Logitech's do-it-all remote control

If your entertainment room has a TV, stereo system, DVD player an other equipment, you probably also have a stack of remote controls. in my house, we keep a basket on the coffee table just to collect remotes.

But that was before the arrival of the Harmony Ultimate Remote. This new remote from Logitech can replace almost any remote and squeeze multiple remotes into one. Logitech says the remote will control of up to 15 devices and will work with more than 5,000 brands and 225,000 devices.

You have to do a little groundwork to start. First you make a list of the brand names and model numbers for the devices you want the Harmony to control. Then plug the Harmony into your computer, enter the list and you're ready to go.

you can select each device to control it separately or set up functions for the things you like to do. For example, you can compress three steps -- turn on the TV, the stereo and the DVD player -- into one function called "Play a DVD." The remote will also tune your television or radio to your favorite channel.

Here's one more trick that I like. The Harmony Ultimate works with a hub device that can also communicate with Apple or Android smartphones. With Logitech's free app installed, everyone in the house can have their own personalized remote control.

The Harmony Ultimate costs about $300 at Amazon.com. That makes it one of the most expensive universal remotes available. But it's also one of the most versatile.

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Written by Ric Manning

Follow me on Twitter @ricmanning and read my technology columns at My Well Being.