Anyone else having problems with the new Harmony software that has been out for the last few months? I have gone through so much grief trying to simply program these things. Since they made the switch to the new software, it has been nothing but problems. I am trying to help a coworker install one right now over the phone. He can't even get the remote to update it's firmware. I grabbed a remote out of my truck and tried to update the firmware, and its been sitting here for 20 minutes and its up to 9%. I am on a cable internet connection with no speed issues. I really am beginning to hate Harmony. Strike that, I am beyond that point now. Anyone else having these issues?

sorry if i'm stating the obvious but check for running antivirus & firewall programs that may be interfering. I just did some upgrades recently on a 688 and 880 and they both went very quick.

I just updated my 2 remotes last week, worked the same as it did when I bought them months ago. I did not notice any changes or anything negative if they did change or update their software. This is news to me.

Works fine for me, too.

Don't use the software setup....try the web based setup at http://members.harmonyremote.com

Oh wait, by software update, I thought he was referring to the software that Harmony runs on it's website and your computer uses to sync commands? I use the web for my remotes, not any app on a CD or anything.

My 720 (costco) set up perfectly. I returned a Sony touch screen RM AX 4000 because the sofware was so clunky. The Harmony software is light years ahead of Sony.

No problems with either of my 670's. Check security programs. I have AVG running but it's not causing any problems.

My 880 & 520 both went fine last night when I was tweaking them

I use both the Web-based setup and the standalone Harmony app (depending on the mood I'm in). Both work fine for me, but the standalone app seems to be better. I using it on a Mac G5 running OS 10.4.8.

I was having trouble updating my 680 via the web site after the last update, I would get that little wheel turning and a message saying "Please wait" and nothing would happen. So I started using the software to update the controller, 7.2.1 I believe. I find that this works fine and is faster than using the web site, especially if their servers are busy. I use the local software for all my changes except the ones not available through it, i.e. adding commands at the start or end of an activity.

I have found that the verbage in the new update is really screwy tho. For example when modifying commands for changing inputs on my TV, to add more commands you have to check the box that reads "My device requires more commands to turn it on or off". Obviously they don't have anyone proof reading their interface, or it's someone for which English isn't their native language.

I've found the current Logitech desktop software to be a little unstable. It's crashed a few times during normal operation.

Logitech has to solve those memory holes. It's quite ridiculous.

The new software at least has the added functionality for favorites by Wireless Extender.

Just to update, I had to call Harmony to get some support. There were several problems. One of which is that we were trying to get a H659 programmed. According to the guy at Harmony, the updated software searches for a 24 hour clock upon the initial setup. The H659 as a 12 hour clock. I had no idea actually that they had any sort of clock, but this is what I was told. Also when setting up the account, for some reason or another, the software set it up as a "trial account". This allows you to basically program a remote, but not update it in any way. I have had a lot of issues, like I said, ever since the update. We basically do all our programming via the site, so we can store everything in a dealer account and so that it is easy should we need support, either from Harmony or just if one of us with a little more experience can help out, like last night. At this point, I have informed them I will not be installing any more Harmony's, at least while this version of software is out. I will stick to the Universal Remotes.

I had problems from the get go with my new 659. First thing it tried to do was update its firmware before proceeding. No go - again and again and again. I then tried it on my other computer and it went perfect and worked great. I figure I wasn't able to do what I wanted on the first computer because I connected to a USB port on the face of the computer that is a 9 in 1 memory card USB reader. The second and successful computer had its own dedicated USB port.

I had problems from the get go with my new 659. First thing it tried to do was update its firmware before proceeding. No go - again and again and again. I then tried it on my other computer and it went perfect and worked great. I figure I wasn't able to do what I wanted on the first computer because I connected to a USB port on the face of the computer that is a 9 in 1 memory card USB reader. The second and successful computer had its own dedicated USB port.

The problems we have been seeing have been on multiple computers.

I just installed the new desktop software on my new laptop. This is a joy to use compared to before. This worked seamlessly with my laptop. On my other desktop computer I always had problems with pop up blocker, antivirus, and firewall stuff. So far no problems with new software on new laptop. Now I look forward to tweaking my remote while before I was mad as hell.

