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.
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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.