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#1 · (Edited)
Harmony Ultimate and Smart Remotes FAQ
1. General information:
  1. What are Harmony remotes?
    Harmony remotes are a line of remote controls now owned and developed by Logitech. They are highly customizable programmable remote controls that are activity based rather than device based.
  2. What does “activity based” mean?
    “Activity based” means the remote is customized based on the Activity you are using it for. So if you are watching TV using a DVR and a A/V receiver the volume controls will change the volume on the receiver and the channel and transport controls will work on the DVR. After programming in your devices with the Logitech software you set up Activities. The software walks you through the process of choosing the devices needed for an activity, which inputs each device needs to select and how the devices are powered on.
  3. In a nutshell, what are the hardware components?
    The Ultimate is a full featured universal, programmable remote with 27 hard buttons and a touchscreen and is based on the Harmony Touch. The Smart remote is similar in appearance to the Ultimate but lacks the touchscreen and some of the other capabilities of the Ultimate. The final piece is the Ultimate Hub, both remotes communicate with the Hub via RF. Also, Logitech has apps for Android and iOS that allow control via a wifi connection to the Hub.
  4. How do I program the remote?
    The Harmony remotes are configured through the Logitech MyHarmony.com website. You create an account there and connect your devices to your PC in order to associate them with it. *Update* The software is now available in a downloadable form and it no longer requires visiting the website to use. Other than that it is fundamentally the same.
  5. What platforms are supported by the software?
    Only Windows and Mac so far that I know of. The software is based on Silverlight and is run in a browser. It might be possible to get it running on Linux, but I’m not aware of how.
  6. What protocols do these remotes support?
    IR for the most part, with bluetoogh available for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Wii. TCP/IP control is used for Philips Hue lights and Sonos.
  7. My other Harmony remotes supported Z-Wave, does this one?
    No. You’ll have to use something that converts IR to Z-Wave.
  8. What about controlling other devices via bluetooth or TCP/IP?
    Some devices are supported via IP or bluetooth. These include but are not limited to Phillips Hue lights, Nest Thermostat, Lutron, as well as some Lutron, Honeywell, SmartThings connected home devices, the August Smart Lock, Ecobee wireless thermostats, LIFX Wi-Fi LED smart lights, and the Insteon Hub model 2245-222. See here for more info.
  9. Is device X supported?
    Is it IR? If so the answer is yes. Logitech has a huge database off IR commands. Also they are expanding it all the time. With the Ultimate you can learn your own IR commands. With the Smart control you can learn IR using the Hub.
    If your device is not IR and is not specifically mentioned above then it is most likely not supported.
  10. Where can I get more info?
    Naturally Logitech's Harmony page is a great place to start as well as their support site. Another handy resource is the Harmony Release Notes web page.
  11. I heard Logitech is looking to sell off the Harmony line. Is this true?
    It was true. In January of 2013 Logitech announced that they were looking for a buyer for the Harmony line. However in June after the release of the Ultimate line they announced that they would be retaining Harmony after all.
  12. Is the author of this FAQ an employee of Logitech?
    Nope. I’ve never worked for them and nothing I say should be taken as absolute. Prior to the Ultimate I owned a couple of Harmony 890’s, and I have experience with other programmable remotes in the past.
  13. Is this FAQ 100% accurate?
    I hope so, but probably not. Feel free to PM me any issues you find with it.
2. Hardware information:
  1. How do I initially program the devices?
    After setting up an account on myharmony.com you’ll be prompted to plug in the devices via micro-USB. The Hub and Ultimate charging station are also powered via micro-USB using power adapters provided by Logitech.
  2. How often do I have to connect the remote and hub to my PC?
    Unlike previous Harmony remotes, not very often. Some firmware updates require a connection, but otherwise updates are done over the RF connection.
  3. How good is the RF connection?
    Very good. My Hub is located in a metal rackmount case in the room next to my theater and it has no issues. I can also use it from 30’ away on the same floor. If I go to the first floor and try and use it from a good distance away it’s not completely reliable.
  4. How strong is the IR?
    Most people have reported that the IR from the Ultimate remote or the hub is pretty strong. IR needs line of sight, of course, but it can bounce off walls or other objects with some degree of success.
  5. What emitters can be used?
