Logitech Harmony RF Wireless Extender Reviews

• works extremely well on both Mac and PC setup - using latest firmware

  
  By A2XPK6XCL0UH1S on 2007-01-06
  The Logitech Harmony RF Wireless Extender allows your RF-equipped Harmony Remote (the 890, 895 or new 1000) to control components without having an IR "line of sight" to the components. One RF Wireless Extender is included with the Harmony 890, but it is unfortunately not included with the Harmony 1000.
  
  Make no mistake, this device is an absolute REQUIREMENT for any large room or complex setup. In my configuration, the Harmony 1000 didn't have the strength to power all of my components through IR from 20 feet distance. The RF extender solved this problem, and now I can control my entire setup even from another room.
  
  One RF Wireless Extender can control up to 8 components within the line of sight of the unit, or within line of sight of the 8 included IR emitters. You can add multiple extenders to your configuration if you have components in different rooms or areas that could not be served by one unit. Annoyingly, even if you have more than 8 components within the reach of the unit or the emitters the Harmony software won't let you assign more than 8 devices to a single extender.
  
  IMPORTANT: You should try to setup and verify your Harmony configuration using IR-only if possible before adding the extender, even if you have to sit near your components or have cabinet doors open. This is because the Harmony software makes you connect and disconnect both the extender (which must be unplugged from AC power) and the remote each time you make a change. Setting up the Harmony first, by itself, with IR is much easier to make changes to the configuration.
  
  After verifying I could control my components using IR-only, I added the RF Wireless Extender to my setup. The Harmony software updated to the latest firmware, and I have had no problems configuring it using both Mac OS X and Windows clients.
  
  Setup is very easy. If all of your components are behind a cabinet, you can simply mount this "blaster" unit inside, at least 10 inches from the front of your components. Or, you can attach the 8 included wired emitters (in 4 pairs of 2) near the IR receivers of each component. The wires for each of the 4 pairs are roughly 7 feet long, splitting into 2 emitters that must be placed within 25 inches of each other. Also good to note is that the tape is strong enough to attach to your component, but not strong enough to leave any residue should you need to remove them.
  
  Within the Harmony setup, you then assign each component to either IR or RF Extender control. Optionally, you can assign each component to a channel (A,B,C,D,blaster) which corresponds to the 4 sets of 2 wired emitters and base, or all channels which sends all commands to all emitters. I chose to specifically assign each component to its channel, which seems to give better performance. (TIP: label your emitter wires!)
  
  Once configured, you connect the RF Extender and the Harmony Remote to your computer to download the configuration. Then, you must plug the RF Extender into the wall, and optionally attach the IR emitter wires. The Harmony remote must initially be "paired" with the RF Extender, which is done by pressing the "Connect" button on the extender, and following the prompts on your remote.
  
  Operation was flawless. I could control all components from around my house! And, the performance of startup was much faster, I believe because I had assigned each component to a specific channel on the extender.
  
  In my configuration, I was pleasantly surprised to find the RF extender is fast enough to send the repeated command sequences needed to accelerate up and down through the menus in my AppleTV. Great job, Logitech!
  
  If there was one area where Logitech could make improvements it would be the supplied documentation, which attempts to be user friendly but in the process is so oversimplified it is of little use. Since Amazon doesn't allow half-star increments, I stand by my 5-star review, documentation withstanding.
  
  Based on the large number of problems people had when this was first released a year ago, I was expecting issues, but it would appear that the latest firmware (RF Extender v2.4, Harmony 890 v4.7) and Harmony client software (v7.0.2) have resolved all issues for both Mac OS X and Windows users.
  
  All in all, a highly recommended product - and a great value bundled with the matching Harmony 890 (see my review there). I have since upgraded to the Harmony 1000, but kept this extender to use with it. It's a shame that Logitech doesn't include the extender with the 1000, as it really is a requirement.
  
  I would recommend this without hesitation.
  
