Logitech Adds Value-Priced Harmony Remote

By John Laposky -- TWICE, 4/19/2010

FREMONT, CALIF. — Logitech has added a low-price-point option to its line of Harmony universal remote controls.

The new Harmony 300 controls up to four components via IR and features the Harmony line’s Web-based setup system that links to Logitech’s online device library. The online index, at www. myharmony.com, includes programming codes for more than 225,000 devices from more than 5,000 brands, and the list is updated daily, according to the company.

“Most universal remotes have a bad reputation for being hard to program and, as a result, you still use more than one remote to control the devices you own,” said Ashish Arora, VP/GM of Logitech’s digital home group. “With the Harmony 300, we wanted to deliver the Harmony remote promise of one remote to control your entertainment system to everyone. No more excuses — it’s time to get rid of the stack of remotes on your coffee table and simplify your home entertainment experience.”

Logitech’s research found that more than one-third of the 75 million U.S. and European households who have tried programming a universal remote had been dissatisfied with the process. Logitech’s refreshed online setup, updated exclusively for the Harmony 300, allows a user to connect the remote via USB to a PC. Drop-down menus on www.myharmony.com allow programming of multiple devices in just a few steps.

One-touch bundled command modes such as Watch TV and Watch DVD are included, with buttons for specific components bunched together on the remote.

The Logitech Harmony 300 is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe this month for a suggested retail of $49.99.