Logitech - Harmony 665 10-Device Universal Remote - Black

The Logitech Harmony 665 remote solves quite a few problems. First, it enables you to use a single remote to control up to ten devices. Now most cable remotes can handle basic functions for four devices (cable box, TV, DVD and audio) but when it comes to more advanced functions you usually find yourself reaching for the original device remote. With the Harmony all functions are available on the remote and an bright LCD screen guides you. Next it gives you access to any device which is missing a remote. I had a very old Technics stereo (the remote was lost years ago), but the Harmony now controls it with ease! Setting up the Harmony is really easy. Just collect your device names and model numbers then go to a dedicated website, download software and then connect the Harmony to your computer with an included cable. All commands for each device (up to 10) will be downloaded directly to your Harmony remote. When you pick up the Harmony the LCD screen lights up so you never need to turn on a lamp in a darkened media room to study the tiny buttons on the typical remote. The Harmony provides everything you could want in a universal remote. It has a vast array of supported devices, very slick styling, LCD screen with adapts to your specific devices and it fits nicely in your hand. It is light (about 6 onces) and takes longer-lasting AA batteries (rather than the short-lived AAA batteries used by some remotes.) The picture I have included shows the Logitech next to just four of the eight remotes I have programmed into it. I am delighted that I have finally joined those who are devoted Harmony users!

This review is for someone like me who has never used a fancy-pants programmable remote like this Harmony 665. Until now, the only "universal" remote I've used is whatever my TV provider gave to control their set-top box along with basic TV functions like on/off and volume. I had no idea what I was missing. The Harmony 665 is a very capable device, but there is a learning curve if you’ve never used one of these. Frankly, most of this learning curve comes from trying to navigate Logitech's MyHarmony support site and their desktop software (needed to program the remote). It would have been nice if their support site had a search function like on their user forum. The summary is here followed by a more detailed review: Pros • Ability to program multiple steps into a single button • Large database of controllable devices • Remote glows in the dark, with the exception of a few critical buttons • Easy-to-open packaging Cons • Though not difficult, cumbersome to set up, especially for a first-time user • The “Exit” key functionality is not intuitive • Allowed me to map Sony Playstation 3 controls, even though PS3 is not supported and doesn’t work • Logitech’s MyHarmony support site needs improvement. Though the Harmony 665 can handle a lot, my setup is pretty basic: Comcast Xfinity box, Samsung Smart TV, Vizio soundbar, and Sony Playstation 3. First Impression The packaging is easy to open – no need for a chainsaw to rip it apart. This package has perforations on the back, making the remote simple to pull out (see photo). The device is lightweight, albeit a little slippery. Getting Ready I dutifully read the sparse instructions in the package. I could hardly believe the warning to set aside 45 minutes for setup, but it turned out to be a good estimate. I had to download software from their site to my Mac. Logitech’s software site also referenced an iOS app. I wasted time looking at the iOS app only to discover it does not apply to this remote. Once installed, the desktop software required me to create an account so that settings can be saved and reloaded if needed. I used my password manager to generate a strong long password, but the software would not let me copy/paste the password. I ended up annoyingly retyping it. Oddly but thankfully, it has no issue with copying/pasting passwords for subsequent logins. Adding Devices At this point, I gathered the model numbers for my devices. It took me a while to find the manuals since I could not easily move my equipment to see what was on the back. The Harmony software accepted the model numbers for my Sony PS3, Comcast box, Vizio soundbar and even the Samsung TV which had a Costco specific model number. Once entered, the Harmony software recognized the Vizio as an "amp" instead of a soundbar – clearly written by an engineer instead of a product manager. Note: the software allowed me to add the Sony PS3 though I later discovered the Harmony 665 cannot actually control it. Also note, the Logitech web page to check supported devices is buried and difficult to find within the MyHarmony site. I cannot reference it here as Best Buy does not allow URLs in reviews. Programming Harmony can be used to control each device individually (as if using multiple remotes). But Logitech encourages you to program activities like "watch TV," or "listen to music." Each activity then issues all necessary commands for that activity. There are several shortcut buttons that can be mapped to these activities. For example, I programmed the "listen to music" activity button to turn on my soundbar and switch it to bluetooth so I can play music from my iPhone. Similarly, the “watch movie" button turns on the TV and brings up the Samsung Smart Hub so I can select a TV app like Netflix or YouTube. It works well and is what separates Harmony from simple universal remotes. Exactly how much you can program varies depending on Harmony's features and the device controllability. For example, even though using “watch movie" brings up the Samsung Smart Hub, my Samsung TV will not let it select a specific app like Netflix – that I do manually. Another useful feature is Harmony’s keys are automatically reprogrammed to work with the chosen activity. That means when in “watch movie” activity, the play/pause/rewind keys act like my TV remote and let me control what I’m watching on Netflix, YouTube etc… But in “watch TV” activity, those same keys control my Comcast DVR. Before Harmony, I was constantly switching remotes. Actual Usage I love using the activity keys. It’s a much better experience than constantly switching Harmony to function like a specific device remote. But, there’s a hurdle in the “exit” key functionality. If I’m "watching TV" and then switch my activity to “watch movie” on Netflix, I can exit the Netflix app via the “exit” key on Harmony as expected. Even though I’ve exited the Netflix app, the remote stays mapped in “watch movie” activity, and the keys are still programmed for the Samsung TV remote. That means the guide button will not bring up the Comcast guide, nor will it now control the Comcast DVR. Intuitively, I expected that by exiting Netflix, Harmony would reconfigure itself as the Comcast remote. Instead, I have to press the “watch TV” activity button or manually set it to act like the Comcast remote. This issue comes up quite a bit on the Logitech community forum, and while some folks discovered a way to program a better exit, it did not work for me. If all else fails, you don’t have to use activities; Harmony can easily be configured to work like each device’s native remote via the handy 4-button center display. Finally, I was very pleased that the remote glows orange in the dark, though inexplicably not for the power or activity shortcut keys. That’s a very strange design decision given how much Logitech wants us to use activities. Overall, the remote is 4 stars and the Logitech software/website are 3 to 3.5 stars. The product is very nice but the experience needs some tweaking. Regardless, now that I have it set up, it’s a keeper.

