Logitech Harmony 659 Advanced Universal Remote Control - Refurbished Reviews

• If you're a geek, this is twice as cool

  
  By A2CE3ISF6KU23P on 2008-02-21
  First off - I have to admit I'm a geek. But even if you're not, but have some level of comfort with using the classic 'wizard' approach of Windows - then this (or any of the Harmony series) is the remote for you.
  
  Setup is a breeze. Put in the batteries, toss in the CD and follow the step by step directions. Using the 'wizard' based approach (it simply asks you questions about your devices and some specifics around each activity). Harmony does the rest, looking up all your devices automatically. Don't fret if you don't see a particular device. Just specify that it's not listed and put in the brand name (My new Olevia LCD tv wasn't in there). From there it seems to go out and find the data in it's data base (not sure why it doesn't just display it to begin with - but it worked).
  
  You can configure just about anything on this remote. I got it set-up 90% of the way there, just by using the simple wizard. Then I saw a few things I wanted to tweak and was able to do that pretty quickly - without reading any directions. The user interface can be a little intimidating at first - until you get a feel for how the remote works and how Harmony 'thinks' about your devices.
  
  I even got to try out the 'learning' feature because one of my TV functions wasn't in the standard list. You just select that you want to teach it a new command, connect Harmony to your computer and point your old remote at the back of the Harmony remote. Push the button you want to teach it and 'pow' - you've just taught it a new command. You can name it anything you want as well - call it 'Steve' if you want. Like I said, very, VERY configurable.
  
  My wife liked it because I was able to set up the 'soft-keys' exactly the way she wanted them. Oh, and yeah - you could even reprogram every standard key on the remote if you want - even if you wanted to do something wacky like have the '9' key turn off the DVD player or eject a disk. It's scary how configurable this thing is. Oh and if you mess it up somehow, just 'restore defaults' and start over.
  
  The Harmony line is pretty extensive. They have some top of the line units that are well over the $200 mark, but there is a wide range to choose from. Go to the Logitech web-site and compare the models to find the one you want (I got this one - the 659). You can't beat the price of the refurbished unit either. But if you have a DVR then you might want to go with the 670 (which has more native DVR buttons in the center).
  
  Highly recommend this product.
  
  

• Harmony 659 Reburbished

  
  By A21GANDZMJF6XU on 2008-02-02
  I'm very happy with this purchase. If you are familiar with Harmony remotes and their capabilities, you won't be disappointed. Refurbished remote came in plain white cardboard box with "Refurbished by Logitech" printed on the outside; includes usb cable, instruction booklet, and installation cd. It looks brand new with no sign of previous use whatsoever. Definitely worth the savings to go with the refurb in my opinion.
  
  

• OK remote, but not as good as I was hoping

  
  By A3NOBH42C7UI5M on 2008-02-17
  It has less buttons than Logitech's more expensive remotes, so more of the features are in the lcd screen menu. The problem with that is, you have to push the "next" button to get to each page of the features. If you don't pay attention, and pass the item you're looking for, you have to keep pushing through the menus until you get back to the beginning and then start all over again. There is no way to go back once passed. It is nice because you can go on line and set this remote up to work most features on your devices, like sleep modes, that a lot of remotes don't have. It is battery operated, and it goes through batteries faster than any remote I've ever used before, but that's because of all the lcd menus and lights. I replace batteries about monthly. I'd say it's over priced, even at the referb price, but it's a good replacement remote... just not great.
  
  

• The last universal remote you'll ever own.

  
  By A25SF59UV5MYPY on 2008-02-07
  I hesitated before buying this, because I figured I'd be crazy to spend more than $30 or so on a universal remote. But this unit was well worth the cost: setup was finished within ten minutes, and afterwards the remote worked perfectly with my TV, DVD player, receiver, cable box and Playstation 2. It's well-constructed and sturdy, with good button feel and layout. If you're looking for a great universal remote but don't want to lay out the $100+ it takes for most of the Harmony units, get this one - you won't need anything else for a very, very long time.
  
