Logitech - Harmony 665 10-Device Universal Remote - Black

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.

Logitech makes great products, but their remotes don't last last more than a year. Poor build quality, wears out fast. I keep buying because the product is great, remember to get the extended warranty, I've used it 3 times already, pays for itself!!! This time the buttons are wearing out, had this only 7 most. YOU WILL NEED IT. Nuff said.......

This is a replacement for an older model which lasted more than 15-years and it probably would have lasted longer if it were not for butterfingers. This model provides several additional functions that allow us to replace other remotes such as our Roku service. I am disappointed that this model seems to loose its functionality on a regular basis, causing us to remove and reinstall the batteries several times a day.

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.

Nice remote control device. Needed Geek Squad to set up with their laptop. Device has tied all my components together so i only need this one remote. Only issue is going from cable to internet i need to turn off TV and turn back on in watch smart tv mode. Overall i like this remote....

I needed a replacement for my universal remote. Having previous experience with Logitech, I decided to check out new products in the Harmony line. The 665 filled all our needs. It's easy to set up macros in the Harmony Desktop and sync to the remote. It has all the functions that you need in a package that is very reasonably priced. Highly recommended.

It controls my TV, my home theater and other components. I have a Samsung Smart TV and am able to control all of it including the apps from this remote. Easy to program.

Universal remote has been solid so far but does take some time to get use to but once you understand it is fairly easy to use. A negative I have is if I have a new tv then I would have to connect it to a computer or laptop to change it. I wish there was a option to do it on the remote itself. Another negative is the durability is not good at all. I have not had the remote for five months and the numbers and other buttons the symbols are rubbing off. I would avoid this remote if possible. If other Harmony remotes are more durable I would choose those. But it is a solid option if you need one immediately and for short term then this a great performer.