  

• RF Extender Works and Can Save You Money

  
  By A1LA4K5JF78BER on 2007-01-30
  I really like this RF Extender. I've used it on the H890 remote as well as the new H1000 remote. All I can say is that it really works. You do have to hook it up to your computer and program it separately from your remote. It has its own firmware. It's easy to do though. I haven't encountered any problems yet setting one up. I'm a professional A/V designer and installer. This is the new way to go. I've installed many hardwired remote IR systems in the past by Xantech and Russound. Those systems cost upwards of $125 on there own. Why not pay a little more and get a great universal remote to boot (H890 for around $250). It comes with a power adapter and IR blasters that plug into this unit then stick on the components you want to control. You can use a flashlight to shine on the face of those source components to help you in locating the IR receiver windows on your cable box/receiver/DVD player etc. (look for a round hole or LED shaped device) Anyways, this is a great product in my opinion.
  
  Update, I will have to say this. I wish they made the transformer have a connector at the Extender instead of hardwiring it in. I do not like having to reach thru many wires in different A/V racks to pull out the transformer and then plug it back in every time the remote gets updated. It would be far easier to unplug the ir emitters and a power jack all at the same location!
  
  

• Very Unreliable Product

  
  By AA3797A5TN0J1 on 2007-03-26
  The setup instructions for this product are totally inadequate as is the online troubleshooting help. With phone support, I was able to get the product working, but after a few days the H1000 lost communication with the extender. After two hours of undocumented procedures with technical support, it was working again. After two more days the problem reoccured. The fix seems to be to reload the firmware and software in both the remote and the wireless extender. If it fails again and it is too late to get a refund, I will throw it in the trash and go back to IR communication on my H1000.
  
  

• Needs hardware change

  
  By AVGNVYB2ZNSRA on 2007-07-10
  Works well with both the Harmony 890 and 1000. Fairly easy to set up, though there are two HUGE drawbacks which Logitech should fix.
  1. They have hard-wired the cable to the Extender so that you have to unplug the unit whenever you want to upgrade the settings - a royal pain when it's plugged in behind your components.
  2. Even if you want to make a tiny change to the Harmony settings (e.g. changing a couple of icons) you have to update BOTH the Harmony and the Extender. This takes much longer and, because it's hard-wired, is very annoying.
  
  

• Was not needed

  
  By A34DI223QFF9HP on 2007-01-15
  Based on my research for the Logitech Harmony 890 remote, I thought I needed the extender. That is not the case. The extender comes with the remote. The return process was a nightmare, because of Amazon's third party retailers. Beware when purchasing throught the third party retailers, the rules of return and customer satisfaction change! EVENTUALLY, Amazon resolved all issues, but it didn't happen in their normally easy manner.
  
  
• Better Than Expected
  By A3ICAGGZEX3S0U on 2007-01-20
  The extender easily linked up with the Harmony 890 remote. I have 4 pieces of equipment behind oak doors. I put the leads in each cabinet, it was not even necessary to attach them to the components, and the signal is great. The 890 remote comes with one extender which is good for 8 components, so you don't need to order a separate extender. I didn't realize it was included, but Amazon accepted my return without a problem.
  
  
• Shortcomings are being corrected - on some units
  By A295E6220XO04G on 2008-01-23
  I was a little cautious when deciding to purchase the 890, which comes with the RF Extender as a package, based on several of the reviews which indicated how difficult it was to disconnect the extender once set up to reprogram. The IR modules and power cord wires now have connectors to the base unit so disconnecting is now a snap. Earlier reviews implied this was not the case, so appears Logitech has been listening!
  
  As has been mentioned in many places, documentation is pretty much worthless. For a novice, it isn't clear, for example, that you can plug in the IR remotes and attach them to any component without additional programming. The RF Extender simply transmits the same signals to all IR devices at the same time - duh!
  
  I had to fumble a bit to get the 890 to talk to the RF extender - again, a little documentation would have been helpful here as the 890 display scripts weren't much help in this step. I didn't quite come to the point of calling tech support, but came close.
  