  

• Not for A Dish DVR

  
  By A13LQQ8VNBZ6Z4 on 2008-02-21
  I really liked this remote but it would'nt control my Dish Network 622 DVR. Everything else worked like a campion though. So unfortunately I had to send it back.
  
  
• Easy to program, use, and provides sticker shock relief!
  By A3EKW3BYJP8K3D on 2008-02-17
  I was skeptical about purchasing this remote. Would it be to difficult to set up? Would it be functional with my system? Would it be a good value? Could it live up to the hype of what others have said about it? The answers are NO, YES, YES & YES. Out of the box the unit looked brand new. Setup was fairly simple but I had to make some modifications on the fly, but no major problems. If you are unfamiliar with the Harmony and wonder how it works, it's unique because it controls functions and not single units. No longer use 1 button for TV, 1 for receiver, etc. If you want to watch TV, it will control the TV, cable box and receiver, all under 1 activity. The same for HD DVD, and with the Ryko Blu Wave remote, it will control the PS3 as well. It will even control my first generation JVC CD changer purchased in 1989.
  
  However, it's not perfect. The lighted keys are a blueish tint and is difficult for me to read, and there are a bunch of 'em too. The LCD screen is not color like some other models, but the same blue color. Finally, it took me several attempts to get the keys programmed correctly, but I still got it right the second time through.
  
  All in all, I'm very pleased with this purchase. The negatives I've found should not be enough to distract a buyer from making this purchase. This unit is a great addition to any home theater, and at the entry level price, an apprehensive buyer has nothing to worry about. Now about that upgrade to the color screen model...
  
  
• REALLY GOOD REMOTE
  By A8HMTMXACUUC8 on 2008-03-11
  Logitech Harmony 659 Advanced Universal Remote Control - Refurbished
  I was skeptical about a refurbished product, but trusting in Amazon's return policy I ordered two of these. Have had a Harmony One for my big screen in the living room for about a month and it is fantastic. We needed a cheaper alternative for the kitchen and bedroom TV's. I have tried 4 other remotes, including the learning version of a Sony remote, and an X-10 that is supposed to learn anything (according to their ads) in the kitchen and all would learn the DirecTV satellite receiver, but none could learn the TV, an inexpensive Sylvania 15 inch, LC155SL8P. I came with a really cheap remote that could not learn the satellite receiver, and the DirecTV remote could not learn the TV. I was determined to find one remote that would control both, and have spent weeks, and more than a few bucks trying.
  
  Same old story, called the TV manufacturer, they said they didn't have the remote codes. The ones suggested in the DirecTV setup instructions didn't work, so a call to DirecTV customer service and they said they only guarantee that their remote will work their receiver, not a TV. Tried all the remote websites, and Radio Shack where I bought the TV, and nobody could come up with the correct codes.
  
  Finally, after having such good luck with a new Harmony One, but not wanting to spend $250 for a remote to control a TV that cost less than that, I ordered the refurbished Harmony 659. It may be refurbished, but looks brand new.
  
  It shipped with dated software, so I did not even bother to install it. Instead I went to the Logitech website and downloaded the latest version. That just took a few minutes; then I registered, and started programming the remote. The hardest part was finding the model numbers of all components, which have to be entered, along with how they are connected. Once I had that, it just took a few minutes going thru a few computer screens and answering the questions correctly, and I was all done.
  
  The remotes worked perfectly on the first try. I give Logitech, and their Harmony 659 remote my highest recommendation. And the refurbished price is great, too.
  
  
• Hard to program
  By A1K0TRB1I6KSBU on 2008-03-23
  Using the regular instructions, I found this device very difficult to program for my admittedly unusual setup. Even with help from a quite friendly and patient Logitech telephone tech support person my setup still doesn't work. (I am an electrical engineer, have worked on designing computers and have been a volunteer computer tech support person.)
  
