As a home theater expert with years of hands-on experience configuring Logitech Harmony systems, I've helped countless users streamline their setups. The Harmony Ultimate series excels at consolidating remotes for TVs, amplifiers, TiVo, Blu-ray players, lighting, and more—even non-IR devices like affordable RGB LED strips (see our guides on Logitech Harmony Ultimate Review and controlling custom RGB lighting with Harmony).
However, it's optimized for single-room use. Projectors under $400, like the ATCO Budget HD model with built-in Android (detailed in our review), make multi-room setups appealing—but pairing one Ultimate remote with multiple hubs isn't possible. You'd need separate $350 remote-hub combos per room, which isn't ideal for the 'ultimate' solution. The Harmony app supports multiple hubs but requires manual switching.
Here, I'll share proven workarounds for single-remote control across rooms, based on real-world testing.
IR (Infrared): Reliable line-of-sight control via light signals. Harmony learns unknown IR commands, mastering virtually any traditional remote device. For deeper insights, check our Devil of TV Arduino prank project analyzing TV remote signals.
Harmony Ultimate Hub: The system's core, handling IR, Bluetooth (e.g., Xbox 360), and IP control (e.g., Philips Hue, Nest). Features two IR blaster ports for cabinets. No Bluetooth/IP learning or Z-Wave/Zigbee support yet (extension promised). Operates via app ($99 standalone).
Harmony Ultimate Remote: Touchscreen device paired to one hub, with optional IR emitter (enable in settings). Note: 'Ultimate Home' adds smart lock/IFTTT integration; software upgrade for standard Ultimate pending.
Device Limit: 15 total. Workaround: Custom devices combining codes (best for lights/blinds).
Hub-Remote Range: 30 feet via proprietary RF—no repeaters. Thick walls block it.
Wi-Fi: App works beyond range on same network name/subnet, even across access points.
Gaming Consoles: Bluetooth models (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii/U) need hub proximity. Xbox One uses IR (precise blaster needed). No PS4 support—use its controller anyway.
Check compatibility tools before setup. Now, reliable multi-room IR extension methods:
Powermid X10 ($45) repeats signals up to 100ft wirelessly. Plug-and-play: Receiver near hub, emitter in second room. Avoid duplicate devices.
Repurpose unused hub blasters. Extend up to 75ft via Cat5 (not Gigabit) or 2.5mm mono-to-3.5mm adapters with stereo cable (see AVS Forum guide). Position mini-blasters closer to devices.
Enable remote's IR emitter for second-room devices (hub handles main room). App won't work; remote must stay within 30ft of hub. Pair with blaster extension.
Centralize sources in main room; extend HDMI ($50–$100 + Cat6) to secondary outputs. Add IR adapter (3.5mm to hub's 2.5mm).
These methods overcome Harmony's limits with planning. Questions on feasibility or alternatives? Share in comments—happy to advise based on my setups.