Scott

I am installing another H659. Again the remote will NOT update the firmware. I am on hold yet again with Harmony to get support so they can correct the error. I have not tried a different model as of late, but these 659's obviously do not work with this new software. Everytime I install one, I have to call up to get them to correct the issues. I have to get to another job about 20 miles away and this is really holding me up. I have to install a URC MX-700 there, THANK GOD.

I am installing another H659. Again the remote will NOT update the firmware. I am on hold yet again with Harmony to get support so they can correct the error. I have not tried a different model as of late, but these 659's obviously do not work with this new software. Everytime I install one, I have to call up to get them to correct the issues. I have to get to another job about 20 miles away and this is really holding me up. I have to install a URC MX-700 there, THANK GOD.
I just did an update to my 720 - no issues, worked like a champ.

It's a little strange that you are the only one having issues. I'd check your computer - something is mucking up the software. I doubt very highly that it's a Harmony problem - too many people are more than pleased with how it all works, including me

I just did an update to my 720 - no issues, worked like a champ.

It's a little strange that you are the only one having issues. I'd check your computer - something is mucking up the software. I doubt very highly that it's a Harmony problem - too many people are more than pleased with how it all works, including me

Every single person that has come here and said they have had no issue did NOT have a h659. That is the most common ones that we install. I have had another discussion with harmony, and it IS a known issue. There are actually several issues according to them. The H659 comes with firmware version number 2.7. The updated firmware on the site or the local software is currently version 4.1. According to the techs at harmony, you cannot upgrade directly from 2.7 to 4.1. I was able to get them to email me a copy of firmware version 3.0 so I can upgrade to this firmware first. I still had to boot the remote into safe mode in order to get it to accept this update. And for the record (I believe I mentioned this already), the issues I have been seen have been from multiple computers.

Any chance the multiple computers are loaded with the same software? For example, your anti-virus program could be interfering with the installation. If you have the same anti-virus program on all of the computers you tried, you'd experience the same problem.

From what you've described it does sound like a Harmony problem, but I'm just trying to help you rule out other possible causes.

Any chance the multiple computers are loaded with the same software? For example, your anti-virus program could be interfering with the installation. If you have the same anti-virus program on all of the computers you tried, you'd experience the same problem.

From what you've described it does sound like a Harmony problem, but I'm just trying to help you rule out other possible causes.

Computers have different software. The one I have been using most recently, including yesterday, has a clean install of Windows XP without any anti-virus software or firewalls. Wanted to rule out everything.

Every single person that has come here and said they have had no issue did NOT have a h659. That is the most common ones that we install. I have had another discussion with harmony, and it IS a known issue. There are actually several issues according to them. The H659 comes with firmware version number 2.7. The updated firmware on the site or the local software is currently version 4.1. According to the techs at harmony, you cannot upgrade directly from 2.7 to 4.1. I was able to get them to email me a copy of firmware version 3.0 so I can upgrade to this firmware first. I still had to boot the remote into safe mode in order to get it to accept this update. And for the record (I believe I mentioned this already), the issues I have been seen have been from multiple computers.
I'm not trying to goad you, but why are you fooling around with 659's if you know they have a firmware problem? Why not recommend other Harmony's that work?

I'm not trying to goad you, but why are you fooling around with 659's if you know they have a firmware problem? Why not recommend other Harmony's that work?

For one, we are not going to just leave a stack of remote piled on our shelf at our warehouse when we can offer it to customers. Second, people do have the choice, but it comes down to price for many people and they don't want to spend more. It is hard to tell someone they have to pay several hundred for a remote. We also offer URC remotes, that take a bit of time to program, but people do not realize the amount of time and effort that can go into this. If they want a remote that can control the system at a low cost, that is what we give them. Trust me, I have talked to the powers that be about trying to send back these 659's, but so far it has laid upon deaf ears. Until that time comes, or we simply run out, I have to still deal with them, and it is a headache to say the least.

