Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3

What's turned out to be one of the most disappointing omissions regarding the PlayStation 3 has to be the lack of an IR (infrared) port. Getting the console to play nicely with a universal remote control has been quite infuriating, but we've tested some workarounds in the past. Those with Harmony universal remotes have looked to Logitech to come up with a solution, and the company has answered with the Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3. Setting up the device isn't completely painless (or cheap), but once up and running it does provide total control over your PS3 including the ability to power it on and off. In case you're wondering, no, the adapter won't work with any remote other than a Harmony.

Unfortunately, the adapter needs its own power source. Don't be worried about any extra charges on your energy bill, though. The device didn't even register on our watt meter, so those who are eco-conscious can sleep tight. The power cord provides about 8 feet of room to work with, allowing you to perfectly situate the adapter.

The reason the adapter needs its own power is because it can't draw any juice from a PS3 that is turned off since the console's USB ports go dead once in standby mode. It's that first Bluetooth signal that your Sixaxis controller sends to the console that turns it on, and the adapter is able to emulate that connection only with a separate power source. While we're not thrilled with the fact that you'll need yet another open outlet around your home theater system, it's nice to know you won't need to waste a USB port on your PS3.

Setting up the adapter with your PlayStation 3 is simple. With the adapter and your PS3 turned on, you'll navigate the PS3's XMB (cross media bar) to "settings" where you'll "add new BD accessory." With the sync screen displayed on your TV, you hit the "connect" button underneath the adapter and you've just paired the device with your console--easy enough.