    The Hub comes with 2 IR emitters, and also has an integrated IR emitter. The Hub does use 2.5mm connectors instead of the near industry standard of 3.5mm (common headphone jack size, also known as ⅛”). The connections are mono connectors, but stereo cables and adapters can be used. 2.5mm male to 3.5mm female connectors are available and can be used with the Hub just fine. I personally use 2 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapters and then 3.5mm Y cables so I can connect the IR emitters I have from my Harmony 890 as well as use the direct IR inputs on my Denon receiver, Oppo blu-ray player, and Logitech Transporter, all of which use 3.5mm (even the Logitech device).
  6. Can the remote send IR or is it just the Hub?
    The Ultimate is capable of IR, the Smart remote is not. In the MyHarmony software you can choose whether the Ultimate or the Hub sends IR. Go to Settings and choose "Remote and Hub Assignments". From there you can assign a device to the Ultimate or the Hub, and with the Hub you can choose whether the Hub and IR ports are used, or narrow it down to the Hub or a specific port.
2. Ultimate specific information:
  1. How big is the Ultimate?
    It’s just over 7” long and 2” wide and is fairly light.
  2. What’s with the odd shape?
    The underside is textured and contoured so it rests in your hand nicely and can be slid back and forth for easy access to all buttons.
  3. Is it odd to have the transport buttons separate from the rest of the buttons?
    This feature usually bothers people when they see it, but few, if any, have complained after using it. First, as mentioned above, moving the remote in your hand to access the different buttons is quite easy. Second, if you think about it, you don’t often manipulate the transport buttons and other controls at the same time. This design actually separates the buttons so that you no longer accidentally hit the channel buttons or cursor controls when you mean to operate the transport controls. While my 890 was fairly easy to operate I’ve used other remotes where the transport block and cursor block were quite similar and thus more difficult to operate without looking at the remote.
  4. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of buttons on this remote, what’s up with that?
    No, compared to many universal/programmable remotes it is lacking in buttons, but believe me when I say they aren’t missed. More on this below.
  5. What’s the deal with the short press/long press?
    All hard buttons can actually hold two commands, one off a short press, the other off a long press of the button. The remote will vibrate to let you know it when it detects a long press.
  6. Where’s the keypad?
    In the touchscreen. It may seem odd to see a high-end remote without a keypad, but if you stop an think about it, how often do you need it? The Ultimate also has a Favorites screen where up to 50 channels can be programmed in for instant access, thus reducing the need of the keypad. I personally have not needed the keypad once since I started using the remote.
  7. There’s only one set of FF/RWD buttons, where the skip/back or next/previous chapter buttons?
    This is probably the most controversial design decision. Logitech chose to put just one set of buttons for those common controls, whereas most devices have two sets. The missing functions can be accessed via long press or by using swipe gestures on the touch screen (more on those below). Once you adapt to this, it’s not really a problem.
  8. Any other missing buttons I should be aware of?
    The only other missing buttons anyone has brought up so far are the extra set of Up/Down buttons that some people used for functions like page up/page down.
  9. Any extra buttons?
    Unlike many previous Harmony remotes the common red, green, yellow and blue buttons are now included at the bottom of the remote.
  10. What does the touchscreen do?
    The touchscreen has multiple modes. First it is the home screen where you select the activity you want to run. You can return to the home screen by swiping to the left or pressing the Home button. The second screen is the Favorites screen, used to select a favorite channel from your primary TV Activity. The third screen is custom commands that don’t fit on any of the hard buttons. The fourth screen is the numeric keypad. Also, if you swipe up on those screens you will be taken to the gesture screen. From there you can activate various function via swiping up/down, left/right or tapping.
  11. Can I configure the remote using the remote itself?
    Some configuration settings can be changed via the remote. On the touchscreen in the lower right corner is an icon that consists of three horizontal lines. Tapping this brings up a configuration menu. You can change the default screen an activity goes to on activation, button order, and many other settings. Also this is where you initiate a sync with the MyHarmony software when updating your configuration.
  12. How many devices does the Ultimate remote support?
    The Ultimate remote can control up to 15 devices.
  13. How long does it last on a charge and how long does it take to charge?
