I'm the kind of geek who has six remote controls (I'm not kidding. Six.) and I could never hope to find a Universal remote that blends the functionality of all of my devices in an easy to use and yet still functional package-this looks like it might be it! I've always been intrigued by devices like this for full home-entertainment systems, like the kind really rich people get when they wire their entire home with media servers that stream to every room and such, and this looks like a really wonderful foray into that for the average joe. Sure, 500 bucks is definitely a hefty price tag for a universal remote, but if it offers complete functionality for everything from my DVD player to my TV to my reciever and everything else connected to my TV, it just might be worth the money. And as usual, aesthetic is important, and this is definitely sexy.

I have a Sony touchscreen remote. It controls everthing, but it's hard to use with one hand. The problems with touchscreens is that you have to look at the remote everytime you want to do something. I will never buy a big touchscreen remote again.

I have the Harmony 880 remote and I love it. To watch TV, I push the Watch TV button and it turns the TV on and switches from the aux inputs to the main tuner. If I then want to watch my Replay, I push that button and it switches to the correct video input and turns the Replay on. If I then push the Play XBox 360 button, it turns the Replay off, the 360 on and switches to the correct input. The Off button turns off whatever devices you are currently using. It has a huge database of devices online that you can set it up with. You can then further customize the controls if the default settings don't work for you. And at $250, the 880 is half the price of the 1000. I'm not sure if the 1000 can be enough of a superior device to justify double the cost.

So there are other devices much like this one? I might have to look at the Harmony 880 or any of the other series of remotes to see if they might match up with what I need-I didn't even know the series of products existed before this post!

I currently use a sony touch screen but I want this one. I would love to freak out my visitors by turning on the entertaiment system in the guest room in the middle of the night. Seriously though this is just in time for my plans to turn my game room into a theater room. I already started the cutting layouts for the "stadium" seating. As far as the price goes I bought my sony touchscreen after its price dropped from close to $500 to a little over $200. I'm hope this one will drop as well.

Looks interesting, but does it do X10/Insteon?

There are lots of other options. In my opinion, it's really hard to beat the Logitech Harmony 880 (or the 890 if you need RF control). It's more of a one handed constant use remote that is shaped more like a normal remote, and has regular buttons for most of the functions. The problem I've found with touch screens is that they are almost impossible to use without looking at the remote. Also, the 880 controls everything I've been able to throw at it, thanks to being programmed off a constantly updated internet database. I really like the little features included, such as the fact that the "universal off" button which shuts everything off can be programmed to leave some particular items on. The Logitech Harmony 1000 is more of a form factor to compete with the big, professional remotes you get with an in-home automation system, like the Sony RM-NX7000. The Logitech seems cheaper and easier to program, though, as it looks like it uses the same interface as the other Harmony remotes. Not so easy to sit in front of a TV flipping channels with being all big and wide like that, I would think, but I haven't really used one. The Kameleon remotes (you'll find them from different manufacturers, I think Radio Shack included) are also very nice universal remotes. The only problem I've heard with them is that they use a touch screen like the Logitech 1000 (though shaped like a traditional remote), and so also can't really be used to blindly use the remote without looking at it.

All these great features, yet you still have to tether the remote to your PC to program it. I have a 550 that I love for its capabilities, but hate having to pull out my laptop to program it in the living room. I would be really inclined to replace my 550 with the 1000 if it had WiFi built-in to utilize the wireless internet access just about everyone now has in their home. If manufacturers can package a cell phone with Wifi, Bluetooth, IRdA, Camera, Speakerphone, and memory expansion slot, I don't see any reason why Logitech couldn't fit the technology into this remote as large as it is. What a shame. Folks keep in mind that programming your new Logitech remote is a real time consuming affair. The wizards on their website are good, but after you initially setup the devices and activities, you have decipher their maze of wizards to tweak the settings to your liking. It was a frustrating experience for me, but well worth it in the end. For the first time, I have a remote that enables my family and guests to use without having to be given a 30 minute crash course on how to control the entertainment system.

The Harmony 1000 is too limited by todays' needs. The unit s/b cheap enough to be expendable, lost or stolen. Having a remote in every room makes more sense than carrying one around the house. The bedroom might be a good place to turn everything off or on but most all remotes can not be interactive,that is,telling the remonte what a component is doing or playing,(another issue). We still need smarter remotes that can find the unique codes of their clients automatically. As far as IR and RF are concerned I don't think it should be inclusive as are many remotes.

I'm excited about this remote. I've done a lot of installations in customers homes and love the Logitech Harmony devices. It's pretty much as they say, program it and training takes about ten minutes and the customers just get it. Now I install more 659's then I do the 880 or 890 simply because many of my customers are a little older and the small screens on the 880 and 890 are too small for them to read. Then add a graphic and "my god" you can't see anything. I like the bigger screen option here as well as the larger size. When someone pays $400 - 500 for a remote, they get a little disappointed when I show up with a small hand held. They love it in the end, but it isn't as impressive. I think the 1000 answers those needs as well. What I don't like is that the for the price the RF extender is not included! A large majority of my large build-outs places the AV equipment behind closed doors which forces me to use the RF extender. It works great too. Add these two items up and we've jumped to a $250.00 uplift from the 890 to the 1000.

PLEASE READ. Just getting through buying a Sony 4000, a Phillips Pronto, Harmony 880 AND 550, and yes EVEN a Palm (to download a remote program) ...All to try in hopes I would be able to enjoy the entertainment devices I own. I chose the Harmony 720 (a little known remote) that is PERFECT for my needs. I own a Panny TH-50PH9UK, Sony cx955V (400 disk DVD changer) Yahama 5.1 surround, Westinghouse 37 inch LCD PC/TV, TWC SA-800HD, and a DVD-R from Insignia. I found the ON SCREEN display to be great on the 720 (6 options/page) GREAT lcd display (color) 200.00 which has an EXCELLENT price point (unlike 380.00 or even 280.00 for the 800 series)... BUT, the question is about the 1000. Yes, I will buy it. I believe in harmony's products and their amazing support (though a bit long to get to a live person) and...once it was tweaked the 1000 can only improve my possibilities and increase the ease of use. PLEASE READ ON... ...I do urge anyone reading/thinking in buying a harmony. UNDERSTAND, it does take time (about 12 hours straight through...and 5 on/off hours) and patience to complete it. It can do EVERYTHING you need and once in my hands I'm sure I will appreciate the 1000. The lack of hard buttons will be the only factor for me. But it you have no need for a touch screen and enjoy hard buttond, this is NOT for you, please look into the 720. Me? ...I'm so thrilled to have either. And have no question that I will continue with their products. Thank you Logitec. I wish you all luck and if you have any questions that I might offer advice to please ask. Thank you Tommy Long Myrtle Beach SC ww05002@yahoo.com