Control of the devices is simple and works every time

I tried the Harmony Smart Control first but that unit would not work because I needed a remote with a built-in IR blaster to control the TV

Another learning experience is that if you want to make the slightest change to the way the remote controls your devices it will erase your favorites settings, the ones it took you 30 minutes to set up

I owned the Harmony Smart Control, too, so I thought it would be helpful to list the key benefits of this remote over the more basic Smart Control for those interested on a consumer's take:1

Using the included smart control hub, I am able to use included IR blasters to reach IR equipment that is not reachable by the remote.

But that's what I love about it -- the great amount of options and controls available to customize a huge array of equipment configurations

She hates the multiple remote controls we have

But now the actual controls on top of the touch screen are unnecessary, I never liked the layout for the top bottoms but now it doesn't matter

I love the touch screen and the gesture controls.

(Logitech Harmony Smart Control)I have used the Harmony iPhone app and while it is functional I do not prefer it

Really all you get for $200 that I can tell is a touchscreen on the remote and a bulkier remote control with a battery you have to keep charged.

I wa a looking at the Logitech Smart Control that only controlled 8 devices and would not control the ps3, no rechargeable remote (the remote takes batteries), but your phone can be the remote

The AVR and cable box remotes were "universal" types but never did a good job, neither would recognize all of my many different brand and ages of hardware, and when they did "see" a particular device the controls were limited to basic functions

It is the best remote control on the market to me.

The RF hub solved my problems with IR remote signals giving very inconsistent control

Functionally this remote is pretty similar to the Logitech Harmony Smart Control with Smartphone App and Simple Remote (see my review of that as well)

I do agree with many of the other reviewers that the ergonomics don't feel quite right when trying to use the top media controls, but I can't find much else to complain about

The controls are very intuitive and the touch screen easy to navigate.

My hubby likes electronics that are complicated, while I prefer elegant simplicity and ergonomic controls.

The touch screen still worked, and the buttons on the bottom end of the controller still worked, but the all-important media control buttons just kept forgetting what they were supposed to do

Great control conceptually

I previously used the Logitech 1100, which had great touch screen controls

The controls are clumsy and inaccurate, producing undesired results

The speed of commands is much better than before.- Integrated Bluetooth for PS3 and Wii users (and it can pair/control a Wii for basic things)- Integrated Harmony Link functionality (but it requires a separate app)- Return of

One downside compared to the Smart Control

This remote control is worth -- maybe -- $50

For me, I'm torn between the Smart Control and Ultimate as two polar choices about what to do about the touch screen, integrate or use your existing.

Some devices (such as a Pelican System Selector Pro) don't turn on consistently due to too many strong IR signals, and control of my Denon AVR is spotty

I use this in our home theater room, and it easily controls the projector in that room, and all the electronics in the next room, a Sony AV receiver, a Cox cable box, Sony Blu-ray, as well as the Lutron Lighting controls for the wall sconces and even the Lasco space heater for the room.

As far as the details of what I think of the Harmony Ultimate, well, I've owned many remote controls before, including both the previous generation Harmony 890 and 900

I got it installed ...and hated the tedious process that gave me less comfortable control than 8 dedicated remotes

If you want to add home automation and fine control, look elsewhere.

screen.4) Eliminate the "Favorites" screen and replace it with a list of the user's "Devices".Update 2014-02-23: After another reviewer recommended the Logitech Smart Control, I bought one of those to replace a dying Harmony One, and I have been very happy with it.

I love the easy to use and accurate touch control as well as how surprisingly light the remote feels in my hand.

Logitech Harmony Touch Universal Remote with Color Touchscreen - Black (915-000198) then buy the Harmony extender with non touch simple remote Logitech 915-000194 Harmony Smart Control with Smartphone App and Simple Remote - Black

It is not nearly as robust as a remote control must be

I had to rearrange things and even now the control isn't perfect.

It comes with a base station that allows for ps3 control as well.

All the more reason for me to get a proper remote control system

So ultimately the remote control works well, but not without having to go through a process

If you are looking for a easy way to simplify your controls look no further

I wanted to like this remote control

The Ultimate is used in conjunction with a Smart Control for nearly flawless control of two entertainment setups

Since I am using the hub to control components in a closet, I lose control over those components.

It Does a great Job controling my gadgets, I using it in substitution of my Harmony

I really like the build and feel of the cheaper Logitech 915-000194 Harmony Smart Control with Smartphone App and Simple Remote - Black

The Ultimate has its own built-in IR blaster to turn on your TV, while the Smart Control relies exclusively on the hub (which is important if the hub is behind a wall, like in my situation).2

The support question was properly diagnosed by their experienced support person, and had to do with disabling the feedback control of the receiver and PS3 by the Sony TV via the HDMI control channel.

Over all I love the remote and the additional control via the smartphone app

The less expensive Harmony remote that I first tried Logitech 915-000194 Harmony Smart Control with Smartphone App and Simple Remote - Black didn't have an RF transmitter built into

This remote includes an IR transmitter right on the remote (not found on the Logitech 915-000194 Harmony Smart Control with Smartphone App and Simple Remote - Black), so you can have the remote use RF for some components and IR for others.

This is truly a "smart" remote control

So, if I were you I would skip the Harmony ultimate and just the Harmony Smart Control instead, for touchscreen just use the app on your phone

Ok I know what you are thinking, this is a really expensive remote control.

but you can do almost the same with the Harmony Smart Control which it's a cheaper solution depending on everyone needs

I picked up the Harmony Ultimate to replace a Harmony Smart Control....which is also an excellent RF remote control but does not have backlit buttons, which I found I needed

The Harmony Smart Control is an interesting alternative with RF and usable physical buttons.

Just like the Harmony Smart Control, you'll need internet connectivity for this to work

Like most having multiple remote controls is just cumbersome, especially when many of them are not backlit.

Since English is usually 1 up from None, this works quite well to turn subtitles on and off, and also permits you to cycle through any of the other languages (Thermian, anyone?).The remote has a modest set of hard buttons that meet 95%+ of the usual needs, and a touch screen that can eventually navigate to any really arcane controls for your equipment.

Best Remote Control for the Money!

For more than a decade, Harmony has been diligently wrestling order from a chaotic control universe, and they've succeeded better than anyone else

The Ultimate can support tons of activities while the Smart Control only has three buttons for activities.5

I had the opportunity to get both this remote and the Logitech 915-000194 Harmony Smart Control with Smartphone App and Simple Remote - Black and let me tell you, both remotes do the same things with the exception this remote has a built in touch screen which is very nice

With the Smart Control, you pretty much have to rely on an app instead of the remote.6

The control itself looks nice but its design is flawed in so many ways.

This is more convenient remote comparing to aged Harmony One control I had for the past year or so

Now the remote control doesn't work at all, just a screen with the model number on it and all the buttons are dead

The Ultimate comes with two IR blaster arms for the hub, where the Smart Control only comes with one (though you can purchase another separately).4

A touch enabled field which can used to swipe to perform an activity (i.e. swipe right for channel up)You can also access more specific controls via a series of menus, for instance if you want to change the HDMI input, or, unfortunately, access a keypad

It works flawlessly with my media devices including controlling my PC via bluetooth

This remote will itself send an IR signal, as opposed to the Smart Control where the remote has no IR, only wireless to the base

The control is very responsive and you can do anything from the phone that you could have done from the remote in hand.

so your index finger can work the controls