Logitech Harmony 880

Pros: Very nice interface, relatively easy to program, works on most components, makes multiple operations super simple with single button-press, even your family will get it.

Cons: Programming is quirky, requires internet connection to download component database, some equipment never works properly, doesn't always keep up with newer equipment releases. Volume control may fail after warranty period expires.

Summary: The simple user interface (eight plain-English selection buttons and supporting commands) makes multiple button presses and arcane programming a thing of the past. But the simple functionality is sometimes marred by quirks that prevent the remote from successfully taking command of some devices. This ranges from very old gear (refused to control switching and volume on a Bang & Olufsen component BeoMaster system) to very new (doesn't properly command the recent LG BD390 Blu-Ray players).

Also a negative: whereas Logitech previously had phone desk hotlines which users could call to speak directly to technical support staff and have support reprogram their remotes as they spoke, this service is now discontinued, and out-of-warranty users have no alternative but to use the public forums and hope that someone knows how to fix their problems. Unfortunately, that means that Logitech has less input to correct their programming since users can't help to troubleshoot hardware settings with staff.

Finally, and this seems to be a problem especially for late 2000s 880 models, the volume control on the remote is a rocker switch, and I've had two remotes fail after less that 2 years (each) of use. While I can press the control to lower volume, I must mash and hold the button to raise volume. I returned the first as a warranty repair; the second, can't do anything but replace it at my expense. What it does right is great, what it does wrong is frustrating.