Logitech's New Harmony 890 Pro and 895 Remotes Deliver Complete Multi-Zone Home-Entertainment Control; No Line of Sight Needed; New Remotes Deliver Control of IR Devices Anywhere in the Home

Logitech (SWX:LOGN) (NASDAQ:LOGI), a leadingmanufacturer of remote controls, today unveiled the Harmony 890 Proand 895 advanced universal remote controls, the first in Logitech'saward-winning family of Harmony remotes to use both radio frequency(RF) and infrared (IR) wireless signals to deliver powerful andcomplete control of multi-zone home-entertainment systems and the mostadvanced home-theater setups. With the Logitech(R) Harmony(R) 890 Proand 895 remotes, no line of sight is needed -- the remotes can controlsophisticated home-entertainment systems with equipment in multiplerooms or hidden behind closed doors. For example, one can stand in thekitchen and turn off a TV in the den before switching on music from anaudio receiver located in the living room. The Harmony 890 Pro remotewill be available in North America and the Harmony 895 remote, whichfeatures dedicated Teletext buttons, is designed for Europe.

The Harmony 890 Pro and 895 remotes enable custom audio/visualsystem installers to save valuable setup time and to provide theircustomers a remote with unmatched versatility. The remotes work aspart of a modular system that may include any number of Harmony RFbase stations -- typically one for each room, or zone. With a wirelessrange of up to 100 feet, the Harmony 890 Pro and 895 remotes send RFcommands to a base station, which then blasts infrared signals to anycomponents in that zone. An installer can create a system thatinvolves multiple remotes and/or base stations to deliver completecontrol of many entertainment zones throughout the home. A Harmony 890Pro or 895 remote can also navigate photos, videos, and music on a PCby using the optional Harmony USB wireless PC transceiver, which plugsdirectly into a computer.

The Harmony 890 Pro and 895 remotes also include support for theZ-Wave wireless technology standard, used by manufacturers of advancedlighting, climate control, and security systems. Initially, theHarmony 890 Pro and 895 remotes will be able to control the advancedlighting systems using this standard, and they will eventually supportother categories of home-automation systems.

"These new remotes will do for multi-zone, sophisticatedhome-entertainment systems what previous Harmony remotes have done forliving-room entertainment: make universal control simple for theuser," said Bryan McLeod, vice president of Logitech's remote controlproducts. "We expect the Harmony 890 Pro and Harmony 895 remotes to beextremely popular with custom A/V installers and dealers, because theonline setup process is a proven time saver, and the remotesthemselves are extremely easy to use -- sparing dealers the demands ofextensive customer support."

Time-Saving Setup, Fewer House Calls

One of the staples of the award-winning Harmony family ofuniversal remote controls is the easy online setup. Logitech'scomprehensive online database features discrete codes andcharacteristics of more than 80,000 different devices models from morethan 2,500 different manufacturers. This online database of detailedinformation is updated daily with the latest devices. As installersset up a Harmony 890 Pro or 895 remote for a client, they entercomponent or appliance model numbers using the online interface, andthe Harmony setup wizard matches the component with the appropriateinfrared codes. This simple process alleviates the need for aninstaller to program a remote with dozens of individual infraredcommands. The Harmony 890 Pro and 895 remotes plug into a PC so thatthese codes can be easily downloaded to the remote. Once programmed,the Harmony remote sends wireless signals that automatically updateall the Harmony RF base stations throughout the house with the latestcontrol information.

The online setup also makes it easy for installers to update aremote without having to make a house call. When a customer wishes toalter the setup of a system, or in the event of any difficulties, theinstaller can remotely access the customer's online account and makeany adjustments needed. The customer needs only to log into theaccount and click update to automatically download the changes to theremote.

Logitech Smart State Technology

The Harmony 890 Pro and 895 remotes deliver powerful activitycontrol by using Logitech's patented Smart State Technology(R), whichallows a remote to track the operations of the various components itcontrols. Harmony 890 or 895 remote users can effortlessly switchbetween watching home theater in the living room and listening tomusic on the porch, by selecting a single activity button. Each time anew activity is selected, the remote establishes the proper state ofall of the components needed for the current activity, and turns offthe components not needed.

The Harmony 890 and 895 remotes use one-touch activity buttonsthat include any combination of entertainment components, and evenlight settings. The simplicity of Logitech Smart State Technologymakes it easy for customers to operate the remote, which results inless support and fewer house calls.

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

Maintaining the same popular comfort-grip design featured onprevious Harmony remotes, the new Harmony 890 Pro and 895 remotesinclude a vibrant color display that serves as a personalized activitycontrol center. Colorful icons accompany text on the LCD screen toallow for quick and easy command of home-entertainment equipment andhousehold appliances. The remote is fully backlit so it is easy tonavigate in the dark, and the finely sculpted primary navigationcontrols -- such as play, pause, record and the number buttons -- areeasily identified by touch due to their varied size, shape andlocation. The remote's sleek polished chrome directional pad andbuttons are contrasted by the remote's glossy black finish.

The remote also uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery,eliminating the need to change batteries. When the remote is not inuse, it rests on an attractive charging platform.

Pricing and Availability

The Harmony 890 Pro advanced universal remote will be available inNorth America beginning in November, and will be primarily soldthrough custom installers and audio/video dealers. The components willbe sold separately. The suggested retail price of the remote will be$449.99 in the U.S. The Harmony RF Base Station will carry amanufacturer's suggested retail price of $99.99, and the Harmony USBwireless PC transceiver will be available for a manufacturer'ssuggested price of $99.99. The Harmony 895 remote will be availablein Europe beginning in November.

About Logitech

Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and marketspersonal peripherals that enable people to effectively work, play, andcommunicate in the digital world. Logitech International is a Swisspublic company traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and in the U.S.on the Nasdaq National Market System (LOGI). The company hasmanufacturing facilities in Asia and offices in major cities in NorthAmerica, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are owned byLogitech and may be registered. All other trademarks are the propertyof their respective owners.