1. Posted: Aug 1 2008

   I was tired of having so many remotes and after trying many cheap universal remotes, I decided to get this one when it was on special. The software that allows you to program the remote is fairly simple, although is room for improvement. I work with computers all day so I would have enjoyed more direct control over what macros the remote was playing back but they have tried to make it as idiot proof as possible. Unfortunately I still have my biggest problem, which is not a fault of the remote. Switching the TV on is a power toggle so the problem I have is that I have 2 activities. Watch Tivo and Watch DVD as an example. Watch Tivo switches on tv, changes input. - works great. Watch DVD switches on tv, switches on dvd, changes input. - works great. BUT if the tv is on and watching Tivo and I press the key to watch DVD, the TV switches off. Just a warning to those that think it may be a perfect solution to all their problems. Otherwise a great remote and had good battery life so far.

2. Posted: Aug 1 2008

   I was skeptical as I have Hewlett Packard brand LCD TV's, and the remote control codes for other universal's are non-existant. Well today my dog, Sergeant Major, an English Bull Terrier...decided it'd be really cool to eat the remote for my HP TV. Now, I was forced to buy a universal remote. Through friends, I've always heard about the awesome Logitech Harmony line. I had considered first the XBox 360 Harmony, but decided to go with the 550 as it's the same price and looks a bit nicer. I got home, opened it....wow. They have HP TV codes! Set up is really simple for anyone maintaining the least bit of common sense. Simply choose your brand in the software and type in the device's name/number designation usually found on front or on the back of your device. In about 10 minutes the 550 was working as expected and then some. The "Activity" feature is great, making turning on all devices for a desired experience a one-button process. It controls my Comcast DVR/HD box, HP TV, and XBox 360 with no problems, all functions are working properly. It also has cool blue back lights!

3. Posted: Jul 31 2008

   Received my Harmony 550 yesterday and had everything programmed and working in about 30 minutes. I have a Panasonic 50PX60U plasma, DirecTV HR21 DVR, Oppo 981HD DVD player, Onkyo 605 receiver, and a PS3. I was easily able to enter the devices through the user interface on the software that was provided, and set up the activities in a snap. Very intuitive and overall a great product. Highly recommended!

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