The Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote ($500) looks more like a GPS device than a remote control. That makes sense: It helps you navigate a complicated home AV system.
Unlike other universals you might have tried, this one has only a handful of buttons. The bulk of its faceplate is taken up by a 3.5-inch color touchscreen. From a list of displayed options, you select an activity—listening to the radio, recording a television program, or playing a video game, for instance. The Harmony responds by filling its screen with the controls you need.
Programming the remote is a snap. You connect it to a computer through a USB port, go to a Web site, select the models of equipment you own, and identify which are used during each activity you want the Harmony to control. From there, set-up proceeds automatically. The Harmony 1000 is compatible with Windows and Apple computer systems.
