Logitech Harmony 200

MARCHANDS	€
Amazon.co.uk	18.32
Pc world	19.99




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Caractéristiques
Buttons	46
Supported devices	3
Dimensions	N.A. v70
Weight	180 g

Régis Jehl
Translator: Catherine Barraclough
Test date: October 4, 2011

Activity Controls

Logitech's Harmony remotes can be used in two ways: either via the traditional method where you choose the device you want to control and then start using it, or via an automated 'activities' mode, which is based on a series of macros.

These macros can be used to bring together all of the actions you need to get your hardware up and running at the touch of a button. You can, for example, define an activity called 'Watch a Blu-ray disc', then the remote will start by switching on your TV, before selecting the right video input, turning on your speakers and finally powering up your Blu-ray player and start playing the film.

All of this happens at the touch of a button and, once you've started an activity, you can then decide how the other buttons react. In our example, you might say that Play, Pause and Stop are sent to the Blu-ray player while any volume adjustments go directly to the amp.

Then, when the film's over, a press on the 'Power' button switches off all your hardware simultaneously—it couldn't be simpler!

We've already reviewed the Logitech Harmony 300i universal remote, which we liked for its simplicity, its functions and its low price. Now the Swiss manufacturer is back again with the Harmony 200, an even cheaper option that can only be used to control up to three devices.

Although the Harmony 200 sells for under £30, Logitech hasn't scrimped on build quality. The plastics used are excellent quality, as are all the buttons, and two Duracell-branded AA batteries are included with the remote.

That said, we do find this remote a bit big, bulky and heavy for our linking. However, this chunky design does mean that the remote is easy to hold and to grip onto ... so long as you don't have very small hands.

Three Devices, One Activity

You can only use the Harmony 200 to control up to three different devices. It uses the same device configuration system as the Harmony 300i (see review for more detailed information). That means you'll need to use a computer to set this remote up via a web browser.

The software is much more simple than that seen in other Harmony products, but still allows you to assign functions to individual buttons, among other things. Finally, a 'Watch TV' button can be set to launch one user-configured 'activity' (see inset).

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Logitech Harmony 200

Pluses

Easier to set up than other Harmony remotes

Good build quality

Minuses

Buttons aren't backlit

Only supports one user-defined activity

Can't be recharged (AA batteries rather than docking station)

Computer required for configuration

No screen

This is an excellent universal remote for anyone who simply wants to replace a broken remote or swap three product remotes for one. Don't pay too much attention to the Harmony 200's overall score, which is based on standard criteria (screen, RF compatibility etc.), as this is above all a great-value, no-nonsense product with a decent range of functions.