The new Logitech Harmony Link is an addition to Logitech Harmonyâs line of universal remote controls. Delivering quality products since the last decade, Logitech now aims to put the controls of your entertainment center in your hands. A really handy device for your TV room, the Harmony Link basically lets you use your iPad, iPhone, or your Android phone as a remote control through the new Logitech Harmony Link App for iPad. The Harmony Link is shaped like a flying saucer and uses a Wi Fi network to control up to eight different devices like televisions, cable, satellite set top boxes, Blu Ray players, and audio systems.
About Harmony Link
The Harmony Link is a hardware disc placed near your entertainment system and acts as a link between this system and your Wi Fi enabled iPad/iPhone/Android phone. An initial set up of this Harmony Link hub requires configuring the various devices that you want to control by it. This will be done by wiring this hub to a computer system and then configuring the model numbers of each device to be controlled.
The Harmony Link works as a mid way hub between your Wi Fi enabled device and the entertainment system. Commands from your Wi Fi enabled phone or iPad are converted into infrared (IR) signals and sent to the appropriate device. For example, if you want to listen to music, instructions would be sent to your audio system; if you want to watch a movie, your TV or Blu-ray player will receive the commands.
The Logitech Harmony Link is, therefore, a device that transforms your smartphone or tablet into a fully functional remote control for your home entertainment. Thus, you no more need to use remote controls pointing in a specific direction for each of your electronic devices.
The Harmony Link is equipped with a tiny infrared hardware which can âblastâ out commands like a remote control. These blasters meander from the backside of this device to your cable box, TV and A/V hardware. Its blasting capabilities are powerful enough to be reflected from walls and objects in your room, so you can place it near your system and point it in any direction. It emphasizes iPad over smartphones, since only iPad application has the ability to browse TV listings.
Features
Designed as a sleek puck shaped device with black luster finish, the rear of the Harmony Link contains a few ports for USB, power, and two for IR blaster. An LED indicator peeping from the bottom shows that the device is working. The USB cable and AC adapter accessories are only needed during the setup of Logitech Harmony Link.
High points:
a. The coolest feature of this versatile device is its ability to get TV listings, i.e., you can view the channel guide and program listing, and select your choice right away; you donât need to go channel surfing on the TV.
b. Using other devices linked with this remote control is also fairly simple due to its user friendly interface. Instead of showing specific device model numbers, it simply asks you to either âWatch TVâ, âListen to Musicâ, or âPlay a Gameâ. It can also learn commands from your existing remotes, thus, minimizing their need.
c. It does not require specific line of sight, since you do not require to point it towards any specific system like you do with your remote control.
Low points:
a. An immense drawback while viewing TV listings is that programs on air within the current 24 hours only can be searched.
b. It cannot be used to schedule recordings from the app, as can be done with your normal remote.
c. Using the touch interface of your smartphone requires you to constantly look between you TV and the app, unlike pressing the buttons physically on a remote.
d. It also lacks Bluetooth support.
Price
This new Logitech Harmony Link remote control device has been priced at $100. The product carries a one year hardware warranty with it.
