Logitech Harmony 1100 Remote Control
Nov 8th, 2009 | By SimonNowadays very few things come ready to use right out of the box. The Logitech Harmony 1100 is no different. The few accessories with the Harmony 1100 need to be set up. This includes setting up the base station, installing the battery and then charging the remote.
The battery slips into its slot much like a cellphone battery. The contacts for charging the battery are located on the bottom and mate accordingly to the recharging station.
The USB connection is tucked away behind a rubber tab. It’s nicely hidden and doesn’t protrude from the body one bit.
Before we go any further with the configuration, here’s a quick gallery of the Harmony 1100 in its entirety.
Configuration is quite simple but requires the use of your PC. I was really hoping to be able to add devices directly with the Harmony 1100 and only use the PC for software updates.
However, I found devices had to be added using Logitech’s Harmony Software. Installation off the CD is very straight forward and I recommend running the update to ensure you have the latest list of devices that can be added.
The next step is to create a profile or account for your remote. This will store your profile online and let you access it as long as you have internet access; convenient if you happen to have multiple computers around the house and don’t always leave the Media PC on. Once the profile has been created, you will connect the remote and begin the process of adding devices and activities. The process for TVs and DVD players was quite easy. I struggled a little more with getting my computer added; what needs to be done is actually add a second “Watch TV” activity with a different input channel (HDMI 1).
Once you have the basic task of being able to turn on your device, you can add some useful things like favourite channels.
Alternatively, you could just have some fun with the Harmony 1100 and change the default background or add a slideshow. The slideshow will only be displayed while the remote is on the recharging stand.
While proper configuration may take a few tries, it is certainly well worth the effort. The Harmony 1100 can now replace both my Samsung remotes and it only takes single touches to switch between my favourite channels whereas I was forced to press the channel numbers on the remote. While I am unable to make finer changes to the TV with the Harmony 1100 like Color, Brightness, Contrast, etc, it’s a small price to pay for the extra features gained. One qualm some people may have with the remote is the lack of a tactile response or ability to find keys without looking down at the remote. This doesn’t bother me, but may be an issue for some to consider. The backlit LCD screen will always ensure that you can see the screen regardless of the time of day.
The Harmony 1100 uses a 1250mAh 3.7V battery which I found to give decent battery life given it had to power a 3.5″ screen. That said it is still short. You pretty much must dock the remote control when you’re not using it in order to have sustainable battery life.
I own an older 880 remote, and if the setup software functions the same way, as the screenshots would suggest, you actually can program the remote to do everything the original remote can.
I programmed the softkeys on my remote and using the learning function, copied all of the functions I needed that weren’t preassigned.
Short battery life? my 1000 normally lasts more than a week on a full charge… not like it’s an issue, just set it on the cradle when you leave the room/go to bed…
The Logitech Harmony 1100 is by far the most advanced and expensive remote available? Maybe from logitech but there are some other models out there that are $2000+
i have logitech 1100 remote when toun tv, dvd, on some time olny tv is on ?
please fix .
This really is a fantastic remote. The box however can be somewhat misleading as to the number of devices you can control. SO far I have four tv’s (3 of them HD), two blue ray players, one 400 disc dvd player, one vcr, one receiver, and four AT&T boxes. I must tell you this is a very versatile remote with programming through the computer easy. Takes a little time set up initially but when done all you have to do is simply tough the screen for what it is you want to do. For example if I want to watch a movie, I tough the remote on the watch movie in theater room icon. The remote then turns on the tv and selectes the correct input mode, turns on the receiver and selects that input mode, and turns on either the blue ray player or the carousel dvd player. Some of the best money I think I spent. Great man cave present.
Hi,
I was just wondering if this can be used as a remote control mouse for a computer. I.e., my boyfriend can hook up his laptop to his HDTV, and we can watch movies he has on his computer on the HDTV screen; however, he has to get up and go over to the laptop any time he wants to pause, adjust screen setup, etc.
Will this remote allow him to control these functions from the lazy comfort of his pullout bed?
If not, can anyone recommend a remote that CAN do this?
Thank you!
Anne S. wrote:
Hi Anne, the Logitech Harmony is not able to do that. Basically what you’re looking for is a wireless touchscreen monitor for your boyfriend. None come to mind right now, but I’m sure they exist.
I actually found this this blog by looking for movies to stream Online. May you make an article on the top movies to stream online thank you