Logitech Harmony 650 User Manual: A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome! This comprehensive guide will help you unlock the full potential of your Logitech Harmony 650 universal remote. Learn to set up devices, customize activities, troubleshoot issues, and more. Discover tips and tricks for seamless home entertainment control right at your fingertips.
The Logitech Harmony 650 is a universal remote control designed to simplify your home entertainment experience. This device allows you to control up to five devices, such as your TV, cable box, DVD player, and sound system, all from a single remote. The Harmony 650 offers a color screen and activity-based control, making it easy to switch between watching TV, playing games, or listening to music.
With the Harmony 650, you can create custom activities that automatically turn on the necessary devices and select the correct inputs. For example, with one touch of a button, you can initiate a “Watch TV” activity that turns on your TV, cable box, and sound system, and sets them to the correct channels and inputs.
The Harmony 650 is also compatible with a wide range of devices and brands, and its online database is constantly updated with new devices. If your device is not listed, you can use the learn IR feature to teach the Harmony 650 the commands from your original remote. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the setup process, customization options, and troubleshooting tips to help you get the most out of your Harmony 650;
Whether you are a first-time user or an experienced remote control enthusiast, this manual provides valuable information to streamline your home entertainment setup.
Initial Setup and Software Installation
Before you can start using your Logitech Harmony 650, you’ll need to complete the initial setup and software installation. This process involves connecting the remote to your computer and installing the Harmony software. The software allows you to configure your remote, add devices, and customize activities. First, locate the USB cable included with your Harmony 650. Connect one end of the USB cable to the remote and the other end to a USB port on your computer.
Next, you’ll need to download and install the Harmony software. You can usually find the latest version of the software on the Logitech website. Once the software is downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. After the software is installed, launch it and create a new account or log in with an existing Harmony account. The software will detect the connected remote and guide you through the setup process.
During the setup, you’ll be prompted to enter your home entertainment devices, such as your TV, cable box, and DVD player. The Harmony software will use this information to configure the remote to control your devices. Follow the on-screen prompts to add your devices and complete the initial setup. This is a crucial step to ensure that your Harmony 650 works seamlessly with your home entertainment system.
Adding Devices to Your Harmony 650
Adding devices to your Logitech Harmony 650 is a fundamental step in customizing your universal remote. To begin, ensure your Harmony 650 is connected to your computer via USB and that the Harmony software is running. Within the software, navigate to the “Devices” section. Here, you’ll find the option to “Add Device”. Clicking this will initiate a device search and setup wizard.
The Harmony software will prompt you to enter the manufacturer and model number of the device you wish to add. This information is usually found on the device itself or in its original documentation. The software has an extensive database of devices, so it should quickly locate your device. If your device is not listed, don’t worry; you can manually add it by providing detailed information about the device, which may involve using the “Learn IR” feature (discussed later).
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the device addition process. The software may ask you to test the device to ensure the Harmony 650 can control it correctly. Repeat these steps for each device you want to control with your Harmony 650, such as your TV, DVD player, sound system, and streaming device. Successfully adding all your devices is key to creating seamless activities.
Creating and Customizing Activities
The true power of the Harmony 650 lies in its ability to create and customize “Activities.” An Activity is a sequence of commands that automatically power on and configure your devices to perform a specific task, like “Watch TV” or “Play a DVD.” To create an Activity, open the Harmony software and navigate to the “Activities” section. Click “Add Activity” to start the Activity setup wizard.
The wizard will guide you through selecting the devices involved in the Activity and the necessary inputs for each device. For example, for the “Watch TV” Activity, you’ll select your TV, cable box, and potentially your sound system. You will then specify the correct input on each device. The Harmony software will prompt you to test the Activity to ensure everything powers on and switches to the correct settings.
Once an Activity is created, you can customize it further. You can change the order in which devices power on, add delays, or assign specific commands to the Harmony 650’s buttons. You can also adjust the Activity’s icon and name to personalize it. Creating well-defined and customized Activities will significantly enhance your home entertainment experience, making it simple and enjoyable;
Using the Learn IR Feature
The “Learn IR” feature on the Logitech Harmony 650 is incredibly useful when your device isn’t recognized in the Harmony’s extensive online database, or if you want to add a custom command. This feature allows the Harmony 650 to “learn” the infrared (IR) signals emitted by your device’s original remote control.
To use the Learn IR feature, open the Harmony software and navigate to the “Devices” section. Select the device you want to add the custom command to. Look for an option like “Add Missing Command” or “Learn a New Command.” The software will then guide you through the learning process. You’ll need to point your device’s original remote at the Harmony 650’s IR receiver and press the button on the original remote that corresponds to the command you want to learn.
The Harmony software will indicate whether it successfully learned the IR signal. If the learning fails, try adjusting the distance between the remotes or ensure there are no obstructions blocking the IR signal. Once the command is learned, you can assign it to a button on the Harmony 650, adding functionality and control to your customized setup. This feature ensures your Harmony 650 can control virtually any IR-based device.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Encountering issues with your Harmony 650? Don’t worry; many common problems have simple solutions. If your remote isn’t controlling a device, first ensure the device is powered on and that the Harmony 650 is programmed correctly for that device. Double-check the batteries and replace them if necessary.
