It has some notable flaws, but this model can control a wider variety of home-entertainment devices, and it has a better physical design than its competitors. There were a few quirks but to be honest not any more than you would encounter with a complex Harmony set up. 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). You might still find these remotes in stock for a while, but no new models are being manufactured. Remote is still note usable beyond the set of features a 25 USD universal remote is providing. Its not at a point where I would hand it to a non-techie person and say, have at it! without any instruction. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Scan this QR code to download the app now. 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. I think this would be a nice product if you had a simple system, like a smart TV and a sound bar. I have not setup the remote yet (will do when I get home from work) but am pretty excited to try it out. The more a remote costs, the more flexibility it should have to control different kinds of devices. Like the Harmony, you enter your brand and model number. FYI macro whats that, I could not find the word in my instruction package. Absent is a numeric pad to allow you to input channels or other functions that may need numbers. SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote Control with Hub & APP, Smart Remote with One-Touch Activities, Works with Alexa/Google Assistant for Voice Control, Control up to 60 Entertainment IR/Bluetooth Devices $249.99 Special offers and product promotions Amazon Business Canada Business-only pricing, quantity discounts and free shipping across Canada. On the downside, the remote lacks backlighting and dedicated, clearly labeled activity buttons (such as Watch TV) that make it easier for everyone to use. While I agree, that there are bigger issues. The URC7880 has all the necessary buttons we like to see, and the core functions, like volume, mute, channel, home, menu, back, exit, and navigation, are grouped together near the center. The FAQs do touch briefly on the use of the IR blasters, but I find it inadequate. SofaBaton X1 remote is universally compatible with virtually all brands of audi and video equipment. Therefore, 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 functions.IMPORTANT, Cox Universal Remote Control User Manual - Optimized PDF Cox Universal Remote Control User Manual - Original PDF, Smart IR Universal Remote Control Product View Product installation instructions Plug the Smart IR Controller USB-A into, Your email address will not be published. While I agree, that there are bigger issues. Honestly, the remote is as professional as any Ive owned. But todays sad truth is that fewer people are buying DIY universal remotes, and this category is nearly dead. SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote Control with Hub - All in One Smart Remote Control with Customize Activities for Bluetooth IR 2.4G Devices Compatible with Alexa (Charge Plug Included) Brand: SofaBaton 11 ratings 24999 FREE Returns Size Name: With Plug See more About this item Hi Chris. Required fields are marked *. For proper functioning, the system needs to obtain the following source information for the output device (TV, power amplifier, projector, etc.). The other method is to download the supported app on your TV. Makes me wonder what the issue with the previous two versions is. sofabaton r2 programming. Sounds promising. On the plus side, the URC7880 does have an activity button that can scroll through five activities (TV, movie, music, game, and custom). The developer responded and finally told me there is a bug in the IR design. I havent been very active on the Sofabaton forum, but I do check in from time to time, and I see lots of requests from users for additions to the database and responseS from Sofabaton saying they added the code. But thats all the app offers by way of setup. The thing will sell for $200 - Why not get it right out of the gate and charge $299? Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Then go to Set, then Fix, the scroll to your AVR, and then click the wheel until Off is highlighted. Currently, only 3 WiFi devices are supported: Roku, Philip hue, and Sonos speaker. I dont mind it because I rarely need to access my devices, so I like not being able to press it accidentally. My interaction with Sofabaton support regarding this issue didnt yield a response this veteran IT guy could understand. And any little tweak you make can be uploaded to the remote instantly, as long as its connected to the app, so theres no need to search for a cable, connect the remote to your computer, and load an all-new configuration. The Harmony only has 4 buttons that can be used as 'home control' (unless there's a way of responding to the other buttons). When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Nothing, no hints. I reported that my Sofabaton X1 could reach all of my devices without the IR blasters, which is mostly the case. Take Alexa as an example and perform the following operations:Step1: Open the Amazon Alexa app, and click Skill & Games from the menu bar. I appreciate your thoroughness and willing to call out the defects, and update us on the current status! I went to Amazon but it is not available and doing Google searches I do not find any site selling the X1 currently? This will show up as follows: Step3: Confirm the device information and submit it so that you can download the code to the hub. 