Customer Reviews
Great remote - easy to use 
2008-10-06
I have three different Harmony remotes -- I'm a big fan. In fact, I pre-ordered this remote when I read an article about its upcoming release, because I was so excited about the prospect of a universal remote that actually worked. This remote has lived up to its promise.
First, as I indicated above, I'm a big fan of Harmony Remotes. You can program them to do everything that any of your devices' IR remotes can do. In general, the dedicated buttons on the remote are enough to handle the tasks that you do 90% of the time. Less frequently used functions can be configured to appear on the LCD screen, which displays 4 (or 6 - it's configurable) items at a time, and can scroll. For really seldom-used functions, everything that the device's remote can do is accessible in "Device" mode.
I have never had any trouble with the website's programming applets. Some folks hate them, but I'm not one of them. There have been occasions where I have had to try a configuration, and go back to tweak it, because it wasn't working exactly the way I wanted it to. I would rather do this on my computer, using the website's huge database of devices and IR codes, than to try to program it manually, the way I used to have to do with older universal remotes.
I also do not have the problems that some other folks complain about where the device state gets out of sync. I always program my devices using what they call "discrete codes", where there's a different command for "On" and "Off", instead fo a single "Toggle Power" command, and different commands for TV input selection. I never have to try to find the discrete code settings, even if they're not provided by the device's original remote, because Logitech's online device database already has all of the discrete codes for all of my devices stored and ready for me to use.
The Harmony 659, in particular, is a solid performer. The button layout is a little bit odd, in that the transport controls (Play, Stop, Pause, Rewinde, etc.) are all located all the way on the bottom. This can be a little awkward, but ithasn't really caused me too many problems. Also, they are laid out such that I don't have to think about which button is where - the button I'm looking for is always right where I think it ought to be, even though it's a bit of a reach for my thumb. This model does not have all of the buttons that are available in some of the more expensive models (when I was trying to use this for a DVR, I missed the "Skip Fwd" and "Skip Bkwd" buttons), but where I'm using it right now, it has all of the dedicated buttons I need.
Overall, this is a solid remote, at the inexpensive end of the awesome Harmony line. I've recommended Harmony remotes to everyone who's faced remote problems. If your usage patterns require additional buttons that aren't provided on this model, there's almost certainly a model that has those buttons. For the room where we use this remote, it works great.
FANTASTIC!! 
2008-09-08
This remote does exactly what it promises. It took about 25-35 minutes to completely set up and there was no "pairing" of remotes required (all done via internet). My wife even loved it and now my mother, mother-in-law and other old relatives will be able to watch stereo TV and movies without having to write a book to tell them how. My wife, who is usually the naysayer on all electronic products, wants to get another one for the bedroom as well. Great product!!!
Hunk of Junk 
2008-07-13
This is an absolute hunk of junk! After wasting hours with what should have taken minutes I am sworn off of any Logitech remotes.
Here is what I sought to accomplish: a single remote that controls my DirecTV DVR (channel up/down, menu, select, etc.) and my Yamaha amplifier (volume up/down, mute.)
However, this was not a simple task. The Logitech software requires that you identify such processes as what devices are to be engaged to make this task happen. What tasks? I just want the power on! I don't need to change the TV's input, I don't need to turn on or off the power of other devices, I don't need to think of it as my "TV Sequence."
All I wanted to do was map the functions either intelligently by assigning the IR values of each remote to the button on the Logitech, or just learn the individual IR values with the device's remote aimed at the Harmony. Neither of these options proved fruitful on this over-thought, over-wrought, hunk of junk.
The software application that runs on your PC to control this device was not written by someone who has a basic understanding of the end task. All it did was get in the way.
Rather than purchase the Logitech Harmony, you are better off holding a representative value of dollar bills out the window of your car to let them pass with the wind, as it will be less frustrating than attempting to program this device.
Now, to "Office Space" it.
Works Great,BUT 2008-07-04
The Harmony H-659 is very user friendly and does the job very good for my family BUT, this is my second purchase after about two years. The first one i satrted having problems with the OFF button that you would have to press it 5-6 times before it would turn off the devices and then eventually the OFF button would not work. I am hoping I get more than a couple of years out of it this time but it does works great.
After a year I'm back in the market for a remote 
2008-05-27
Pros -
It works well - as long as you give it the time to talk to all of your devices. I have a DVR, HD DVD player, Oppo DVD player, Sony receiver, and flatscreen TV, and electronic HDMI switch. Once it's all set up it is fine to control all devices. The internet downloading of codes is great. The learning mode was easy for those devices you need to program. I've used this for over a year and I don't remember what I had to teach it.
Cons-
First and foremost, after a year I have 2 function buttons that have just gone dead. The warranty is for a year; after a year and a couple of months a couple of the side buttons just will no longer respond.
Initial setup was nearly a failure. The website couldn't communicate correctly with the device which had outdated firmware inside. That struggle took me about 2-3 hours and I'm a programmer. Some undocumented thing I did finally got the firmware updated to where it would work.
