This part is easy enough. Simply type the companies and model names or numbers of your various TVs and set-top boxes and the software will program them into the remote. The next step is to set up the activities. It was here that the software froze up, not letting me go any further.
I closed it and restarted to no avail, rebooted the computer, and even uninstalled and reinstalled the software completely. Nothing changed and, if I unplugged the remote and tried to use it, it would simply display the USB icon that indicated it needed to be connected to my computer to complete setup.
Later on I was able to get the to function… after adding a completely different remote to my Logitech account. The Harmony then appeared and functioned as normal. Despite needing to be plugged in to a computer to be programmed, the control itself does not run on a rechargeable battery.
Granted, remotes are low-power devices and a pair of AA batteries should last a long time, but it just feels silly. Mine sits below my TV and can reach the cable box several shelves below it. It does need to be plugged in to AC power to work, so make sure you have a free outlet.
The Harmony app is free and easy to use. For your IR-based devices you enter the manufacturer and product number and the software automatically sets them up. This means unlocking your device even for basic functions like adjusting the volume or changing the channel. My family and I have used many of the smart remotes on this list as control devices for my main home-theater system for months or years at a time. At various points, multiple remotes on this list have been used to control my TVs , AV receivers, game consoles, Blu-ray player, Roku streamers, and even a cable box DVR.
My family uses the system as much as I do and my main criteria in a smart universal remote or universal remote app is making it simple enough for a kid to operate, even with all those buttons.
Here are my choices for the best universal remote control currently available, in ascending order of price. Update, April Logitech has announced that it's sunsetting the Harmony remote line , which makes up the bulk of our recommendations below.
However, the company has pledged to continue supporting the product line and updating the software. Logitech Harmony wrote the book on the universal remote control devices and these are the most basic clickers I can recommend for a smart home.
The main appeal over a cheaper, non-Harmony-based smart remote controller, or the device that comes with your set-top boxes, is the activity-based control. Press the "Watch TV" to use as a TV remote or "Listen to Music" buttons and the Logitech Harmony remote controller turns on all the relevant devices such as your smart TV , blu-ray player, and AV receiver , switches to the right inputs and maps the keys to that activity: Volume to the receiver and Channel up-down to the box, for example.
Unlike more expensive Logitech Harmony options, which use a universal remote control app on your phone for setup and control, you'll have to use Harmony's Mac- or PC-based software to program the remote needless to say, a remote app is more convenient.
The and also rely on IR infrared codes emitted from the front of the device -- if you want point-anywhere convenience, you'll have to spend up for a system with a hub.
The is the only smart remote currently listed on Harmony's site but the is identical aside from color and number of devices each can control and can often be found for less, especially refurbished. Read our Logitech Harmony review. To get Caavo's advanced features, you'll need to shell out for the service fee. You plug your stuff into the switch and it handles the rest, including automatically recognizing your gear during setup. Caavo has its own smart voice control system and onscreen display to help you find stuff to watch on your streaming devices.
The universal remote control device itself is simple and elegant and the remote finder is gold. Like the hub-based Harmonys below, Caavo doesn't require line of sight the switch acts as the hub and the remote control will also work with a voice command from Alexa and Google Home speakers in homes with multiple devices. Read our Caavo Control Center preview. You also get Alexa and Google Home for voice control. Sort of. The remote is nearly identical to the Elite, but you can only use it to control your IR devices i.
You cannot use it to control smart devices. The is a good choice for home theater rooms and as an add-on remote for existing Hub users. Check out our comparison of Harmony with the Elite if you want to learn more. The Harmony delivers great value for an all-in-one remote that lets you consolidate up to eight devices in your media arsenal. It will not let you control your smart devices and it is not compatible with the hub or blaster remotes. Customers who own this remote tend to rave about it.
If you can get the Harmony over the you can get an even more stylish-looking remote for the money. It comes in a slick looking metallic gray which looks slick with the red background of the touch screen. The Harmony is a good option if you really need to save a little money over the The difference in price between the and the makes going with the a no brainer really, in our opinion.
However, if your budget caps out at the price point, then you can still get a solid universal remote that will let you control up to eight devices. You can also program up to five favorite channels. It even comes with 2 AA batteries. The Harmony Pro remote itself is a slightly upgraded version of the Harmony Elite. The remote has a gray band around the bottom, you get some additional hardware and a few additional capabilities. The main difference is that when you purchase the Pro remote, you must do so from a professional installer.
The certified and approved-by-Logitech installer then comes to your house and sets everything up for you.
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