  Finally, while the RF Extender can support up to 8 devices, it does so with four pairs of IR remotes. There are two IR modules attached to the end of the wire. You can split these about two feet apart. I haven't seen any issue with how well they attach. The glue seemed pretty strong - especially if you use the one inch square mounting pads. The only problem I had was accidently running one wire over my CD player tray. I had to remove the wire and come down from the top of the player. Removing the IR pad was not easy, so doubt they would come detached on their own.
  
  Now the best part. Once it was connected and talking to the 890, it works flawlessly! I can point the remote anywhere, keep it tucked under a blanket if it's cold, if I'm behind furniture, from the kitchen about 30 feet away - it just works!
  
  I'll be buying a Harmony 1000 and RF Extender for my elderly in-laws next, who are having trouble remembering how to switch between watching a movie and then watching TV.
  
  1/30/08 Update: Just purchased the RF Extender with the Harmony 1000. Note the Harmony 1000 doesn't come with the RF Extender - it must be purchased seperately, unlike the Harmony 890. When purchasing the RF Extender seperately, the power cord did not come with a connector near the base unit like it did when shipped with the 890. I'd find it hard to believe Logitech would be shipping different versions of the RF Extender, so surmise they must be transitioning their stock now. Beware, at least in the short term, you might get the power connector or might not.
  
  Also, when purchasing the RF Extender by itself, it did not come with the one inch square pads to help secure the IR emitters. These came with 890 kit. Hopfully this is a transition in stock issue.
  
  2/12/08 Update:
  I'll write another review on the Harmony 1000. It has had serious problems staying connected to the RF Extender. One day it works, the next day it stops broadcasting. Returned to Amazon for replacement (which was excellent service by Amazon!). Got the replacement and I've seen one instance of the Harmony 1000 stop broadcasting with the RF extender already. I have to pop the battery out and re-insert to reboot the 1000. Then it works again. Quite a shame as the unit otherwise seemed to be working for my elderly in-laws. Note this appears to be a problem with the Harmony 1000, not the RF Extender!
  
  
• 890 remote
  By A11Y1ZPM54JIXW on 2007-01-09
  This remote is absolutely the best value after you get it set up to your system components. It will take some work and maybe a call to tech support, but you will be happy with the end result. It took me some time(4hours) and a call to their very good tech support to finally get the last glitch out of the remote. The RF works great so I can keep the doors closed to my cabinet and still have full function control of six different components.
  
  
• Too complicated
  By A2DLYEDL8EINC7 on 2007-07-23
  This device requires that you glue on IR blasters in front of each of your devices. Then you have to some how store the wires out of sight. This is not exactly "Wireless"! The picture of the device in the advertisement does not show the bundles of wires that need to be connected. This device is not worth the bother.
  
  
• RF wireless extender
  By A3SRN66JLHAPLR on 2007-04-10
  No more point and press; this device works great, with my Harmony 1000 I can use my remote anywhere in my great room without the worry of picking up and pointing at my equipment.
  
  
• Makes the 1000 work
  By A26ER2HS6VFYFL on 2007-03-14
  We'll until Logitech gets the 1000 remote working like there lower end models this repeater really makes a big difference.
  
  
• Does Not Suck
  By ACSO72K45CMO5 on 2007-04-11
  Pros:
  1. All controls are in one place and the screens are relative easy to navigate.
  
  2. Help system (Remote Assistant) is extremely... helpful.
  
  3. Fairly easy to set up and program, particularly if your device is in Logitech's device database.
  
  4. Looks and feels sexy.
  
  Cons:
  1. Touchscreen buttons take some getting used to as does the delay when sending an RF signal.
  
  2. Your computer and internet connection must be within reach to program and troubleshoot devices. My computer is on the second floor of my house, so I get a lot of cardio everytime I change the setting or add a new device.
  
