Digital Trends

Harmony SST-659

September 21st, 2004 | by Dennis Barker

Unique Features

While the Harmony SST-659 may look like other illuminated aftermarket remotes, all similarities end there. It is the only remote featuring Smart State Technology (SST) Activity Control.  What this means is that this remote is ‘activity-centric' instead of being function or device-centric.  By simply pressing an ‘Activity' button such as “Watch TV,” “Listen to Music,” or “Watch a Movie,” the remote does the rest.  You never write any macros.  Other remotes require the user to create macro strings or keys to accomplish a specific function. The ST-659 simply does this for you and without having to sync it with other remote controls.

The Harmony SST-659 features a fully backlit (blue) keypad, an interactive LCD display, and dedicated navigation controls. The interactive LCD screen measures about one inch tall by about one-and-one-half inches wide, and is surrounded by six keys (three on each side) that adds additional functionality to specific components.  If, for example, you wanted to access the PIP controls of your TV, you would press the ‘Device' button, and go from there.  This 52-button remote uses tactile keys that are laid-out in a logical fashion making it very easy to control all of your gear.  Unlike other remotes that only light up a handful of keys, the SST-659 illuminates all of the keys, which is a nice touch.  Of course, this remote does not have any codes built into itself like all other aftermarket remotes either.  All codes are stored on the Harmony Remote web site.

Installation/Set-Up/Ease of Use

For initial set-up, the first thing that you do is go to http://www.harmonyremote.com/ web site.  Going to first time set-up, it then prompts you place the included CD-ROM disc into your computer.  After a series of initial questions, it asks you to tether the remote to your PC or MAC via a supplied USB cable.  It then checks the firmware and downloads the latest version to the SST-659. 

Then, the set-up wizard takes over, and asks you a series of questions about the components you own starting with the brands that make up your entertainment system.  It goes component by component.  It presents you with a list of every single Pioneer television, for example.  You pick out your model from the list provided.  Once you picked your television, you go on to each and every component in your rack from a DVD player, CD player or recorder, cable or satellite TV receiver, A/V receiver, and etc.  For example, it asks you if the volume control is in the TV or A/V receiver.  It also asks you questions as to how things are attached and to what inputs.  If you have a satellite receiver (or a cable TV receiver), for example, it asks you which device changes channels.  And so on until you've gone through every device in your home entertainment system.  Besides standard A/V gear, the SST-659 also controls game consoles, MP3 player, curtains, lights and etc.  The list seems endless.

At the end of the set-up, which took about 20 minutes, Harmony downloads all codes and sequences to the remote via the tethered USB cable.  It was a very simple process.  The only thing that you need to know is the specific brand/model numbers of each of your components at the start.  Besides having blue backlit keys, there is an interactive LCD display, and dedicated navigation controls as well as a learning port to capture additional codes.   

Final Take

The Harmony Remote SST-659 is very easy to use.  If you just want to watch television, simply press the ‘Watch TV' button.  It turns on the television, satellite box, and A/V receiver.  If you have a favorite channel, you can also program it in during initial set-up.  You can watch a TV show, change channels, and adjust the volume up or down without having do anything else.  If you're watching HBO, for example, and its being broadcast in Dolby Digital 5.1, simply hit the “Device' button and press the corresponding key for ‘Receiver.'  It then lists several functions within the LCD display.  You simply press the key for ‘Surround,' and you're done. 

In turn, if you want to watch a movie on DVD, simply press the ‘Watch a Movie' key on the remote.  It turns on the DVD player, and automatically switches everything putting you into the right mode.  If the TV isn't on, it will turn it and your AV receiver on also.  The same is true for ‘Listen to Music,' or any other activity.  Just click and go.  All transport keys are located at the bottom of the remote, and work for whatever component is currently being used such as the DVD player or VCR or whatever.

Harmony has done a terrific job of creating a truly universal remote.  Of course, it presupposes that you own a PC.  Happily, most people do these days, and those models have USB ports.  From there, it's simply a task of letting your fingers to the walking.