Logitech debuts Harmony 900 universal remote with RF tech; $399

Logitech on Tuesday announced the Harmony 900 universal remote control, an RF-enabled version of the popular but pricey Harmony One remote that allows the unit to be used when your TV cabinet doors are closed.

In addition to its RF technology, the Harmony 900 brings a full-color touch screen, intuitive button layout and a rechargeable battery to your home theater setup. It can pretty much control everything, up to 15 devices -- which is just as well, since it will retail for a heart-stopping $399.99.

The Harmony 900's RF system can control devices from up to 100 feet away. Thanks to the way the system is set up -- included is an IR "blaster" and a couple marble-sized "mini blasters" that you disperse within your TV cabinet -- you needn't have any of the confusion associated with RF tech.

You can choose the devices from the remote's color touch screen, even if you've closed the cabinet doors.

As with the Harmony One, the remote's layout is divided into four distinct zones: numbers; traditional DVD controls; D-pad with volume and channel up/down; and on-screen menu buttons. The experience is an array of sculpted buttons on a sculpted remote (Editor's note: I was able to demo the Harmony 900 a few months ago, and indeed, it makes a hand happy.)

The Logitech Harmony 900 remote is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in September for $399.99 retail. It will ship with a recharging cradle, rechargeable battery, power supply, IR blaster and two mini blasters. (Logitech plans to make additional blasters and mini blasters available online in some regions.)

Most reviewers, including ZDNet sister site CNET, say the Harmony 900 is the best remote control on the planet. If you're into hiding cord clutter, you might be inclined to agree.