Home > Consumer Reviews > Logitech Harmony 510 Advanced Universal Remote Control

My biggest problem was I had both a DVD player and A Blu-Ray player. I couldn't find a universal remote that would operate both, and most of them wouldn't operate my Blu-Ray at all. I knew that the Logitech remotes would, but I was hessitant to buy one because of the bad reviews that other harmony's have gotten. I haven't had this remote a long time but so far I've had no trouble.

The 510 not only operates both my DVD and my Blu-Ray independently, but has the ability to control all of the buttons that are on the original remotes. Thus making it so I don't have to go looking for my original remotes because I might find my self needing a key that this one won't perform. I'm now able to store away my other remotes.

Set up was actually easier than expected but still took a while. This is my fault. If you know how you want things set up it's fast and easy. The key is to make up your mind before you start. And, once you get esed to it navigation is quite simple.

However I do have three things I don't like about it.

1. It can only control 5 devices. Fortunatly for me I only need one that controlls 5. But, if i have to add another device, I'm stuck. I didn't get the one that controls more because I've read about too much trouble.

2. I don't care for the ergonomics. There's nothing wrong with the shape until you get to the bottom of the remote. There are four open buttons that can be assigned however you want. But, I need to use both hands to push them without the remote falling out of my hands. Now, even though this is trivial. it's still an issue

3. The help button. This is nice. It is used when something didn't work properly. When you push it. The remote will ask you a series of questions, and then fix the problem. Sounds simple enough, So what's the problem? The problem is I have to use it way too much. This remote would be most effective if it would do all that it should without needing to innitiate correction.

Over-all it's a great remote. And, even though it's not perfect, it's still the best remote I've ever had. But, because I believe there is still room for improvement I'm only giving it 4 stars instead of 5. But really it should be 4 and a half.

Good Looking, Affordable, and programs easily:

This remote is sleek looking, though it is hard to tell from the pictures. It fits very nicely in the hand and works as advertised. The programming is the easiest it has ever been. All you need is your component model numbers and which input your devices are connected to, the software will do the rest. All you do is answer questions and the software guides you through the programming. I bought and programmed 2 harmony remotes; Harmony One (6 components) and this 510 (3 components). The programming software worked flawlessly each time. Unless you are completely clueless about your system, you should be able to program this, no problem. Gone are the days of programming by a series of pressing and holding certain buttons.

Four Customizable Color buttons

This remote is unique in that it has the four colored buttons at the bottom that will control whatever you like. For example I like to us the "Sleep" function at night on my tv, so I program it to one of these. Or if you have unique buttons on your Cable DVR like "Live TV" or "My DVR" or "Prev/Last" on your TV. You can program any botton, it will even let the 510 learn it from an existing remote if necessary.

Harmony 510 vs Harmony One

If you want your main activities buttons or these extra buttons on your remote in a touch screen get the Harmony One, if not this is a very affordable alternative and does virtually ever function, just without the touch screen. It is also sometimes easier and takes up less room to not have to worry about a charger (ie One). YOu shouldn't to change batteries maybe once a year, twice at most.

Help/Troubleshoot Feature:

Another awesome feature is the help. Lets say you are using your remote and something doesn't turn off or on, just hit the Help button, it will ask you questions until it fixes the problem, very cool.

Bottom Line:
Easy, Affordable, Sleek, You just have to press "ONE" button to do any task, Watch TV, Watch Movie, Play Wii, etc AND most importantly you can put you don't need a pile of remotes on your coffee table anymore!!!!

After reading several reviews of this product I decided to buy the Harmony 510. I was looking at more expensive models, but I only need to program 5 devices. The remote works better than anticipated and was really easy to program. I am very happy with this product. I have a brand new Samsung LN 52A850 and Blu Ray player and the remote is able to do all of the functions for both devices. It also works great with my X Box and cable box. In fact the activities button allows you to program different devices for different activities. For example when I want to watch a Blu Ray movie and I press the watch DVD activity--the remote turns on my TV and sets it to HDMI 2, it also turns on my surround sound and sets it to the Blu Ray player, it then turn on the Blu Ray and open the tray to insert the disk. All of this with one button. For $50 you cannot beat it.

This remote does what it says. It was easy to set up and and works without any problem. The onscreen prompts and instructions are helpful and have taken care of any issues I encountered, such as a device not turning on as needed. I am only controlling three devices, TV, Blu-ray player and cable box/dvr. This until can control up to 5 devices.

There are a couple of things I don't like about it. The volume and change channel controls are in a horseshoe shape in the lower middle of the unit. The controls are almost flush with the background, making them hard to feel in a darkened room. I also don't like that the number keys are way down on the bottom of it unit. It makes it hard to press the buttons using one hand. The individual number buttons are also close together, making it a little difficult to press a particular button without hitting others too.

If I had it to do over, I'd look more carefully at some of the higher priced units. Somethings you just don't know until you start to use the unit.

I had been interested in a Harmony remote for a long time, but could never justify spending over $100 for a remote control. [...].

Yes, this remote only controls up to 5 devices. But that's all I have, and don't plan on getting any more. Even when I get a blu-ray player, it'll just replace my DVD player. I see this remote working for me for quite some time.

Here's a run-down of my set-up:

Mitsubishi 65-inch rear projection TV
Onkyo Receiver
Zenith upconverting DVD player
TiVo HD
Tekkeon NavDock iPod dock

The Harmony recognized all of these devices and setup was a breeze. I also love that you can change the default remote setup, if you feel more comfortable with a different button layout. I actually used the red and green buttons for the "thumbs down/thumbs up" TiVo buttons. I've been using TiVo remotes as my primary remotes for yeas, so this layout took a little bit of time to get adjusted to... But I am running full steam ahead now.

The whole "activities" concept is really brilliant. Just press one button and everything is done for you. Tv is turned on and set to correct input, Same with receiver, etc.

I'll address some of the Cons of this remote:
- Only controls five devices - anyone who buys this remote should know this going in, so this should not catch anyone by surprise.
- Batteries are not rechargeable - I actually prefer this. I don't want to have to remember to place my remote on a charging dock every night. And I bought some Eneloop rechargeable batteries that I use only for this remote.
- Number buttons too small - this would really be my only complaint. But it's not that bad. I do have big hands, and the buttons should definitely be bigger, but it is not a deal-breaker by any means. [...].

I would recommend this remote to anyone, and actually already have to numerous people.