For one, we are not going to just leave a stack of remote piled on our shelf at our warehouse when we can offer it to customers. Second, people do have the choice, but it comes down to price for many people and they don't want to spend more. It is hard to tell someone they have to pay several hundred for a remote. We also offer URC remotes, that take a bit of time to program, but people do not realize the amount of time and effort that can go into this. If they want a remote that can control the system at a low cost, that is what we give them. Trust me, I have talked to the powers that be about trying to send back these 659's, but so far it has laid upon deaf ears. Until that time comes, or we simply run out, I have to still deal with them, and it is a headache to say the least.
That's what I suspected all along: culprit is profit margin and not Harmony's software or hardware. Your company has a batch of old remotes to sell (yeah, 2.7 is old).
But as I understand from your posts you just need one extra step to upgrade firmware to 3.0 and, then, as usual. Actually, you should praise Logitech for continuing support. :)

That's what I suspected all along: culprit is profit margin and not Harmony's software or hardware. Your company has a batch of old remotes to sell (yeah, 2.7 is old).
But as I understand from your posts you just need one extra step to upgrade firmware to 3.0 and, then, as usual. Actually, you should praise Logitech for continuing support. :)

Please. Profit margin? I love how so many here love to bash all dealers and always bring up the same lame points. The fact is that for MONTHS, we have had issues. Until yesterday, not one of the techs are harmony could fix this issue with a lengthy (over an hour each time) call in for support. Only yesterday did a tech finally offer to email me the missing firmware update. Now I like Harmony's support, but with this latest software update, combined with this issue with the firmware, it has been hellish getting these to work. This has NOTHING to do with profit margin as you speak of. You think this because we offer options to the customer, and they tend to choose the cheapy? Trust me, I have had conversations on why they need to spend a little more. Human nature, spend the least amount possible. Unfortunately, that is what happens. A large part of our customer base are middle age and older men/families who do not know the difference between coax and component, let alone a harmony 659 and a mx-3000. Some people you just cannot talk into spending the extra cash. Either way, none of that changes the fact that we have had these problems, there has been no light at the end of the tunnel until (hopefully), now. I have had some other suggestions by techs in the last couple months that worked while I was on the phone with them, but later had no effect. I am hoping this firmware update will fix the issues, as it seems more logical then any of the other fixes. I guess time will tell.

Please. Profit margin? I love how so many here love to bash...
Please, Bashing? Actually, I like "profit margin" myself and used it in a positive sense. We work to make money, that the American way. And I can relate to your pain. Just recently I went through a few tech support levels to get firmware which D-Link kept out of their website (1.02 for G600) for a while :rolleyes: . I just tried to set record straight.

I am installing another H659. Again the remote will NOT update the firmware. I am on hold yet again with Harmony to get support so they can correct the error. I have not tried a different model as of late, but these 659's obviously do not work with this new software. Everytime I install one, I have to call up to get them to correct the issues. I have to get to another job about 20 miles away and this is really holding me up. I have to install a URC MX-700 there, THANK GOD.Every single person that has come here and said they have had no issue did NOT have a h659....
My 659 works just fine with the standalone Harmony application. It will NOT update with the Web-based software (I'm using a Mac, and Logitech says that's a problem). I can make changes to my configuration with both the standalone and Web, but can only update the remote with the standalone program. So, you see, the 659 WILL work with the standalone application.

Please, Bashing? Actually, I like "profit margin" myself and used it in a positive sense. We work to make money, that the American way. And I can relate to your pain. Just recently I went through a few tech support levels to get firmware which D-Link kept out of their website (1.02 for G600) for a while :rolleyes: . I just tried to set record straight.

First I want to apologize. I was a bit brash. I had just gotten off the phone arguing with someone and I guess I let the aggravation spill over into that post. Sorry about that. And yes, I think what was most annoying is not having all the needed info readily available. I do not mind having an issue here and there, that just comes with the territory. It's just been a long struggle with these remotes, and I am just hopeful this latest fix will solve all the issues.

My 659 works just fine with the standalone Harmony application. It will NOT update with the Web-based software (I'm using a Mac, and Logitech says that's a problem). I can make changes to my configuration with both the standalone and Web, but can only update the remote with the standalone program. So, you see, the 659 WILL work with the standalone application.

