony universal remotes includes more models at more affordable price points than ever before. Please note - there is always risk when updating/re-applying firmware and we recommend that you do this only if all other troubleshooting options have failed. Once downloaded, double-click to launch the file, USB-connect your Harmony remote and, with luck, the firmware will be successfully downloaded and restored. Simply download the appropriate file (based on your model).
In order to use these you will need to have the original Harmony Software (not the newer MyHarmony) already installed. These 'kernel' files either contain a complete firmware image or permit more direct communication by bypassing the initial Connectivity Check. If, after multiple attempts, you are not able to complete a firmware download, you may want to try downloading and launching a 'local' firmware file.
When the firmware is corrupted on your remote, it can sometimes be difficult (or impossible) to establish communication and successfully re-apply the firmware using the standard Harmony Software user interface.