  
• Not so thrilled
  By AC7QI8ZTSFBTQ on 2008-03-25
  Although I love logitech products, the Logitech Harmony 659 universal remote does not function well for me. I used the software provided, followed the steps, entered all my electronics and for some reason, the TV will still not initialize correctly. It flip flops between turning on my DVD player and the DISH satellite connnection. I went back to the software, followed the set up instructions. The remote has the same problem. Our IT guru has a similiar model. He suggested I continue to 'play' with it. He said the set up isn't that easy, but can be mastered if you find the right 'code. I'd rather spend my time watching TV, not playing with a remote. We've stopped using it. We went back to using our 3 remotes, easier but more of a pain.
  
  
• Great deal
  By A2CQ41P17BGGQT on 2008-04-14
  I already own a Logitech 670, which is a bit nicer/newer than this one. I needed another one for a different set of equipment in another area of my house, but I couldn't find a good deal on the 670. This one does everything the 670 does, as best I can tell, and I am completely satisfied with it. They are very similar. For the price, it's a fantastic deal! The only reason I give it 4 instead of 5 stars is the software, which is a bit clunky/difficult at times, but managable. As another reviewer said, don't even load the CD that comes with it, load the latest software from the Logitech website.
  
  The real benifit of these remotes is allowing the programming of "activities". For example, I have set up an activity called "Watch DVD", and when I press it, it turns on my TV, the DVD player, and my Receiver, then sets my TV to HDMI Input 1 and my Receiver to Optical 2. The volume control on the remote then works the receiver volume while the play/ff/pause/etc. controls work the DVD player.
  
  
• A snap to set up
  By A3G9QJXMABCQBO on 2008-03-13
  You would never know this is a refurbished unit by looking at it. It looks brand new. After reading some of the reviews, I thought it would be a challenge to set it up but I fortunately had a great experience.
  Out of the box it came, CD into computer, and off I went! Tip: Gather all device brand names and model numbers before you start. I also needed the owner's manual for the television which told me where everything is connected to.
  Once finished programming the remote, I got a prompt to go use it. This is the point where I usually find whatever I did was wrong, and the darned thing won't work...followed by endless calls for tech support, threatening the computer, you know the drill. So off with the remote I went, saying to myself "this isn't going to work". I was wrong! Everything worked beautifully and I have now gotten rid of the remote clutter on my coffee table.
  One negative is the LCD screen is a little hard to read.
  This unit is definitely worth the value
  
  
• Good deal!
  By A3F3CV2NP3DN0F on 2008-04-11
  I have been pleased with this purchase. There was a little bit of a learning curve, and I had trouble loading in my DVR information until I realized that they refer to it as a PVR. I still have all of the original remotes laying around because I can't get my wife to switch to the Harmony remote. Higher-end remotes might have the skip ">/" button, which would have been nice with both my DVR and DVD. Fairly intuitive, and I have been very pleased!
  
  
• Awesome.
  By A25DYTZKI55C2A on 2008-04-12
  I'm going to make this a short review for lack of time. This product was delivered in "brand new" condition even though it is refurbished. The remote itself was a pain at first to set up, it took a considerable amount of time given the amount of electronics i wanted to control but in the end it was really worth it. The only real problem i encountered was the remote not being able to control my cable box. After several e-mails to customer service to no avail, i tried other variations of similar Jerrold cable boxes and found one that worked perfectly. Basically, this product is easily worth the money and the time spent to program it. Programming the remote is made much simpler with the USB cable and software provided, and they even have a Mac version of the software. I am controlling my Tv, cable box, VCR, DVD, 5 CD changer, and Home Theater. I was a bit skeptical of the "Harmony" of the remote to where you press 1 button like "Watch a Movie" and it turns on my Tv, DVD player, Home Theater, and sets all devices to appropriate channels/inputs but this feature has exceeded my expectations and really works well once you work out the kinks for each "activity." Simply put, the remote is highly programmable and you will be able to program it to do anything you want if you put enough time in, and i do stress that last part as it will take time. I can not say enough great things about this remote except to highly recommend it to you, especially at this refurbished price. I have never owned another universal remote but for my first remote, it went well beyond my expectations.
  
