Logitech Harmony 676 Sport Remote Control - 966177-0403
TV, DVD Player, VCR, PVR (Personal Video Recorder), Satellite Box, Speaker System

The price I paid on Buy.com was pretty high for a remote. Next time I would look for a sale. However, it works very well to replace the four remotes we used to juggle. Now I don't have to help when my family wants to use those devices. I have used the custom programming of buttons extensively so that we retain _all_ the functions from the individual remotes, but that was easy. Note that Logitech's web site pictures show the "teach" position incorrectly (instead, face the old remote at the opposite end of the 676 from the USB/infrared ports on the 676). The five-way OK button is too small, but still usable. In Sean's review he states that "the number of modes is limited to the hard buttons". That's not true with my 676 (and his??) because the 'star' button puts all the remaining modes on the soft keys. Speaking of the soft keys, Logitech does not make it obvious that putting your most often used functions at the _top_ of the Custom list will put them on the first soft menu.
 
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The Logitech Harmony 676 Remote is a great value for a universal remote that includes macro functions. The device supports "mode" switching which will turn on and off and set inputs for multiple devices at the click of a single button. This feature has been limited to much more expensive remotes in the past. Where the 676 really shines is in it ease of configuration. You simply enter the model numbers for each of your devices then answer a few questions and you are done. Maybe. The default configuration will likely statisfy some people's needs, but many people may want to further tweak the configuration. The ability to tweak the remote is hampered somewhat by the softwares "wizard-like" interface. I applaud Logitech for making the software web-based. This allows easy access to a constantly updating database of remote codes. And the setup wizards are great for configuring the device rapidly but they also hamper correcting mistakes and tweaking the device. Another limitation of the device is that the number of modes are limited to the hard buttons along the top. I (incorrectly) assumed that the softkeys could be used. They are only used for the customizable commands for each mode, the setup options and for selecting devices. There may be a way to extend the number of modes on the device to use the softkeys, but I haven't found it. Other, higher-end versions of the Harmony remote do use the softkeys for Mode selection. All in all, this is an excellent value for a remote that is easy enough for your young kids to use.
 
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Ok - The bad: Some of the buttons are to close together... and some are to small. But both of these are not that big of a deal <br><br> The good? Easiest thing to program! The programming interface is bar none the thing that makes harmony awesome. Its online and all you have to do is tell it what model number your cable box and DVD player is... and it does the rest!THis is the remote you'll want if you have or plan to have a DVR - you'll notice that the forward/rev vhs controls are centered right? Well on some of the other models its placed to far low.. So its difficut to constantly move your hand down. Not with this one - centered! My family now can use the whole entertainment system. Before, it was to difficult. Now its a one button affair - this system uses activity buttons like many other high end universals. The other great part is the help button - It takes you through a series of simple "on" "off" questions to fix whatever may not be working.... SO it somehow keeps track of you and your watching behavior.
 
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My wife no longer has any qualms about using the media room setup. This remote controls every device, including the no-name HDMI switch I just bought. The Logitech web site even identified and automatically replaced my Motorola FIOS settop model number (which didn't appear to be in their database) with another Moto model that works just fine. Every button controls just what you think it should, automatically. No need to switch mode when going from volume settings to channel-hopping to using the menu on the DVD. One button turns all the FIOS-TV-related gear on; one button turns on everything associated with the DVD; One Off button turns everything off. The Help button helps you solve problems if something doesn't do what it's supposed to. It took me a while to set up the thing using Logitech's online site, (mostly because that no-name switch was a bit troublesome) but the site is simple enough and logical. Start out with all your brands and model numbers written down and it's a cinch. My wife highly recommends it; and I've put all the other controllers into a drawer, never to be seen again.
 
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