I ordered the Logitech Harmony 550 while Amazon was running a recent rebate, so I’ve only had it on hand for a day… However I already feel like it’s $75 (after rebate) well spent.
Compared to the 520, the 550 seems to have a better build quality. It’s more solid, the buttons respond better, and the back has a nice rubberized coating. I thought the 520 looked pretty sharp, and the 550 looks even better. The 550 adds a few more buttons than the 520. As with the 520, Logitech kindly packaged 8 Duracell batteries — four for now, four for later.
Set up was fairly painless. The latest software app (versus web) has been polished up and is fairly intuitive. Though, there’s still room for organization improvement and support for multiple remotes (why do I need a separate account for each?). I was able to add our bedroom JVC, Humax DVD-Burning TiVo, and ITVN without a prob and set up their respective activities (shown above). Actually, I did notice some of the actions with the Humax IR codes were a bit off, so I replaced that device with a regular 540 model Series2 which cleared everything up.
In conclusion: I’m happy to retire the horrible ITVN remote and Melissa gets to keep the original TiVo remote on her nightstand… which is good for family Harmony.
Gotta agree with you here, Dave. I replaced my Harmony 659 (with a dying volume button) with the 550 and, once I got used to the different layout, I love it. The transport buttons are very conveniently placed and a nice size for TiVo use.
I have a question. The key advantage to a TiVo remote is the big pause button in the middle, one that you can find without looking at the remote at all. How does that feature work with a replacement remote like this? Isn’t it an odd change to have to find the play and pause buttons.
If you have multiple devices, the trade off is worthwhile. In our bedroom it’s probably overkill, but that ITVN remote is just so bad plus some of the buttons on our JVC TV remote don’t work anymore. Having said that, Melissa didn’t seem too interested in giving up the peanut. So she gets her remote and I get my mine.
Dave,
You forgot to mention that it works with your Xbox 360 as well. Now that is cool, especially with the Xbox being a Vista extender. I think I am going to buy one myself to replace my Cox cable DVR remote.
Go Terps.
Funny you should mention that… My menu looked so bare with just Watch Tivo and Watch ITVN. So, I added our den HDTV, Series3, and Xbox 360 to create two more activities: Watch Series3 and Play Xbox. My 880 already controls those devices, but I’m kinda geeky like that.
I’ve been considering getting a Harmony remote for my setup (HDTV, S3 Tivo, DVD Player, and Xbox360). Still not sure I can give up using an actual Tivo remote, but if I do, is the 880 worth getting over the 550?
The 880 has a color screen, rechargeable battery with dock, larger buttons, and more activities visible on the screen at the same time. They both basically function the same. The 880 feels more like the peanut, though the transport buttons are lower on the remote than the 550. Tough call!
I just started using the 880 this past weekend and I have to say that I’m going to send it back and try the 550 or the Xbox 360 remotes instead. The fast forward and rewind buttons, arguably the most important for TiVo users, are in a BAD place on the remote. It feels like my hand is breaking is every time I try to use it; it basically takes two hands. I love this remote except for that.
I just ordered the 550 cant wait for it to come. I have the h-659 but the off button just stopped a few days ago and I cant live without a remote that does everything. With all the good reviews I had decided that the 550 is for me.