EasyManua.ls Logo

Logitech Harmony 659 - User Manual

Logitech Harmony 659
11 pages
Print Icon
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Loading...
600-Series Harmony Remote
User Manual version 1.2
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Logitech Harmony 659 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Introduction to Harmony Remote

Understanding Your Harmony Remote

Beginning the Setup Process

Using Your Harmony Remote

Selecting an Activity

View activities and select one to start.

Switching Between Activities

Change to a different activity by pressing a button.

Displaying Help on Your Harmony Remote

Troubleshoot activity issues by using the remote's help feature.

Controlling Individual Devices

Device Mode

Access all commands for a specific device, useful for direct control.

Sound Mode

Control sound features of a selected device, such as volume and EQ.

Picture Mode

Control picture features of a selected device, like brightness and contrast.

Customizing Your Harmony Remote

Customizing the Activity Buttons

Assign specific activities to dedicated buttons on the remote.

Changing the Behavior of Buttons Within an Activity

Modify button functions to control specific device actions within an activity.

Adding Custom Buttons and Learning Commands

Adding Custom-Labeled Buttons

Add custom buttons with specific labels to devices or activities.

Learning Infrared (IR) Commands

Teach the remote new commands from original device remotes.

Additional Help and Troubleshooting

Finding Answers to Your Questions

Utilize search, FAQs, user manual, and help button for support.

Troubleshooting Your Harmony Remote

Use the troubleshoot tool for system control issues.

Overview

The Logitech 600-Series Harmony Remote is an Internet-powered universal remote control designed to simplify the control of your home entertainment system. It can control most devices that understand infrared (IR) signals, offering a streamlined experience for managing multiple entertainment components.

Function Description

The Harmony remote's primary function is to consolidate the control of various entertainment devices into a single, easy-to-use remote. Instead of juggling multiple remotes for your TV, DVD player, stereo receiver, and other components, the Harmony remote allows you to control them all from one device. It achieves this by using an online setup process where you provide information about your entertainment devices and how they are configured.

A key feature of the Harmony remote is its "Activities" concept. An Activity is a set of commands that the remote sends to your entertainment system to turn on and configure the necessary devices for a specific task, such as "Watch Television" or "Watch a DVD." When you select an Activity, the Harmony remote automatically sends the appropriate power-on, input selection, and other commands to all the devices involved in that Activity. For example, in the "Watch a DVD" Activity, the remote might turn on your TV, DVD player, and stereo receiver, set the TV to the correct input for the DVD player, and configure the stereo receiver for surround sound.

The remote's buttons are dynamically configured based on the selected Activity. This means that when you're in "Watch a DVD" mode, the volume buttons might control your stereo receiver, while the channel buttons might be inactive or control a different device if applicable. This intelligent button mapping eliminates the need to manually switch between device modes for common functions.

The Harmony remote also includes a "Help" feature, which is designed to assist you when your entertainment system gets "out of sync." If, for instance, one device fails to turn on or switch inputs correctly during an Activity, the Help button can guide you through a re-synchronization process. This is particularly useful if an IR signal was blocked or missed during the Activity startup.

Beyond Activities, the remote offers "Device Mode," which allows you to directly control individual devices. While the Harmony remote is designed to minimize the need for Device Mode through Activity customization, it provides a way to access all possible commands for a specific device. Similarly, "Sound Mode" and "Picture Mode" allow you to focus on controlling the sound or picture features of your chosen audio or video display device, respectively, within any Activity.

Usage Features

Using the Harmony remote involves a straightforward online setup process. After installing the Logitech Harmony remote software, you connect your remote to your computer via a USB cable. The software then guides you through a series of questions about your entertainment devices, their brands, models, and how they are connected. This information is used to build a personalized configuration for your remote.

