Great Remote for Middle-of-the-Road A/V Systems

I already owned a Harmony 720 for my main AV system. I LOVE that remote, but I couldn't justify the cost of another 720 for my bedroom system, so I purchased a Harmony 520. Although it had great features, the LCD screen was nearly unreadable, so I returned it. For only about $10 more, I purchased this 550 and am VERY happy with it! Logitech made the font thicker and darker and modified the backlighting a bit to make the 550 LCD screen much more readable than on the 520.

This remote is perfect for people without a huge A/V system, or for people needing a second universal remote for a smaller bedroom system. The (4) activity buttons on the LCD are perfect for that, whereas the (6) activity buttons on the 720 are better for running a larger system.

The backlight on the 550 has a motion sensor, but it's an unusual one: It only comes on the first time you pick it up within a 2-hour period. After that, you can shake, rattle or bump it and the light will NOT come on by motion. You have to physically press the "Glow" button, or any other button on the remote. But set it down for 2-hours or more and it will come on the next time you pick it up (or walk by it - it's a sensitive sensor). I don't like that "feature", but I think it was done to make the (4) AAA batteries last longer. I guess it worked for that because I’ve had this remote for 2 months and the batteries are still just fine. The more expensive Harmony 720 has a true tilt sensor that will come on every time you move the remote. However, that remote also has a rechargeable battery which can handle running the backlight more often.

Programming the 550 remote is just like any other Logitech Harmony - it uses the Harmony online software. If you don't have an internet connection, you will not be able to program this remote. But that aside, the newest version of Logitech's Harmony software is terrific (currently at v7.2.4). Gathering the model numbers of all your AV components is the hardest part. After that, the Harmony software's "Wizard" will walk you through basic setup in about 20-minutes. That is often all anyone needs because it does an amazing job of making everything work the way you want on the first try. However, the ability to tweak the settings is endless. It's not always well covered in the documentation, but if you are willing to experiment - there's lots to be found. There are also plenty of online forums where other users (such as me) are willing to answer questions on advanced programming for Harmony remotes.

The Harmony 550 looks sleek & elegant, feels good in your hand and seems well constructed. All of the keys light up - even the chrome keys are surrounded by light. I like the fact that the "transport" keys for playing the DVD/VCR/DVR are high on the remote and are large enough to see well and use with large fingers. The chrome keys make a definite "click" noise when you press them. I like that, but I've read other reviewers who seem to hate it. I can't imaging that it would be a deal breaker since this is such a great remote.

I highly recommend the Harmony 550 (but get the 720 or one of the other, higher end Harmony remotes if you have a large or complex AV system).