Your remote had already been updated. This problem occurs upon initial setup, when you try to update from firmware 2.7 to what is now available through Harmony, version 4.1. Whether you go through the web based software or the standalone software, you cannot program the remote at all, until you update the firmware. You cannot jump from 2.7 to 4.1, but you can jump to 3.0, which is what was available previously. If you aleady had a remote that was already updated to 3.0, then you should not have a problem.

For one, we are not going to just leave a stack of remote piled on our shelf at our warehouse when we can offer it to customers. Second, people do have the choice, but it comes down to price for many people and they don't want to spend more. It is hard to tell someone they have to pay several hundred for a remote. We also offer URC remotes, that take a bit of time to program, but people do not realize the amount of time and effort that can go into this. If they want a remote that can control the system at a low cost, that is what we give them. Trust me, I have talked to the powers that be about trying to send back these 659's, but so far it has laid upon deaf ears. Until that time comes, or we simply run out, I have to still deal with them, and it is a headache to say the least.
Did you know the 720 can be had for under $100? The point is, there are other sub-$100 Harmony's that you can offer to your clients that don't have the problems of the 659. The fact that you have 659's stockpiled on your shelf shouldn't be the reason you're harping on Harmony.

EDIT: Home Depot has the 520's on sale for $80.

I still had to boot the remote into safe mode in order to get it to accept this update.
How do you boot into safe mode? I didn't know there was such a thing on a remote, and what is it used for?

How do you boot into safe mode? I didn't know there was such a thing on a remote, and what is it used for?

To boot into safe more (at least on the 659), you remove the batteries and plug in the usb cable to the computer, but no the remote. Hold down the off button and simultaneously plug in the usb to the remote. I am not particularly sure what the remote does in safe mode. I guess it is like a pc and doesn't load everything, just the basics. Not sure though. I didn't get into it that much with the tech.

Did you know the 720 can be had for under $100? The point is, there are other sub-$100 Harmony's that you can offer to your clients that don't have the problems of the 659. The fact that you have 659's stockpiled on your shelf shouldn't be the reason you're harping on Harmony.

EDIT: Home Depot has the 520's on sale for $80.

If they want to go buy them, thats fine. If you had xxx amount of dollars sitting in your wallet, and everywhere you went, it was not accepted, would you just burn it? How about if xxxx=$1000's? Would you still just burn it? Probably not. And for the record, the majority of the 659's we use now are to replace defective units. A lot of customers do NOT want to upgrade. They got used to the remote and want to stick with it. I would say at this point the ratio is a good 2 or 3:1 of defective replacements to new remotes.

My "harping" on Harmony is because the 659 has only been discontinued for a couple months at most, and already out of the box, the software is not compatible. There is no mention of these problems anywhere, on their site or anywhere else I can think of. Also, a lot of the tech support does not know what the fix is. They are incredibly nice and helpful, as always, just not informed. I don't hate logitech or Harmony, quite the opposite. I think they are a pleasure to deal with, as a company (at least in my experiences). I just feel the combination of the software update, firmware updates, and discontinuation of these remotes were not handled well as a whole.

I've been having lot of odd issues myself with the 659. From incomplete updates while downloading to remote and even problems just communicating sometimes. As it stays stuck on the screen, and remote frozen... didnt have any problems at all with the previous software. I even had it logout during an update.

If they want to go buy them, thats fine. If you had xxx amount of dollars sitting in your wallet, and everywhere you went, it was not accepted, would you just burn it? How about if xxxx=$1000's? Would you still just burn it? Probably not.
What are you talking about? :confused:

What are you talking about? :confused:

Well you are expecting us to do the same with the remotes we have on our shelf. Did you think they magically appeared there? Either way, it doesn't matter. The vast majority of our business at this point in time with the h659 is replacement of defective units. So we have to use those. I am done explaining this now. I use the software enough, more then the average user who just tweaks their remote. I have seen significant changes and I personally found the older software to be more reliable and easier to use. The new software is just dressed up to look nicer, but has too many bugs for my liking. If you don't agree with my opinion, that's fine.

