If you are like me you have a living room full of devices that all require separate remotes and you might even have a little stock-pile of controls sitting around. Yes, DVR remotes can be programmed to do multiple functions but they are not really designed to accurately work for every device and brand (not to mention we did away with our DVR quite some time ago and are now sticking with Netflix, Amazon Prime, and basic channels on our limited cable subscription — included with our internet).
So when Best Buy offered to let me try out the Logitech Harmony Smart Keyboard I was really intrigued. If I could really have one device that controlled every function on my TV, Blu-ray player, and more — I’d be set!
Setting up the Logitech Harmony Smart Keyboard
When I first received the keyboard setting it up was pretty easy. Here is what was included in the box:
- Logitech Harmony Smart Wireless Keyboard
- 2 USB nano receivers
- USB extender, micro USB cord, power adapter
- 2 AA batteries
- Harmony hub, IR blaster
- Owner’s manual
After a quick glance at the owner’s manual I realized I needed to use my smartphone to set everything up the first time. No problem — you just download the app and it walks you through everything step-by-step. You simply need to know the brand of each device you want connected and you are good to go!
Using the Logitech Harmony Smart Keyboard
After installing the app and getting everything set up I played around with the remote function on the smartphone app. Since it knew what television I had, the app was actually a replica of what my real remote for my TV looked like and learning to use it was super simple.
Next I connected the hub and paired the keyboard to it. I found that this actually took a bit of getting used to. Since the keyboard doesn’t look like my remote I had to learn what each key did. There are a few buttons that you can program to do certain things, but otherwise I kind of felt like it was just guess and check method. After a while I did get it down and over time I’m sure it will be like second nature.
The next time I went to use the keyboard (a few days later) I found that it worked well as far as turning things on/off. Then I went to watch a show on Netflix and tried to pause it to tend to something else, however, when I came back to try to play the show again the keyboard was no longer responsive. I had to completely shut everything off and turn it back on for things to start working again. This issue happened a few times and at this point I decided something was not working properly.
I contacted Logitech support and they were very helpful in trying to get my issue resolved. Eventually I was given a walk-through on resetting my hub and troubleshooting from there. We were able to get everything working as normal and so far the keyboard has been great for controlling our smart TV and our smart Blu-ray player.
I really love the idea that it can control all my apps with a touch of a button, but one thing I would like to see improved upon or incorporated is to use the actual keyboard when trying to use the search function on the TV apps. I still have to use the arrow keys to search for letters while in the ‘search’ field; it would make it much easier if I could simply type those words out.
Overall this is a great device that can really benefit those who have smart devices in their home and a lot of apps to reign in, and Logitech support is very helpful should you run into any issues!
More about the Logitech Smart Keyboard
Enjoy Internet entertainment on TV easier and faster than ever with one-touch activity control
- Control devices behind cabinet doors and walls
- Control up to eight devices
- Works with Apple TV, Roku and TiVo
- Use your smartphone, with the Harmony smartphone app, to supplement keyboard controls with touch-screen gestures
The Logitech Smart Keyboard is only available at Best Buy (valid 3/5-6/21/2014).
The Harmony Hub controls devices behind cabinets or walls.
o IR, RF, USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
o Simple smartphone setup
Living room TV keyboard
The Harmony Smart Keyboard delivers the full Harmony control experience for TV-connected Internet and home entertainment devices.
Harmony Smart Keyboard makes enjoying digital media in your living room easier than ever. The specially designed keyboard simplifies text entry on internet-connected entertainment devices. Touch the “Movie” Activity button and the right devices switch to the right settings. Includes 3 one-touch activity buttons.
Harmony control smartphone app
The Harmony App turns iOS & Android smartphones into personal universal remote.
So tell us…
Could you benefit from a smart device like this? What would you use it to control?
The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.
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