Logitech Harmony 885

In principle, Logitech's Harmony devices are an excellent idea. Like previous models in the range, the Harmony 885 is an all-in-one universal remote control that allows you to control multiple devices, such as your TV, DVD player or VCR, so that you don't need to juggle multiple remotes every time you watch TV.

A small USB port on one end of the Harmony allows you to connect it to your PC or Mac. You then go to the Logitech website and enter the name and model number of your TV and any other device that you want to use with the Harmony.

In response, the Logitech site will download a profile for each device onto the Harmony via the USB connection, giving it all the information it needs to control those devices.

It's a nice idea and, for the most part, works really well. We managed to find an ancient VCR that it wouldn't work with, but the kind of person the Harmony 885 is aimed at will have dumped their VCR years ago.

The only real drawback is its thumping £180 price tag. With remote controls often being flung towards the sofa, you'll want to take good care of this one.

In its favour, the Harmony 885 includes sophisticated features such as the ability to control new HDTV-ready sets and switch between widescreen and standard aspect ratios.

It's also got a rechargeable battery and a compact recharging docking station.

Even so, we still can't get our heads round the price tag, especially when you consider that HD broadcasting hasn't actually started here in the UK yet.

The Harmony 885 is therefore both expensive and a little premature for the UK market. However, we do like the idea of a universal remote control, so we'd recommend checking out a budget version such as the Harmony 525, which costs a far more reasonable £69.99.

You might also want to consider the slightly more expensive Harmony 655.

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