Comments on: how does the Harmony 680 remote connect to a PC?

Question: how does the Harmony 680 remote connect to a PC?

scarabic — Tue, 13 Sep 2005 22:51:50 -0800

The Logitech Harmony 680 is looking like a good way for me to control my Media Center Edition PC plus projector/audio receiver. However, its specs do not list a USB infrared receiver. It says it's good for controlling MCE PCs, but I can't figure out how it connects. I do not already have a remote hooked up to this MCE PC. Probably a dumb question, but... help!

By: scarabic

scarabic — Tue, 13 Sep 2005 23:11:22 -0800

I do notice it has a USB cable, but I think that's for connecting it straight to the PC for programming purposes. Yeah?

By: mathowie

mathowie — Tue, 13 Sep 2005 23:19:40 -0800

Yeah, the USB cable is for dumping remote codes and macros to the device.

By: scarabic

scarabic — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 00:01:01 -0800

Are they assuming that all MCE machines already have a remote receiver? Perhaps a lot of the MCE boxes being sold already come bundled with a remote? That's the only thing I can think of.

By: cillit bang

cillit bang — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 01:19:39 -0800

This review says "You'll still need the USB receiver as the remote doesn't come with one. But replacing the regular MCE remote, it's ready right off the bat."

I presume that refers to the generic Microsoft one.

By: Merdryn

Merdryn — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 05:12:25 -0800

It is an excellent remote for a MCE machine, and if you have a MCE machine, you have the remote receiver (it's a required component for a machine to be considered an MCE machine)

By: scarabic

scarabic — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 12:56:00 -0800

Yeah mine isn't like a certified, stickered box. I just built a box and installed XP Media Center Edition. So I guess the nice low price of $60 I found for this item has a hidden cost. Dang. Thanks for the info.