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. 116K subscribers 24K views 1 year ago Closer look @ Sofabaton X1 - Universal All-In-One Smart Remote Find it here:. But you have to figure out the macro (or sequence of steps) and assign it to a random button. Honestly, the remote is as professional as any Ive owned. Setup is done using an Android or iOS app on your phone or tablet. Download the app, place the hub, power it up, and follow the on-screen instructions. Sofabaton X1 Universal Remote - One Does For Most All Devices 1. The other method is to download the supported app on your TV. A universal remote, also called a smart remote, can connect devices from different manufacturers and brands. Sure, you could program a game console onto the DVD label and a second TV onto another unused category, but thats not helpful for other people trying to use the remote. 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. 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. I havent gotten my hands on one of these yet to give any product specific suggestions, but I am talking to the higher-ups in my company about maybe getting one to test out. The Harmony only has 4 buttons that can be used as 'home control' (unless there's a way of responding to the other buttons). Except, it didnt work like that. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It also means you can fix commands instantly, without even having to reach for your phone to launch an app. Its not at a point where I would hand it to a non-techie person and say, have at it! without any instruction. 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". 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. While I agree, that there are bigger issues. 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. You can read more about it here. Anything on top is just not working as it should. The most important buttons (such as volume, pause, and play) should be easily accessible. They found it very easy to set up (it took about one minute), and they thought the instructions were easy to understand. If the remote still executes the command, then its using Bluetooth or radio frequency, not IR.) Figure if I download code it would know if you choose that device that off button is off. Also here - not news since almost a year! And the number pad may prove essential for cable/satellite customers who have lots of channels to navigate. The system consists of a. 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. Sad day indeed. However, I am still on one battery bar after six weeks. Seems very time consuming vs harmony. If we (as users) hadnt worked with Harmony and stuck with them, they would have folded a long time ago. Makes me wonder what the issue with the previous two versions is. Sofabaton one for all smart universal remotes have powerful cloud database, with easy programmable macro function,to simply your entertainment life among multi-activities switch freely. Sure, you can disable sleep mode on your phone. Step3: Press and hold the button on the X-Hub for 3s to allow the Bluetooth connection. Being able to see the actual model names is more intuitive than generic device buttons labeled TV, STB, or AUD. Seamlessly switch between devices via scroll wheel with 20inch display and enjoy convenient control with ease entertainment. Once I had the Activities set up correctly, no issues arose. You can still find some older DIY URC remotes online, but at elevated prices. Still, if you want a universal remote with a lot of features and a lot of ways to use it, nothing beats the Harmony Elite. So I will be honest, I was not expecting a lot from a Kickstarter, but I was pretty impressed with the exterior and interior packaging. Youd THINK, simple! But I noted that the instructions had smaller print, so they might be harder to read. This is simply misleading behaviour. 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. 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. The U1 lacks backlighting, which, combined with this remotes black-buttons-on-a-black-shell design, makes using it in a dark room somewhat more challenging. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. I didnt notice it with my Harmony however. And then you can start adding your devices; this is a straightforward process in which you can choose from a list of preloaded devices (including Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Nvidia, DirecTV, and Xfinity) or enter the manufacturer and device name. Im pretty sure you and I are in agreement about pretty much everything with this remote. From the Kickstarter: Does X1 support local API to integrate the remote control into a home automation system without going through the cloud? However, with the curtains open at certain times of the day, it seems the brightness of the room can impact it. They used to be responsive but have stopped replying to my emails. It seems that Sofabaton is committed to adding features and codes as requested. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Take Alexa as an example and perform the following operations:Step1: Open the Amazon Alexa app, and click Skill & Games from the menu bar. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 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. Add in the lack of backlighting, and we think this one will be a bit more challenging to use in a dark room. 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? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. Easily install other applications that will help you manage your home. For more information, please see our Maybe an X2 will have real numbers. In the past, the TV was the centre of home entertainment, connecting things like DVD/Blu-ray players, surround sound, game consoles, etc. The technical name for this bundling of commands is macros, but remote-control manufacturers usually call them activities or scenes. I'm potentially interested with the 50% discount, but I really hated the U1, so I'm wary. Another option is, try and get hold of just the Harmony Hub (without remote) and then hook it up to Home Assistant. They have a looong way to go to catch up to Logitech! 