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Logitech Harmony 895 RF/IR Advanced Universal Remote Control to debut at CEDIA Expo 2006 (27/6/2006)

CEDIA UK Expo 2006

Harmony 895 Remote Delivers Complete Multi-Room Home-Entertainment Control. No Line of Sight Needed; New Remote Delivers Control of IR Devices Anywhere in the Home.

Logitech(r), a leading manufacturer of remote controls, today unveiled the Harmony(r) 895 advanced universal remote control, the first in Logitech's award-winning family of Harmony remotes to use both radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) wireless signals to deliver powerful one-touch control of multi-zone home entertainment systems and the most advanced home cinema set-ups. The 895 will make its UK debut on the Invision UK stand B14 the CEDIA Expo 2006 at ExCeL in London from 20-22nd June.

With the Logitech Harmony 895 remote, no line of sight is needed - the remote can control sophisticated home entertainment systems with equipment in multiple rooms or hidden behind closed doors and features dedicated Sky(tm)/Teletext buttons.

The Harmony 895 remote enables custom A/V installers to save valuable set-up time and to provide their customers with a remote that has unmatched versatility. The remote works as part of a modular system that may include any number of Harmony RF base stations - typically one for each room, or zone. With a wireless range of up to 30m (approx 100ft), the Harmony 895 remote sends RF commands to a base station, which then blasts infrared signals to any components in that zone. An installer can create a system that involves multiple remotes and/or base stations to deliver complete control of many entertainment zones throughout the home.

"These new remotes will do for multi-room, sophisticated home entertainment systems what previous Harmony remotes have done for living room entertainment: make universal control simple for the user," said Steve Beahan of Invision, Logitech's UK Distributor.

"We expect the Harmony 895 remote to be extremely popular with custom A/V installers, because the online set-up process is a proven time saver, and the remotes themselves are extremely easy to use - sparing dealers the demands of extensive customer support."

He added: "Today's home entertainment systems continue to get more powerful, but also more complex to operate. The success we've had with the Harmony remote controls in the UK is proof of how Logitech's award-winning platform dramatically simplifies the experience of watching TV and films, and playing music for everyone".

Easy online set-up

Logitech's comprehensive online database features discrete codes and characteristics for more than 80,000 different products from more than 2,500 different manufacturers. This online database of detailed information is updated daily with the latest devices.

As installers set up a Harmony 895 for a client, they enter component or appliance model numbers using the online interface and the Harmony set-up wizard matches the component with the appropriate infrared codes. This simple process alleviates the need for an installer to programme a remote with dozens of individual infrared commands. The Harmony 895 remote plugs into a PC so that these codes can be easily downloaded to the remote. Once programmed, the Harmony remote sends wireless signals that automatically update all the Harmony RF base stations throughout the house with the latest control information.

The online set-up also makes it easy for installers to update a remote without having to make a house call. When a customer wishes to alter the set-up of a system, or in the event of any difficulties, the installer can remotely access the customer's online account and make any adjustments needed. The customer needs only to log into the account and click update to automatically download the changes to the remote.

Logitech Smart State Technology

The Harmony 895 remotes deliver powerful activity control by using Logitech's patented Smart State Technology(r), which allows a remote to track the operations of the various components it controls. Harmony 895 remote users can effortlessly switch between watching home cinema in the living room and listening to music in the kitchen, by selecting a single activity button. Each time a new activity is selected, the remote establishes the proper state of all of the components needed for the current activity, and turns off the components not needed.

Designed for State-of-the-Art Home Entertainment Systems

The Harmony 895 remote include a vibrant, colour display that serves as a personalised activity control centre. Colourful icons accompany text on the LCD screen to allow for quick and easy command of home entertainment equipment and household appliances. The remote also uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, eliminating the need to change batteries. When the remote is not in use, it rests on an attractive charging platform.

Pricing and Availability

The Harmony 895 advanced universal remote will be primarily sold through custom installers and specialist AV retailers. The components will be sold separately. The SRP of the remote is £300. The Harmony RF Base Station and the Harmony USB wireless PC transceiver will be available for £70. Dealer support tools are also available.

www.logitech.com/harmony
www.invisionUK.com