Logitech has finally released one of the accessories most requested by owners of
PS3 consoles and Logitech Harmony universal remotes: an infrared-to-Bluetooth
adapter with which to operate the PS3 with a Harmony remote. Suggested retail
price has been set at $59.99. It is available to
buy
now in the U.S., and will come to Europe in July.
The adapter takes the infrared signal from the Harmony remote, and then
transmits a Bluetooth (radio frequency) wireless signal that commands the PS3.
It works with all Logitech Harmony remotes.
The adapter runs off of an independent AC power plug. Logitech decided against
running on USB, as it would use up one of the valuable USB ports, and it wouldn't
be possible to power on the PS3 as it is now.
The company also considered making a remote with Bluetooth built in, but they
decided they didn't want existing Harmony users to be forced to buy a new
remote to operate the PS3, or having this feature restricted to a single Harmony
model. With the adapter, any Harmony remote can be used.