6. How It Works, Continued

Finally, you can see the things that happen as this Activity is selected. Remember I set this Activity up previously. So, all you're seeing here are the settings I made then. As you can see an Activity includes what is required when turning on and initially setting up the associated devices. Everything that happens when you press the buttons on the remote while actually using the Activity's devices is derived from the online database and transparently sent to the remote when you ask the software to update the remote.

Click the image for a larger version.

Conclusions

Though it has a few annoying limitations, Logitech's Harmony 890 works very well. It's especially suited to those who don't want to juggle a bunch of remote controls when operating a complex audio-visual system. For example, it gives my wife a sense of mastery over our system that was lost with the replacement of our simple standard definition TV and Tivo box by a set of fantastic, but difficult to manage hi def components.

Harmony remotes come in a variety of prices and capabilities. The 890 is a more complex remote; only the Harmony 1000 is more costly and feature filled. If you're considering a Harmony remote, check out the features at www.logitech.com and see which product best meets your need.

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