Logitech Harmony Remotes - price compared to Aussie

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sultanoswing

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#73790 22-Dec-2010 14:47

Ouch!

My Logitech 525 died a couple of days ago (LCD screen has gone blank - a common failing apparently - and it's just out of warranty).

Anyway, browsing for a replacement - Dick Smith in Australia has the Harmony One for $188 and the top-of-the-range 1100i for $397 - both AUD.

Dick Smith in NZ has the harmony One at $299 and the 1100i at a whopping $899.

Even accounting for our relative weakness against the Aussie dollar this is a significant rip.

Trademe, here I come...

Aus: http://dicksmith.com.au/dsau/search/dsau_search_results.jsp

NZ: http://search.dse.co.nz/search?w=logitech+harmony&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&submit=Go&sessionid=4d1159a0033be7302741c0a87f3b069b

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#420469 22-Dec-2010 15:12

Of interest, I believe one of the people behind the original logitech harmony remote is a kiwi.

Something I read a few years back, could be wrong though.

[edit] logitech bought out the harmony company several years ago. Dunno if the kiwi is still involved.

sultanoswing

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#420481 22-Dec-2010 15:40

As a general principle, tech companies lose their mojo when the marketing arm outgrows the R&D and engineering arms. Marketing suits replace the tech geeks.

I'm not sayin' that's the situation at Logitech, it's just a general observation.

Jaxson

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#420496 22-Dec-2010 16:02

The 785 is on clearance at DSE. Free delivery too.

It's a good point though, hadn't thought about what I'd do when the 525 dies.
Can you transfer a profile to a higher spec remote?!
Or do you have to rebuild it from scratch. Makes it a joke to have it online if when your one dies they no longer offer the original model....

graemeh

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#420507 22-Dec-2010 16:13

If it's just out of warranty I'd be going back to the shop I bought it from to "discuss" a replacement. It should be repaired or replaced at no cost to you.

RustyGonad

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#420508 22-Dec-2010 16:16

http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139234/CATID=304/Universal-Remotes.html

Also doing 20% off all Logitech until Christmas.

ie Harmony One for $192...

Jaxson - when you upgrade it carries your existing config over between the remotes. Works like a charm.

old3eyes

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#420596 22-Dec-2010 19:30

Jaxson: The 785 is on clearance at DSE. Free delivery too.

It's a good point though, hadn't thought about what I'd do when the 525 dies.
Can you transfer a profile to a higher spec remote?!

Or do you have to rebuild it from scratch. Makes it a joke to have it online if when your one dies they no longer offer the original model....

From memory one of the options with the Harmony software to upgrade to new remote..

Regards,

Old3eyes

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Shop now for HP laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

timmmay

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#420742 22-Dec-2010 23:51

Harmony One seems to be $239 on that site, still not a bad deal.

RustyGonad

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#420744 22-Dec-2010 23:55

timmmay: Harmony One seems to be $239 on that site, still not a bad deal.

Put in the logitech discount code, and it'll drop the price by 20%.

timmmay

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#420755 23-Dec-2010 00:38

Awesome thanks for the tip. RRP $330 down to $192 is just crazy! Of course I bought one.

Now let's just hope my girlfriend didn't take the hint and didn't get me one for Christmas. If she did I hope it can be exchanged, i'm sure she'd pay more than this for it!

timmmay

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#420840 23-Dec-2010 09:15

My partner did get me one too... hopefully Playtech will cancel the order before it goes out. Will report back on their customer service.

semigeek

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#420845 23-Dec-2010 09:23

Jaxson: The 785 is on clearance at DSE. Free delivery too.

It's a good point though, hadn't thought about what I'd do when the 525 dies.
Can you transfer a profile to a higher spec remote?!
Or do you have to rebuild it from scratch. Makes it a joke to have it online if when your one dies they no longer offer the original model....

Speaking of the 785's, for those who have them, if you hold it close to your ear do you hear a high pitched whistle coming from it?

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AndrewTD

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#420853 23-Dec-2010 09:28

On a slightly related note:
I've now got 3 Harmony remotes in the house! All different models.
I have Freeview Satellite - not HD - so each TV also has to co-exist with a set top box, and two of them are also connected to HT amps.
I find the Logitech Harmony remotes are great for the WAF (wife/partner acceptance factor)
If it's easy for them to use, it makes my occasionally excessive home theater / electronics purchases slightly more acceptable!

I end up running 3 separate Logitech online accounts - one for each remote. It gets a little confusing remembering them, but is perfectly workable.

Bottom line - having more than 1 of these remotes can be a good thing. :)

kind regards Andrew TD

timmmay

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#420872 23-Dec-2010 09:58

Playtech refunded my purchase with zero hassles :)

sultanoswing

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#420874 23-Dec-2010 10:00

The logitech discount code for 50% I got for my failing 525 means it's still cheaper buying from their website, but that Playtech deal is very good, and I'd be a taker if I didn't have the code.

Talkiet

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#420901 23-Dec-2010 10:50

RustyGonad: http://www.playtech.co.nz/afawcs0139234/CATID=304/Universal-Remotes.html

Also doing 20% off all Logitech until Christmas.

ie Harmony One for $192...

Jaxson - when you upgrade it carries your existing config over between the remotes. Works like a charm.

Thanks for the tip - I went from a 525 to a 785 and the upgrade worked smoothly as well...

Ooops, it would appear I just upgraded to a Harmony One as well based on that discount. I think my mouse slipped and I also ordered a PS3 adaptor as well.

Cheers - N

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

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