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Posted By: CV Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/13/09 04:05 AM
It's out! It's out! Not that I was asking for it.

Logitech Harmony Adapter for Playstation 3 (Amazon.com)
Posted By: HomeDad Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/13/09 05:06 AM
Smart decision by Logitech. If I didn't already have a device that I can use with my Harmony and PS3 I would have bought this in an instant.
Posted By: cb919 Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/13/09 11:43 AM
That's fantastic - I have been waiting for this. It's the final piece of the puzzle for one remote blu-ray operations for the family HT. Now, when will it be available in Canada? It's not on the Canadian Logitech site or Amazon.ca. Thanks for the update.
Posted By: PeterChenoweth Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/13/09 01:00 PM
Indeed!!

Thanks CV. I may soon be $60 poorer. ;\)

Yow... that is sort of expensive for what it is. I was expecting more in the $30ish range.

I've actually got one of those cheapie USB-IR dongles + remote for my PS/3. Given to me as a gift. It's really quite terrible. A 'real' BT + Harmony solution would be quite nice.
Posted By: EFalardeau Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/13/09 02:41 PM
The power on/off is neat. I have a 10$ gizmo that do all the other functions except those two (and which integrates seemlessly with my H.890).

Yet, 6 times the price... Hm... I will pass...
Posted By: PeterChenoweth Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/13/09 04:20 PM
Since the doodad connects via BT to the PS/3, I wonder if the PS/3 will just think it's another controller.

And if that's the case, I wonder if I could then play games with my Harmony remote.

EF, which $10 gizmo do you have? I'm curious as to which brand it is. I've tried mapping & teaching my Harmony the codes from my cheap-IR remote + dongle set. My H1 seems to learn & understand the codes correctly, but my PS3's response to the H1-generated codes is frustratingly inconsistent. The original cheapie IR remote isn't much better.

$60 isn't cheap. But I'm pretty seriously tempted. For no other reason than to have a solution that I know should 'just work'.
Posted By: Murph Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/13/09 04:35 PM
I'm interested too. I'm still leaning more towards one of the third party USB converters because I want to retain my tried and true URC RF300. An new Harmony would be expensive for me because I would need to get one of the higher end models with RF capabilities plus the extra matching Harmony RF to IR blaster.
Posted By: PeterChenoweth Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/13/09 05:15 PM
Well gang, I just ordered mine. I really like using my PS/3 as a DVD/BR player. And I love my Harmony One. So I'd like to use them together, effectively. While cheaper solutions exist, I've decided that I'd rather just cough up the $60 to have a 'complete' solution.

If anyone cares, I'll let you know how it works. Should be here by this weekend.
Posted By: cb919 Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 12:50 AM
Peter, the specs on the thing state it can handle with all 51 PS3 commands. Imagine - now you can browse the PlayStation store one handed with a beer in the other. What else are modern gadgets for?
Posted By: SirQuack Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 12:53 AM
Ok, I noticed Walmart had a Harmony remote the other day, can't remember the model#, I know it was not "The ONE". So my question, are the more affordable Harmonies good, or is "The One" not only a kick ass movie, but a great remote?
Posted By: cb919 Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 01:21 AM
Sirquack - all Harmony's accomplish the same tasks in the same way. The upper models (like the One) add in color touchscreen, the ability to program different wallpapers and different form factors. The functionality is the same although you may have more dedicated activity buttons available with one model over another.

I am a huge Harmony fan, but I would caution you to stay away from the 880 and 890 models. I made the mistake of purchasing the 880 for my father-in-law. The form factor looked cool, but that meant the buttons were not tactile enough for use by feel in a dark HT. Additionally there are charging cradle issues with these models as well.

I have a lower model (670) and have no issues - just need to swap 4 AAA batteries every month or so (I bought rechargeables for this)
Posted By: Ken.C Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 01:26 AM
My only hesitation about Harmonies after owning one for a few years is that there isn't an easy way to set up macros. Normally this doesn't matter much, but in some circumstances (multiroom, namely), it could come in handy.
Posted By: EFalardeau Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 01:29 AM
Sirquack, apart from button placement and number of programmable option, the larger price differences are linked to RF vs IR. For example, the 880 is IR only while the 890 has a RF/IR repeater which allows control from anywhere and very complex operation without having to point the remote or worry that someone will walk in front of the remote at an awkward moment, and also to control equipment hidden inside cabinets.
Posted By: HomeDad Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 02:03 AM
I have an 880 as well as the Harmony One, IMO the Harmony One is much better than the 880, better display, much better charging cradle and more attractive.

For those buying the Harmony PS3 device, $60.00 isn't bad considering last year I paid around $100.00 for the Shmartz PS3IR-PRO.
Posted By: MarkSJohnson Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 10:42 AM
 Originally Posted By: EFalardeau
worry that someone will walk in front of the remote at an awkward moment

Awkward Moment?

