Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3 review: Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3

What's turned out to be one of the most disappointing omissions regarding the PlayStation 3 has to be the lack of an IR (infrared) port. Getting the console to play nicely with a universal remote control has been quite infuriating, but we've tested some workarounds in the past. Those with Harmony universal remotes have looked to Logitech to come up with a solution, and the company has answered with the Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3. Setting up the device isn't completely painless (or cheap), but once up and running it does provide total control over your PS3 including the ability to power it on and off. In case you're wondering, no, the adapter won't work with any remote other than a Harmony.

7.0

Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3

The Good

Provides complete control of PlayStation 3 including all 51 possible commands. Allows for powering on and off. Saves a USB port.

The Bad

Adapter requires power. Harmony programming isn't as simple as directions make it out to be. Won't work with remotes other than Harmony.

The Bottom Line

The Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3 isn't completely painless (or cheap), but once up and running, it does provide total control over your PS3 including the ability to power it on and off.

Unfortunately, the adapter needs its own power source. Don't be worried about any extra charges on your energy bill, though. The device didn't even register on our Watt meter, so those who are eco-conscious can sleep tight. The power cord provides about 8 feet of room to work with, allowing you to perfectly situate the adapter.

The reason the adapter needs its own power is because it can't draw any juice from a powered-down PS3 since the console's USB ports go dead once in standby mode. It's that first Bluetooth signal that your Sixaxis controller sends to the console that turns it on, and the adapter is able to emulate that connection only with a separate power source. While we're not thrilled with the fact that you'll need yet another open outlet around your home theatre system, it's nice to know you won't need to waste a USB port on your PS3.

Setting up the adapter with your PlayStation 3 is simple: with both turned on, navigate the PS3's XMB (cross media bar) to "settings" where you'll "add new BD accessory". With the sync screen displayed on your TV, you hit the "connect" button underneath the adapter and you've just paired the device with your console — easy enough.

The only headache we experienced was setting up the Harmony in advance. The included instructions aren't as clear as we would have liked, and even for a veteran Harmony user, it took a few remote syncs before we were completely satisfied.

If you already have a PS3 device programmed on your Harmony remote, make sure you delete it before attempting to use the adapter. Also, make sure you get rid of any associated activities as well. Once your remote is wiped clean of any PS3-related items, you can safely re-add the device. Make sure you select "game console", then "Sony", then enter "PlayStation 3". This newly updated "PlayStation 3" device carries all of the 51 possible commands and automatically assigns them to buttons on your remote.

When using your remote, you're going to want to make sure the little adapter is within line of sight. You'll want to aim the remote at it when controlling the PS3. Owners of Harmony remotes with RF capabilities can use the extender port on the back of the adapter if need be.

The Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3 goes for AU$99. While that might seem like a lot of money just for the ability to control your PS3, keep in mind that most IR alternatives are even more expensive. If you don't mind losing out on the ability to turn your PS3 on and off and have a USB port to spare (or USB hub), the Nyko Blu-Wave remote can perform most of the same tasks for around AU$20 delivered, plus it comes with its own remote.