  
• Great when it works
  By A2V35UJNOR2YG7 on 2008-04-13
  i tried to get this to work with my old DirecTV Tivo system and it didn't know that system. i was told to set my Tivo remote and Harmony apart and press various buttons. the Harmony never learned a single signal from the older remote. this happened with the old DVD player as well. i almost sent the remote back, but i had a new HDTV on the way and upgraded that room to the newer DirecTV DVR system and a new DVD player. all were recognized by the Harmony and things are swell now. Sometimes the remote turns on everything except my receiver and then i can't figure out how to just turn on the receiver and not turn everything else off at the same time. that's why it's getting 4 stars.
  
  
• Great remote - convinced me to buy 2 more Harmonys
  By A9U3RJYCLF2DC on 2008-10-06
  I have three different Harmony remotes -- I'm a big fan. In fact, I pre-ordered this remote when I read an article about its upcoming release, because I was so excited about the prospect of a universal remote that actually worked. This remote has lived up to its promise.
  
  First, as I indicated above, I'm a big fan of Harmony Remotes. You can program them to do everything that any of your devices' IR remotes can do. In general, the dedicated buttons on the remote are enough to handle the tasks that you do 90% of the time. Less frequently used functions can be configured to appear on the LCD screen, which displays 4 (or 6 - it's configurable) items at a time, and can scroll. For really seldom-used functions, everything that the device's remote can do is accessible in "Device" mode.
  
  I have never had any trouble with the website's programming applets. Some folks hate them, but I'm not one of them. There have been occasions where I have had to try a configuration, and go back to tweak it, because it wasn't working exactly the way I wanted it to. I would rather do this on my computer, using the website's huge database of devices and IR codes, than to try to program it manually, the way I used to have to do with older universal remotes.
  
  I also do not have the problems that some other folks complain about where the device state gets out of sync. I always program my devices using what they call "discrete codes", where there's a different command for "On" and "Off", instead fo a single "Toggle Power" command, and different commands for TV input selection. I never have to try to find the discrete code settings, even if they're not provided by the device's original remote, because Logitech's online device database already has all of the discrete codes for all of my devices stored and ready for me to use.
  
  The Harmony 659, in particular, is a solid performer. The button layout is a little bit odd, in that the transport controls (Play, Stop, Pause, Rewinde, etc.) are all located all the way on the bottom. This can be a little awkward, but ithasn't really caused me too many problems. Also, they are laid out such that I don't have to think about which button is where - the button I'm looking for is always right where I think it ought to be, even though it's a bit of a reach for my thumb. This model does not have all of the buttons that are available in some of the more expensive models (when I was trying to use this for a DVR, I missed the "Skip Fwd" and "Skip Bkwd" buttons), but where I'm using it right now, it has all of the dedicated buttons I need.
  
  Overall, this is a solid remote, at the inexpensive end of the awesome Harmony line. I've recommended Harmony remotes to everyone who's faced remote problems. If your usage patterns require additional buttons that aren't provided on this model, there's almost certainly a model that has those buttons. For the room where we use this remote, it works great.
  
  
• set up problems
  By AVTEEBTPZ0B8N on 2008-02-15
  OK, it was a nice cheap refurb and in the end it works well. But it took two hours and a very long conversation on tech support to solve the problems--which were very simple, really. My system is simple: TV, satellite receiver, DVD recorder, and AV receiver. The remote did not recognize the DVD recorder (a very common Panasonic), and tried to set up the "watch TV" activity only through the DVD recorder, ignoring the satellite box completely. After many tries, I gave up and called the tech number--and the guy was really good, I can't deny it. But we had to fool the software by accepting the erroneous settings, then deleting the device, and starting over again. You cannot back up and revise, or try something else, when you are setting up the remote with the software (dumb!). So after an hour's walk-through, and then creating a generic activity and then renaming that, we actually have it working. My 11 year old took to it immediately, so maybe it's just my age, but the setup was anything but intuitively obvious.
  
