Competitive Landscape - Logitech Harmony 880 Guide Manual

4. Competitive Landscape

As remote controls have evolved, four basic categories have emerged. Here is a look at the
categories, distinctions, key players, and pros and cons of each type:
Category Popular
Brands
All electronic
Dedicated
remotes
component-
specific
remotes
Standard • Kameleon
universal
remote
controls
Macro-based, • Phillips
programmable • Sony
remotes with • Universal
touch screens Electronics
• Home
Theater Master
MX
Advanced • Harmony
universal
remotes
The Logitech Harmony 880 Remote Reviewer's Guide
Summer 2005
Page 12
Pros
• Buttons reflect the specific
functions of the device it
comes with
• Inexpensive (comes with
components)
• Can fulfill most functions of
several component remotes
• Powerful, complete control
of entertainment systems
• Include one-touch Activity
buttons on touch screens that
send sequence of commands
• Powerful, complete control
of entertainment systems
• Include one-touch Activity
buttons that send sequence of
commands
• USB programmable by user;
easy to add another
component and update;
simple to program buttons
• Internet community helps
online database of
components remain the most
thorough and current in the
industry
Cons
• Many components equals
many remotes; living room
clutter
• Not programmable
• Difficult to find the right codes
• Many lack widespread
compatibility
• Inability to truly control all
important functions – users end
up reaching for individual
remotes
• Rely on component database
on embedded chip, which
becomes obsolete; no way to
update with new components
• User needs to press an
elaborate sequence of buttons to
launch any Activity
• Expensive
• Programmed by a professional;
a change or addition in the
entertainment system would
require a house call
• Rely on limited component
database on embedded chip; no
easy way to update with new
components
• Why didn't I think of this?