Logitech discontinues Harmony remotes

They say they'll still update software and maintain support, but they're done manufacturing, and stock is limited to whatever stores currently have. Here's Logitech's own announcement.

I, for one, still love my Harmony 650, and I hope it has a long life now that it's irreplaceable.

Well sadly the rumors are true logitech is going to stop selling the harmony remote family, therefore those of us who have like the ease of use of programming the harmony remote now need another option.

I use a harmony Elite in my basement home theater, and the 6XX brand of harmony remotes in my family room and in our bedroom.

Let’s start looking at solutions, share ideas.

Desire not to pay a programmer or integrator either.

I use URC remotes. Mine require an integrator, though the software is floating around the internet... In my case, the company that did the original integration went out of business so I wrote the company, was given a form to fill out, and they gave me the software.

In any case, I’m also interested in whether there is any real alternative to Harmony - it doesn’t appear there really is at this point.

cmaier said:

I use URC remotes. Mine require an integrator, though the software is floating around the internet... In my case, the company that did the original integration went out of business so I wrote the company, was given a form to fill out, and they gave me the software.

In any case, I’m also interested in whether there is any real alternative to Harmony - it doesn’t appear there really is at this point.

Is the URC an activity-based remote like the Harmony?

KBJ55 said:

Is the URC an activity-based remote like the Harmony?

Yep.

You hit a button for whatever source you’re interested in, and it turns everything on, sets all the inputs, etc. In my case I have two displays - a front projector and an OLED tv. So on the first screen I choose the display, and on the next screen I choose the source. But it’s completely customizable, so you could do “watch Apple TV on projector’ as an activity if you preferred.

So, as an example, when I choose the projector and Apple TV, it automatically dims the ceiling lights, lowers the projector screen, turns on the projector and the amp, sets the input on the amp to the 1080p Apple TV (i have a separate one for the 4k oled), etc. If I then choose to watch dish tv on the oled, it automatically raises the screen, turns off the projector, turns on the oled, etc.

That's good to know, thanks!

For me I do need a simple activity-based remote, both my dad and my mother-in-law use a harmony 6XX series. They have TV, sound bar, cable box, Blu-ray player. So I just need a simple solution that is still activity-based for them.
If either of their harmonies goes dead, need a quick replacement solution.

No I won’t buy a few 6XX remotes either now, rather have a different long-term solution for them when the time comes.

In for the big bucks with Crestron?

No DIY solutions out there unfortunately. URC, RTI, Control4, Crestron et al, all use a dealer base to install and program the systems.

Jason

Prices are rapidly increasing when still in stock. Elite just went up $50, when you can find one.

Typical!

I buy HomePods - Apple discontinues them.

I buy a Harmony Hub system - Logitech discontinued them.

Right, who’s up for paying me to stop buying ANY tech? 🤣

mtbdudex said:

No I won’t buy a few 6XX remotes either now....

The thought crossed my mind—at least to have one backup—but I didn't know if that was a little crazy. So I posted here and figured I might here about alternatives.

I wonder why Logitech feels the business isn't worthwhile, and if anyone else will jump into the space, or is it a declining sector with everyone getting a remote with their streaming services.

srbNYC said:

I wonder why Logitech feels the business isn't worthwhile, and if anyone else will jump into the space, or is it a declining sector with everyone getting a remote with their streaming services.

Someone posted on Reddit they heard there is a very high return rate on these, so that may be part of the issue. I'm guessing it is not a high volume product to begin with, then you factor in a lot of returns, and I can see where it would be tough to make money.

I am sort of a tech nerd, so have always been able to figure out how to setup my Harmony remotes, but I can see how people might feel overwhelmed with the setup and just return it.

Oh wow... basically my whole system is Harmony-based. I understand that it will keep working and being updated for now, but remotes do break occasionally. Also, when tech companies say things like, "Don't worry, we will keep supporting it for a long time," sometimes in the tech world "a long time" ends up being about two weeks. I'm not saying I don't believe Logitech, but I do feel quite cautious, especially since I don't know of any alternative.

Thank you for the info.

