technology Archives - Journeys Are My Diary

This week I’ve been trying out my new Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub* and I’m in love with it! In this modern age its not really unusual for households to own 3+ remotes to control all their entertainment, so when I was offered a solution to this, I snatched it up. The Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub is both a gadget and an app, that makes controlling your TV, DVD player, Sky box, Xbox etc. all much simpler. With the use of the hub (and an IR mini blaster if necessary) you can connect all your tech via the wifi and then control it all with an app. Genius right?

Not only is the Harmony Hub super easy to set up, it’s also super stylish. It’s sleek black, curvy shape will fit in perfectly next to your TV and entertainment. Everything is black these days it seems! The contents of the box are all fairly self explanatory, with the option for both UK plug or AC adapter.

As I mentioned, setting up the hub is really easy. Place the power adapter into the hub, plug the power into a socket and switch on. While you’re waiting for it to boot up, download the Harmony app from either Apple or Android store. Set up an account and you’re ready to go. Sync up your app with the hub first, then add your devices. Once they’re added you can even add specific short cut functions, it really is impressive. I didn’t use the IR mini blaster but this gives you the ability to connect a device that’s possibly a bit further away from the main entertainment centre. It basically extends the reach of the hub. Don’t worry you don’t need to remember my instructions, as instructions are also included in the box. Not only that but the app is so step by step that you really can’t go wrong.

Please excuse my messy lounge but as you can see the interface is really simple and easy to follow.

The Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub is such a good idea for this modern age. Instead of dealing with loads of remotes, you can have it all in one place on an app. Universal remotes are a great idea but even those tend to be out of reach, beside the TV etc. If you’re anything like me, your phone is always to hand. Even last night, I reached for my phone to turn up the volume, just so I didn’t have to get up and get the remote control. This is such a great gadget and I would definitely recommend it.

Recently Chris told me that he might be picked to trial a new Panasonic 4K TV, as part of his job. He works for BT and apparently its something you can sign up for and if he’s lucky, we’ll get a TV to try for a while. Since I didn’t really have a clue what he was talking about, I nodded and smiled politely, saying that sounded great while really not caring. However after seeing the odd thing here and there about 4K TVs, I decided I’d actually do some research!

If like me, you’re wondering what the hell 4K TVs are, then you should definitely read on. I’ve been finding out all the details – to save you doing it too!

Ultimately, 4K TVs are the next step forward in advanced technology. They are the next big thing, with regards to TV. They offer four times the resolution of HD TVs and 8 million pixels on screen versus 2 million you get from 1080 HD. They project a crisper, cleaner and sharper picture, than any TV available before. So is it all about picture quality? Well in short, yes. The new 4K screens will allow you to view everything better – better than cinema quality in fact, in the comfort of your own home. If you’re looking for great deals on 4K TVs, consider checking out local pawn shop.

Like with HD though, you need things to be available that cater to the higher quality and resolution – just like Sky HD does. 4K is already being picked up by several companies, Netflix being one of the first to pick it up, but other companies hoping to follow, such as Sky with a 4K box and hopefully Amazon Instant video too. Other companies are likely to follow too and no doubt the list will grow.

Although the main point of 4K TVs is to offer better quality pictures, that’s not to say that’s all a 4K TV does. Connectivity to other devices is sure to be a big selling point, as connecting to these platforms is what allows you to use and appreciate the better quality picture. Not only will the TVs allow you to connect to other devices via HDMI, it will also connect you to your camera, your camcorder, your gaming console – all so you can experience and benefit from the high quality screen res. Using various apps you will also be able to “Swipe and Share” – swiping a photo to your TV and viewing it there – or insert a camera SD card and view pictures and videos that way. And of course – bigger is always better – so with TVs available in 65″ screens, its sure to get a lot of the tech and gadget people interested anyway.

I have no idea where we’d fit it but I’d definitely love to give a 4K TV a try. I’m always interested in changing technology and now as a household who owns 4 iPad Minis, 2 iPhones, 3 laptops and 3 computers, I feel like an uber new TV is definitely the upgrade we need – even if it is just temporary!