The setup process includes:

  • Login Information: Creating your user account.
  • Check Connection: Ensuring communication between your computer and the remote.
  • Set Up Devices: Providing details about each component in your home theater system. If a device is not in the Harmony remote's database, the software can learn its commands from your original remote.
  • Set Up Activities: Defining how your devices work together for various tasks (e.g., "Watch Television," "Listen to Music"). You specify which devices are used in each Activity and how you want to control features like volume.
  • Update Remote: Downloading your personalized settings to the Harmony remote.

Once configured, selecting an Activity is as simple as pressing one of the dedicated Activity buttons or navigating through the "More Activities" menu on the remote's display. The remote's display buttons, located at the side of the screen, are used to select corresponding commands or Activities shown on the display.

The remote features several standard and specialized buttons:

  • Activity Buttons: For quick selection of your favorite Activities.
  • OFF Button: Turns off all devices with a single press.
  • Help Button: Initiates the troubleshooting process if devices are out of sync.
  • Device Button: Switches to Device Mode for direct control of individual components.
  • Menu, Exit, Guide, Info Buttons: Provide access to device-specific menu systems, program listings, and additional information, if supported by your devices.
  • Sound and Picture Buttons: Switch to Sound Mode or Picture Mode for focused control of audio or video settings.
  • Glow Button: Activates the backlight for use in dim environments.

Customization is a core aspect of the Harmony remote. Through the Harmony remote software, you can:

  • Customize Activity Buttons: Assign specific Activities to dedicated buttons or organize them under the "More Activities" option.
  • Change Button Behavior: Modify what commands specific buttons send within an Activity. This allows you to tailor the remote's functionality to your preferences, for example, assigning a specific input command to a button that isn't typically used for that function.
  • Add Custom-Labeled Buttons: Create new buttons on the remote's display with custom labels and assign specific commands to them. This is useful for commands that don't have a dedicated physical button.
  • Learn Infrared (IR) Commands: If a command for one of your devices is not in the Harmony remote's database, you can teach the remote new commands directly from your original device remote using the infrared learning port. This involves pointing your original remote at the Harmony remote's IR sensor and pressing the desired button. The learned command is then uploaded to the Harmony database and can be assigned to any button or custom label.

Maintenance Features

The primary maintenance for the Harmony remote involves keeping its software configuration up-to-date and ensuring its battery is charged (for models with rechargeable batteries). The "Update Remote" function in the Harmony remote software is crucial for applying any changes you make to your configuration, such as adding new devices, Activities, or customizing button behaviors. Regular updates ensure the remote operates with your latest settings.

Troubleshooting is facilitated by the remote's "Help" button and the Harmony remote software. If your devices are not responding consistently, the Help button on the remote can guide you through a series of questions to diagnose and fix common synchronization issues. This often involves ensuring line-of-sight between the remote and your devices, removing obstructions, or confirming that the remote is pointed correctly.

For more in-depth troubleshooting or if you encounter persistent issues, the Harmony remote software provides additional resources:

  • Search Function: A keyword search tool for finding answers to specific questions.
  • FAQs (Frequently-Asked Questions): A searchable list of common customer questions and answers from Harmony's support center.
  • User Manual: The comprehensive guide explaining the remote's concepts, setup, and usage.
  • Help Button (in software): Provides context-specific help within the setup process.
  • Troubleshoot Tool (in software): A dedicated tool for diagnosing and resolving issues when the Harmony remote is not controlling your system correctly.

If all self-help options are exhausted, the manual directs users to contact the Harmony Support Team for further assistance.

The Harmony remote's design emphasizes ease of use and adaptability, making it a powerful tool for managing complex home entertainment systems with minimal effort. Its ability to learn new commands and its customizable Activity-based control system ensure that it can evolve with your entertainment setup.

Logitech Harmony 659 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandLogitech
ModelHarmony 659
CategoryRemote Control
Device TypeUniversal Remote Control
DisplayLCD
Programmable ButtonsYes
Macro SupportYes
Backlit ButtonsYes
Compatible DevicesTV, DVD, Cable, Satellite
Control MethodInfrared (IR)
Battery TypeAA

Related product manuals