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. Step2: For some models without a corresponding code base, you may need to select the most suitable code base through key testing. The inclusion of Activity buttons, like Watch TV or Play video games (as described. If you use it with an Alexa device, you can control your home entertainment with your voice. You have no option to hardwire the remote via USB and program it with your computer. Connects up to 40 devices in your home including TV, DVD, Blu-Ray, TV & cable boxes, gaming consoles, Apple TV, Roku and more. I hope your experience gets better, but from my unit and my experience, I stand by saying that its not perfect, but I expect it to get darn close. Not having to specify what off is off. For a setup like this, a universal remote probably isnt necessary because basic control of these devices (such as browsing content, changing channels, and adjusting volume) is built intoor can be easily added tothe remote that came with your media player or TV. 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? My biggest issue is connecting to the hub. As we mentioned, the U1 can control IR and Bluetooth devices, which should cover most any AV device you want to add to your system, including Bluetooth devices like the Chromecast with Google TV, Nvidia Shield TV, and some gaming consoles and older Fire TV players. That is an excellent question. Plus, the inclusion of activity controls cuts down on how often youll need to switch between devices. All of the customization of buttons and choosing which commands show up on the screen is really only in Activities, anyway. Step 4: Configure the X1-Remort key for the current Activity. Anyway, I dont like the buttons as they are very plasticky and I always pick it up upside down for some reason, so ergonomics could be better. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. I also review budget projectors, portable projectors, and other AV accessories for Wirecutter. If youve never programmed a universal remote before, or youre used to the Harmony setup software that figures out the main steps for you, the learning curve for a more complex AV system will be high. 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. I recently got a new puppy, and he has had my Sofabaton X1 in his mouth several times with nary a scratch. Thats not a surprising omission for something in this price range. 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. This remote can control more than 250,000 devices (10 at a time) and combine them into single functions, such as turning on the TV, DVD player, changing to the right channel, and switching to the HDMI input. If we (as users) hadnt worked with Harmony and stuck with them, they would have folded a long time ago. Step2: Confirm the device information and submit it so that you can download the code to the hub. Connects up to 40 devices in your home including TV, DVD, Blu-Ray, TV & cable boxes, gaming consoles, Apple TV, Roku and more. And the number pad may prove essential for cable/satellite customers who have lots of channels to navigate. Well, a month later it dropped. So I think its 90% to where it needs to be. Remote is still note usable beyond the set of features a 25 USD universal remote is providing. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. They found it very easy to set up (it took about one minute), and they thought the instructions were easy to understand. Maybe im doing something wrong. The Harmony Companion was one of the more affordable remotes to support Wi-Fi, and it cost $150 or more. As the pioneer in smart universal remote is the market, have you analyzed the Sofabaton remotes. Soyeahtry teaching THAT to your mom haha. After deleting all my devices and activities and then redoing them, they seem to work. You can use the scroll wheel or any other button to wake it up. You can also quickly learn IR codes from your existing remote, and you can choose what you want each device to be named on the OLED screen. Figure if I download code it would know if you choose that device that off button is off. Harmony was not perfect when they started. If yes, you can use the hotspot to pair the HUB first. The King is Dead! Yes, we will open the local API of X1 by providing an API file, but X1 cannot directly add APIs of other products or smart platforms. But, as my editor pointed out, this is normal for new devices. 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. But there is a Fix function within the Set menu. The remote requires four AAA batteries, and they are not included in the packagewhich is kind of obnoxious. I added my Xfinity cable box, Samsung TV, Yamaha Receiver and soundbar were immediately represented and added without a fuss. It often disconnects and cannot reconnect. In addition to https://www.yio-remote.com/ ($$$) coming to Kickstarter, https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sofabaton/sofabaton-x1 is live now. While the code base is not complete for the Yamaha receiver, learning codes from the remote is super simple. We like that it hides the number pad behind a slide-down panel, to keep the main remote design as simple as possible. Sofabaton X1 Sofabaton X1. If Sofabaton continues to refine its app and programming. You're seeing this ad based on the product's relevance to your search query. If you have a better solution, please leave a message to help more users. Thankfully, the printed instructions are thorough. I just got mine form Amazon today. 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 mobile phone and the HUB need to be connected to the same router. Can I use my smartphone as a remote control? 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 do I recommend it right now? Its fine if it takes some time, but their communication people have burned a lot of their credibility. Instead, what you need to do is set the Fix screen to whatever state the offending device is actually in. The U1 can control up to 15 AV devices and supports Bluetooth control. Seems very time consuming vs harmony. Lets discuss! Select the appropriate option for your device. My excitment for this was tempered by all the mediocre reviews. SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote Control with Hub & APP, Smart Remote with One-Touch Activities, Compatible with Alexa for Voice Control, Control up to 50 Entertainment IR/Bluetooth Devices Features : Compatibility without LimitsThe most advanced X1 universal remote comes with a hub that can control most of your home entertainment devices. *Sofabaton is a hilarious name, but very apt imo. 