The Logitech Harmony 520 Advanced Universal Remote is the first sub-$100 remote the company has launched after acquiring the successful Harmony brand of remote controls. The new model is a smaller brother of the flagship Harmony 880, with a few significant differences. Most notable are its support for a maximum of 12 devices (versus 15), the lack of a color screen, and no ability to assign icons to stations or tasks. The 520 also uses triple-A batteries instead of charging in a cradle, like the 880.

But the new entry has a sleek silver design, responsive buttons, an interactive monochrome screen that adjusts to the functions of the device you're controlling at the time, and software for the Microsoft Windows and Macintosh platforms.

Setting up was a breeze for most of the components we threw at the remote during our testing. You configure it at your PC, with the remote connected via USB. You launch a Web-based application, establish your credentials on Logitech's site, then dive into the configuration process. The online database contains information for over 80,000 components from 2,500 manufacturers. If you can't find a device in the database, though, no problem: The 520's IR learning port can pick up any command you may need from the original component's remote.

Much like its more expensive cousins, this model lets you define a set of devices as well as activities. That may sound complicated, but setup wizards let you do it quickly. Activities—essentially action commands such as "Watch TV" or "Listen to CD"—are the most exciting of the 520's capabilities. Once you create one, selecting it on the remote's screen turns on all devices needed for the task and turns off those that aren't.

In addition, the remote will select the appropriate inputs and volume controls and even change the aspect ratio of your TV if necessary. The backlit screen is surrounded by keys that correspond to interactive menu items that change depending on your activity and display only relevant tasks.

The 520's biggest advantage over less-refined universal remotes is device- or state-awareness. Say your TV scrolls through the available inputs using one button rather than dedicated buttons for Input 1, Input 2, Video, and so on. Few universal remotes will be able to switch from Input1 to Video automatically. The 520, however, will get it right every time, automatically switching inputs based on the task.

For example, if you select "Watch TV," the remote will select Channel 3; if you switch to "Watch a DVD," it knows to assign Input2. Should something go wrong, a help button troubleshoots the problem for you and often fixes it without further fiddling.

The 520 will fit snugly into most people's hands, and the elegant blue backlight and sleek case contribute to its overall good looks. It did an excellent job of controlling our entertainment center, and we were pleasantly surprised by its quality. Those who've rejected the idea of purchasing a universal remote because of the cost or who need a second universal remote for the house are likely to find an affordable solution in the Logitech Harmony 520 Advanced Universal Remote.