How Logitech Saved My Cat's Life

I was tired of covering up my beautiful coffee table with a plethora of remote controls. I just couldn't find a universal remote that would control everything. Every time I purchased a new one, it would only control certain aspects of each device. I still needed to keep the remotes out for those functions. It got me nowhere. If I wanted to watch a DVD, I had to use every single remote. At the time the DVD was hooked up through the VCR and everything had to be set a certain way. (OK I know, DVD through the VCR? Keep in mind that this was a long time ago.)

Then along came the Philips PMRDVR8 learning remote! What a concept! I could program in a series of codes and if any functionality wasn't available, I could "teach" the remote these functions. Wow! I was very happy. One by one I taught the remote all of the functions I needed. It worked very well, however it would not learn EVERY function. But for the most part, it did what I needed it to do. I was able to get rid of all but one other remote.

This kept me satisfied for a while. However when I had guests over, nobody could figure the damn thing out. It did support Macros, but you had to know the exact angle at which the infrared would successfully trigger all of the components. Still it was decent. That was until...

One day I noticed that it was becoming harder and harder to press the Power button. And quite like a virus, this began to spread to the Device buttons- possibly the worst set of buttons to not be able to utilize. As of last week, "Power" did not work no matter how hard I pressed (or stabbed) the button. I tried new batteries, no luck. I tried opening it and shifting the rubber pad around, no luck. Watching TV and trying to change the channel or change the volume became so frustrating, I ended up throwing the remote across the room a few times. I put my cat in some serious danger, possibly using up a few of her lives. Eventually I dug up some of my old remotes again. That was the last straw.

Then this little bundle of joy arrived at my house. The Logitech Harmony 670 Universal Remote.

A friend of mine kept suggesting a Logitech Harmony universal remote to me. I explained my bad experience with universals but kept an open mind. I must say, I'm glad he persuaded me to give it a try.

The first thing you do is install the Harmony Remote software, Mac or Windows. You add all of your devices by Brand name, then model number. The software contacts an online database (it helps to have a superfast internet connection) and gathers all of the information for your devices. Then you hook up a USB cable, connecting your remote to your computer. If your device was not found, the remote features learning capabilities. It will ask you to get that device's remote and will instruct you on what buttons to press. The IR receiver on the remote picks up your commands and saves them right to your computer. I love the idea that your information gets stored in your computer as well as in the remote. In addition, you create a user account with Logitech and all of your information is stored in their database.

The shining star in this remote is its ability to store Activities. Much like macros, you compile an activity such as "Watch TV" or "Play Playstation" and begin programming your little heart out. If your setup is like mine and you need to power up four to six devices, each with their own setup, then this is a lifesaver. This remote remembers what devices are already on and which ones aren't. It will then proceed to set everything to your needs. Not only that, but you have full control over which buttons are used for which device. For example, if your sound always comes through your stereo receiver, simply tell the software and it will make universal changes to all of your activities. I use an eight-input component switch because my TV only has two component inputs. No problem! I added the switch to each activity.

Even more impressive, I was able to remotely control two devices that I wasn't even aware I could control! My PVR is actually much easier to operate with a remote control than with its tiny, eight-button interface. And I had absolutely no idea that my PlayStation 2 could be turned on and off from a remote! That made my day. It can't power on a Nintendo Wii due to the bluetooth technology, but give me a break... You need to use the wireless Wii controller if you want to use the Wii anyway. All I need now is the IR receiver for my Xbox and I'm set!

Warning: This remote might save your cat from projectiles, but it might cause uncontrollable weight gain. I haven't left the couch in hours. Thank you Logitech!

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