  
• Great remote
  By A2YU57A9L5P603 on 2008-02-19
  It does everything I need, easy to program and use. I have setup multiple command sequences, grouped devices as activities, and customized the setup exactly the way I want it. This remote does a better job of controlling my devices than the remotes that came with the devices did. I would recommend it to everyone.
  
  
• Not the answer to all your problems
  By A1TQTN9U2GI4KN on 2008-02-20
  I bought this remote hoping to solve my problem of having way too many other remotes. This remote works well, but won't control a PS3 or a Dish Network DVR. So now I still need to use 2 remotes to change channels, isn't the idea of a UNIVERSAL REMOTE only having to use 1 remote? Too bad they don't tell you what it will and won't control before you buy it.
  
  
• Does it's job & does it well
  By AC5V5YR827SF7 on 2008-02-29
  Just follow the step-by-step instructions on your PC and you'll have a true universal remote. Controls all my equip including the advanced features of my DirecTV DVR. I'm hooked on Harmony.
  
  
• not worth the money
  By A3MGODKOONXP6V on 2008-04-03
  This remote can control just about anything you have in your house, except the cat and your wife. However, it forgets the programming A LOT. More often than not, I have to go through the 'self help' program on the remote to get it straight again.
  
  Second minus is there is a second or two delay in operation of your device from the time you press the buttons. It also takes WAY too long to change input options once you select which device to watch or use. There is no way to manually change the input. It automatically selects it for the device you programmed for that input option.
  
  Third minus is you have to install software on your computer in order to program your remote. This is really not all that bad, just unnecessary.
  
  I bought a Phillips Presitgo and love it. It was cheaper too!
  
  
• Weak signal, doesn't operate consistently
  By A32FYS74YDTQFE on 2008-04-04
  I like the concept of this device and if the signal weren't weak it would be perfect. I'm having trouble getting all of my devices to turn on and go through the various stages due to what seems like a weak IR signal from the remote. Sometimes it works fine, other times it doesn't. I have tried new batteries.
  
  
• NIce universal remote
  By A1ARNB6M7BJY58 on 2008-04-06
  This is a great universal remote. The Logitech software isn't very good; however, the end result is that you can easily configure this remote for very complex configurations. The only real issue I have with this remote is I would prefer to have more custom buttons.
  
  
  
• Does exactly what it said it will do !!!!
  By A3IG2R10014TTJ on 2008-02-12
  I have to say this remote pleasently surprised me in the fact it does exactly what it said it will do. Only one button is necessary to perform functions as advertised, thus great for less knowledgable people to use. I did not give it a 5 rating because I feel the display could be a bit larger and eaiser to read. Also if you are not aware of what mode you are in at all times, the buttons will vary in function. The romote should always reset itself to a base mode thus the user would know where he/she is at all time without looking. Over all the remote is well worth the money, the condition is "new" and works very well with little tweeking.
  
  
• Logitech Harmony Refurbised, Great Remote for the Price!
  By A2TJVZ8B1F0W72 on 2008-02-21
  Logitech Harmony 659 Advanced Universal Remote Control - Refurbished. It did not take me long to program and figure it out. About a year ago I purchased a Refurbished Logitech Harmony 628. It did not work good, so I returned it.
  
  The good think is that since I purchased the H628, that I had set-up the remote download for the A/V equipment that I had and still have. This made set-up a breeze.
  
  So far I like the H659 very much.
  
  I would recommened the 659.
  