Every single person that has come here and said they have had no issue did NOT have a h659. That is the most common ones that we install. I have had another discussion with harmony, and it IS a known issue. There are actually several issues according to them. The H659 comes with firmware version number 2.7. The updated firmware on the site or the local software is currently version 4.1. According to the techs at harmony, you cannot upgrade directly from 2.7 to 4.1. I was able to get them to email me a copy of firmware version 3.0 so I can upgrade to this firmware first. I still had to boot the remote into safe mode in order to get it to accept this update. And for the record (I believe I mentioned this already), the issues I have been seen have been from multiple computers.

Just ran across this thread after downloading the new software from Logitech.
Personally I love it. Went to tweak my 659 and i love the way the new setup is. I updated the firmware for the remote no problem at all. Went thru customized my activities added functions to the LCD screen that I wanted for the PVR.

All in all new software is a ton easier to use than the old. I have never had a problem with my 659. I love it so much I am trying to find a deal on the 670 now. :D

Ya I have problems with the 890 software 7.0.2. Just trying to update firmware in remote and keep getting the config corupt on the remote. So from what I have read I need to have level 2 tech support send me a file to flash the remote to erase what ever is on it and try reinstalling it. So see what happens tomorrow.

i just updated a 659 from 2.7 to 4.1 via the website on mac using firefox 2.0.0.2.
maybe they fixed whatever the issue was. regardless, the media button is the lamest button on the earth ever. if i had known that you couldn't program it to anything other than a retarded channel list on the remote, i would have just kept my 628. ugh, i can't believe how retarded the media button is. hmmm, do i want 3 channels at a time on my remote or the on-screen display of my sat box??? logitech is seriously on crack.

New user with a 670 and it's been very, very rough. First USB does not work at all on an Apple G4 Powerbook. Even with two ports, neither USB is recognized. Good nite laptop and have a nice reboot. No software that fails makes you reboot, especially on an Apple.

Next the wonderful "test drive" you get to set up everything. Well not going to happen with the remote. So as a new user, loaded everything now slower via a headless Intel Mac Mini. Only trying to get four things going but major problems with the preamp. Not a mass market receiver but a PS Audio GCP-200. Nothing but headaches and refuses to "help" fix the problem and is completely mislabeled in the system and on the remote.

PS Audio has a simple setup of six inputs. They are labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. So what does the software/website call them? Input CD, Input Tape, Input Video, Input Phono and all kinds of garbage like that. And no matter how many times you try to make it work, well it's not happening.

It seems kind of ridiculous that software setting and the remote settings don't even match the product's simple setup of six consecutive inputs labeled one to six.

So after spending hours and hours trying to fix that with no luck and no "correction" from the fix on the remote's help system, all reloads don't fix it and then complicate a simple Monoprice three setting hdmi box. Although that worked accurately for a while, it later was screwed up in the attempts to get the preamp to work properly.

Then there's the Sony scd-777ES SACD player. It doesn't seem to do anything at all for that.
It didn't get the player to do anything at all, not play or respond in any way. The old remote works fine on that unit.

Sent an email after so many hours. Not impressed.

PS Audio has a simple setup of six inputs. They are labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. So what does the software/website call them? Input CD, Input Tape, Input Video, Input Phono and all kinds of garbage like that. And no matter how many times you try to make it work, well it's not happening.

It seems kind of ridiculous that software setting and the remote settings don't even match the product's simple setup of six consecutive inputs labeled one to six.

So after spending hours and hours trying to fix that with no luck and no "correction" from the fix on the remote's help system, all reloads don't fix it and then complicate a simple Monoprice three setting hdmi box. Although that worked accurately for a while, it later was screwed up in the attempts to get the preamp to work properly.

Then there's the Sony scd-777ES SACD player. It doesn't seem to do anything at all for that.
It didn't get the player to do anything at all, not play or respond in any way. The old remote works fine on that unit.

Sent an email after so many hours. Not impressed.


If a device profile is completely wrong, select "Redo setup for this device" from the device customization page. This will go through all the power and input settings which you can adjust to match your device.

Also, the "Help" button doesn't do any "reprogramming" of the remote. It is only used to fix out-of-synch problems...eg when someone walks in front of the remote when an activity is running. All reprogramming has to be done on the website. You might also need to adjust the delays if input commands are frequently being missed.

