What would it take to.. Logitech Harmony ecosystem question!

[spoon]

So I have just purchased Amazon Echo Dot and would like to voice control my devices in two rooms (living room and a bedroom)

The living room has the following:

- Steambox PC connected via HDMI to the telly,
- Sony Bravia TV,
- Virgin Media TV box (nothing fancy just the regular box),
- PS4 console,
- PS3 console,
- Google Chromecast.

Bedroom is equipped with only the TV (again Sony Bravia) + Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire stick.

I figured that Logitech Harmony is what I need but from what I have read the information is more confusing than actually helping me decide!

So what would I need in order to issue basic turn on or off commands from the remote or smartphone app to my devices?

Will the harmony hub be enough to accomplish my task or would I need the remote as well (don't mind using just the smartphone app or Alexa)?

Can 1 remote or hub control equipment in two separate rooms or do I need two sets?

Also, what is the difference between Harmony Hub and Harmony Ultimate Hub (apart from the £20 price difference)?

http://www.logitech.com/en-gb/harmony-remotes

Any input would be much appreciated to help and clear the confusion!


cheers.

 

[pepp77]

Fairly certain the Ultimate Hub is for normal entertainment devices (TV, DVD etc etc), whereas the Hub is also for Home Automation Devices.

 

[spoon]

Thanks!

I have been doing some digging and someone on Amazon said they have got the following from Logitech themselves:

"The difference between both Hubs is just the firmware version on them. The one that is GBP 99.99 has the latest version and the one the is GBP79.99 has an older version.
In both case you get the exact same product and quality. If you decide you purchase the Hub that is at GBP79.99 once you configure and sync the firmware version will automatically update to the latest version.".

which seems a bit mental?

 

[VincentHanna]

Voice control is a pointless gimmick IMO.

Far better to get the Harmony remote/app and just configure an activity.

With the press of one button, both I and my technologically backward girlfriend can Turn on on the TV, A/V Receiver and Satellite box or set the TV and A/V Receiver to switch sources etc.

It even lets you turn on and manoeuvre around the Xbox One and PS4 dashboards.

I have a PS4 with Camera which lets you voice control the console - and never use it. My (old) Xbox One with Kinnect also lets you do the same thing and again I never really used it past the initial 'WOW I CAN ISSUE VOICE COMMANDS!' phase.

 

[RoyMi6]

Know that Amazon Alex doesn't currently integrate natively with the Harmony Hub in the UK yet.

There is a work around (using an app called Yonomi) but it's far from perfect as it needs to use your phone as an intermediary (so your phone needs to be on, have the app running and connected to the same WiFi)

With that out of the way:

1) I'd recommend getting one with a remote. It really can replace every remote you currently have in a room. I'd also recommend you get one without a touch screen because a) touch screen versions need to be kept in a cradle to keep their charge and b) touch screens means you have to look at your remote to press buttons, you can't just use motor memory

2) Yes, you'll need two hubs to control two rooms. While technically you can extend the IR transmitters to a 2nd room that hub itself can only have one activity running at a time and thus would cause you no end of troubles to get it working. Buy two.

3) I literally used to know every single aspect of the Harmony Hub lineup, but even I'm confused about the difference between the Hub and Ultimate Hub...