I decided to try out the 1100 for a few reasons. First, it will run off RF (radio frequency) so you don't need a line of sight to the components. In fact, it can be used to make selections from another room. My couch and my TV are close together, so the components that are near the floor are obstructed by the coffee table. This resulted in my having to hold the remote above my head to use it when I was reclined. It's doable, but I'm lazy and wanted a better solution. So, I used the coupon to order the 1100 with the RF extender (the extender receives the remote signal and then uses IR blasters to convert it back to IR for your components). This would also be quite handy for anyone with a legit theater where components are rack-mounted in a closet.
The box was left at my door, so I headed home at lunch to move it inside (I didn't want anyone walking by to grab it). I opened it to check out the remote in all its glory.
After work, the fun began. I've upgraded remotes from Logitech before (880 -> One) which was easy. Unfortunately, the configuration settings for the 1100 are incompatible, so a new Harmony account was needed. I setup a new account and copied down all of my settings from my old account. Now, to plug in the remote and set it all up. The harmony software can be slightly confusing at first, but even a novice should be able to figure it out over the course of an hour or so (depending on the complexity of your theater).
Once I had the remote functioning as normal, I decided to install the RF extender to make it so the remote didn't have to be pointed at the tv. This did not go as planned. I couldn't get everything to play nice together. So, a quick call to technical support later and I figured out the issue. The RF extender needs to be updated first, without the remote plugged in to the computer (all via USB). After the extender is fully upgraded, it is disconnected from the computer and the remote re-attached and then the remote gets its upgrade. Then, unplug everything and play. Easy enough now, but the instructions to this end were somewhat limited.
Now, let's get to some pics. First is a shot of the activities screen. For those of you unfamiliar with harmony remotes, activities are similar to macros in that they perform all the necessary functions to run the activity on their own. For example, if I push watch tv, the remote turns on my cable box, turns on my tv and turns on my audio/video receiver. Then, it selects the correct input on the tv and AVR. One button configures all my gear so it is usable. Even your wife can use it. No more fumbling with 5 remotes just to watch tv or a movie. Here is what my activities screen looks like:
When I'm watching tv, I default to the following screen:
The LCD touchscreen allows me to make any of the selections that my comcast remote would do. The volume buttons and mute control the AVR. All of the control is fully customizable, so I can assign any button to whatever function I desire. Unfortunately, the graphics and layout are not. This isn't a major drawback in my book, because there is a limit to the functionality Logitech can provide while still keeping the cost down.
Need to get to the DVR functions for your cable box? Click the play/pause button in the upper left hand corner of the previous shot. The screen changes to this:
One of the other nice features it has, I can assign favorite channels to what I watch most often. There are four screens of 6 channels allowing you up to 24 preset (if you will) stations to choose from. Clicking one of those will send the correct number code to the cable box and change the channel. No fumbling through the TV guide on the box! My friends can come over and select the channels without having to search for them (since most cable providers are different). There is a website that can be used to download images for each channel, so I pulled those and input them on the remote. Here is my "Sports" favorite channels page (I have the others set, but you don't need more pics to get the idea):
Now, since these pics are closeup of the remote, I took a shot next to my Xbox 360 controller for size comparison:
The remote features a user-replaceable rechargeable lithium ion battery. When not in use, the remote sits nicely in the dock and charges. It also makes a nice ornament for your setup:
Now, some might ask why I would need a crazy remote to do all this. Easy. It's all for the simplicity. I've got a lot of things connected to my TV/AVR, so it would be hard to keep track of which inputs everything needed to be set to. Look at these wires (I swear I tried to keep them clean, but there's just too many):
The remote communicates with the RF extender which then uses IR blasters that I have placed around my TV stand. The RF extender sits hidden behind the TV on the stand:
The IR blasters are small and are almost unnoticeable from a distance, unless you are looking for them. Here is the stand zoomed out a bit so you can see all the components. You can see the blasters if you zoom in enough and look for them:
Finally, one shot of the whole setup from a distance:
In closing, I must say that the Harmony One can basically perform all of these functions as well. The layout on that remote is more of a conventional stick. The only thing lacking in the One is RF. The Harmony 900 (I think) is almost exactly like the Harmony One but with RF, though I've read numerous reviews complaining about poor functionality. That is what drove me to the 1100. If you are looking for an excellent upgrade, I would strongly suggest the Harmony One unless you have the need for RF.
Also, the 1100 does have the "Ooh" factor. The RF functions very well and with no noticeable lag. I now leave my remote on the couch next to me and select what I need without worrying about the signal making it to my devices. It really is a great remote, but I'm not sure that I would spend the money to buy one at full retail. Unless, of course, my gear was in a rack in the closet and I needed something that would work without line-of-sight. If you have any questions, let me know and I'll try to answer as best I can.
