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Logitech Harmony 650 Remote Control User Manual/Start Guide

Logitech Harmony 650 Universal Remote Control: Your Complete Guide

This guide is designed to help you get the most out of your Logitech Harmony 650 remote control. We'll walk you through everything from initial setup to everyday use and troubleshooting, with clear, step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations. Whether you're setting it up for the first time or just need a quick refresher, this guide is here to make using your Harmony 650 as simple as possible.

Table of Contents

  1. Getting Started
    • What's in the Box?
    • Understanding Your Harmony 650 Remote
    • Installing the Batteries
  2. Programming Your Remote (The Important First Step!)
    • What You'll Need
    • Downloading and Installing the MyHarmony Software
    • Creating Your MyHarmony Account
    • Adding Your Devices (TV, Cable Box, etc.)
    • Setting Up Your Activities (Watch TV, Watch a Movie, etc.)
    • Syncing Your Remote
  3. Using Your Harmony 650
    • Turning Things On and Off with Activities
    • Controlling Individual Devices
    • Using the Favorite Channels Feature
    • Adjusting Volume and Using Other Buttons
  4. Customizing Your Remote (Optional)
    • Changing Activity Settings
    • Adding or Removing Devices
    • Learning Commands from Your Old Remotes
  5. Troubleshooting & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • Remote Won't Connect to Computer
    • Device Not Responding
    • Activity Not Working Correctly
    • Screen Problems
    • Battery Issues
    • Other Common Problems
  6. Glossary of Terms
  7. Warranty and Support

1. Getting Started

  • What's in the Box?

    • Logitech Harmony 650 Remote Control
    • USB Cable (for connecting to your computer)
    • Quick Start Guide (this manual is a more detailed replacement)
    • Note: Batteries (AA) may or may not be included, depending on where you purchased the remote.

  • Understanding Your Harmony 650 Remote

    Logitech Harmony 650 8-Device Programmable Universal Remote Control

    • Power Buttons: The large buttons at the top turn your devices on or off as part of an "Activity" (explained later).
    • Activity Buttons: These buttons (labeled with icons like a TV, music note, etc.) start a series of actions with one press. For example, "Watch TV" might turn on your TV, cable box, and sound system, and switch to the correct inputs.
    • Color Screen: This shows you information about your Activities, devices, and favorite channels.
    • Navigation Buttons: The arrow keys, OK button, Menu, Exit, and Guide buttons help you navigate menus on your TV and other devices.
    • Playback Controls: These buttons (Play, Pause, Stop, Rewind, Fast Forward) control your Blu-ray player, DVR, or streaming device.
    • Number Pad: Use these to enter channel numbers directly.
    • Volume and Mute: Control the volume of your TV or sound system.
    • Channel Up/Down: Change channels.
    • Help Button: It can assist you if a device does not turn on or switch to the correct input.
    • Devices Button: Control individual devices, separate from an activity.

  • Installing the Batteries

    1. Turn the remote over.
    2. Locate the battery compartment cover. It usually has a small arrow or indentation.
    3. Slide the cover open (it might require a firm push).
    4. Insert two AA batteries, making sure the + and - ends match the markings inside the compartment.
    5. Slide the cover back on until it clicks into place.

2. Programming Your Remote (The Important First Step!)

This is the most crucial part of setting up your Harmony 650. You cannot program the remote directly; you must use a computer.

  • What You'll Need

    • Your Harmony 650 remote and the included USB cable.
    • A computer (Windows or Mac) with an internet connection.
    • The make and model numbers of all the devices you want to control (TV, cable box, Blu-ray player, etc.). You can usually find these on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device.

  • Downloading and Installing the MyHarmony Software

    1. On your computer, open a web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge).
    2. Go to the Logitech website: Search online for "MyHarmony download." Make sure you go to the official Logitech website.
    3. Find the download link for the MyHarmony software (it will be clearly labeled for Windows or Mac).
    4. Click the download link and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software. This is just like installing any other program on your computer.

  • Creating Your MyHarmony Account

    1. Open the MyHarmony software you just installed.
    2. You'll be prompted to create an account. This is free and requires an email address and a password. Write down your password somewhere safe!
    3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account creation process.

  • Adding Your Devices (TV, Cable Box, etc.)

    1. Connect your Harmony 650 remote to your computer using the USB cable.
    2. The MyHarmony software should recognize the remote. If not, make sure the cable is securely plugged in at both ends.
    3. The software will guide you through adding your devices. You'll be asked to enter the manufacturer (e.g., Samsung, Sony, LG, etc.) and the model number of each device.
    4. Be precise with the model numbers. This is how the software finds the correct codes to control your devices. Example Devices: Some common devices that work well with the Harmony 650 include TVs from Samsung (like the UN55NU8000), Sony (like the XBR-65X900F), LG (like the OLED65C9PUA), and Vizio (like the P65-F1). It also works with many cable boxes from providers like Comcast Xfinity (XG1v4), DISH Network (Hopper 3), and DIRECTV (HR54 Genie). It's also compatible with many Blu-ray players, streaming devices (like Roku Ultra and Apple TV 4K - though some features may be limited), and soundbars. This is not an exhaustive list, but provides some examples for SEO.
    5. The software can usually recognize popular models such as; Samsung TVs (UN, KS, QN series), Sony TVs (XBR, KDL series), LG TVs (OLED, NanoCell, UHD series), Vizio TVs (P-Series, M-Series, D-Series), Panasonic TVs (Viera series), TCL TVs (Roku TV series), Hisense TVs (Roku TV, Android TV series), Comcast Xfinity boxes (X1, XG1, XG2), DISH Network boxes (Hopper, Joey, Wally), DIRECTV boxes (Genie, Genie Mini), Apple TV (4th Gen, 4K), Roku (Ultra, Streaming Stick+), Amazon Fire TV (Cube, Stick), NVIDIA Shield TV, Sony Blu-ray players (BDP-S series), Samsung Blu-ray players (BD-J, BD-H series), and various soundbars from brands like Sonos, Bose, Yamaha, and more.

