theuerkorn's Full Review: Logitech Harmony® Adapter for PlayStation 3
Since Sony chose to have all remote function in the Playstation 3 to be based solely on Bluetooth technology, it's relatively difficult to integrate in your home theater which is still almost exclusively ruled by IR remotes. Of course that's not a big deal if you're okay with or even like to have numerous remote controls floating around in your house. Others prefer a Universal Remote Control to bundle all in one device. And that's where the Logitech adapter helps to bridge the gap between incompatible technologies.
WHY?
Since the adapter lightens your wallet by a hefty $60, one might ask if there isn't a cheaper way to do this. The Sony game pads are quite capable to control all PS3 functionality including the video replay, but it's of course another "remote" and not one that easily fits the standard conventions of your typical DVD player. Of course, one could choose to buy a Bluetooth remote for the PS3 but that only disguises the gamepad in a more appropriate form and adds a few meaningful macros to the mix to get closer to the home theater interface. Yet, you're still facing the problem that most likely no other component (TV, Receiver, Amplifier ...) can be controlled with a Bluetooth remote and you still need at least one more universal remote control for those. So it's really not a complete solution either.
One could easily blame Sony for refusing to add a simple IR module to the Playstation, but that won't get us anywhere either since "they" are sure not listening mid product cycle. So wouldn't it be nice if the respectable Harmony universal remote control could somehow also talk Bluetooth and do both? Well, that's kind of what the adapter does. The remote still remains purely IR, but when received and understood by the adapter, it's translated into the appropriate Bluetooth signal and the gap is closed.
DETAILS
Installation: [*****] There are three things to be done in order to have the adapter service you. (1) connect the power supply to the adapter, (2) Pair the adapter with the Playstation and (3) add PS3 commands to Harmony configuration. Neither of those tasks poses any problems and the configuration of the Harmony is by far the most "demanding" part. (If you own one, you know that there are minor things to regard when programming, but otherwise it's virtually child's play.) The pairing is very easy as well and the included Quickstart page walks you thru the short process.
Style: [****-] There isn't a universal good or bad in redard to style as it's as much personal preference as there are certain fads at each time period. So the adapters stays subdues and the style matches the PS3 in color and finish, while the Silver is in the back and somewhat invisible anyway, unless you decide to have it prominently placed. It's relatively small, and certainly much smaller than I expected it as the online pictures somehow make it seem bigger. With small size comes low weight and there is a delicate balance between the device's weight and the force introduced by the cable. Depending on your surface, it may be difficult to keep it oriented exactly the way you want it.
PS3 Functionality: [****-] The package boldly claims that ALL 51 commands of the PS3 remote are supported. And that amazingly holds true with one minor "annoyance". Since the power-On process is two steps and there is no delay in the programmable macro, you still have to press "X" in order to enter (if you have multiple account). It's minor as that's right on the remote and not different from the PS3 but would have been nice to be completely transparent like a "real" DVD player. The adapter is indeed paired as a BD remote to the PS3 and is fully transparent without any need to configure (other than registering the device with the PS3).
Harmony Functionality: [****-] Logitech has done a great job in making the programming and configuration as easy as possible with the Harmony remote. The database is an impressive collection of codes as they apply to many different devices and manufacturers. Within the Harmony the PS3 is treated like any other IR remote controlled device and if you've done one of the other, the integration of the Playstation is really the same, with exception that commands can't be learned since the Harmony cannot listen to the Bluetooth signal of the controllers. Fortunately that's not needed anyway, since Logitech provides all commands in their database and the connection between the Harmony and the adapter is internal to one manufacturer. That's not always good, but it simply works in this case. While one can macro commands for power on and off, there is no programmable delay to deal with the startup time it takes the PS3 to be ready to listen to the second command.
Integration: [*****] Once everything is configured and programmed, the Harmony feels practically seamless and of course one looses the comfort of the non-directional usage of a Blutooth remote along with the ability to control devices behind glass (i.e. entertainment center ... if there is enough ventilation with doors closed anyway). So the adapter needs to be line of sight like any other IR device and is direction, but that's about if for the draw-backs. Conversion is seemingly without effort and one quickly forgets that the PS3 was basically incompatible before. Of course a Harmony remote doesn't aspire to be a gamepad and is for the media function in the PS3 only.
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