The software automatically (and wirelessly) updates the remote with the proper control codes after each new device is added. Thats a tough one. The frustration lies with the setup process. Step2: Enter the name of the key you want to learn. 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. I just curious to know the thought regarding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvCGN_Bmmf4, 2022.9.9, Major Update of Android APP ,HUB. Im thinking Im sending mine back. Its common for lower-priced universal remotes to work only with IR devices. 2. You have to select the device in question and resend the command. Seems very time consuming vs harmony. Perhaps most importantly, there are no dedicated activity buttons labeled Watch TV, Watch a Movie, and the like. Theres always going to be a bit of a learning curve with any desktop or app-based software, but if you need a certificate in C++ to program your remote, thats too difficult. The app is both simple and frustrating at the same time. . According to the Kickstarter page, it does include 2 IR extension cables, one with a single transmitter and one with 2 transmitters. Once its set up, it works well. No one button activities and weaker basic remote functions. The King is Dead! 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. Easy to tweak with delays, discrete power codes etc. More on that later. If your home-entertainment system is more complex than the basic TV-soundbar-streamer setup, youd benefit from a universal remote. Our site uses cookies. Found 1 Back command which works. The design of the Sofabaton X1 remote is relatively simple. The other method is to download the supported app on your TV. It looks great, and the hardware is solid, but it lacks the pedigree of the Harmony. One-Click Activity: Select an activity such as "Watch Movie" to automatically turn on the power and switch the device to the correct input. However, the app will never be as fast as a real remote, so keep that in mind. Its a more expensive solution, but if done properly, it will result in a much more satisfying experience. Because the URC7880 is locked into eight device optionslabeled TV, STB, BLU, AUX, DVD, GAME, MEDIA, and S.BARyoure more limited in how you can configure the remote. Not sure if both of those cables can be used at the same time, but I would guess not. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I would love to have the remote turn on when you pick it up, it seems to work without having to press buttons twice. 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. Seleziona una pagina. Once a device is loaded into the app, youre given the option to customize the buttons. It took years of work and refinement to get the product they had. (More on this below.). It also had a handheld remote with an OLED screen, backlight, and an iOS and Android app. We are not responsible for any loss, injury, claim, liability, or damage related to the use of this website or the information contained herein. You can program the U1 using a convenient setup app for iOS and Android, and the app provides a lot of customization options to reassign what the remotes buttons can do. 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. SofaBaton is reportedly working on a new remote that will support more than one Bluetooth device, but we dont have any further details yet. After obtaining the source configuration of the output device and the source location of the input device(Streaming box, Player), the system can automatically switch to the correct source to enable all associated devices when you start an activity.To do this, follow the steps listed below.Step1: If the device has not configured the source in advance, you need to click to configure when creating an Activity. Once set up, its simple to use the app instead of the remote. Created by Sofabaton X1 Sofabaton X1 5,769 backers pledged HK$ 5,217,117 to help bring this project to life. A universal remote is a hand-held device that combines the functions of different remote controls into one unit. But some universal remotes only work with the power, volume, and channel up/down buttons on your TV. You can do that with the Sofabaton, but it takes a few more steps, and as you said, its not as simple. Make sure to enter your username and password. It lacks backlighting and a Help function to fix any messed-up commands. While its not my daily driver, I am keeping it in case my Harmony dies. I have vowed to use only the Sofabaton X1 for the next month so that I can give it a test. We independently review everything we recommend. Press J to jump to the feed. Lots of potential, quite nice to use once you actually have it fully set up, but the setup process is not for anybody who is impatient! The average living-room entertainment system may include a single-source devicesay, a streaming media player, cable/satellite set-top box, or gaming consoleplus a smart TV and a soundbar. Which you find here: So never forget to check our Bollyinside Blogs, for technology computer mobile guides and Tips, Top lists, best 10, and bussiness guides. Makes me wonder what the issue with the previous two versions is. There is apparently a known problem with routers configured in a mesh mode as are mine. But you cant control Bluetooth devices, and the setup process is archaic. It has a small capacitive touchscreen that makes it easy to use what could be a confusing number of devices. For example, when you need to learn a command, the Sofabaton will direct you to point the IR sensor of your devices remote at the circular icon on the top of the hub and press the button for 3-5 seconds. 