If activities aren’t starting correctly, verify that all devices within the activity are properly configured in the Harmony software. Make sure the correct input is selected on your TV or receiver. If a device isn’t responding, try using the “Help” button on the Harmony 650. This feature guides you through a series of troubleshooting steps to identify and resolve the issue.
Connectivity problems can also arise. Ensure your Harmony 650 is properly connected to your computer via USB during setup and updates. If the software isn’t recognizing your remote, try a different USB port or reinstall the Harmony software. For unresponsive buttons, try re-learning the IR commands using the “Learn IR” feature. If all else fails, consider performing a factory reset and starting the setup process from scratch, but remember this will erase all your settings.
Factory Resetting the Harmony 650
While there isn’t a direct method for factory resetting the Harmony 650 via button combinations on the remote itself, you can achieve a similar outcome by removing the device from your MyHarmony account and deleting all associated devices and activities. This effectively clears the programmed settings from the remote.
To do this, connect your Harmony 650 to your computer and launch the MyHarmony software. Select your remote, then navigate to the settings or device configuration section. Look for an option to remove the remote from your account. Once removed, go through your list of devices and activities within the software and delete each one individually.
After completing these steps, the Harmony 650 will be essentially reset to its default state, ready for a new user or a fresh configuration. Keep in mind that this process doesn’t wipe the firmware or any underlying system software; it simply clears your personal settings and device configurations. This method provides a clean slate for setting up the remote for a new user or troubleshooting persistent issues.
Customizing Buttons and Settings
The Harmony 650 offers a plethora of customization options to tailor your remote to your specific needs. Through the MyHarmony software, you can remap buttons, adjust display settings, and fine-tune device configurations. This allows you to create a personalized control experience that perfectly matches your home entertainment setup and preferences.
To customize buttons, connect your Harmony 650 to your computer and open the MyHarmony software. Select your remote, then navigate to the “Buttons” section. Here, you can assign different functions to each button, choosing from a list of available commands for each of your connected devices. For example, you can program a button to directly access a specific input on your TV or control playback functions on your Blu-ray player.
Furthermore, you can adjust settings such as the display brightness, button click feedback, and power-saving options within the software’s settings menu. Experiment with these options to optimize your remote’s performance and usability. Remember to sync your changes to the remote after making any adjustments to ensure the new settings are applied.
Connecting the Harmony 650 to Your Computer
Connecting your Logitech Harmony 650 to your computer is a crucial step for initial setup, customization, and troubleshooting. This connection allows you to use the MyHarmony software to configure your remote, add devices, create activities, and update its firmware. The process is straightforward and essential for maximizing your remote’s potential.
To connect the Harmony 650, you’ll need a USB cable (typically a mini-USB to USB-A cable). Locate the mini-USB port on the remote, usually found on the top or bottom edge. Plug the mini-USB end into the remote and the USB-A end into a USB port on your computer. Ensure your computer is powered on and has a stable internet connection.
Once connected, your computer should recognize the Harmony 650 as a new device. If you haven’t already, download and install the MyHarmony software from the Logitech website. The software will guide you through the process of setting up or updating your remote. If the software doesn’t automatically detect the remote, try restarting both the remote and the MyHarmony software. A stable connection is vital for successful communication between the remote and the software.
Power and Battery Information
The Logitech Harmony 650 is powered by two AA batteries, which are essential for its operation. Understanding the power requirements and battery management of your remote ensures uninterrupted control of your home entertainment system. Proper battery care also extends the lifespan of your Harmony 650.
To install or replace the batteries, locate the battery compartment on the back of the remote. Open the compartment cover and insert two new AA batteries, ensuring they are oriented correctly according to the polarity markings (+ and -) inside the compartment. Close the cover securely.
The Harmony 650 typically provides a reasonable battery life, but this can vary depending on usage patterns. Frequent use of the backlit display and extensive button presses can drain the batteries more quickly. To conserve power, the remote automatically enters a sleep mode after a period of inactivity. It’s advisable to use high-quality alkaline batteries for optimal performance and longevity.
When the batteries are low, the Harmony 650 will display a low-battery indicator on the screen. It’s important to replace the batteries promptly to avoid interruption of your remote functionality. Consider using rechargeable AA batteries to reduce waste and save money in the long run. Always remove the batteries if you plan to store the remote for an extended period to prevent potential battery leakage and damage.
Accessing Support and Further Assistance
Even with a comprehensive user manual, you might encounter situations where you need additional support for your Logitech Harmony 650. Fortunately, Logitech provides various resources to assist you in resolving any issues or answering your questions. These resources range from online documentation to direct contact with support professionals.
The first place to look for assistance is the official Logitech support website. Here, you can find a wealth of information, including FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and video tutorials specifically for the Harmony 650. You can also download the latest version of the Harmony software, which is essential for configuring and updating your remote.
If you can’t find the answer to your question on the website, you can try searching the Logitech support forums. These forums are a great place to connect with other Harmony users and share experiences, tips, and solutions. You can also post your own question and receive help from the community or Logitech support staff.
For more personalized support, you can contact Logitech directly through their customer support channels. You can typically reach them by phone, email, or live chat, depending on your region and the nature of your issue. When contacting support, be sure to have your Harmony 650 model number and any relevant information about your setup readily available to expedite the troubleshooting process; Remember to check the warranty terms.