The economical Harmony 600 and 650 models both offer computer programmable activity-based control for under $100.
Looks like this one managed to slip under the radar. Logitech has just announced two new inexpensive Harmony remote control models: the monochrome Harmony 600 for $79.99 USD MSRP, and the color Harmony 650 for $99.99. Both models can operate up to 5 devices, include backlit button layouts, use traditional disposable batteries, and sport styling similar to the previously announced
Harmony 700.
The original press release is provided below.
Logitech Adds to Award-Winning Harmony Remote Line
Logitech Harmony 600 Remote, Logitech Harmony 650 Remote Simple to Set Up, Easy to Use
FREMONT, Calif. — March 2, 2010 — Nearly all of the entertainment devices in today’s living rooms use remote controls, so for most people a remote that simplifies complex home-entertainment systems is essential to performing even the simplest of activities, such as watching TV. Today, Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) added to its award-winning line of Logitech® Harmony® remotes by unveiling the Logitech® Harmony® 600 Remote and Logitech® Harmony® 650 Remote. Giving you one-click control over your favourite activities, both new remotes are simple to set up and simple to use, and can replace up to five other remotes.
“Why have one remote for the TV, one for the DVR, one for your DVD player and one for your A/V deck?” asked Ashish Arora, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s digital home group. “A Logitech Harmony remote brings it all together, making entertainment fun and simple for you, your family or anyone who picks up the remote.”
When you’re gathered around the TV with your friends and family, a Logitech Harmony remote makes everything simpler. To automatically turn on the right devices and select the appropriate input settings, both new Logitech Harmony remotes offer one-click activity buttons. After completing the online setup, you just click what you want to do — such as “Watch a DVD” — and your Logitech Harmony remote automatically turns on the right devices and selects the right inputs.
With the Logitech Harmony 600 Remote, you’ll see the commands you need for the devices you’re using, such as power and volume, on the monochrome backlit screen. The smart display can even provide help if you need it — just select the Help button and answer the questions that follow.
If you prefer a more colourful display, the Logitech Harmony 650 Remote features a colour screen, which lets you see icons for your favourite channels as well as the commands you need for the devices you’re using. For example, if you’re watching TV, you can see icons for your favourite channels, making it easy to jump to your shows with one click — there’s no need to enter, or remember, the channel number. Both new Logitech Harmony remotes replace up to five other remotes, eliminating the complications and clutter that go with them.
The new remotes join the ever expanding line of Harmony remotes, an award-winning family that includes the Logitech® Harmony® 700 Remote — which controls up to six devices and is rechargeable — and the iconic Logitech® Harmony® One with its stunning touch-screen display.
No More Entering Codes
Setting up a Logitech Harmony remote is a snap. Simply connect the remote to your computer, go to www.logitech.com/MyHarmony, and download the software. You’ll then be prompted to enter the make and model number of your entertainment devices — the Logitech Harmony software does the rest. From Betamax to Blu-ray™, you can be sure the Logitech Harmony remote can control virtually any IR home-electronic device.
Logitech supports more than 250,000 home-entertainment devices from more than 5,000 brands. Our database of devices grows every day, so you can be confident your remote will work with what you own today or what you might buy in the future.
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Harmony 600 Remote will be available for a suggested retail price of $79.99 (U.S.) and the Logitech Harmony 650 Remote for a suggested retail price of $99.99 (U.S). Both new Logitech Harmony 600 and Logitech Harmony 650 remotes are expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in March. The Logitech Harmony 700 Remote and the Logitech Harmony One Remote are available now worldwide for a suggested retail price of $149.99 (U.S.) and $249.99 (U.S.), respectively.
Two DACs, a delay module and extender kit highlight new offerings.
Features push-to-talk voice control of Amazon Alexa and Apple TV via Siri.
Super ergonomics, hard/soft key layout, flexible programming options. Terrible manuals (including Quick Start). I had to spend hours pouring over links and forums to glean the relevant information.
Overall I'd still have to rate this remote an 8 on a 1-10 scale. I bought it from Sears.com for $30 bucks off the list price of $99.00 including free shipping.