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. Price: (as of - Details) An upgrade from the original Ring Video Doorbell 2, enjoy improved motion detection, privacy zones and audio privacy, and dual-band (2.4 or 5.0 GHz) wifi connectivity.Receive mobile notifications when anyone presses your doorbell or triggers your built-in motion sensors.Powered by the rechargeable battery pack or connects to doorbell wires for [] And it relies on a mobile app for setup.. Our site uses cookies. Super easy control - scroll click to switch the different IR & Blu & Wifi devices. Except, it didnt work like that. 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. So its an Activity-based remote, for sure. Sofabaton is one of the few commercial universal remotes that will let you control a generous number of home theater devices, including your TV, DVD player/recorder, Blu-ray player, and more. Tony spends much too much of his free time on Twitter, reading speculative fiction novels, playing video games, and reading comic books. up and running with this remote in just a couple hours. Monoprice Monolith Dual 15 M-215 THX Ultra subwoofer Is On Sale For $600 Off. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Yes, I have a cable TV set top box its totally useless for changing channels the way they lay out the numbers. Add in the lack of backlighting, and we think this one will be a bit more challenging to use in a dark room. There was definitely some trial and error involved as I tried to build macros for Watch TV and Play Video Games. But eventually I got the remote programmed to do everything I wantedexcept control my Chromecast, of course. 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. Some remote manufactuers with very well maintained code databases already have the toggle commands built in when you select those specific models of cable boxes. The remote should have a well-organized layout that includes all the necessary buttons to perform essential tasks (and, yes, we think physical buttons are essential, versus a touchscreen that requires you to look away from the TV to find the right button). And if you dont want to read the rest of the update, I will give you the skinny. Is there any other manfature that will produce a product like the harmony remote controls, There is also https://www.yio-remote.com/. The second is a more-complex home-theater system with an LG TV, Onkyo AV receiver, Sony Ultra HD Blu-ray player, Chromecast with Google TV, and Xbox One X. - Assumed reliance on the sofabaton cloud, implied by the use of the companion app - the WHOLE REASON I'm trying to move away from the Harmony 525 is that it cannot be programmed at all without accessing the Logitech servers, a situation upon which the X1 seems to completely fail to improve in any way. Finally, the One For All setup app does have one helpful feature: a remote finder. It found my Hub and connected it in 30 seconds. The Sofabaton App and X1-hub are connected via a local area Please ensure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi as the hub when using the App. In fact, Ill bet youre super confused from what I just wrote! Update: I originally published my review of the Sofabaton X1 on April 12, 2022. Though each remote had its flaws, the Harmony line was still a step above the competition in how many features you got for the price and how much easier the remotes were to program for people with complicated home theater systems. The full service launched on July 15, 2020. Universal remotes are still made by a few companies. But I noted that the instructions had smaller print, so they might be harder to read. It also had a handheld remote with an OLED screen, backlight, and an iOS and Android app. Disclaimer have not tested all functions such as code learning and the voice stuff. The instructions focus heavily on pairing the hub/remote and setting up the devices and activities. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any information. But it lacks backlighting and activity buttons, and programming advanced tasks can be challenging. As for returning it? Im in setup mode but not liking flow of setting up. The software automatically (and wirelessly) updates the remote with the proper control codes after each new device is added. 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. Perhaps most importantly, there are no dedicated activity buttons labeled Watch TV, Watch a Movie, and the like. Shouldn't the Voices Only Come from My Center Speaker? If you are a Harmony power user you will be right at home. I got mine on the kickstarter, so I got the heavy discount of being an early adopter. And there are no dedicated activity buttons for grouping different devices together to perform tasks like Watch TV or Watch a Movie. You can still create activities and assign them to whatever buttons you choose, but you have to figure out all the programming yourselfand we fear the apps learning curve may be high for someone who has never programmed a universal remote. Even used models can cost up to or more than $400. The remote itself is a manageable size thats not too wide, long, or heavy; even with my small hands, I could reach all the controls with my thumb without having to shift the remote around in my hand. A 2.4 GHz WiFi network is required for setup (there is no 5 GHz support). So, a couple of clicks later, we both backed it and eagerly awaited delivery. By just saying "Alexa, turn on TV" , "Alexa, change channel to ABC news" or "Alexa, volume down on . But it does not have a Help button to deal with commands that arent executed properly, and it could not control my Bluetooth-based Google Chromecast.