Any thoughts on this item? The typewriter-looking font in the first pic scares me, as does the fact that they include the word "Harmony" in the name of the item. Reviews are good but is that trustworthy?

https://www.amazon.com/Sofabaton-Universal-Control-Bluetooth-Multi-Command/dp/B08FXK18BY

(Sorry don't know how to get the link to show its preview.)

srbNYC said:

Any thoughts on this item? The typewriter-looking font in the first pic scares me, as does the fact that they include the word "Harmony" in the name of the item. Reviews are good but is that trustworthy?

https://www.amazon.com/Sofabaton-Universal-Control-Bluetooth-Multi-Command/dp/B08FXK18BY

(Sorry don't know how to get the link to show its preview.)

I was going to buy one to try it out but then I saw the below Sofabaton and I'm not sure what the difference is. I asked the question in the link you posted so hopefully someone has the answer. ----

It looks like one listing has the current discount on the price and the other doesn't, at least as far as I can tell. I went ahead and ordered it, should have it Wednesday.

From this Amazon review it looks like the macro function of this remote is not a replacement for "Activities" with Harmony. For example, I use my Harmony to turn on the AVR and switch to HDMI2, then turn on the TV, then turn on the cable box. It looks like the SofaBaton cannot do that, so it is a non-starter for me.

SofaBaton will allow you to program a Macro-function on the remote but the macros are limited to just that device. In other words, let's say you wanted to program a macro function for the TV. I can, for example, turn the TV on, change some of the TV's settings. It would be limited to the TV and to only the buttons available on the SofaBaton remote. You cannot turn that TV on, then turn the soundbar on, and then, let's say, change the TV to HDMI 2, and turn the DVD on to watch a DVD.

Yeah, it looks like you can reprogram device keys to a different device but it isn't an activity-based remote, you have to switch devices. I just canceled my order.

It looks to me like the expensive URC line is the only current replacement for Harmony.

KBJ55 said:

Yeah, it looks like you can reprogram device keys to a different device but it isn't an activity-based remote, you have to switch devices. I just canceled my order.

It looks to me like the expensive URC line is the only current replacement for Harmony.

Smart Home Automation & Control | URC Automation

Make a smart home personalized to enhance your life with URC's home automation system. Whole home control of entertainment, audio, lighting, security & more.

www.urc-automation.com

Click to expand...

Or Control4, or RTI, or even Crestron

Jason

JasonHB said:

Or Control4, or RTI, or even Crestron

Jason

Aren't those installer/programmer dependent though? I know URC is also hired programmer dependent or at least cost money to make changes but I feel fairly confidant I can get the URC software to do it myself.

KBJ55 said:

Aren't those installer/programmer dependent though? I know URC is also hired programmer dependent or at least cost money to make changes but I feel fairly confidant I can get the URC software to do it myself.

Yes they are, but as you say, URC is also technically installer/programmer based as well

You do stand more of a chance with URC as an end user though.

Jason

I was actually looking for something "more modern" haha, just recently and found this in the App Store. I haven't pulled the trigger, but I'm very tempted.

I love my Harmony Companion (and hub).

I can understand why Logitech are giving up on the products though - the hardware is great but the software is awful. Really awful. Plus many people buy it and then don't understand what an "activity based remote" is, get confused, and return it.

Not only is programming the remote irritating (creating sequences is tedious and there's no way to copy a sequence or activity for setting up a new similar one), but it often doesn't work. The home controls are meant to control Philips Hue (as one option). Most of the time, it doesn't work.

The iOS widget (old style) isn't at all customisable.

The hub hangs repeatedly unless you give it access to talk to some Logitech server somewhere.

Awful software.

I'm glad Logitech are giving up as there's now a chance they'll release a firmware such that the hub doesn't need permanent internet access to work reliably. Even better would be if they release the software so it can be open source and improved.

And they refused to update it for any MacOS that requires 64-bit.

As I say, the hardware is great, but Logitech appear to have given up on it years ago.

lostom said:

I was actually looking for something "more modern" haha, just recently and found this in the App Store.

‎MyURemote - Remote Control App

‎MyURemote is a powerful smart remote app with an easy to use interface. It supports a wide variety of remote control systems, from direct IP control (only long term protocols*), as well as IR or RS232 (e.g. Global Cache controllers using your network). MyURemote comes with a great set of...

apps.apple.com

I haven't pulled the trigger, but I'm very tempted.

Click to expand...

Looks like that app uses a hardware wifi to IR gateway like the product above. In the reviews, that gateway also works with the iRule and Roomie remote apps, so those might be good options for you also.