For the average TV viewer, a single remote control is usually all you need to operate your AV system. That’s because most households still use cable boxes, and that remote can usually control the power and volume of TVs, soundbars, and sometimes even AV receivers. Furthermore, certain streaming devices (Roku comes to mind) come with a remote that may have an extra component or two programmed into it. But sometimes that’s just not enough.
If you own a monstrous home theater system with every AV component known to man, you may need a premium universal remote control to control all your equipment. In years past, Logitech’s Harmony line was a household name for multi-device remote controls, but it’s been a minute since the company discontinued the popular universal controllers. However, if you can find it, the company still supports them. That said, there are still a number of reputable options out there, and we’ve rounded up some of our favorites in the list below.
SofaBaton U2
The best overall
Avg
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Controls up to 15 different components
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Ergonomic arrangement of keys
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Includes the SofaBaton app for iOS and Android
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Relatively cheap
Against
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No Wi-Fi controls
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It is not as advanced as the SofaBaton X1
Now that we live in a world without Logitech’s much-vaunted Harmony remotes (unless you can find a refurbished or used model), the SofaBaton is the next best thing when it comes to universal remotes. With several different options available, the all-new SofaBaton U2 builds on the excellent technology of its U1 model, with the biggest change being the inclusion of multiple IR receivers. This allows the U2 to control your line-of-sight components from much greater distances. That said, you’ll still need an IR extender if you plan to hide the equipment in another room or behind a closed door.
The SofaBaton U2 can control up to 15 different devices at once, and you’ll also be able to copy and paste your settings into the SofaBaton app (for iOS and Android) if you prefer to control your system from your phone or tablet. As with the previous model, the macro button will allow you to program multiple commands across a range of peripherals, so in case you want to watch 4K Blu-ray, all you have to do is run the “Blu-ray” command and all your necessary components will automatically be powered and change inputs.
SofaBaton U2
The best overall
SofaBaton X1
The best fully loaded universal remote
Avg
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Controls up to 60 different components
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Rechargeable USB-C battery
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Can be used with Alexa and Google Assistant
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Works with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and IR
Against
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expensive
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A little too advanced for some A/V setups
If your home theater system includes more than 15 components, many of which are hidden behind a fake wall that blocks all IR signals, check out the SofaBaton X1.
The SofaBaton X1 is the best fully loaded universal remote you can buy these days, and we’re big fans of just about everything about it. You may notice that we’re featuring both of SB’s most popular remotes in our review, and that’s because they’re both fantastic; but the X1 delivers just a little more in every way. For starters, where the U1 could only program up to 15 devices, the X1 will store up to 60. All of the X1’s buttons are backlit, a minor gripe that’s sorely absent from the U1. And as for the display, the X1 has a better interface compared to the U1.
You’ll also be able to connect the SofaBaton X1 to your home Wi-Fi, allowing you to control your many components using both Alexa and Google Assistant; and the included SofaBaton hub will let you control devices that aren’t directly in your line of sight. It’s one of the more expensive remote control options, but if you’re looking for a modern peripheral power supply, this is the way to go.
SofaBaton X1
The best fully loaded universal remote
GE
GE universal remote control with backlight
The best naked universal remote
Avg
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Simple operation
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Backlit keys
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Simple code-based programming
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Cheap
Against
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Controls only four devices
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I can’t learn the missing commands
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Infrared only
The GE Universal Backlit Remote Control does just enough, and sometimes that’s all you need. This remote provides an easy way to control up to four devices using a host of pre-programmed codes, while featuring a traditional design with a basic D-pad and all the essential TV/media commands you could need.
If touchscreens and programming via a computer or mobile app seem too complicated for your needs, the GE 48843 is the perfect choice: it’s cheap — but not cheaply made — and has everything you need to control your infrared devices.
GE universal remote control with backlight
The best naked universal remote
One for all
One for all Smart Control 8 universal remote control
The most powerful for infrared devices
Avg
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Controls up to eight devices
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Setup based on a smartphone app
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User programmable macros
One of the Logitech Harmony’s best features was its ability to group device commands into activities — macros that can be executed with a single button. And while the URC7880 isn’t nearly as easy to program as the Harmony family, it gives you the same one-button activity-based access to macros, which is a huge convenience.
These activities can combine commands from up to eight devices, which should be more than enough flexibility to turn on your TV, your Blu-ray player, and your A/V receiver and then assign them to the desired inputs and outputs. The only caveat is that there’s no way to control these devices if they’re not infrared compatible — the URC7880 uses Bluetooth to communicate with the One for All app on your smartphone, but for some reason it can’t pair with any other Bluetooth device, such as game console or media streaming device.
In addition to the five activities available, there are three shortcut keys that can be programmed to access your favorite streaming media services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+. And if any of your devices’ infrared codes are not stored in the One for All online database, you can use the URC7880’s learning function to retrieve them from your original remote control.
The companion app can even act as a remote finder if you manage to lose the URC7880. Our only real gripe is that this unit doesn’t have backlit buttons for easier navigation in darkened rooms.
One for all Smart Control 8 universal remote control
The most powerful for infrared devices
Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends
Amazon Fire TV Cube
Best for voice control
Avg
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Directly supports cable/satellite set-top boxes
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Same great Alexa integration
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Fire TV OS is good, if busy
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Overall getting better
Against
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Less simplicity with so many features
Yes, we know: the Amazon Fire TV Cube is not a universal remote control. But hear us out on this one. What you might not know about the Fire TV Cube is that unlike any other Fire TV device — and, frankly, unlike any other streaming media device, period — it can control many other devices in your home theater. And for that you can use voice commands.
Inside the Fire TV Cube’s small, box-like housing is a set of infrared transmitters. Just like any other universal remote, it can be programmed to broadcast IR commands to a wide variety of devices, including TVs, soundbars and A/V receivers.
Within the Fire TV interface, you can set up these devices, which can then be controlled using the included Fire TV Cube remote, or for a true Enterprise star experience, you can use your voice instead. Saying “Alexa, open Netflix” can trigger the same sequence of commands as actions on a Harmony or One for All remote—your TV turns on, your A/V receiver turns on, and your Fire TV Cube opens the Netflix app. You can go.
There is one limitation: all your devices must have IC control. The Fire TV Cube has Bluetooth, but it’s only used for pairing things like headphones and game controllers. However, if the device you want to control can be connected to your TV via HDMI, there’s a good chance the Cube will still be able to control it via HDMI-CEC.
And since this is Alexa we’re talking about, the Cube can also control any smart home devices you might want to use while watching a movie, like dimming your smart light bulbs or lowering your motorized smart blinds.
Amazon Fire TV Cube
Best for voice control
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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn