But these days relatively inexpensive remotes can do the same complex job. If you dont want another handheld device, you might consider an app-based control system, such as the (recently discontinued) Logitech Harmony Hub or MoesGo, which lets you use your mobile device as a remote control. For my TV with the Roku attached to it, I wanted a couple of extra buttons so I got the SofaBaton R2 Universal Remote, which is really just a simple Roku remote with a few extra learning buttons. Luckily Rob H from the AV Rant Podcast and I were chatting on Twitter, and we had both heard about Sofabaton dropping a Kickstarter to fund a new hub-based remote. In the past, the TV was the centre of home entertainment, connecting things like DVD/Blu-ray players, surround sound, game consoles, etc. By continuing to use our site you are agreeing to our, killing the Harmony line of remotes and hubs. But, as my editor pointed out, this is normal for new devices. Supported brands and devices are subject to change without, After creating an Activity, it is not recommended to switch the power supply of the device or switch the source position in the device model, to avoid an error with the information recorded in the Activity setting, as well as potential confusion of func. It cant control Bluetooth-based devices like the Google Chromecast or Nvidia Shield TV, but it will work fine with the majority of AV products, including most cable and satellite boxes, Blu-ray players, soundbars, gaming consoles, and AV receivers. Step1: Search or select your device in the list. Download the app, place the hub, power it up, and follow the on-screen instructions. Monoprice Monolith Dual 15 M-215 THX Ultra subwoofer Is On Sale For $600 Off. And, though archaic, the ability to program the remote manually may actually be welcomed by people who dont own a mobile device and therefore cant program their remote using an app. Sep 2, 2022 #4 There isn't one at the moment, unfortunately. With the SofaBaton U1, you have to program all these things yourself, so the URC7880 is actually a little easier to set up in that respect. It can control up to 15 AV devices, including both IR- and Bluetooth-based devices, which covers most of todays AV equipment. Its IR window was a bit wider and more robust than that of the SofaBaton, so I didnt have to be quite as direct in my pointing. The remote communicates with the app via Bluetooth, so the first step in the setup process is to pair the two. Our only complaint about the button layout is that fast-forward/reverse and chapter skip share the same buttons by default, but you can reassign those functions to other buttons if you want. I appreciate your thoroughness and willing to call out the defects, and update us on the current status! One-Click Activity: Select an activity such as "Watch Movie" to automatically turn on the power and switch the device to the correct input. But todays sad truth is that fewer people are buying DIY universal remotes, and this category is nearly dead. It has an app to use it with that makes using and programming it much easier than a different model/brand Ive used in the past. They used to be responsive but have stopped replying to my emails. Andrew will continue to update this review as time goes on. One For All says you can set up this remote using an app, but the app just lets you add devices. Best Free Universal File Viewer Software for Windows 11/10, Best Home Security Cameras in 2023 to secure your home, Best Cheap Speakers 2023: 5 recommended affordable speakers, Best C Programming Books 2023: for beginners and professionals, Best Waterproof Speakers 2023: are designed for outdoor use, Best VPNs for Indonesia 2023: encryption of devices Internet traffic, Best Budget Speakers 2023: recommended affordable speakers, Rechargeable, With Touchscreen, With Voice Control. However, if I open my curtains while cleaning and try to turn on my LG B9 with the hub, it struggles to turn it on. The back has power/IR blaster inputs and a push-button to initiate the pairing of the remote. A clear and bright screen that wont consume a ton of battery power, so you should be able to go a long time between charges. In the update you claim the Sofabaton IR is not as good as the Logitech because it doesnt turn on your TV with the curtains open. By contrast, a good universal remote should offer the following features: Although the pickings are slim in todays market, we continue to call in new remotes that meet as much of the above criteria as possible. SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote Control Good features and performance for the price The U1 can control up to 15 AV devices and supports Bluetooth control. Run AdGuard, a DNS-based ad blocker Run third party automation engines like NodeRed Turn Home Assistant into a Spotify Connect target EXPLORE ADD-ONS All your smart home data stays local My excitment for this was tempered by all the mediocre reviews. You have no option to hardwire the remote via USB and program it with your computer. Step6: Syncing activities from Sofabaton X1 If you need voice control for a device, you can set it up as a separate Activity. But nothing happens. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company, Good features and performance for the price, If you need to control only infrared devices, Our pick: SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote Control, Budget pick: One For All URC7880 Smart Control 8, A simple remote we like for those with eyesight, memory, or confusion issues. Its a more expensive solution, but if done properly, it will result in a much more satisfying experience. But you have to figure out the macro (or sequence of steps) and assign it to a random button. REVIEW: Sofabaton X1 Smart Universal Remote - Control Everything? It could be they are trying to work out the worst of the bugs, it could be supply chain issues. The app uses Bluetooth signal to communicate with the Sofabaton remote control, giving access to the full database of IR code for home entertainment devices, such as TV's, SoundBar's, DVD's, etc. But, unlike the Harmony, the Sofabaton X1 does not offer suggestions if the model number is not correct. Get fast shipping and top-rated customer service. If you want to change the behavior of buttons, fix codes that arent working, or build macros, you have to do it directly on the remote (you can add devices manually, too); this involves pressing the Magic button to put the remote in programming mode and then pressing a lot more buttons to accomplish a certain task. The SofaBaton U1 is special because it can control up to 15 IR and Bluetooth devices, but it only costs $50. Free Shipping. I love my Harmony Elite for our living room home theater setup. You can program this remote using a convenient mobile app that makes adding, removing, and changing devices easy. up and running with this remote in just a couple hours. Editors Note: If you own a Harmony and have IR blasters on hand, they work with the Sofabaton X1. On the plus side, the URC7880 does have an activity button that can scroll through five activities (TV, movie, music, game, and custom). Range is fantastic and set up with the app is pretty easy once you understand the concept of the hub based remote. The remote itself looks nice and feels good to hold, and it has just the right number of backlit buttons. When Logitech discontinued Harmony universal remotes, it killed the last of the big-name brandsas well as all of our former picks in this guideand left us pondering how to proceed. The most important buttons (such as volume, pause, and play) should be easily accessible. I didnt have any issues with commands not being transmitted, and I havent noticed any significant lag from button press to device action. on sofabaton X1 Universal Smart Remote Control User Manual, sofabaton U1 All-in-One Universal Remote Control User Guide. For example, your AVR is Off when it should be On? joho500 (Joost) October 3, 2022, 2:49pm #2 Plus, its a real pain to have to wake up your phone or tablet and wait for the app to reconnect with the system whenever you want to change the channel or the volume. (If you want to hide your gear away in a cabinet, youll need to pick up an IR repeater kit like this one.) The Sofabaton looks to me like it's the same team that created the Harmony remotes, or at least there's something going on there. Sure, you can disable sleep mode on your phone. Less buttons than the U1. We plan to support our Harmony community and new Harmony customers, which includes access to our software and apps to set up and manage your remotes. Quick Search (Via IR Mode)Here are the steps to perform a quick search to add devices.Step1: Search for the device brand and model in the app. Samsung Roku Alexa Apple Philips Logitech Tcl Vizio LG Hisense Tivo Sharp Nvidia XBOX TOSHIBA NETFLIX Directv tv remote. Since our last update in May 2021, several universal remotes that we previously tested have been discontinued, including the Caavo Control Center and the Sevenhugs Smart Remote U and Smart Remote X. Logitechs Harmony Companion, Harmony 665, and Harmony Elite were our former picks in this guide, but parent company Logitech discontinued the entire line. But, I am confident that future updates will fix some of these bugs. As with most things, little quirks show themselves over time. and our Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Just plug them into the back of the hub as you would on your Harmony. A game console or two might also be included. Does this support the Spectrum TV app so I can ge - Q&A. Had the blasters been necessary, it would have just been a matter of affixing them by the IR sensor of the device I needed to reach and then plugging it into the back of the hub. I have the harmony 680 or 650 or something and they are starting to get worn out. Plus, the inclusion of activity controls cuts down on how often youll need to switch between devices. Configuration of devices is pure frustration! Shouldn't the Voices Only Come from My Center Speaker? There is a bit of a learning curve and set up can be intimidating if you are new to these types of remotes. I have been a cord-cutter for at least four years now, so this doesnt bother me. I still think the u1 is worth the 50 or 60 bucks I payed for it. I just ordered a Sofabaton X1 (they should it the Sofaking) on Kickstarter for a hundred bucks. I'm still kicking myself for not buying a backup Harmony Elite when Best Buy had blowout prices. Sounds promising. I have vowed to use only the Sofabaton X1 for the next month so that I can give it a test. SofabatonX1-Most Versatile Universal ALL-IN-ONE Smart