  3. Coming to the realization that you've just spent $500 on a remote control.
  
  
• LOGITECH EXTENDER
  By A2QO61TEQR3ARY on 2007-05-13
  AWESOME PRODUCT. WORKS WITH THE HARMONY REMOTE TO ALLOW YOU TO CONTROL DEVICES THROUGH WALLS! WHAT A GREAT PIECE OF GEAR!
  
  
• Logitech® Harmony® RF Wireless Extender
  By A3L1C5FML27R81 on 2007-06-11
  I am ussing it with the Harmony 1000 it does everything I was told it would.
  
  
• Just OK - see also my review for the Harmony 1000
  By AW79GTZMIL6OW on 2008-01-24
  I noted within my review for the H1000 that sometimes some setup routines don't complete (IE a TV is switched to ON, but is not set to Input 1 for example). Other times it is. Not sure which piece drops the ball occasionally.
  
  I did also find that it works much better, even being RF, if I have the receiver exposed on top of the audio cabinet. Shouldn't be, and I don't know why, but it does. I am a software tester by profession and the application my company writes uses RF devices extensively - I can tell you this is not professional grade stuff by any means. I have it contained in my 15x15 room, and used it because I didn't wish to have the wooden doors on my cabinet open when using the home theatre.
  
  Last thing is that it is a little cheesy looking when viewing the AV equipment to stick the 'eye' piece on the audio equipment itself. A distributor hub, sort of the opposite of the receiver, would be much cleaner looking inside a cabinet.
  
  But it does generally work, I can be outside the room where the equipment is located and control it.
  
  
• Expensive but worth it
  By A27VKEGTC6F8WA on 2007-07-18
  my TV is far away from my Audio equipment, so I had to point the remote at the TV when using IR. I have a 10 second delay programmed for the TV to tune to the correct input, so I had to keep the remote pointed at the TV the whole time, or it wouldn't work properly. Using a second blaster solved that problem.
  
  
• Unreliable, stay away (with H1000)
  By A1UQ5NE705A183 on 2008-03-14
  Attempted to use it with my Harmony 1000. It works for ~ 5 minutes right after updating both the remote and the extender from the computer, then stops working. The little "sending RF signal" icon does flash on the remote, but the extender does not seem to receive any signals whatsoever. Nothing gets it working again (rebooting the extender, rebooting the remote, pressing connect on the extender, etc.) -- except re-upating both the remote and extender via USB from the computer. Then it works again for ~ 5 minutes. I doubt it has to do with interference, since I am performing my tests with the remote right next to the extender. Of course, I have updated both the remote and extender with the latest firmware.
  
  I do like everything else about the H1000, and the IR works fine, so now I'm desperately seeking an alternative RF solution for that remote.
  
  
  
• If you have a Harmony Remote... you have to have this!!
  By AEMZIKGFGEXL0 on 2008-03-15
  We have had nothing but problems with our Harmony remote, because it HAS to be pointed directly at the components for it to work. It is extremly hard to look at the touch screen and have it pointed at the components at the same time. This RF EXTENDER has made us love our remote. Now we can point the remote anywhere and it will still work.
  
  
• Too complicated
  By A2L16YLY2E97FN on 2008-04-09
  This is a slick looking device which is programmed by downloading software and entering model numbers of the hardware you want to control. In my case that was a Samsung LCD TV, a Sony Blue-Ray player, a DirecTV high def receiver and a Panasonic Surround-sound system DVD - videotape player. The first three seemed to work OK, but not the fourth, which I use strictly for sound.
  
  Best Buy says they can make an appointment and get it to work, but, in addition to the expense, I work and am not willing to take time off for that purpose. I think it's ridiculous that Logitech is allowed to advertise a "plug and play" product when it is anything but that.
  
  
• great product from harmony
  By A3215UUZP7VBYE on 2008-06-09
  the extender works very well.little bit of work to get the exteners in place.only had to reset one time.it does every thing i want.
  jerry
  
  
• IR wires are poor
  By A3FJ3Y06R1CJ64 on 2008-07-08
  The devices works great. I sync'd the extender and the Harmony 1000 and had everything working quite nicely. But, I am very unhappy with the IR wires. The adhesive on the emitters is very poor. Three of the five attached emitters fell off within the first 3 weeks.
  
