Logitech Harmony 1000 to debut in October

The Harmony 1000 is the latest addition to Logitech's growing lineup of universal remote controls. Unlike all previous Harmony models, the 1000 is a touch-screen model. Its 3.5-inch color screen dominates the front of the tablet-style console, while a handful of hard buttons clustered on the left completes the minimalist aesthetic. In addition to standard infrared (IR) control, the Harmony 1000 uses radio frequency (RF) and Z-Wave wireless, which allows it to control devices through walls and obstructions without the need for line of sight (though you'll need the $150 Logitech Wireless A/V Receiver--which can control up to four devices--to complete the link). And like all recent high-end Harmony models, the 1000 has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that juices up when the remote is placed in the included power cradle. Needless to say, the Harmony 1000 uses the same Web-based setup wizards that make its predecessors so easy to use (the software is Windows and Mac compatible).

The Harmony 1000 will cost a hefty $500 when it hits stores later this autumn. Considering that princely sum, we're somewhat disappointed to see that it doesn't offer the sort of Wi-Fi features found on the very similar looking--and now less expensive--Philips RC9800i. That quibble notwithstanding, we'll let you know how the Logitech Harmony 1000 performs as soon as we get our hands on it.