    The remote can last for several days, I've used mine 5 or 6 days without recharging. I haven't timed how long it takes to fully charge, but it's no more than a few hours.
  14. Can I change the battery?
    The remote was not designed to have the battery changed by the owner. There are instructions provided with the remote to remove the battery when disposing of the remote, so if the dis-assembly of the remote doesn't cause damage presumably one day someone will provide a replacement battery for it.
  15. My remote seems to have locked up, what can I do?
    Run the MyHarmony software and attempt a sync from there. If the software can't communicate with the remote it will prompt you to plug in the remote and that should ultimately fix the problem. There is also a troubleshooting option in the desktop app on the right-hand side of the program.
  16. How can I clean the remote without activating any buttons or the screen?
    Bring up the menu on the touchscreen, select Settings->Remote->Remote Lock. Holding Exit for a few seconds will unlock the remote. For cleaning I use a lens cleaning solution that is basically a small amount of soap in water, along with a micro-fiber cloth.
4. Smart remote Information
  1. What is the purpose of the Smart remote?
    The Smart remote is aimed at consumers who are primarily interested in using a smart phone or tablet for control, but would like the option of using a hard button remote on occasion or as a backup. It can also be the primary remote for simpler setups.
  2. Does the Smart remote support IR?
    No. It strictly communicates with the Hub via RF and the Hub is responsible for sending all IR signals. The lack of IR is one of the ways it saves battery life.
  3. What kind of battery does the Smart remote use?
    Unlike the Ultimate remote, the Smart remote is not rechargable. It uses a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery that is easily changeable by the user, and lasts up to a year.
  4. How many activities does the Smart remote support?
    Six. There are three activity buttons and two activities can be assigned to each button via the long press feature.
  5. How many devices does the Smart remote support?
    The Smart remote can control up to eight devices.
5. Software Information
  1. How many remotes can the MyHarmony.com software support?
    You can have six remotes per account.
  2. How is the software organized?
    There are five main tabs in addition to the Home tab. The Home tab just provides links to the other tabs, so it’s largely useless. The organization is slightly different than the older Harmony software and you need to explore it fully to find all the possible options you can tweak.
  3. I want my device to stay on all the time, how do I change that?
    Go to Devices->Change Device Settings. and choose Power Settings.
  4. How do I learn new IR commands for a device?
    Go to Devices->Add or Fix a command. It’s a long cumbersome process. Note that adding a command at this point won’t necessarily make it appear on your remote. You will have to go to the Buttons tab and select the Activity or Device that you want to add that command to.
  5. Can I change the icon for an Activity?
    The MyHarmony.com software will choose a default icon based on the activity type, but oddly you cannot choose a different icon from the default icons. You can upload your own icon though. Go to Activities tab, choose the Activity you want to change, and then select Change your settings. From there you can upload an icon.
  6. Where can I get more icons?
    Check out squareeys’ icon site. It’s a web site maintained by an AVS Forum member and has a large selection of Harmony icons.
  7. How can I add more instructions to the start up or shut down of an Activity?
    Go to Activities->Customize this Activity and from there you can perform a certain amount of customization of the activity actions. You can reorder the commands, add new commands and add delays.
  8. How can I change how quickly commands are sent to a device?
    Go to Device->Change Device Settings. There you can set up some specific values for delays for a device’s IR commands as well set the repeat amount.
  9. Where can I change the order of Activities on the main screen?
    Under the Buttons tab (makes sense, right?). There are two drop down controls, Screen Options and Remote Buttons. The first selection under Screen Options allows you to tweak the Activities page.
  10. How can I change the buttons available to an Activity?
    This is also changed under Buttons. You can modify the hard buttons and the commands available via the touchscreen.
  11. I want to add some more commands to an Activity, but they aren’t showing up in the list, is there a way to access them?
    For some reason Logitech has chosen to filter the list of available commands that can be added to the touchscreen. For instance the keypad buttons are not available, including #, *, Clear and Enter, even if these keys are not showing up on the keypad. The only way I’ve found around this is to learn those commands under another name.
FAQ initially posted on July 22 2013.

