Are you tired of juggling multiple remotes to control your home entertainment system? Do you wish you had a single, intuitive remote that could control all your devices with ease? Look no further than the Logitech Harmony 650, a powerful and user-friendly universal remote control that can simplify your entertainment experience. In this article, we’ll take you through a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to add a device to your Harmony 650, ensuring you get the most out of your remote control.
Before You Begin: Preparing Your Harmony 650
Before you start adding devices to your Harmony 650, make sure you have:
- A fully charged Harmony 650 remote control
- A computer with internet access
- The Harmony software installed on your computer (downloadable from the Logitech website)
- A Harmony account set up (if you haven’t already)
Important Note: Ensure your Harmony 650 is updated with the latest software to ensure compatibility with the widest range of devices.
Step 1: Connect Your Harmony 650 To Your Computer
To add a device to your Harmony 650, you’ll need to connect it to your computer using the provided USB cable. Follow these steps:
Connecting Your Harmony 650 To A Windows Computer
- Connect the USB cable to your Windows computer and the other end to your Harmony 650.
- Open the Harmony software on your computer. If you don’t have it installed, download and install it from the Logitech website.
- The software will prompt you to connect your Harmony 650. Click “Connect” to proceed.
Connecting Your Harmony 650 To A Mac Computer
- Connect the USB cable to your Mac computer and the other end to your Harmony 650.
- Open the Harmony software on your computer. If you don’t have it installed, download and install it from the Logitech website.
- The software will prompt you to connect your Harmony 650. Click “Connect” to proceed.
Step 2: Add A Device To Your Harmony 650
Now that your Harmony 650 is connected to your computer, it’s time to add a device. Follow these steps:
Adding A Device Using The Harmony Software
- Launch the Harmony software on your computer and sign in to your Harmony account.
- Click on the “Devices” tab at the top of the screen.
- Click on the “Add Device” button.
- Select the type of device you want to add (e.g., TV, DVD player, gaming console, etc.).
- Enter the manufacturer and model number of your device. You can find this information on the device itself or in the user manual.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the device setup process.
Adding A Device Using The Harmony 650 Remote
If you prefer to add devices directly using your Harmony 650 remote, follow these steps:
- Press the “Devices” button on your Harmony 650 remote.
- Select the type of device you want to add (e.g., TV, DVD player, gaming console, etc.).
- Enter the manufacturer and model number of your device using the remote’s keypad.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the device setup process.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues during the device setup process, refer to the following troubleshooting tips:
Device Not Recognized
- Ensure you have entered the correct manufacturer and model number.
- Check if the device is turned on and in the correct input mode.
- Try restarting the device and the Harmony 650 remote.
Harmony 650 Not Connecting To Computer
- Check the USB connection and ensure it’s secure.
- Restart the Harmony software and try connecting again.
- Ensure your computer’s USB ports are functioning properly.
Adding Devices With Specific Requirements
Some devices may require additional setup or have specific requirements for operation. Here are a few examples:
Adding A TV
- Ensure your TV is turned on and set to the correct input mode.
- If your TV has multiple HDMI inputs, specify the correct input during the setup process.
Adding A Gaming Console
- Ensure your gaming console is turned on and connected to the correct HDMI input.
- You may need to configure the console’s settings to recognize the Harmony 650 remote.
Adding A Soundbar Or Home Theater System
- Ensure your soundbar or home theater system is turned on and connected to the correct HDMI input.
- You may need to configure the system’s settings to recognize the Harmony 650 remote.
Conclusion
Adding a device to your Harmony 650 is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. By following the instructions outlined in this article, you’ll be able to control all your devices with ease, creating a seamless entertainment experience. Remember to keep your Harmony 650 software updated to ensure compatibility with the widest range of devices. Happy harmonizing!
What Devices Are Compatible With The Harmony 650?
The Harmony 650 is compatible with a wide range of devices from various brands. You can add devices such as TVs, DVD players, Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, amplifiers, and more. The Logitech Harmony database contains a vast library of devices from over 6,000 brands, so it’s likely that your device is compatible.
To ensure compatibility, you can check the Logitech Harmony website for a list of supported devices. You can also check the device manufacturer’s website for Harmony compatibility. If your device is not listed, you can try searching online for Harmony compatibility forums or communities where users share their experiences and provide guidance on adding unsupported devices.
Do I Need To Purchase Additional Hardware To Use The Harmony 650?
No, you don’t need to purchase any additional hardware to use the Harmony 650. The Harmony 650 comes with an IR emitter that can control most devices. However, if you have devices that are hidden from view or are located behind a cabinet or wall, you may need to purchase an IR repeater or an IR blaster to extend the range of the IR signal.
The IR repeater or blaster can be placed near the hidden devices, allowing the Harmony 650 to control them even when they’re out of sight. You can purchase these accessories from the Logitech Harmony website or from authorized retailers. Make sure to check the compatibility of the accessories with your Harmony 650 model before making a purchase.
How Do I Add A Device To The Harmony 650 Using The Remote?
To add a device to the Harmony 650 using the remote, press the “Devices” button, then select “Add Device” from the menu. Next, select the device type (e.g., TV, DVD, etc.) and the device manufacturer from the list. The Harmony 650 will then prompt you to enter the device code, which can be found in the device’s user manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
Enter the device code using the numeric keypad on the Harmony 650, and the remote will attempt to connect to the device. If the device is recognized, the Harmony 650 will display a success message, and you can start controlling the device using the remote. If the device is not recognized, you may need to try a different code or use the Harmony software to add the device.
What Is The Harmony Software, And How Do I Use It To Add Devices?
The Harmony software is a free online tool that allows you to add devices to your Harmony 650, customize buttons, and create custom activities. To use the software, connect your Harmony 650 to your computer using the provided USB cable, then go to the Logitech Harmony website and download the software.
Once the software is installed, launch it and follow the on-screen instructions to add your device. The software will guide you through a series of questions to identify your device and its capabilities. You can then customize the device settings and buttons to your liking. The software will also allow you to update the Harmony 650’s firmware and sync your changes to the remote.
Can I Add Custom Buttons Or Commands To My Harmony 650?
Yes, you can add custom buttons or commands to your Harmony 650 using the Harmony software. The software allows you to customize the buttons on your remote to perform specific functions or macros. You can assign a single button to perform multiple commands, such as turning on multiple devices with a single button press.
To add custom buttons or commands, launch the Harmony software and select the device you want to customize. Then, click on the “Buttons” tab and drag-and-drop the desired commands to the button layout. You can also create custom activities that combine multiple commands to perform a specific task, such as watching a movie or playing a game.
What If My Device Is Not Recognized By The Harmony 650?
If your device is not recognized by the Harmony 650, don’t worry. There are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue. First, try using the Harmony software to add the device, as it may have more advanced features to help identify the device. If that doesn’t work, try searching online for the device code or checking the manufacturer’s website for Harmony compatibility.
If you still can’t get the device to work, you can contact Logitech Harmony support for assistance. They may be able to provide additional guidance or help you troubleshoot the issue. You can also check online forums or communities where users may have already found a solution to the problem.
How Do I Update The Firmware On My Harmony 650?
To update the firmware on your Harmony 650, connect the remote to your computer using the provided USB cable, then launch the Harmony software. The software will automatically check for firmware updates and prompt you to download and install the latest version.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the firmware update process. Make sure to keep the remote connected to the computer and the battery level above 50% to ensure a successful update. The firmware update may take a few minutes to complete, but it’s essential to keep your Harmony 650 up-to-date to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with new devices.