Logitech has revealed its new Harmony 885 remote control that it claims is aiming at the HDTV and Personal Video Recorders. Following is the company's Press Release:
"Logitech has unveiled a new universal remote control optimised for people buying complicated new high-definition TVs and personal video recorders (PVRs).
With a large colour display, the new Logitech® Harmony® 885 advanced remote control offers enhanced navigation that simplifies the use of these new home-entertainment systems. Slated for availability in April, the new remote is the first to leverage Logitech’s renowned design expertise to make the Harmony remote even more stylish and intuitive, so home-entertainment can be fun and relaxing.
“People buying a high-definition TV today are likely to be frustrated by all the adjustments they have to make every time they simply want to switch from watching a TV program to watching a DVD,” said Bryan McLeod, vice president of Logitech’s remote control division. “These new home-entertainment devices are complicated, especially for the family. The Harmony 885 remote can take the headaches and confusion away.”
Maintaining the same comfort-grip design as previous models of Harmony remotes, the new Harmony 885 features a vibrant, colour LCD and finely sculpted buttons that make selecting an activity a breeze. Colourful icons now accompany text on the LCD screen to allow for quick and easy command of home entertainment equipment. The remote is also rechargeable, eliminating the need to change batteries. When the remote is not in use, it rests on an attractive charging platform. Those with an eye for design will also be drawn to the polished chrome directional pad and buttons, contrasted by the remote’s glossy black and brushed grey finishes.
The Harmony remote solves a problem that is prevalent in the modern-day living room: too many complicated remote controls. It has the ability to control any component with an infrared receiver. After an intuitive, Internet-powered setup, any family member or guest can use the Harmony remote without guesswork or frustration. Selecting an activity – such as watching a DVD or watching TV – requires pressing just one button.
Logitech’s patented Smart State Technology allows the Harmony remote to easily control a home entertainment system by knowing how components are connected, the status of each device and any given time, and how to direct each component.
The colour display has eight buttons, four located on the left and right sides, which together serve as a personalised activity control centre. During setup, background images can be downloaded to fit personal preference. To optimise visual navigation, on-screen icons and text describe specific activities, such as watching TV or listening to music. The remote is fully backlit so it’s easy to navigate in the dark. When their eyes are glued to the television, people can find useful buttons effortlessly, by touch. The primary navigation controls – such as play, pause, record and the number buttons – are easily identified by feel due to their varied size, shape and location.
With rechargeable lithium ion batteries, the Harmony 885 remote will never require new batteries. Meanwhile, the stylish recharging station provides a home for the remote so that the whole family knows where to put and find it. Oriented horizontally, the recharging platform fits in a subtle, yet attractive manner on either a side table, or atop the entertainment stack.
Smart State Technology
Powered by the patented Smart State Technology, Harmony remote controls are
designed to work the way people think, requiring just one click of a button
to initiate a home-entertainment activity. For example, to watch TV on a
satellite system with a personal video recorder (PVR), the TV, receiver,
satellite, and PVR box may all have to be powered up and set to the right
inputs. A Harmony remote can send all of the appropriate infrared (IR) commands
with one touch. Without the Harmony remote, the activity might require pressing
10 or more buttons on several remote controls.
All Harmony remotes are Internet-powered: they use a USB connection to interface with the PC. They are easily programmed through a shared, online database containing information about tens of thousands of home stereo equipment and remote controlled devices. All Harmony customers have their own online home page that details their exact setup, which can easily be updated or modified when they purchase new equipment for the system.
Pricing and Availability
The Harmony 885 remote is expected to be available from May in Europe. The
suggested UK retail price is expected to be £179.99."