We all have experienced a remote control overload in our homes. One for the TV, another for DVD player, cable box, and even one for that antiquated VHS player, but now with a Logitech Harmony 700 Remote you can put all others to rest.
Unboxing and Set Up
The package includes the Harmony 700 remote, two Eneloop rechargeable batteries, charger, USB cable and installation CD.
First Impressions
The 700 is painted in a matte finish which seems to hide fingerprints pretty well. Then there are the traditional numeric and media keys, four colored buttons, volume and page up / page down buttons — there were no real surprises here.
At the top of the remote, the Harmony 700 provides tour pre-standard activity buttons:
- Listen to Music
- Watch TV
- Watch a Movie
- More Activities
Using the Harmony 700
First it is always a good idea to charge the device before first use.
Logitech included rechargeable NiMH AA batteries, an USB cable and AC wall plug to charge the remote control.
The USB cable serves a dual purpose, you can use it to charge to controller using the AC wall plug and you can use it to sync the remote.
However, you cannot use a computer’s USB port to charge the remote.
Installation and Configuration
The Logitech Harmony Advanced Universal Remote Software is available in a number of languages including French, Germany and Russian and is available for Windows and Macintosh.
This is followed by the Logitech wizard, which will search the Logitech database for the correct remote codes to set up each piece of equipment you wish to control with the Harmony 700.
Upgrade Firmware 
Configure Activities
Logitech defines Activities as a set of commands you execute with the push of a single button on the remote. For example, “Play Xbox” would turn on your television, adjust the volume to preconfigured levels, turn on your Xbox 360 as well as tune the TV or receiver to the correct input.
When the code is found the wizard prompts for several data points, i.e. which input on the TV to use or whether or not to use the receiver for volume or the TV. After completing these steps for each of your devices to be controlled your PC will update the data to the remote.
When you start using this remote, you will notice how simple it really is. It does not skip a beat and performs every operation without confusion. All the proper components turn on and off when they should and the right inputs on the TV are selected.
Using the Harmony 700
Logitech did a great job at making it Harmony 700 live up to its name and very user and age level friendly. The single button selections allow for the most simplistic selections. To watch TV push the “Watch TV” button, to watch a movie and listen to music, just press the respective buttons. However the one thing that is missing from Harmony 700 is RF and Bluetooth capability. In addition I found that when using Activities I had to ensure that the remote control was pointed properly towards my entertainment gear for a couple of seconds, I guess it executes all commands sequentially with a slight delay between in-between transmissions.
Conclusion
If you are tired of having three or more remote controls to turn on everything then there certainly is a lot to like about the Logitech Harmony 700 Remote. The MSRP for the remote is $149.99 but I have seen it on sale for $99 which makes it a very attractive entry-level Harmony remote control.
In contrast to the $249 Logitech Harmony One, the Harmony 700 clearly is not as shiny, fancy and polished as evident in the casing and overall subtle design. However, functionality wise the Harmony 700 caps at six devices and lacks a touchscreen.
Once you use the Harmony 700 there is really no going back to all those multiple remotes. The unit itself is very well designed, comfortable to hold in your hand and does everything Logitech promised. Highly recommended, and even makes a great Father’s day, Birthday … or a house warming gift.
More: logitech.com | Logitech Harmony 700 Rechargeable Remote with Color Screen
Love this remote, it only controls 6 devices. However, this is the perfect solution for my father who isnt tech savvy. Best $100 I’ve spent in a long time.
Everything said in this review about the Harmony remotes is true. It is a step above all others and is simple to program and works for everything I have tried to program into it. BUT, try to buy another one to use in your guest room. Here is the problem. You will need a different account for each of your remotes with its own sign in and password. What a pain. You would think that a company who can do this could set it up so that you can have more remotes per account so you can program your whole house. What were they thinking, or maybe they were not thinking at all.