50under50

If you’re tired of the remote shuffle, whereby you grab one remote after the next to control your home electronics, you might want to step up to the Logitech Harmony One Universal remote control. Even though mid-level AV receivers come with their own programmable remotes, nothing beats the Harmony One, especially at this price point. I use it to control everything from my Pioneer plasma, Sony receiver, DirecTv HD DVR, PS3 (You’ll need to pick up the IR adaptor for the PS3 from Amazon $54.), Apple Tv, WD media player and Xbox 360. With the press of a button, devices turn on/off (depending on whether you are switching activities) and all necessary inputs are changed. It’s simple enough to use that even the wife and kids can use it.

The Harmony One includes rechargeable batteries and a nice docking station. It’s not the cheapest universal remote you can buy. But when weighing the options, I think it’s well worth the money.

It features an ergonomic form factor, one touch operation and a nice color touch screen so that you can build and organize your own buttons and functions.

The software is relatively intuitive. You don’t have to be an über geek or an AV specialist to program it. Use either a PC or Mac and the included USB cable. The set up wizard will ask you a number of questions. Once completed, it’ll download the info to your remote. All you need to do is test and tweak.

Don’t need to take my word for it. The remote has earned a Cnet Editor’s Choice Award. If you have RF devices or have a dedicated AV cabinet in an adjacent room, you’ll need the Harmony One’s big brother– the Harmony 900, which can handle both IR+ RF signals. The remote also includes one main “blaster” and two “mini blasters” that are placed inside the cabinet and in front of the components. Buy the Logitech Harmony 900 Remote Control (Black) $317.

Buy Logitech Harmony One Remote from Amazon $182.

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