I didn't understand why if the Logitech database had all the codes for my Sony receiver that it needed to "talk" to my Sony remote.
Final thoughts -
I was lucky to get the thing working due to software/firmware incompatibilities in the current website version of the firmware and the version the remote shipped with. I think the buttons going dead like they did is pretty unforgivable at this price. Even so, I might get another logitech device to replace this one with (which is why I'm here now writing this review.) If I were to buy this all over again I'd extend the warranty a year for $10 or make sure I had an extra year from a credit card warranty extention. When you get all the kinks worked out it works great.
Love It 2008-04-25
The Family Remote. If you want your entire family to be able to use the entertainment system to its fullest, the simple layout and one-touch Activity Buttons makes the 659 the ideal choice.
Main Features
Manufacturer: LogitechManufacturer Part Number: 966179-0403Manufacturer Website Address: www.logitech.comProduct Type: Universal RemoteWireless Technology: InfraredInterfaces/Ports: 1 x USB (Receiver)Dimensions: 8.1" Height x 2.3" Width x 1.3" DepthWeight: 5.8 oz
Nice remote - but only if you have lots of batteries! 
2008-04-08
I got the refurbished version of this from Amazon, and I did like it.
It felt pretty good in my hand, and managed to program itself to
control all of my 6-7 components.
However, I did realize after a couple of weeks, that it would go through my
AAA rechargeable (750mah) batteries in one week. I could not see myself
having to recharge, and replace the batteries once per week. I can't imagine the
cost for regular AAA batteries for this remote control for a year or two or three.
The LCD screen is always on wasting energy, and the pretty blue lights
for the whole remote are also a waste of energy, which I never used.
WHAT A RELIEF... 2008-03-23
to retire 5 remote controls. In particular, my wife really appreciates the removal of the clutter. I can now control a Dish ViP-722, Toshiba LCD TV, Onkyo AV receiver, Kenwood CD player, and Sony DVD recorder from a single remote.
I had a minor problem with buttons functioning at first, but it all resolved. Control of these devices extends to ALL functions. This is particularly crucial for the Dish DVR.
It does come as some price, however. This being one of the low-end universal remotes, access to some functions is a bit clunky... well, VERY clunky for some things. The less-used functions are put on the little screen and controlled by these teeny-tiny little buttons. Yet, I don't know if the extra money for additional dedicated buttons is worth it, once you get used to the location of everything.
The Logitech site makes programming this device very simple, including some very complicated combinations of functions. For example, I use the receiver for sound, so use of the TV requires cancelling of the TV volume and ability to control the receiver volume. Not a problem, they anticipate this kind of use.
What I appreciate MORE THAN ANYTHING is the simultaneous switching to different devices when you activate an "activity" like watching TV or listening to music. I used to have to work 2 or 3 different controls to switch over. It is all done with one button push now.
All in all, I really appreciate the functionality, and the price is a bargain for this convenience. Who knows, if I want to get fancier, I may purchase a more expensive model later....
What a piece of art! 2008-03-09
I just got this toy today and I am very impressed! I have always been skeptical in what this remote can do because there are just so many electronics out there, including some not very often heard of in North America, how could it possible to unit them into one?
And guess what? It worked 90% out of ALL commands can be found in my 7 different equipment: Samsung LCD TV, Samsung Blu-Ray, Pioneer receiver, Motorola Gateway ADSL setup box, Shinco DVD, Philips upconvert DVD, Panasonic VCR. I found them all from the installation menu! The set up for hot keys like "Watch TV", "Watch a DVD" is very intuitive and after an hour the remote is good to go.
The remote set up software is very flexible, you can define or add new actions, new components to an action, teach the remote of the keys from original remote etc.
Be worned though, in order to get a perfect set up, for example, getting rid of the unnecessary buttons and adding new custom buttons can be extremely time consuming. I have spent over 8 hours on it.
The reason why I can not give it a 5 star:
1) Some buttons don't work the way they supposed to for some reason. I have sent request to the tech support and see what they say.
2) The remote set up software is great in general, but the customized button section could be better. For example, the default buttons for my pioneer took 14 pages, and I reduced it to 4, but I had to move all remaining buttons all the way up ONE BY ONE, one click at a time. I felt I need a finger massage after that. :)
In conclusion, this is a great investment and I am so glad I took the plunge.
OK 2008-03-06
This remote looks and feels great. I love that you can program all your different devices and have multiple functions occur by pressing 1 button. It did take a little bit of work to program so don't buy it if you are technically challenged. It doesn't work flawlessly. After you press a button that controls multiple devices you have to remember to keep the remote pointed at those devices for several seconds while it sends the signal to each device one at a time. The help button is a very nice feature. I just wish i didn't have to use it so much. I usually need it because the remote didn't change the TV input. The remote is great in theory but like I said it doesn't alway do what you want it to do. My wife won't even use if for this reason. Disappointing since it was kinda pricey.