mdavej originally started this thread. He graciously turned control of this post over to me so I could provide a FAQ. Below is his original post:

Just when I thought they'd given up, logitech surprises us with the biggest thing they've ever done. On paper, these new devices appear to be pretty amazing. Turns out the Touch has been hiding RF capabilities all along. And with the new Hub can now work via RF, Wi-fi and bluetooth, natively controlling PS3 and Wii without additional adapters. We get skip buttons back, and now short and long press commands, doubling the number of hard buttons essentially. Plus remote config/updates via wi-fi as well as a smartphone remote app. And they've actually listened to customer feedback and corrected some of the issues in the Touch, like more activities per screen, easier gesture control, and better ergonomics.

Check out the details here, and a good review here, and discuss. Looks like harmony is going to go out with a bang. Why they waited so long is a mystery, but I'm glad they're finally making some significant improvements after years of systematically ruining the harmony line.

EDIT: Here's another good review which also describes the new skip/fwd and skip/rew buttons:Quote:...Another nice perk of the Harmony Ultimate (which will carry over to the Harmony Touch in a future software update), is that the hard buttons like Play and Fast Forward now have dual purpose: press the button normally and it will take a certain action; press and hold the button for more than 1/2 second and it will take an entirely different action. This means the Fast Forward button will do Fast Forward when you press it quickly, but if you hold the button for more than 1/2 second it will do a Skip function instead. This addresses the complaint from many Touch owners (and reviewers) that there just aren't enough buttons on the Touch.
 
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#4,129 ·
That's odd. I don't have this model JVC, but my Ultimate has always worked for my JVC projectors. Try using an older model number. If you still get no function, then I would start troubleshooting your line of sight for the IR.

Are you using the Ultimate with the hub and blaster? If so, make sure the JVC can read the signal from the blaster.

Pip
 
#4,133 ·
Hey everyone,

Wondering if anyone can help out on a "long press" for the Harmony App. I have the Harmony Hub using the Android App to control my Panasonic Blu Ray player. My Panasonic UB820 4K blu ray player has a "HDR" button that when doing a "long press" on the original remote allows another menu to pop up to control the HDR tone mapping. The button on the Harmony App works to select the first command to bring up the menu, but I can't get the App to do a long press to get to the next menu to control the tone mapping features. I tried to "Fix Delay" on the button to control the HDR function with Inter key and Inter device delay (increasing and decreasing the times), tried increasing and decreasing the command repeats as well. Nothing seems to allow the long press function to work on the Harmony Android App. Any suggestions?
 
#4,136 ·
I am using IR. It sends the first command fine. Just doesn't send the long press command to bring up the HDR fine adjustment menu

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 
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#4,137 ·
I've had the Harmony Ultimate Home for 5 or 6 years now and it has been one of the better remotes I've owned. Over the past few months though it seems to be glitching in a pretty major way.

It now will turn on the system by itself right from the remote sitting in the charging cradle. On top of that, the touch screen will bounce and judder, it will still accept a touch input or other hard buttons but it is very delayed and then will act as if I've hit the screen multiple times. The first thing I tried was taking the remote off of the cradle and letting it completely drain until it shut off, then put back on the cradle. Worked for maybe a week. Then I tried a full reset and re-install of the hub and activities, that also worked for maybe a week before the issues came back.

Any ideas?
 
#4,138 ·
I've had the Harmony Ultimate Home for 5 or 6 years now and it has been one of the better remotes I've owned. Over the past few months though it seems to be glitching in a pretty major way.



It now will turn on the system by itself right from the remote sitting in the charging cradle. On top of that, the touch screen will bounce and judder, it will still accept a touch input or other hard buttons but it is very delayed and then will act as if I've hit the screen multiple times. The first thing I tried was taking the remote off of the cradle and letting it completely drain until it shut off, then put back on the cradle. Worked for maybe a week. Then I tried a full reset and re-install of the hub and activities, that also worked for maybe a week before the issues came back.



