14 DAY TRIAL // After a long time when top accessibility was synonym with the possibility to perform an action 'at the touch of a button,' Logitech revolutionized the way we saw entertainment. Now, full and instant enjoyment is possible with nothing but a single touch. Following in the footsteps of previous touch-capable remotes, The Logitech Harmony 1100 universal remote controller provides full access to any and all features of anything from a remote-controlled DVD player to a fully functional home-entertainment system. Now operating on a Flash-based OS (unlike the Harmony 1000, which used a Java-based one), 15 different devices may be handled simultaneously, quickly and easily.
The palm-sized remote comes with a 3.5-inch QVGA resolution-capable touchscreen. Operating on especially developed software, the remote has a high amount of customization options, from setting up the virtual options to programming which “buttons” should appear in certain conditions. Thus, it is possible to start watching a video and immediately be offered the play/pause or fast-forward options, or to listen to music and easily manage the volume and playlist. Although not including the special RF capacity itself, the Harmony 1100 may come with a Harmony RF Extender, providing the remote with the capacity to access equipment located behind closed doors or in other rooms, within up to 100 feet.
One needn't concern themselves too much with the controller's initial configuration. The item comes with an Internet-based setup. One only has to enter the components' (DVD players, stereos, etc.) model numbers, after which the codes and infrared commands of the Harmony 1100 are automatically configured. With Logitech's database of home-entertainment devices containing over 225,000 product names (and with the ability to easily extend it), buyers can rest assured that, as long as their devices have a remote-control capability, Logitech's gadget will work on them. In the worst case scenario, the Harmony may simply learn the required commands from the previous remote controller.
The Harmony 1100 remote received the CES 2009 Design and Engineering Award: Best of Innovations in the Home-Entertainment Accessories category after winning the same honor last year. Among the winning features are not only the already-mentioned capabilities, but also its design and usability. Tactile guides located around the touchscreen easily explain how the device is used. Not only that, but the brushed-back aluminum top case and the soft-touch bottom case make it comfortable and stylish.
Some differing features of this device, compared with other remote controllers, are the size and shape. It has obviously been adapted for two-hand usage, with its large display and possibility for up to ten different commands to be made available at the same time.
There is only one perceivable downside to this item, specifically the rather long time needed to get accustomed to using it. It takes a few hours to get the hang of all the different commands, even more if there are many devices around the house. Fortunately, different profiles may be created, which, by including sets of scheduled tasks, will significantly improve usability (not to mention remove, or at least reduce, frustration).
The Harmony 1100 will become available in Singapore by the end of November at the suggested retail price of US$699.