What types of stuff are you watching there, Eric? \:\)
Posted By: EFalardeau Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 11:05 AM
 Originally Posted By: MarkSJohnson
 Originally Posted By: EFalardeau
worry that someone will walk in front of the remote at an awkward moment

Awkward Moment?

What types of stuff are you watching there, Eric? \:\)

Since I am single, the real question is WHO would be walking in front of the remote!
Posted By: MarkSJohnson Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 11:25 AM
Who else?

The Pizza Delivery Girl!

{{Cue: Swanky Music}}
Posted By: PeterChenoweth Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 01:23 PM
 Originally Posted By: sirquack
Ok, I noticed Walmart had a Harmony remote the other day, can't remember the model#, I know it was not "The ONE". So my question, are the more affordable Harmonies good, or is "The One" not only a kick ass movie, but a great remote?


Yes.

As mentioned by others, I believe the only functional differences between the cheap and expensive Harmony's are a few features such as RF and the ability to control Z-Wave products. Though even that isn't universally true, as the One doesn't have RF and I'm pretty sure that it can't do the Z-Wave stuff either. But the expensive ones have other features, like color and/or touch screens, internal rechargable batteries, and perhaps better build quality. My One feels like a fairly substantial hunk of shiny plastic. My old 550 was fine, but it felt more or less like any good-quality standard OEM remote.

When looking to buy my One, I read of several not-so-great reviews of the 8xx series of Harmony's. Quibbles with rechargable batteries and durability. At the time, the One was new and didn't have a lot of reviews yet. But the few I found were all very positive. I have not regretted buying the One at all - it's been a wonderful addition to 'the system'.

I had a Harmony 550 for a couple of years. It was my first Harmony, replaced by the One. Picked it up on sale at a local shop for like $70 or so. It uses the same software and setup as the One. Same 'Activities', same macros, same everything. It worked great for a couple of years until the D-pad stopped working. Of course, *after* I bought the One to replace it I got brave and took the 550 apart, only to find that the D-pad problem was dust and couch-lint.

NBD, I'm quite happy with the One compared to the 550. Considering that this remote is one device that I touch daily (ahem -- shuush, peanut gallery), the design is of some importance to me. I like it's curvy design and good button layout & texture. The 550 was just sort of a brick with chicklets on it. The One feels good in the hand and the buttons are very intuitive to use.

So you could spend, say, $39 on a 520 and get the same control abilities as someone who spent $150+ on a One. Not only would that introduce you to the world of 'Harmony' without spending a lot of cash, but if/when you upgraded to a $$$ Harmony, it's done with a simple 'Upgrade Remote' button in the Harmony software ;\) .

And that, is my 1,000th post. I'm such a lightweight.
Posted By: PeterChenoweth Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 01:29 PM
If/when the One ever dies, I may have to replace it with ESPN's "Ultimate Remote". Though I wish it were a Harmony, because I'm used to programming them.

http://www.amazon.com/ESPN-Ultimate-Remote-Universal/dp/B00198LRPE

I'd just love to have a remote that gets email! ;\) Sometimes it's such a far reach to grab my iPhone or laptop that sits on the coffee table. \:D \:\/
Posted By: EFalardeau Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 02:01 PM
The PDG!
(that was a translation joke as "CEO" in the French business model is "PDG" for President Directeur General).
So this was an educative post!
Posted By: Murph Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 04:44 PM
Re: people walking in front of the remote.

That isn't a big issue for me but I'm a couple of weeks from being done of the new HT room and I choose to leave all my gear in an alcove in the old adjoining room. With RF, this is not a big deal at all as there are no displays I need to look at except maybe the Denon's during setup and it can be displayed via the projector, if need be.

Also nice not to have to hold it pointing in the correct direction while a longer macro plays out.
Posted By: MarkSJohnson Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 07:20 PM
I haven't posted this in a couple of years:

Posted By: EFalardeau Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 07:22 PM
Is it RF or do you need line of sight?
Posted By: PeterChenoweth Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/14/09 11:01 PM
That was fast shipping...


For some reason, it's much smaller than I thought it would be (Harmony One, a DVD, the dongle, and its AC adapter)...


Quite unobtrusive sitting next to the PS/3...


Trivial to set up. Plug it in, then you tell the PS/3 to register a new BT Remote, then press the connect button on the bottom of the dongle. Then you just add a 'PlayStation 3' device in the Logitech software & resync. Poof. Done.

I've been tinkering with it for 5 minutes now, and I'm quite happy with it. Zero lag time on key presses. It's kind of amazing how much more my PS/3 seems to 'fit in' with the rest of my system, now that it responds to "the One".

\:\)
Posted By: CV Re: Logitech Harmony adapter for PS3 - 05/15/09 05:22 AM
Very cool! I'm glad there's no lag time. That was something I was curious about.
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