Any ideas?
Could be the remote going bad or an update to the hub. Sorry can't give you much info other than which I know isn't useful. I ran into an odd behavior with my hub once and don't do updates on it ever since I got it working again.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
 
#4,152 · (Edited)
Hi, hopefully you guys can help me here. I have a TCL 65r615 with my Harmony Hub and can't for the life of me get it to always turn on. I know it's not the IR Mini Blaster placement, as when I'm in the TV (after I turned it on with the TV remote) it operates as it should. Tried contacting Harmony too not much help with this. I've tried teaching the hub the TV remote button, but that hasn't helped either. Any of you guys with the TCL 65r615 and Harmony Hub got it going?
 
#4,153 ·
Hi, hopefully you guys can help me here. I have a TCL 65r615 with my Harmony Hub and can't for the life of me get it to always turn on. I know it's not the IR Mini Blaster placement, as when I'm in the TV (after I turned it on with the TV remote) it operates as it should. Tried contacting Harmony to not much help with this. I've tried teaching the hub the TV remote button, but that hasn't helped either. Any of you guys with the TCL 65r615 and Harmony Hub got it going?
Check that the power save is off or quick turn on is on. I forget what is called. I had to do that so I could get the Alexa integration to work.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
 
#4,155 ·
So checked my Power settings, did have Fast TV start enabled. Disabled that, did a System restart and seems to be behaving the same way. Anything else I should look for on either end?
 
#4,157 ·
Upon further investigation, did notice some things. I should mention I have my Sony HT-Z9F sounder hooked up to HDMI 3 with ARC enabled on the soundbar (should have said that before sorry). Also should have mentioned before turning it off everything works correctly using the hub. So when I turn on the TCL 65r615 using the TV remote it turns on correctly (obviously) and then the soundbar turns on using the ARC I’m assuming. If I use the Harmony App going directly into the Devices and click on the TV and hit either the Green or *********** buttons nothing happens. If I then click on the Power command I created a while back, it turns on just as if I was using the TV remote. So it’s definitely the ARC messing things up right? Should I try setting (on either end) it up differently at all?
 
#4,158 ·
I have the hub in my cabinet with one ir blaster within the cabinet. This works fine for my phone app but my Touch won't control any of the devices. Would I need to put the other IR blaster outside of the cabinet to get my Touch to control stuff within the cabinet? I would test this on my own, but cant find the other blaster and will need to buy a 2nd one on ebay/amazon.
 
#4,160 ·
I have a Harmony Ultimate and Hub and utilize CIH on my JVC X-35 projector and I would like to program my remote to "Watch 2.35:1 Blu Ray", "Watch 1.85:1 Blu Ray, and "Watch 16:9 Blu Ray" and have the lens memory go to correct setting. I can get it bring up the lens memory screen, but can't seem to figure out how to get the Harmony to automatically change to pre-set zooms within the lens memory screen.


Any help for the technically challenged?
 
#4,162 ·
Hi all. One of my Lutron spacer IR dimmer switches finally died in my home theater. The spacer series is discontinued. Looking for recommendations to replace switch. I want one that is IR, can be controlled via android app through the Harmony Hub. I use incandescent lights. Thanks.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 
#4,163 ·
Have you considered switching to LED?

Phillips Hue with hub is compatible with Harmony hub. The dimming feature works too on compatible smart home remotes but there's also scenes that you program into activity start and smart buttons.

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
 
#4,167 ·
How do I control my appleTV with my Harmony Ultimate (bluetooth mode)?

I want to be able to utilize the home button and sleep function. I went on Logitech website, https://support.myharmony.com/en-us/harmony-experience-with-apple-tv#appleTVBT and followed those instructions.
However when I create an activity, everything powers up, however when I try to do anything with the harmony remote, it says I need to use the Harmony App to pair this device.... I'm lost, please help.
 
#4,168 ·
How do I control my appleTV with my Harmony Ultimate (bluetooth mode)?



I want to be able to utilize the home button and sleep function. I went on Logitech website, https://support.myharmony.com/en-us/harmony-experience-with-apple-tv#appleTVBT and followed those instructions.