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. REVIEW: Sofabaton X1 Smart Universal Remote - Control Everything? It seems, Sofabaton is neither responding here any more, nor did we see any improvement lately. Thank you for your patience and understanding. So when youre trying to add a Bluetooth-based source, you have to unpair the remote from the setup app to test the device control, and then re-pair to the app to keep going with setup. In years past, if you wanted an advanced universal remote that you could program yourself (as opposed to models that are sold exclusively through dealers, like Crestron and Control4, that program them for you), you had many choicesfrom brands like Harmony, Sony, Pronto, URC, and UEI. If youre thinking about getting one before theyre all gone, the companys statement on the product discontinuation added the following: We expect no impact to our customers by this announcement. But when I tried to use it, it was not at all intuitive! Lets discuss. The buttons do not appear to be backlit, unless all your devices are sitting within IR view of the Hub it's useless. We prefer brands that offer setup software, via either computer or app, and keep a database of manufacturer codes. Setup is done using an Android or iOS app on your phone or tablet. The Flipper is a simple, large-button remote designed for people with vision, memory, or confusion issues (or perhaps for young children who are prone to randomly pressing the remotes buttons and throwing your whole AV system out of whack). However, the instructions do not speak to the proper placement of the hub for correct use or how to connect and place IR blasters. The build quality of the Sofabaton X1 and hub is excellent. I'm potentially interested with the 50% discount, but I really hated the U1, so I'm wary. Any idea if possible ? Sofabaton has promised a firmware update to fix that. Oct 25, 2017 3,980. AKA Richard46 Sony OLED KE48A9BU; Yamaha RX A2A; MA Bronze BX2 & Radius 225; SVS 3000 Micro;; Goodmans Maxim2; Sony BDP-S1100; Manhattan T3-R 1TB. The unit has a feature that will confirm actions and take corrective steps to make sure the right things happen. And as I said above, learning functions is nigh impossible. That is an excellent question. joho500 (Joost) October 3, 2022, 2:49pm #2 Editors Note: If you own a Harmony and have IR blasters on hand, they work with the Sofabaton X1. I got mine on the kickstarter, so I got the heavy discount of being an early adopter. If youre looking for advanced whole-house control, with lots of complex lighting scenes and independent control of different sources in different rooms, youre better off turning to a local specialty AV retailer that can create a more-personalized control system from a company like Crestron or Control4. The technical name for this bundling of commands is macros, but remote-control manufacturers usually call them activities or scenes. Eliminate clutter and enjoy convenient control. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If the HUB cannot connect to the network, please refer to the following video to complete. There are even a few app-shortcut buttons (including a dedicated Netflix button) that you can program from the device of your choosing. Range is fantastic and set up with the app is pretty easy once you understand the concept of the hub based remote. Oh wow - I hadn't heard about this yet. Select the appropriate option for your device. Our senior testers generally liked the EasyMote, but they thought the Flippers slightly larger size made it more comfortable to hold. We recommend the best displays, sources, and accessories for watching 4K HDR movies and TV shows at home. SofaBaton claims its code database includes 350,000-plus devices and 6,000 brands. While the code base is not complete for the Yamaha receiver, learning codes from the remote is super simple. Adrienne Maxwell is the supervising editor of Wirecutter's audio/video team, covering everything from headphones to TVs. 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. The Xl- Remote beeps. 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. I do hope that Sofabaton will eventually give us options for this so we can dial it into our preference. Universal Remote Control (the company) used to offer a variety of good DIY remotes, but it now focuses on the professional-installation market. Make sure you add a set to your shopping cart. You heard me right; the remote is nothing but a wireless connection to your hub that gives you tactile buttons for essential functions and allows you to map your frequently used commands to a specific key. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Most remotes I have dealt with require the person programming it to create a macro for each button to toggle or alternate between the two codes with each button press. Any idea if possible ? Decade long AV technician here. I had 3 Harmony Smart Hub for many years and really liked them. It may take them a bit to get there, but I am confident they will get there. Privacy Policy. So here is the biggest complaint I have with the Sofabaton X1. Soyeahtry teaching THAT to your mom haha. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. I am hopeful that they will continue to improve the experience. The Harmony only has 4 buttons that can be used as 'home control' (unless there's a way of responding to the other buttons). Ive had no major issues with programming my other remotes to this and I was very happy to say goodbye to the 10 I used to need just to setup movie night to be able to control everything with this one single remote! I actually have a Harmony Elite I dont use cause I like the hard number keys on the Companion/One remote. Home sofabaton sofabaton X1 Universal Smart Remote Control User Manual, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sofabaton/id1456346952, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=www.romateck.com.u1, Search Sofabaton on the App Store or Google Play. I tried using it as a daily driver, but was needing to get up and unplug the hub at least once per day. As we mentioned, the URC7880 can only control IR-based equipment, so it needs to have line-of-sight with all your gear.