  
• Neat Remote....maybe I will get it programmed
  By AMM18EW4L24TT on 2008-02-23
  After all the reviews I expected the online setup to be better. I have a Panasonic TH-50ZP750U plasma and the remote cannot seem to remember the source input. Maybe it's because I am using component cables instead of an antenna input from my Scientific Atlanta 8300 cable box. I would invest in a better Harmony unit if I thought it would help. I would wish to see a list of all items Harmony has in it's online database. This thing even recognizes my Oppo DVD but has trouble with a brand name TV. No response from tech support email .....Skill level high...not with this
  
  
• So Easy, So Worth It
  By A1KLIW4YCGHP4D on 2008-02-24
  First of all, I used Amazon's Free Super Saver Shipping and still received my remote in only three days. Upon arrival, I opened the box to find the refurbished remote looking pristine. I installed the software on my computer and configured the remote in minutes.
  
  I will never have to explain to my wife how to play a DVD again! Just hit "Watch a Movie!"
  
  Only knock on this from my perspective is the location of some of the DVR controls. I find myself clicking the "next" button often to find the function that I'm looking for. Im sure there is probably a way around that, I just haven't done enough research to figure it out.
  
  Great product!
  
  
• Buy the 670 instead.
  By A35C2IVVQR1HTK on 2008-02-24
  While I have no problems with the "refurbished" part of the product, There are some problems with the functional design of the unit itself. Overall it works well, and does replace five remotes for us, however there are times when one part of a sequence of steps doesn't work. I have not tried tweeking the settings (somewhat confusing), and I hope to get everything working smoothly soon (I can adjust timming of events, and I suspect this will fix my problem). I would not characterize this as plug-and-play. There is some fine tunning required.
  
  UPDATE: Okay, I wrote this review waaay too soon. The remote stopped working after a few weeks. Fortunately Amazon was great about shipping out a replacement (within 30 days). Now my second one has also stopped working (after 45 days), So I'm going through Logitech for a solution.
  
  I know its a "refurbished" product and therfore subject to a higher rate of problems, however I'm batting 0-2 right now and I'm ready to throw in the towel on this product. I'll update this after I get through the Logitech help desk procedure.
  
  Bottom line: Should have been a great product, but with 2 crash and burns, I'd recommend going with something else (maybe not the refurbished version).
  
  UPDATE UPDATE: Well Logitech has been wonderful about standing behind their product. They replaced my unit with a brand new 670, which works fine. Thanks Logitech.
  
  
• Logitech Harmony 659 Advanced Universal Remote Control
  By A2MXUUROJ67GKO on 2008-02-25
  This remote works flawlessly. It controls all of my components. The "Watch TV, Watch a Movie," and other buttons are great; it turns the appropriate components on, and all of the others off. Easy to set up using Logitech's web based software. "Help" button is also a great feature when something fails to work properly. I would recommend this product to anyone. I bought a refurbished unit; it looks brand new. Logitech Harmony 659 Advanced Universal Remote Control - Refurbished
  
  
• Harmony 659
  By AMM0EMB4B0OSW on 2008-02-27
  Excellent remote for the price. Great easy features and controls. It runs all my devices with a single touch of a button. Don't let the word "Refurbished" scare you, the remote looks brand new (to me anyway) with accessories. Reccomended highly.
  
  
• Works great, but may be difficult for non-tech person
  By AI1DE4B87A15C on 2008-02-28
  This item works great which is opposite from some of the 1-star ratings I have seen. The obvious situation and reason for the lower 1-2 star ratings for this remote is that one really needs to understand the input and outputs going from component to component and how Logitech defines those components. (ie: If you want your computer to be on and you have a picture-in-picture high-def TV or monitor, you must understand that to define a key for jogging back-and-forth from PIP to a RGB (computer) input one must have a key well defined to do that. And also if you have a DVD player you must be sure all inputs and outputs are correctly cabled and the Logitech key for functions are again well defined. This sounds complicated for the average non-tech type person and they may need help with the installation. But with patience it can be done.
  The unit has buttons and will handle all the components up to the maximum advertised. For information, my system has Onkyo DVD and Amplifier/tuner components and Sony CD multi-disk players which Logitec defines as a "CD jukebox". Careful understanding of components and the Logitec definition of them is a must.ADS
  
  

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