For the Sony, you can select "Confirm IR commands" to see if there is a better match in the database.

I would suggest having a read through the FAQ under "Support". Nearly all this stuff is covered in there, and it gives you a good overview of setup and features.

I'll try it thanks. I have not seen this device customization page.
It doesn't appear on the home page from the website.

i just updated a 659 from 2.7 to 4.1 via the website on mac using firefox 2.0.0.2.
maybe they fixed whatever the issue was. regardless, the media button is the lamest button on the earth ever. if i had known that you couldn't program it to anything other than a retarded channel list on the remote, i would have just kept my 628. ugh, i can't believe how retarded the media button is. hmmm, do i want 3 channels at a time on my remote or the on-screen display of my sat box??? logitech is seriously on crack.

I thought the MEDIA button was a waste until I got a DVD changer. Now I use it to directly access my DVD library. I find it very usefull.

BTW, I'm still waiting for that "perfect" remote to come along that doesn't require a 2nd mortgage on the house.

How does one find "redo setup for this device" on a device customization page?

From the homepage it is not an option. There is a "customize activity" option not device.

For devices on the homepage there is two choices at the top, add or remove a device and then for the listed devices in each box there are two options: troubleshoot and more options.

How does one find "redo setup for this device" on a device customization page?

From the homepage it is not an option. There is a "customize activity" option not device.

For devices on the homepage there is two choices at the top, add or remove a device and then for the listed devices in each box there are two options: troubleshoot and more options.


I believe you should be able to go into more options on the device and there will be an option in there to redo the setup. I haven't looked for it in a while and am not 100% sure it is still in the same place it used to be, so I am not completely sure.

Okay, well after my decades old stubborness to always fix this stuff, I surrendered and called in.
They indicated a problem and ran into similar software problems with mapping the discrete inputs from the PS Audio preamp to the remote.

Now bumped up to Level 2 to figure out how to get that in.

They indicated some issues this week with the software and apparently this is one of them.

Update: the fix they did on their end on Level 2 also does not seem to have taken although they changed things to something like a Preamp #2 approach.

The remote is working with the preamp, it just has these absurd inputs like input balanced, input phono instead of just easy 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Looks like will have to try another call to Level 2. Ouch.

P.S. Level 2 said G4 Powerbook with 1.1 USB is no good because it needs to be USB 2.0.
Doesn't say that is a requirement on the box.

How does one find "redo setup for this device" on a device customization page?

From the homepage it is not an option. There is a "customize activity" option not device.

For devices on the homepage there is two choices at the top, add or remove a device and then for the listed devices in each box there are two options: troubleshoot and more options.

Select "More options" for the device in question, then you will get, well, more options!

One of these is "Redo device setup". There is also an "Adjust Inputs" options where you can rename the inputs to whatever you want.

It doesn't really matter that I don't see the more options leading to redo device setup as Level 2 has now twice tried to correct the remote's display of the preamp buttons. There has been now three attempts and althought the software shows the inputs as physically alike to the preamp as a series of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 the Harmony 670 is still showing the default settings that are right out of 1970 with the terms Input Phono, Input Vid, etc.

In addition to the latest effort in changing the remote's button display, the preamp itself is now mapped incorrectly. It had been corrected but the last "fix" also broke that.

Tomorrow we will now hear from Level 3!

I was afraid of the issues arising from an all in one remote. I told my friend I was concerned about my non-typical mass market equipment like th PS Audio GCP-200 preamp that has been out for about two years.

But this has exceeded those concerns.

OTOH, the folks have been very nice and they are well trained. Not used to dealing with phone support but they get high grades for their effort. Two different folks at Level 2 are baffled by the PS Audio preamp retaining the archaic language even as it's been changed on the software.

Dozens of other changes have been successfully completed. There is another surprise that even raw learning of one of Sony's best ever CD players, the SACD SCD-777ES is faring very badly as well.

After no button worked at all, finally raw mapping managed to get one whole button to work.

The remote is nice, it has very good range but this is exactly why many folks never cross this line. It's riddled with many, many man hours. In the end you don't do anything wrong but no guarantees even after Level 2 help.

Ouch.