Remote Ultra-universal remote control for all your entertainment and home devices. Please connect the HUB to the router directly, don't use Mesh Repeater to connect. If you are a Harmony power user you will be right at home. This system may include a TV (or projector), a DVD/Blu-ray player, a cable/satellite DVR, a surround-sound receiver, and probably a media streamer (such as a Roku or Apple TV). This allows my smart home controller, Home Assistant, to control almost all of it. Theyre just designed to hold a lot of buttons to control your different devices (usually a total of four to six devices). Sofabaton X1 Universal Remote - One Does For Most All Devices 1. Another option is, try and get hold of just the Harmony Hub (without remote) and then hook it up to Home Assistant. But despite these issues, the U1 is the best option weve found for people who have a mix of IR and Bluetooth devices. I would imagine hone devices would include lighting and blinds etc Incromulent 1 yr. ago That would be great. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Im confused by your update. watch Apple TV) and do 'stuff'. Although a few DIY universal remotes incorporate a bit of smart-home control to adjust your lighting, temperature, or security system, there arent many options that can intuitively perform complex home-automation tasks. *At the time of publishing, the price was $40. Sure, you can still find a ton of low-end replacement remotesmodels whose primary purpose is to replace the one the dog chewed up and do little else. I will say that setting your WiFi and Bluetooth devices with the Sofabaton X1 is the simplest I have encountered to date. Some Wi-Fifriendly remotes can also control smart-home devices, and some can be linked to an Alexa or Google Home device to add voice control. However, with the curtains open at certain times of the day, it seems the brightness of the room can impact it. I ordered two x1 today on the Kickstarter. The good news is that all of the programming and customization has to happen only once (unless you tend to upgrade your AV gear a lot). You dont even need to put a key finder on this because it is built in. The Google Home integration is the last hurdle (for me) that Sofabaton needs to meet for me to be content with the remote as a whole. But I manage to configure a new remote from scratch through command testing. The hub has a solid feel and build quality as well. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It also means you can fix commands instantly, without even having to reach for your phone to launch an app. An AV Enthusiast since he was old enough to listen to records, Andrew enjoys helping the novice enthusiast with home theater and AV questions. Cookie Notice So I wish Devices on the X1 screen could just be hidden entirely. Most AV devices still rely on IR (infrared) control, where you must point the remotes IR transmitter directly at the devices IR receiver. Right now, with my curtains closed, the Sofabaton turns on the TV without the need for IR blasters at all. Will it be the new must-have remote? Without belaboring the point, you are on your own if you need help with anything aside from programming the hub. The X1 folks speak of is apparently coming soon. But I noted that the instructions had smaller print, so they might be harder to read. Super impressed so far for such a new product. Finally, all the functions are mixed up on my Shaw cable boxhome is menu, menu is list, etcso their database is incorrect. During setup, you can designate which devices should be grouped together for a certain activity, and the URC7880 will automatically assign key buttons (like volume, input, home, and navigation) to control the correct device. Is there any other manfature that will produce a product like the harmony remote controls, There is also https://www.yio-remote.com/. At the top of the remote theres a simple OLED screen that shows the model names of the devices youve added, with a scroll wheel to quickly select the device you want to control. We like that it hides the number pad behind a slide-down panel, to keep the main remote design as simple as possible. Update: I originally published my review of the Sofabaton X1 on April 12, 2022. My family lives with each remote for a while to see how intuitive and reliable each is to use on a daily basis. I am hopeful that they will continue to improve the experience. I wish it had a small cradle for charging, which would make things a little bit easier. Also here - not news since almost a year! Same with my Philips Hue. Created by Sofabaton X1 Sofabaton X1 5,769 backers pledged HK$ 5,217,117 to help bring this project to life. If you need voice control for a device, you can set it up as a separate Activity. We looked for remotes that can control at least eight devices, have an intuitive button design, and are easy to program. I tried it with my LG B9 and my Pioneer Elite CD player and could not get either to register a command with the Sofabaton. But, Sofabaton has explained that they are actively working on the solution, and they hope to have a fix in the coming months. Even though we have more devices than ever, universal remotes are becoming less and less common. This is the best universal remotes. During that time, I have reviewed numerous audio and video products, including virtually every major DIY universal-remote platform. Connects up to 40 devices in your home including TV, DVD, Blu-Ray, TV & cable boxes, gaming consoles, Apple TV, Roku and more. In recent years, smart home technologies have been getting better and more popular, and universal remotes are also being changed to work with a variety of smart home devices. I have the U1 and lack of a backlight make it a non-starter, plus the thumb wheel frustrated my wife to the point it was put back on the shelf. This appears to be a pretty good Logitech Harmony remote replacement, so it would be really nice to be able to control the hub and app just like the current Harmony integration. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally was able to get my hands on my new Sofabaton X1, set it up and give it a real test to see how it fared against my beloved Harmony Ultimate. What the cable box is looking for is what is commonly referred to as a toggle code. Once its set up, it works well. If Sofabaton continues to refine its app and programming. The screen is a non-touch, 2 color OLED. The design of the Sofabaton X1 remote is relatively simple. Still, its not easy to get a Harmony Elite for a fair price. Hi Chris. So I was pretty impressed with the Sofabaton X1 because my Harmony hub needed two blasters to control devices, not the Sofabaton! The Flipper isnt backlit like the EasyMote, but it uses different colors for the power, mute, volume, and channel buttons, which may be more helpful for those with eyesight limitations. Once a device is loaded into the app, youre given the option to customize the buttons. The Sofabaton X1 relies on WiFi and the app for setup and function. We also tested a couple of simple, large-button remotes designed for people with vision, memory, or confusion issues, and we recommend the Flipper, which is an IR-only remote that can control a TV and set-top box. Unlike the SofaBaton, which can be set up to control different systems around your home, the URC7880 lets you assign only one TV device, one set-top box, one gaming console, and so forth. I Dont Have Perfect Placement And I Dont Care! To test the remotes, I set up each one to control two different AV systems in my home: One is a more-basic living-room setup with a Samsung TV, Polk soundbar, and Apple TV 4K media player. I went to Amazon but it is not available and doing Google searches I do not find any site selling the X1 currently? Use the app to connect to your X-Hub with the following steps: Step1: Open the app and select X1 from the device list. Unfortunately, it didnt see all my lights. The hub handles all the IR, wi-fi, and Bluetooth commands for your entire system. Now the Sofabaton X1 Hub is aware that your AVR is Off. Anything on top is just not working as it should. However, I am still on one battery bar after six weeks. Hell $499 - The alternative Control 4 or Crestron will be many times more and require some half trained A/V kid to come to your home for "programming". You can create your own activity button that does what a Watch TV button would dolike turn on all the necessary devices, switch to the correct inputs on your TV and receiver, and perhaps launch a menu. Just below its screen is a small scroll wheel that lets you switch between activities and devices. I just curious to know the thought regarding. SofaBaton is reportedly working on a new remote that will support more than one Bluetooth device, but we dont have any further details yet. If you cant locate the URC7880, you can press a button in the app to make the remote beep. For instance, instead of having to push separate buttons to turn on your TV, switch HDMI inputs, power on your AV receiver, change inputs there, turn on your Blu-ray player, andfinallyget your movie started, a good universal remote can reduce all of that to one command (Play Movie), which you can access at the touch of a single button. Devices can be set up by searching online IR code database or directly learning from original physical remotes. I will be honest and say that I could not get this to work for me. The Harmony Companion was one of the more affordable remotes to support Wi-Fi, and it cost $150 or more. As for returning it? Ill go to Set, then Fix, then scroll to my AVR, and then click the wheel to make it say On. Once you sync the X1 remote with the hub, you can create activities, bundling different devices /activities gives sequences of orders you can program . I think this would be a nice product if you had a simple system, like a smart TV and a sound bar. If, on the other hand, your home-entertainment system is built around an AV receiver and multiple source components, and sitting down to watch a movie or play a video game requires shuffling among several remotes to switch inputs and control multiple components simultaneously, a universal remote is exactly what you need. I have not setup the remote yet (will do when I get home from work) but am pretty excited to try it out. You and I have wildly different experiences. This will show up as follows: Step3: Confirm the device information and submit it so that you can download the code to the hub. And the number pad may prove essential for cable/satellite customers who have lots of channels to navigate. But I really dont consider that a Fix. Thanks for your first-hand report. On