  
• Perfect, brilliant
  By A2K43HNUKPPB6T on 2008-07-10
  First thing I must point out is what the other reviewer said:
  Even though the Harmony 1000 can control 15 devices, and this RF-IR is supposed to be an extension of the remote... and in fact physically is able to control however many devices that can be within IR-shot, however the useless logitech software only lets you select up to 8 of the devices in the list to be sent to the RF extender instead of the Harmony! but you could have 2 RF extenders. Note that the Logitech web site does not mention this limitation, and even says it can support all the devices that you can fit into the cupboard, so my advice is to complain to Logitech to either lift that restriction or send you a free additional RF extender to live up to their claim of 15 devices!
  
  
  
  
  
  
• RF!!!
  By A17U08C7I4T2XP on 2007-07-27
  great product... the radio frequency feature is awsome. i can be anywhere in the house and controll the hideaway appliances.
  
  
• Works as advertised!
  By A19XB1S822WTEE on 2007-10-18
  In one of our rooms the non-TV components are off to one side, and the TV is up high on another side so that we can watch it while reclining. With the Wireless Extender there is no need to point our Harmony 1000 at our devices. The only minor issue was that It wasn't always clear where the IR window was on our devices, and so it took a little experimentation.
  
  
• Logitech Harmony RF Wireless Extender
  By A3SAZO7LMZE6D6 on 2007-11-12
  Good easy and quick setup. Having to update through usb is a slight pain since you have to unplug the AC power cord when you plug in the usb. My extender is installed in a media built-in which makes unplugging this unit from a power strip an inconvenience but not a big deal.
  
  
  
• Definitely worth the price of admission.
  By A3ESMDT0O00AO8 on 2007-11-17
  I debated whether I should purchase this unit to compliment my Logitech Harmony 1000 remote control. After all, each of my home theatre components were already wired with IR sensors and I was skeptical of the consistent connectivty of the signal (wireless signal dropping out)? Wow! Was I wrong. The RF Extender works exactly as it should. The set-up was a breeze, and the connection is solid. It works evey time...flawlessly. It is definitely, worth the price of admission. Logitech has delivered another great product.
  
  
• wireless extender
  By A10F51DR9L2Y8W on 2007-11-22
  Works well in tandem with my Harmony 1000.
  I love hiding all the components in the closet are freeing up the house.
  
  
• "IT WORKS"
  By A2KKMZSB8ZN6WJ on 2007-11-28
  OK JUST RECIVED THIS- FIRST NOT EASY TO SET UP 2ND ITS GREAT AFTER 3 HOURS WITH LOITECH TECH DEPT (BY THE WAY THEY ARE OUSTANDING) IT WORKS WORTH THE TIME TO SET UP. THE DOWN SIDE IS YOU HAVE THESES CABLES TO HOOK UP TO IT TO PLACE IN FRONT OF THE UNITS AND YOU HAVE TO UNPLUG THE EXTENDER EVERY TIME TO UPGRADE THE FIRM WARE. BUT ONCE AGAIN ITS WORTH IT!!!!!!
  WORKS GREAT WITH MY HARMONY 1000
  
  
• Great addition to the Harmony Remote
  By A3DFTNOST8YOC2 on 2007-12-14
  Easy to set up and allowed me to hide all the other equipment. Could use better adhesive on the infrared sensors, had to tape them on.
  
  
• Works well, Easy setup
  By A2VZQS86PGS54A on 2008-01-28
  If you don't want to have to see all of your A/V components then this is a great product. I use it with the Harmony 1000 and my whole family loves the setup. I use a cable HD DVR and it works great. I didn't get to fancy with it, I only have one of these devices and only use it to control the devices while I am in that room. It was easy to set up and has worked well for me.
  
  

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