  • Setting Up Your Activities (Watch TV, Watch a Movie, etc.)

    1. After adding your devices, the software will help you create Activities.
    2. An Activity is a set of commands that are triggered by pressing a single button on your remote. For example, "Watch TV" might:
      • Turn on your TV.
      • Turn on your cable box.
      • Turn on your sound system (if you have one).
      • Switch your TV to the correct input (e.g., HDMI 1).
      • Switch your sound system to the correct input.
    3. The MyHarmony software will guide you through setting up each Activity, asking you questions about which devices you use and which inputs they should be on.
    4. You can customize the names of the Activities and the icons that appear on the remote's screen.

  • Syncing Your Remote

    1. Once you've added your devices and set up your Activities, you need to "sync" the information to your remote.
    2. Click the "Sync" button in the MyHarmony software.
    3. The software will transfer the settings to your remote via the USB cable. This may take a few minutes.
    4. Do not disconnect the remote until the sync is complete! The software will tell you when it's finished.

3. Using Your Harmony 650

  • Turning Things On and Off with Activities

    1. To start an Activity (like "Watch TV"), press the corresponding Activity button on the remote.
    2. The remote will send the necessary commands to your devices.
    3. To turn everything off, press the "Off" button at the top of the remote.

  • Controlling Individual Devices

    1. If you need to control a specific device outside of an Activity, press the "Devices" button.
    2. Use the screen and arrow buttons to select the device you want to control.
    3. The remote will then act as if it were the original remote for that device.

  • Using the Favorite Channels Feature

    1. You can add your favorite channels to the remote's screen for quick access.
    2. This is done through the MyHarmony software. Connect the remote to your computer, open the software, and look for the "Favorite Channels" section.
    3. You can add channel logos to make them easier to identify.

  • Adjusting Volume and Using Other Buttons

    • The volume and mute buttons usually control the volume of your TV or sound system. You can customize which device controls the volume in the MyHarmony software.
    • The other buttons (navigation, playback, number pad) work as you'd expect, controlling the currently selected device or Activity.

4. Customizing Your Remote (Optional)

  • Changing Activity Settings: If an Activity isn't working quite right (e.g., the wrong input is selected), you can adjust its settings in the MyHarmony software.
  • Adding or Removing Devices: You can add new devices or remove old ones at any time using the MyHarmony software.
  • Learning Commands from Your Old Remotes: If a button on your original remote doesn't work correctly with the Harmony 650, you can "teach" the Harmony the command. This is done in the MyHarmony software, usually in the "Devices" section. You'll need your original remote for this.

5. Troubleshooting & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Remote Won't Connect to Computer

    • Try a different USB port on your computer.
    • Use a different USB cable (make sure it's a data cable, not just a charging cable).
    • Restart your computer and the remote (remove and reinsert batteries).
    • Make sure the MyHarmony software is up to date.
    • Temporarily disable any firewall or antivirus software.

  • Device Not Responding

    • Make sure the remote is pointed directly at the device's IR sensor (usually a small, dark window on the front of the device).
    • Check for obstructions blocking the signal.
    • Check the batteries in the Harmony 650.
    • Make sure the device is plugged in and turned on.
    • Try the "Help" button on the remote.

  • Activity Not Working Correctly

    • Most Common Issue: Incorrect Input: Make sure the correct input is selected for each device in the Activity settings within the MyHarmony software.
    • Power Issues: Make sure all devices are powered on (or off, depending on the Activity).
    • Command Delays: Adjust the "Inter-device delay" and "Power-on delay" settings in the MyHarmony software.
    • Device Order: Experiment with changing the order in which devices are powered on in the Activity settings.

  • Screen Problems

    • Dim Screen: Check the batteries. There's no brightness adjustment.
    • Unresponsive Screen: Try removing and reinserting the batteries.

  • Battery Issues

    • Short Battery Life: Use high-quality alkaline or rechargeable AA batteries.

  • Other Common Problem

    • Remote is Unresponsive/Frozen: Remove batteries and reinsert.

  • FAQ: How do I reset my Harmony 650?

  • Answer: There's a small reset button, you will need a small pin to be able to press this button. Hold it for 15-20 seconds. Note: This will erase all programming.

6. Glossary of Terms

  • Activity: A set of commands that are triggered by a single button press on the Harmony 650 (e.g., "Watch TV").
  • Device: A piece of equipment that you want to control with your remote (e.g., TV, cable box, Blu-ray player).
  • IR (Infrared): The type of signal used by the Harmony 650 to control your devices. It requires a direct line of sight.
  • Input: The connection on your TV or receiver that a device is plugged into (e.g., HDMI 1, HDMI 2, Component).
  • MyHarmony: The software used to program the Harmony 650.
  • Sync: The process of transferring settings from the MyHarmony software to your remote.

7. Warranty and Support

  • Your Logitech Harmony 650 comes with a limited warranty. For details, refer to the warranty information that came with your remote or visit the Logitech website.
  • For support, visit the Logitech website (www.logitech.com) and search for "Harmony 650 support." You'll find FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and contact information.