top of the remote is an off and return button. You can read more about it here. This is an universal home theater remote for home cinema which is targeted at multi-devices scenario-based Activity control, while adding a wireless Hub,which we believe can better meet the needs of power users. Sofabaton X1 remote moraybank Aug 25, 2021 remote x1 Prev 1 2 3 4 Next Richardxx Distinguished Member Feb 12, 2022 #26 It appears that US Kickstart backers have started to get their X1s. That is an excellent question. - The no-longer-cheap price - heck, my 525 was LESS than the X1 on KS now; the U1 got the price right, but the features wrong - but the X1's price is starting to sting. Copyright 1998-2023 AV Gadgets. We think the U1s low price makes some of its flaws easier to overlook than those of its competitors, but you may feel differently. But, like the Sofabaton U1, it lacks backlighting and a Help function. Your email address will not be published. I had been having trouble getting the older remote to consistently operate my TV and Apple TV. This new X1 does not appear to offer the ability to accept separate IR flashers making the thing next to useless. Heres hoping Sofabaton gets there one day . The system consists of a. You heard me right. So its been a whole month since I posted my review, and I have been using the Sofabaton X1 exclusively as my daily remote. This could be true of other remotes as well. You have to now switch to a different Activity, at which point, the X1 will send appropriate commands for you AVR, being aware that it is actually Off when it should have been On. The Sofabaton X1 is NOT the heir apparent to the Harmony throne. Given that it will be a bit of work to learn all command, I am looking at a way to configure that Back key into my original Samsung TV remote. And it often times needs to be done for every button on the remote. You can hide away the cables and receivers and control everything from behind closed cabinets and doors, also you can point the remote anywhere. Sofabaton x1 comes with a wireless hub,ultra-universal remote control for all your entertainment and home devices. Switching between devices is as easy as scrolling a rollerball and pressing it, and a list of advanced controls for every device can be found with an additional click of the rollerball. Lets discuss. I expect many more. They also have improved the IR remote learning function. And it relies on a mobile app for setup.. 116K subscribers 24K views 1 year ago Closer look @ Sofabaton X1 - Universal All-In-One Smart Remote Find it here:. No hub, so you have to point directly at IR devices. Yes, there is a free One For All setup app for iOS and Android, and yes, it pairs with the remote via Bluetooth and lets you add your devices by inputting the manufacturer name and model number or testing different codes. The u1 is limited in functionality but the X1 should fix that with activities, Bluetooth and the hub. There are some very low-budget instructional videos available through the appwith no dialogue, just video of someones hand using the app. There is also an LCD screen to help the user figure out how to use it. If it cannot be connected, please restart the power of the HUB, open the APP and search for the X1 HUB again. And the setup app requires you to figure out a lot of the advanced programming yourself, which may prove to be too challenging or frustrating for some people. This has already been so much of a headache that even if I eventually get it to actually function correctly it will never actually make up for the time I have wasted trying to set it up. While I agree, that there are bigger issues. To program the U1, you need to use the free SofaBaton app for iOS and Android. With the X1 app, I selected the Nvidia Shield and then found the Sofabaton under the pairing menu on the Shield. The inclusion of Activity buttons, like Watch TV or Play video games (as described. But its a shame that SofaBaton omitted such a simple and important feature. Step3: Follow the instructions in the app to learn from the original remort. So, a couple of clicks later, we both backed it and eagerly awaited delivery. The app is used to set up and configurate the physical Sofabaton remote. Hi noob to this really confused if I give the model number of tv shouldnt the program already assign all buttons without all the intervention of asking what each button should do? FREE Delivery Across Mauritius. So its more flexible than many of the lower-priced remotes on the market. Speaking of macros, the process of creating them, though logistically simple in the app, will be more mentally taxing than some people will tolerate. The Logitech Harmony 665 is a remote that can control more than one device. I was able to get it to operate both my LG Nano TV and my Yamaha amp as well via IR. Well keep our eyes peeled and post an announcement when it starts to sell. Seamlessly switch between devices via scroll wheel with 20inch display and enjoy convenient control with ease entertainment. Smooth scroll wheel buttons with comfortable movement and pressing feel, which is very practical, allowing you to move up and down quickly and switch devices. Disclaimer: We want to be clear that the information on Bollyinside.com, including articles, reviews, and guides, is intended for educational purposes only.