I saw some posts about the 520 being available at Walmart, so I called a few local stores and found one that had just received a shipment. I got one to see how well it would work for me. I had a bit of trouble when I first tried to sync it with my Harmony set up at Logitech's website. I found I had to load the version 5 software from the CD since it didn't seem to be available at the time over the Internet. The USB connector on the 520 is covered by a hinged rubber plug (seems like a good idea). I finally got my configuration loaded onto the 520. In the setup there was a mention of a motion sensor which I wasn't aware of, and also seemed like a neat feature. Unfortunately I haven't gotten the motion sensor to work as I expected - it doesn't seem to turn the glow light on when I pick up the remote. I tried removing the batteries for a while as suggested in some discussions of the motion sensor on the 880, but that didn't help. So at this point it's still not working as I expected. The feel of the remote in the hand is pretty good. I was used to the Tivo-style peanut shape, but this feels okay. The other thing that is somewhat of an issue is the display. It's has a nice blue color and the letters are pretty sharp, but I find the display somewhat hard to see. Maybe it's something I have to get used to. Even in the light I still find the lettering somewhat difficult to see. I do like the forward and reverse buttons for the dioplay. I'm still experimenting a bit with the keyboard layout, but I think it will work okay for my limited application. Those are my thoughts for now. If anyone has suggestions on getting the motion sensor to work, please let me know.

The 520 doesn't have a motion sensor like the 880. That was an error in the manual. As with all other Harmony remotes (aside from the 880), there is a button on the remote to engage the light.

I haven't seen the new software used with the 520, but older versions of the software let you customize the lighting behavior (i.e.: to have remote light up any time you pressed a button on the remote and to stay on for a set period of time).

Could you please supply the SKU number that Walmart uses for this remote so that I can call around to ask. The 2 that I checked with were not helpful so I drove down there, only to find that they didn't have ANY Harmony remotes. Thanks

RonL - regarding the motion sensor, here is what it says on the Change Global Options page for the 520:

Controls whether the Tilt Sensor automatically turns on the backlight Glow.
Enable: Tilt Sensor turns on the backlight Glow.
Disable: Tilt Sensor does nothing.

austerville - the sku number on my receipt is 009785503569

Robert,

Thanks for the SKU. I called my local Wal-Mart and lo and behold they had four units.

First impressions:

- Good form factor in the hands. Much sleeker vs. 6xx and 8xx.
- Good button layout. Better than 676 and slightly better than 688.
- Best directional button than all 6xx series.
- Vol, Chn, directional buttons are very tactile. All other soft rubber buttons -while locatable by touch- are vague feeling (detents are not great).

Here are some pictures.

Are there any differences with the web setup when using the 520? I've heard Harmony was using a new setup for the 520. In particular, are there any features lacking when compared to the 6xx remotes?

Yes, there is a new software version 5.0.2. It's an improvement to the current software but nothing significant. This current 5.0.2 version also supports my 688 series.

The 520 is sharp looking vs. the more dowdy 6xx series. After using both the 520 and 688 last night, I give the 688 a slight advantage in the buttons/detent feedback dept (yes, there are a lot of users who do not like the 688's continuous cluster layout but I find it favorable to me). The 520's buttons, while well positioned, were more firm and lacked that "CLICK" detent feel (it feels very much like the "dead" buttons from the 676, only bigger).

Other critical notes include:

- The 520's blue LCD does not have the best contrast vs. 6xx.
- The 520 lacks the Media, Pic, and Sound buttons -- no biggie for me who desire simplicity.

- The 520 has a less powerful IR emmitter. Perhaps it only has one like the 880. The 688 was much more powerful sending signals from all different directions.

The 5xx is a fresh look for the Harmony and I look forward to continual improvements in the coming months/years. Logitech has a history of refinement for input devices and I see it not stopping here.

Is the 5xx the ideal remote? Not yet but it (or a succeeding series) will get there.

In my opinion, the one thing missing (or is it 2?) is the page up page down buttons. For users with OSD cable and satellite menus this is a must and not something I'd want to use 2 of the 4 lcd buttons for.

i've never had a harmony remote. i was planning to get the 880 but may get the 520 bec i don't have that many equipment to control. i just want to ask if its possible to change the activities shown on the lcd screen. instead of play a game can i permanently change it to listen to the radio?

You can name an activity anything you want.

I'm very eager to get hold of one of these to try, but my stores don't seem to have any in stock (at least the ones that I've called). For those of you who've managed to find these could you please post which city you're in and which store you found it at. Thanks

Check Logitech's website. It lists the stores which will carry it....unfortunately none anywhere near me. Then again, I only live in the 5th largest city in the US.

[Link: logitech.com]

Picked my 520 up today! Found that not all Walmarts on the list have the product, so call ahead if it is out of your way. The 520 was with the other universal remotes on a peg board at the store I found it at in MN. The remote is working perfectly with my Dish Network PVR, Motarola HD OTA reciever, KEF Audio and Sony TV. There are no non learing remotes that could get close on my setup and the single button activities are perfect to switch between HD OTA and SAT tv watching. If you are thinking about this remote I give it a thumbs up and my wife likes it too.

Bill

Thanks tkrug - that helps a lot, although I had already called some of the stores on that list and none of the ones that I called even had ANY Harmony remotes - let alone the 520. However it does help narrow down the list of stores to call. Hopefully I'll find one today. Thanks again.

You guys make me do it!!!
I pick up mine @Wal-Mart 2 days ago.
So far so good. I can only compare this to the 659 I used in someone’s house.Oops the phone ring and it is Logitech tech support...From my conversation I gather the following:

1)(for Robert Meushaw) the remote does NOT have a motion sensor, but I noticed that after a long period of not using it, when I picked it up the lights went on. This is the wake of the remote, which goes into power saving mode after 2 hours of inactivity.

2) The remote can use rechargables, they recommend Lithium.

3) To replace batteries they recommend TO TURN OFF YOUR EQUIPMENT, and then change batteries.

4) You can rename your keys to whatever, lower case allow you to add more letters. If you use spaces in the description you will go to the 2nd line of text. (I have to try this).

In my opinion, I agree with BodegaBay, I will add that the weight distribution is very good (the remote with all the weight in the back “sink" in the palm of your hand very nicely). Not Heavy.

The keys on the side of the screen are a bit loose, and the make a noise when you shake the remote. Solution to this: Don’t shake the remote!!!

Remote looks modern and can blend as a part of equipment instead of a Universal Remote.

The customer support alone is worth the price of this remote. ( I called yesterday around 09:00 PM EST they call me back today around 1:00 Pm EST. I will suggest leave a best time to call back when leaving a message because They do CALL BACK!!!

I strongly suggest buy this Remote if you are in the Market for one.
My humble $0.02