If you’ve been reading my site awhile, it should come as no surprise that I’m a big fan of Logitech’s Harmony remotes. They do initially require some time to configure and tweak to your liking, but the time you’ll save down the road makes it worthwhile. I didn’t particularly care for the button layout of the 659, so moving the VCR controls midway up the 670 is an improvement. Though, like most Harmony’s, the layout is still non-standard. I am interested in checking out the updated desktop application (which I assume will work with other models, such as my 880) and will report back. If you’re in the market for a low-end model, I’d probably suggest the 550 instead of the $150 670 — it costs less and, in my opinion, looks better if you can deal with the somewhat mushy keys.

Logitech writes: Logitech today introduced the mid-range Harmony 670 advanced universal remote, which builds on the features of the company’s popular Harmony 659 remote, with enhancements that make controlling today’s complex home-entertainment systems even easier. The new remote features improved one-touch activity buttons and a button layout optimized to control digital video recorders (DVRs) such as TiVo. It’s also the company’s first remote to include the new Harmony 7.0 software, which makes setting up the remote and fine-tuning it on the PC easier than ever. The new Harmony software reduces the Internet setup process to four easy steps. An intuitive wizard guides people through this online setup, using easy-to-understand language, offering tips and providing easy access to help menus along the way. The setup includes the automated download of infrared codes from the world’s largest online audio/visual control database, featuring information about more than 175,000 devices from more than 5,000 manufacturers.

I’ve played with Prontos, Sonys, PDAs, and even flirted with VNC as a means of HTPC remote control… and I just don’t like the ’slab’ style. They can’t be held in one hand and most functions are not tactile: I’d rather visually focus on content than on controlling that content. I’m even less interested when they’re charging $500, as Logitech will be when the Harmony 1000 is released this fall. Existing generations of Harmony remotes have had no problem dimming my Lutron lights, firing up my projector, and controlling a variety of my more pedestrian AV elements — so I have no need for this product. However, I’m sure Logitech’s business development folks saw a money making opportunity here with the high-end crowd.

I trust several savvy readers cashed in on those recent Harmony 880 remote deals… So here’s a nifty feature you may not have picked up on — the on-remote television listings feature has been replaced by icons of channels you frequently access. For some this might not be such a big deal, but I find it more much convenient than remembering 103-11 is ABC (or is it CBS?) and keying it into my LG HD tuner.

Download a large set of logo image files from Squareworld and customize your remote using Logitech’s web configuration tool (use IE, Firefox isn’t working lately): User Options page, Favorite Channels button. If you’re creative (or bored), you also have the ability to create a custom slideshow or change your theme.

By default, clicking the 880’s Media button will bring your favorites up.