Logitech bringing PS3 'Harmony' to its remotes [update]

by Randy Nelson { Mar 20th 2009 at 3:30PM }

Considering all of the technology Sony managed to cram into PS3, the omission of an IR receiver -- something what was standard on PS2 -- still boggles our minds. It's also forced hardcore home theater junkies to invest in extra IR-to-Bluetooth hardware in order to control their consoles using a single remote. Engadget has stumbled upon an apparent answer to their prayers: a Bluetooth add-on from Logitech that will enable its Harmony remotes to work with PS3.

The E-R0001 "PlayStation 3 Harmony Adapter" turned up on the FCC's website, but has yet to be formally announced by Logitech. As such, there's no word on which Harmony remotes it will work with. We've contacted Logitech in hopes of finding that out -- along with other details -- and will update you when we hear back.

[Update: Logitech has updated its blog with more details on the device from global gaming product marketing manager, Troy Petersen. You can read his comment after the break.]

"Yesterday, an Engadget reporter did some digging on an FCC Web site and uncovered our plans to manufacture an adapter that allows our Harmony remotes to control the PS3. We can't give you all the details just yet, but we can say that this adapter will, when used with any Harmony remote, give you complete control of 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."

Tags: bluetooth, harmony-remote, logitech, remote

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Nash @ Mar 20th 2009 3:47PM

Wonder how much this will cost? I'm all set with my IR2BT, but this should have come out a long time ago.

JSK @ Mar 20th 2009 3:48PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgfJAKEhZy4

No need, the IR4PS3 works fantastic. The small guys have many versions of these adapters, surprising that it took a big electronics company this long to get in on them.

JSK @ Mar 20th 2009 3:49PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgfJAKEhZy4

No need, the IR4PS3 works fantastic. The small guys have many
versions of these adapters, surprising that it took a big electronics
company this long to get in on them.

Rowdehaj @ Mar 21st 2009 5:26PM

I'd still rather have a Logitech one, though.

limon34 @ Mar 20th 2009 4:12PM

for starters..."hardcore home theater junkies" don't use Harmony remotes

or you can buy a IR kit + remote for 19 buck and add a flasher to it...don't waste you money on this

Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Mar 20th 2009 4:48PM

sounds promising to me depending on the cost. I got a Harmony remote from Circuit City for dirt cheap. damn if I ever plan on using a God forsaken IR dongle on my PS3

Nick @ Mar 20th 2009 5:09PM

Seeing as I think Logitech is one of the best companies out there, I'm on board for this assuming it's somewhat reasonable.

I've used them for years apon years now, and they really stand behind their products. I know I sound like a salesman, but after my 5 year old mouse kicked it, they replaced it. Anytime I've ever had an issue, they were there.

And seriously - Harmony remotes are the shit. Great for familes, my wife couldn't have it any other way.

Draco @ Mar 20th 2009 7:12PM

Not all PS2's had IR, mine didn't. I needed to buy a remote with a dongle.

Devin @ Mar 20th 2009 8:34PM

For me, since I have 4 USB's, I just bought the Nyko IR dongle and have it in my far left USB. I don't need to use all of them anyway. It only cost me $12 and the only thing I have to do to get it to work with my Logitech Harmony remote is to physically turn the PS3 on since the USB ports aren't powered while the PS3 is off (duh!).

jason @ Mar 22nd 2009 4:12AM

my experience with small guys adapters has been mixed. no ability to turn the rig on has really been the only, and biggest, missing feature. if it's less than the 100 bucks it would cost to get those special ir adapters, which, as far as i've heard, are the only ones that can actually power a ps3 on, then i'm all game for it. as for harmony's stand in hard core theater realm, it's like saying sony lcd's aren't for hard core theater people, let's be honest, nobody i know can afford the true things, and these are just as good. in my opinion, hard core is the small group that is so obsessive and knowledgeable about something that they know enough not to spend more on a product. sony xbr, though not the most expensive lcd, is year in and year out rated the best lcd tv, and most times rated above most projection and plasma tubes that are released. same with logitech remotes. always working, always innovative all in one solutions for prices much cheaper than you would find in a remote that probably is only at sound advice or special order.