Logitech Harmony One Advanced

Pros: Easy to use touchscreen, programming software, completely customizable soft buttons, Onscreen help via Remote Assistant

Cons: Gloss finish shows fingerprints (ALOT), menu layouts for the devices a little confusing at first

Summary: This is my first true Universal Remote, and I must say that I am impressed so far.

Initial programming was a very straightforward process for me. The software asks simple questions not only about your gear, but also how they interact with one another for each specific activity. The only caveat is you MUST know how your gear is connected, i.e. the dvd player is connected to the dvd input or component 1 input.

Initial programming and testing took me about an hour and a half, only because the remote was having trouble switching source inputs on my tv and couldn't figure out how to turn on power to the XBox. A troubleshooting section in the software was able to remedy both issues though.

All the labels are customizable, which helps when you have multiple devices that play video (DVD, XBox, PS3, AppleTV). (The PS3 does not have an IR sensor, so Harmony Remotes are useless for PS3 function. I do have complete control of my AppleTV, however.)

The Activities are completely under your control as well. You can create whatever activity you want by answering a few simple questions about your devices and the software makes all the changes.

The touchscreen function is phenomenal! All of your activities are located on the screen and with the touch of soft button, you can powerdown your dvd player, turn the satellite box on, change the input on the tv and receiver and your golden. The most common functions for the current activity are located on physical buttons beneath the touchscreen, so there is very little hand sliding up and down the remote looking for the volume and channel buttons. The button layout is also a plus.

One of the best features is the onscreen Remote Assistant. If watching a dvd causes you to perform multiple functions and the tv doesn't change to the proper input, pressing the Help key does exactly that, it helps. The remote asks you simple questions, Is the tv on?, Is the DVD player on?, and so on until it finds a device not set properly based on your input. It will then resend that command to the device until the setting is correct. This is extremely beneficial when your tech terrified girlfriend calls you at work because she can't get General Hospital on tv, or she can see it but can't hear it.

I've been using the remote for a couple of days and I am very pleased so far. The girlfriend likes it as well, which makes life easier all the way around for me.

Now the bad: The glossy finish shows fingerprints and smudges way to easily. It comes with a micro fiber cloth to wipe it down, but I have found myself wiping it alot.

Touchscreen is way too sensitive out of the box. A very light brush across the screen was activating several functions. Fortunately though, there is a sensitivity setting that you can manipulate (Once you find it, that is).

I have also noticed that my girlfriend had to use two hands at times. She has small hands and was holding it near the touchscreen while entering channel numbers which are near the bottom. She has also had to use two hands when using the touchscreen. It's not a deal breaker, but maybe something to consider for some buyers.