Customer Reviews
Great remote - convinced me to buy 2 more Harmonys 
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.
after 2 years going downhill 2008-09-19
Forget the all in one remotes you have seen before. This one is the real deal. The 659 is on the low end of the Harmony line but it uses the same software to set it up, just less buttons on the remote itself. This means a bit more menu hunting on the LCD if you have a complex home theater. I must say I have loved this remote, up until a couple of months ago the only down side I could find was how quick it would go through batteries (4 AAA) But you could probably extend that if you were willing to turn off the back light option.
Over the past couple of years the remote has withstood a lot of use and abuse (I have a toddler) and recently several buttons have either stopped working altogether or only work intermittently. Luckily there is a work around for most buttons but now I am a bit wary of shelling out this much money again (though I got a deal on my first one.) It has been out several years but the price has never really dropped. I may have to though as I don't know if I can go through the "turn the tv on, switch to input 1, switch remotes, turn the receiver on, switch to dvd input, turn the dvd player on and now use this remote for volume and this one to push play" with my wife and child again. It was just one button on the 659, guess we are spoiled now.
Good Remote, Great Price. 
2008-07-15
The only difference between this and the 670 are the button placement. Big deal! For almost a $100 difference I can deal with the DVD control buttons at the bottom.
Great tactile feel remote, just missing DVR keys (A.B.C) 2008-06-03
I love the original "peanut" shape of the remote, versus the newer square design of the 520, 550, 720 etc. It ergonomically fits in your hand much better and easier to maintain grip while accessing the various keys. I also prefer the raised and separated buttons as they are also more ergonomic and easier to access without looking due to the tactile feedback. The only thing is that it is missing the DVR A, B, C keys.
One remote on the coffee table now! 2008-04-21
I've had other "all-in-one" remotes but the Harmony is truly a quantum leap! By programming for activities rather than just devices, I can tell the remote what devices to turn on and control whether I'm watching cable, playing a DVD or using my Apple TV (yes, it also replaces the Apple TV remote!). And I can switch between activities without the TV power being cycled on and off and back on. Timing parameters are also taken into account so activities can be properly sequenced. I also like that the programming software is kept up to date with the newest devices and control "macros" and that I can customize the buttons.
Except for the box, I can't tell that this is a refurb'ed item.
Happy camper here. :-)
Very efficient 2008-04-17
Is your family struggling to use your complex home entertainment system? This unique remote control redefines the term universal. It does the usual TV, DVD, & VCR functions, but it can also control computers, your fireplace, lighting, & more. You can program this remote for so many functions due to the community-based Smart State Database on the internet. You also get the one-of-a-kind Smart State Technology Activity Control. The Harmony Remote 659 is so easy to use and set-up that your family will love it. Set it up by simply plugging it into an Internet-enabled computer, and follow the step-by-step set-up process. Your whole family can control the entertainment system with the press of one Activity Button, and the H659 will take care of the rest. You'll be amazed.Easy To Use: Simple to use for the whole family. Activity buttons such as "Watch TV" and "Watch Movie" set everything correctly with one button press. Press the "Help" button to quickly fix problems and get you back to enjoying your entertainment.Easy To Setup: Just connect the Harmony Remote to your computer and our website will guide you with step-by-step instructions. You'll be controlling even the most complex systems with no elaborate programming required. If you need a little help, the Harmony support team offers unparalleled assistance for all your set-up and customization needs. If you happen to loose or damage your remote, your settings are always stored for you online.
Great Product!!! 2008-04-17
This logitech remote is amazing! Its very easy to use/customize to fit all of your media devices. I have a Harmon Kardon AVR-235, a Zenith LCD, a Panasonic DVD/VCR combo, iPod Dock, and a Motorolla Verizon Fios Set top box and I have no problems at all operating them with this remote. The "Activity" presets are really cool, but this is where I find the ONLY flaw in this remote. A lot of times the remote will either not turn on the desired set of devices, or leave them on the wrong settings (for instance, if you hit "Watch TV" the tv should be on, the set top box should be on, and the AVR-235 should be on and set to Video 1, but when you hit the button the AVR won't come on). When this happens there is a convenient "Help" key that will adjust the issue, but it can get kind of annoying... With that said, I am extremely pleased with this purchase and would suggest it to anyone wishing to eliminate the need of multiple remotes... SO worth it.
Nice, but should be better 
2008-04-14
While it's very simple to program the Harmony 659, what actually happens when you use it is problematic. While I have it set to turn on both my TV and Cable box (seems simple enough), what actually occurs is that sometimes one, sometimes the other turns on (though it usually works fine), but what actual functions are activated depends upon the remote's whims.
Sometimes it works fine, sometimes I can't either get the TV to work as programmed, sometimes the Cable box won't change channels. At no time does the 659 actually enable the TIVO functions included in my Cable box. My wife has given up on the remote, and gone back to using the individual remote controls that work with each device.
Great deal 2008-04-14
I already own a Logitech 670, which is a bit nicer/newer than this one. I needed another one for a different set of equipment in another area of my house, but I couldn't find a good deal on the 670. This one does everything the 670 does, as best I can tell, and I am completely satisfied with it. They are very similar. For the price, it's a fantastic deal! The only reason I give it 4 instead of 5 stars is the software, which is a bit clunky/difficult at times, but managable. As another reviewer said, don't even load the CD that comes with it, load the latest software from the Logitech website.
The real benifit of these remotes is allowing the programming of "activities". For example, I have set up an activity called "Watch DVD", and when I press it, it turns on my TV, the DVD player, and my Receiver, then sets my TV to HDMI Input 1 and my Receiver to Optical 2. The volume control on the remote then works the receiver volume while the play/ff/pause/etc. controls work the DVD player.
Great when it works 2008-04-13
i tried to get this to work with my old DirecTV Tivo system and it didn't know that system. i was told to set my Tivo remote and Harmony apart and press various buttons. the Harmony never learned a single signal from the older remote. this happened with the old DVD player as well. i almost sent the remote back, but i had a new HDTV on the way and upgraded that room to the newer DirecTV DVR system and a new DVD player. all were recognized by the Harmony and things are swell now. Sometimes the remote turns on everything except my receiver and then i can't figure out how to just turn on the receiver and not turn everything else off at the same time. that's why it's getting 4 stars.