I had the opportunity to review the Harmony 665 Controller and overall I was impressed with the customization and the extra care they took in button quality. The controller could appear overwhelming for those who are use to simple controllers however I can assure anyone who is on the fence that the learning curve is very small. The package includes 2 AA batteries, a short USB Cable, instruction booklet and easy to open from the back packaging (which made it very easy to take out the controller instead of fighting the plastic). GOOD: Well made controller with good feel buttons and click when pressing Buttons glow in dark for easy to see/read Packaging and batteries easy to remove/add if needed LCD is easy to read and customize the menu to your liking Programming Commands/Functions very easy to customize. Harmony 665 can "learn" from other controllers Software very easy to use with helpful walk-through CONS: Software does not come packaged, have to download Button glow paint can wear over time Change Input does not work on some older TV Models be sure to check internet of your TV model with this controller REVIEW: Controller Itself - The button arrangement is well thought out and the click you feel when you press in a button helps you now it was fully pressed. The buttons have a rubber feel however I am concern if the picture will rub off over time. The buttons pictures glow in the dark so it is easy to see what you are pressing, however I would have preferred to lighting buttons as the glow paint can wear over time. The controller feels good to hold as the placement of the batteries gives you a good grip and evenly distributes the weight. The controller is divided into 3 sections with the most used programmable buttons/LCD window top, basic navigation/volume controls in middle and video/interactive playback on the bottom. The LCD screen is easy to read and turns on/off based on motion of the controller which is nice to not waste battery. It takes 2 AA batteries that go underneath and there is a nice addition of a strap to help when needing to remove the batteries. The controller also has an IVR on the bottom to "learn" from other controllers if the software does not recognize the device you are registering to the controller. Software: The controller comes with instructions to go online and download their software to program the controller. This may be an issue for those who are on data caps or limited to internet access. This software is needed to have a functioning controller and will not work with the tv without a first time setup. The software is about 35MB in size, easy to install on my Win10 machine and does require registration. The software is easy to use and allows for deep customization for more advance users. You can setup up to 10 devices to control or interact with each other. The software is also a one stop shop if you have multiple Logi Controllers as it will store all information under your registered account. You can even go as far as set up the millisecond delays for each command for older TV's that takes time to warm up. However the software at times does have issues discovering that the Harmony 655 controller is plugged in and it requires to unplug/replug for the software to see it. I have also discovered the "input" command to change which input to go to when programming does not work on some older TV's. Unfortunately this is a risk as there is no way to tell until after performing all the setup/configuration then testing it on your TV. Programming Devices: The programming is really easy to use/setup. With just one click of a button it can turn on all your devices (TV , Stereo Receiver, PS3) and set your inputs to have it all set to just insert a movie. Once you use one of the program buttons the LCD screen turns into an option window you can navigate for any additional commands you may need. You can even customize the command list to display the most commonly used ones first. Overall I would recommend this product for anyone who wishes to cut down on the amount of controllers they use and want an easily programmable controller.