However when I create an activity, everything powers up, however when I try to do anything with the harmony remote, it says I need to use the Harmony App to pair this device.... I'm lost, please help.
Did you go into Apple TV Settings>>Remotes and Devices>>Bluetooth and pair Harmony hub as Bluetooth device?

(Harmony Keyboard should show as connected)

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
 
#4,169 ·
Has anybody set up a 30 second skip on their remote for DTV? I have been Googling on how to do it but only come up with old links.
 
#4,175 ·
Mac Alert

Alert to all Mac users:

Once you update to OS Catalina, you will no longer be able to access or use the Harmony desktop app. There are several things that can only be done using the desktop app - not the mobile app.

Harmony has decided to support the cheaper IR based remotes, but not their hub based remotes.

Pretty outrageous as it is very simple to rewrite the app for 64bit.

Harmony support page

"When updating to macOS 10.15 Catalina (or higher), if you're using Harmony Hub or a hub-based remote such as; Harmony Elite, Companion/Home Control, Smart Control, Ultimate Home, or Ultimate, you can continue to use:

The Harmony mobile app on iOS or Android
The current MyHarmony app on a Windows
The current MyHarmony app on a macOS 10.14 or lower"

Pip
 
#4,177 ·
Alert to all Mac users:



Once you update to OS Catalina, you will no longer be able to access or use the Harmony desktop app. There are several things that can only be done using the desktop app - not the mobile app.



Harmony has decided to support the cheaper IR based remotes, but not their hub based remotes.



Pretty outrageous as it is very simple to rewrite the app for 64bit.



Harmony support page



"When updating to macOS 10.15 Catalina (or higher), if you're using Harmony Hub or a hub-based remote such as; Harmony Elite, Companion/Home Control, Smart Control, Ultimate Home, or Ultimate, you can continue to use:



The Harmony mobile app on iOS or Android

The current MyHarmony app on a Windows

The current MyHarmony app on a macOS 10.14 or lower"



Pip


What a shame...
Thanks for the update


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#4,179 ·
When I run my WatchTv activity, my receiver switches to the correct input but then always switches to another sound source. I then hit Help and it fixes itself. But it's annoying that i have to do it every.single.time.

Receiver is a yamaha 1050. And it switches to Audio1. Harmony is the Ultimate Home Hub.
BTW it's just the audio that switches. I still have the correct video (hdmi).
And I believe Audio1 is the audio that I have connected for the built in smart apps of the tv (samsung).

Any way to get this to stop switching?
 
#4,180 ·
I have gotten around the switch back a couple different ways.
1. Ensure other devices get powered off. Some amplifiers automatically switch to where sound is detected.
2. Turn off amplifier automatic switching.

3. Add second change to correct input to the activity start up. You may have to have a delay in between as well.
4. Move IR reception point more behind the TV, some TVs can generate interference, and sometimes that interference can be detected as a command. I had to move the IR receiver away from the screen to help.
 
#4,184 ·
I have a Harmony hub which I purchased about 3 years ago. Its P/N is: 815-000118. I think the latest Harmony hub has P/N 915-000238. I can't find online what the differences are between these two hubs. Anyone know? Wondering if it's worth upgrading to the (newer?) hub, and if so, is it easy to migrate or would I need to recreate my devices/activities.
 
#4,190 ·
I've programmed for a Flirc USB device (Kodi Media Player) and button does what it should except DirectionDown. The Harmony software indicates it's programmed correctly, and I can't teach it since it's a Flirc USB device, so wondering what to do.
 
#4,191 ·
You confirmed both the device and activity button assignments are correct?

In the FLIRC config software, the assignments are also correct and saved to the device?

The physical down button on the remote works on other devices?

There is no need for teaching since you can assign any function to any button on Harmony as well as any code to any button on the FLIRC. They can be any device and any command so long as they are the same on both the Harmony and FLIRC. You could use codes for a Panasonic VHS player or a DirecTV satellite box if you wanted, the codes don't matter as long as they match.
 
#4,192 ·
I was trying to find out if there are any differences in using an amazon fire tablet with the harmony control app compared to an iPad or a different android device. I can’t seem to find for certain if it works the same with the same app or if the app isn’t available on an amazon fire tablet.
 
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