Conclusion:
As a long time user of Logitech's mice, keyboards, and speakers I have grown to expect great things from all of their products. The Harmony 1000 Universal Remote and Wireless Extender definitely fit in with their more established product lines, and do not disappoint. The setup is simple, the number of components that can be controlled is impressive, and the "Activities" take what might be a process requiring several clicks on multiple remote controls and turns it into one tap on a touch screen.
Not only can the Harmony 1000 (with or without the aid of the Wireless Extender) control a good number of components, it can handle over 175,000 different devices from over 5,000 brands. I thought the test installation represented a good test of the capabilities since it included devices from both large and lesser know brands, with ages from brand new to over 12 years old. Every single device I wanted to control was available in the database, and each one functioned as expected.
The Wireless Extender takes the functionality of the Harmony 1000 and increases it by eliminating the direct line of site required. This could not only prove useful to those who have components behind closed cabinet doors, but also for those looking to control devices that aren't even in the same room. I found it to be quite useful for providing basic control of a media server located in the basement of my home while enjoying the home theater setup in the living room on the first floor.
A search of PriceGrabber finds the Logitech Harmony 1000 Universal Remote at several well known stores for as little as $325 (US). The Wireless Extender is sold separately, and according to PriceGrabber you are going to pay at least $95 (US) for that optional accessory. At over $400 for the kit as reviewed, this is obviously quite a bit of money for a universal remote control, but the features, capabilities, and absolute simple operation may make it worth it to many people. Don't think of just your enjoyment, but consider the peace you will be buying by eliminating all the times you have to stop what you are doing to go put on a video tape for the kids or an exercise DVD for the wife, simply because they can't figure out the remotes! In my mind, that would be worth the investment.
Considering the easy setup, vast number of devices that can be controlled, and the simplicity that "Activities" bring to different tasks, the Logitech Harmony 1000 Universal Remote and Wireless Extender earn the Bigbruin.com awards of "Highly Recommended" and "Great Idea".
 
Pros:
» Extremely easy setup through computer interface
» On screen help available on the remote control
» Control home theater items and computers, as well as appliances and lights
» Easy to create "Activities" simplify the use of multiple components for one task
» Wireless Extender lets you control eight more items within 100 feet
» No line of sight required on Wireless Extender; goes through doors, walls, and floors
» Silence the wife's complaints such as "Why is it so hard to watch a DVD here?"
Cons:
» Serious investment
» Not particularly convenient for all uses, ie channel surfing
» Two handed operation
Special thanks to Logitech for providing the Logitech Harmony 1000 Universal Remote and Wireless Extender to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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