Logitech to give PS3 Harmony Remote support
(Credit:
Engadget HD)
It appears as if Logitech is about to silence the complaints of thousands of PlayStation 3 owners who are frustrated with the system's lack of an infrared port. Those with Harmony remotes--or any universal remote for that matter--up until now have had to rely on clunky, hacked-up IR-to-Bluetooth USB dongles for their all-in-ones remotes to take control of their PS3. It seems the Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3 will play nicely with the line Harmony remotes right out of the box.
Among our largest concerns is whether the new device will have the capability to power on the PS3, something the IR solutions we've seen before don't handle as smoothly as we would have liked. There are no confirmed details yet, but a preemptive look at the FCC documents does include mention of Bluetooth and a separate power supply. Suffice to say, it sounds as this adapter will be able to power cycle your PS3. Imagine that.
You can be sure we'll have a review of this magical device the second it's available.
(Source: Engadget HD)
UPDATE: Since the publishing of this post, Logitech has spoke out about the device, shedding some light on some of the specific features of the Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3.
We can't give you all the details just yet, but we can say that this adapter will, when used with any Harmony remote, allows you to control your movie-watching experience on PS3. It will also turn the PS3 on and off - and allow you to set up your Harmony activities to include the PS3 just as you would any other device. You also won't need to dedicate any of your valuable USB ports to get that control.
Before covering games and gear for CNET Reviews, Jeff Bakalar dabbled in film and video production. An avid writer, reader, and gamer, Jeff is also an obsessive New Jersey Devils hockey fan. Catch him live every day as the co-host of CNET's infamous podcast, The 404. 
Well I put off (read canceled) any intentions of buying a PS3 for this issue. I already own a Harmony 880 and thought about buying a PS3 to function as my blu-ray player, but due to the lack of this functionality Sony absolutely lost my business. I have a great Panasonic DMP-BD35k player now and love it. Paid $150 less for it too.
Maybe I'll try it again when they actually release something that works with the PS3.
I only use the remote when I watch a movie. When I game, I use the gaming controller. The point being, I dont always have to grab two remotes all the time, just when I want to watch a BD or DVD. My favorite thing about the BT remote is that I dont always have to be directly in front of the TV to use it. I have hosted parties and used my PS3 to play playlists of music and slideshows of photos and being able to use the BT was far more superior to IR technology.
Personally I was thinking of just duct taping my Sony PS3 remote to the underside of my Harmony. That way I can control both in one easy to hold remote *LOL*
- by kjetilho April 16, 2009 2:47 AM PDT
- what a waste -- so now I can make my PS3 as hamstrung by line-of-sight problems as all those other devices using antiquated IR "technology"?
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
(20 Comments)