Differences between Remotes for the Harmony 550 and the Harmony 880

• Logitech's Harmony series of remotes were among the first to offer macro-programming and database support. Macro-programming allows the remote to send multiple commands by pushing a single button. Database support allows the user to connect the remote to an Internet-enabled computer via the USB port to download the program commands for other components, rather than manually programing the remote. The 550 and 880 are two remotes within the Harmony product line, which have different features and functionality.
  
  

Harmony 550

• The Harmony 550 was one of the earliest Harmony remote models and is no longer in production. It allows the user to control up to 15 devices such as televisions, audio/video receivers, CD players, DVD players and Blu-ray players. The remote also has a back-lit keypad for use in low-light conditions. It is ergonomically designed for comfort and ease of use.
  
  

Harmony 880

• The Harmony 880 is a newer and more-advanced remote that builds on the feature set of the Harmony 550. The 880 can do everything the Harmony 550 does, but offers some additional features. The Harmony 880 has a 16-color LCD screen that can display pictures and text, and also displays eight shortcuts per page rather than the 550's six per page. The Harmony 880 comes with a charger cradle that keeps the remote charged if it is loaded with rechargeable batteries, and includes an onscreen battery level indicator.
  
  

Comparison Summary

• The main difference between the Harmony 880 and Harmony 550 is the charger cradle and battery-level indicator on the 880. The other differences between the remotes are purely cosmetic, such as the LCD screen. Both the 550 and the 880 support macro-commands and programming database, so the additional features of the 880 may not be of interest to every consumer. Both remotes support up to 15 devices.