The 700 model comes with its own rechargeable batteries, has a white (brighter) backlight and the writing on the 700 is bolder and easier to read. Two other differences is "logitech" isn't spelled out. Instead it simply says "logi" on the 665. The 700 has a glossier black compared to the dull black of the 665. But my biggest gripe is the dull writing on the 665. It's so dark that it practically blends into the black coloring of the remote. The four main buttons at the top of the remote are so dark that the words can barely be seen even in bright light. The only advantage the 665 has over the 700 is the ability to support 10 devices instead of 8.

They didn't have the one I wanted, so got this one instead. I LOVE IT!!! Was easy to setup. No more finding a code, pointing remotes at each other. It's all done via sync to your computer. Type in your model number and it's set up for you. I now have ONE remote versus 6. Oh yeah!!!!!

Ok, first things first. If you do not know your model numbers to the devices you wish to control, or have no way of getting them, this product will be difficult to setup, as it seems to be required to set it up with the remote. Personally, getting mine was a bit of a pain because my TV is mounted to my wall (and I don’t have a telescoping mount.) Once I got my tv out of the way, the rest were pretty simple, just took a picture with my phone of the model number and manufacturer to bring back to my computer and attached remote. Pros: -The setup wizard was easy to follow and painless once I retrieved all of my model numbers -Remote is lightweight, screen is easy to read -Buttons feel nice, backlit when the room is dark, and have a tactile feel when pushed -Can do everything my current cable provider remote does -Can customize buttons using the software with option of programming new commands your old remote does that this one may not support Cons: -Setup does involve installing software from the internet and using a setup wizard. Not an issue for me but could be for some. -Getting your model number could be a challenge depending on your specific setup (mounted tv) -The “Watch TV” and other macro buttons only seem to work if everything is always controlled by the remote as it remembers the current state of the devices. Sometimes my gaming consoles will turn on the TV and change to the correct HDMI which throws this off. -The slenderness of the remote at the screen makes it a bit awkward to grip when using buttons towards the top Final Thoughts: I struggled at first because I wasn’t aware the software enabled me to change the order of things on the screen or what certain buttons could do. The remote even has a learning feature where you can create new commands by using your old remote. After spending some more time with this, I’ve customized it to do almost exactly what I want. If you’re in the market for a smart remote that can control many devices but won’t break the bank, this is a great buy. If you’re not very tech savvy and you’re just looking to replace your old cable box remote, this will work fine, but may be overkill. All in all, I’d recommend this to anyone, the con's do not outweigh the pro's for me.

My initial review yesterday reflected my frustration, as the remote was not as easy to set up as I had been led to believe by Logitech's description. Even though my DVR was listed in their database, it would not turn on, no matter what I tried. I ended up "teaching" the Logitech manually by pointing my cable company's remote and the new Logitech remote toward one another and pressing the buttons for the commands I wanted it to learn. I reached out to Logitech via Twitter and quickly received a response providing me with a telephone number for a Harmony Remote Tech Support person who was a great deal of help. She knew exactly what my issue was and told me what I needed to do, and it worked. I was unable to teach the new remote a command for displaying my recorded programs, but she showed me how to toggle the illuminated display screen to the command which appeared on its second page. I am happy now with the way that the remote works.

My 665 remote has froze up on me every time I try to use the activity "watch movie" . It locks up and have to pull the batteries out to reset it . Press "watch movie" and it happens again. I took it back and got a second one and the same exact problem exist. I have 4 other 650 model remotes and they all work perfectly . Something defective with this 665 remote . I will return number two and get another 650 model.