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. If it cannot be connected, please restart the power of the HUB, open the APP and search for the X1 HUB again. And early indications tell me I will probably get well over a month on a single charge with my use. Sofabaton has promised a firmware update to fix that. The Sofabaon X1 promised a hub-based remote that supported IR, wi-fi, and Bluetooth, all a must in todays home theater. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Please connect the HUB to the router directly, don't use Mesh Repeater to connect. So if you need something more than the Sofabaton U1, but dont want something as expensive as Control4, then the Sofabaton X1 is the best choice. I Dont Have Perfect Placement And I Dont Care! 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. Like the Flipper, the EasyMote is a large-button remote designed for people with vision, memory, or confusion issues. However, the app will never be as fast as a real remote, so keep that in mind. We dont recommend this approach, however, because using your mobile devices touchscreen as a remote requires you to look away from the TV screen and down at your deviceto search for the right part of the screen to touchand this makes channel surfing and volume tweaking cumbersome. I do love that there is a find my remote function. I actually have a Harmony Elite I dont use cause I like the hard number keys on the Companion/One remote. If they do that with the X1, its just going to get your Activities all out of sync. The Exit doesnt work. . I currently purchase this SofaBaton X1 to replace my Logitech Universal Remote with Hub, I was very impressed when I unboxed this remote. Required fields are marked *. I love my Harmony Elite for our living room home theater setup. Privacy Policy. If all of your devices can be controlled by infrared (IR), the One For All URC7880 Smart Control 8 is a simple, affordable remote that has all the important buttons, including activity control to group components together. Because of this, a One For All universal remote is a good and affordable way to replace a single remote or combine multiple remotes into one. Was a Kickstarter buyer figured, what the heck. Since fewer people need universal remotes these days, there are fewer great options that you can set up and program yourself. Although they had teased killing it for years prior, we Audio Enthusiasts never thought this day would happen. Will it be the new must-have remote? All Rights Reserved. Universal remotes are still made by a few companies. The drawbacks are that this remote doesnt work with Bluetooth devices, the programming options arent as flexible as those of the SofaBaton U1, and we didnt find the button layout and shape to be as intuitive. We independently review everything we recommend. This is one of the best universal remotes you can buy. Super easy control - scroll click to switch the different IR & Blu & Wifi devices. The return button allows you to toggle between Activities, Devices, and Set (should be Setup). We appreciated the bright, green backlighting (which you can turn off) and the wrist rope. The newly released SofaBaton X1 and older U1 would be great to have an integration for. But I really dont consider that a Fix. 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. 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). And dont expect much help from the SofaBaton literature; the setup guide is poorly written and says nothing about macros. Shipped by Newegg. We have added a What you need to know box, and added our thoughts on the new Sofabaton X1 remote to the Competition section. Even though I need something like this really badly, I have some giant issues with the X1: - The buttons look horribly positioned: most of them are way too low to comfortably reach, there's just not enough grip left below eg. 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. Extend your system with add-ons Home Assistant is not just limited to Home Assistant. By just saying "Alexa, turn on TV" , "Alexa, change channel to ABC news" or "Alexa, volume down on . Sofabaton covered the remote in a black matte finish that resisted marring and fingerprints. The fact that you can program the remote manually is a plus for those who cant or dont want to use a mobile device to program a remote. Compared to the URC remote, setup for my system was a breeze, and the remote works perfectly. I ordered it Saturday night. Battery life is good, and I charged it once when I got it six weeks ago. Tutorial X1 User Guide and FAQ, Continuously Updated Back key cannot be configured on Samsung The Frame 2022, You can press the key to assign Return and Exit on X1,choose the device, click edit---assign key for the X1 remote, then assign the command you like to the physiccal key of the X1. Oct 25, 2017 3,980. We liked that the X1s edges were smooth and rounded, and that its buttons had just the right amount of resistance and feedback when pressed. Tutorial X1 User Guide and FAQ, Continuously Updated Back key cannot be configured on Samsung The Frame 2022, You can press the key to assign Return and Exit on X1,choose the device, click edit---assign key for the X1 remote, then assign the command you like to the physiccal key of the X1. The mobile phone and the HUB need to be connected to the same router. All are the same price and there is no clear indication of what the difference between the three are. Disappointing and waste of money. Secondly (according to the manual), it will wake the remote and activate the backlight. Step3: Follow the instructions in the app to learn from the original remort. ; X1 Universal Remote for All Devices Supports more than 500,000 home entertainment devices of 6,000 brands. If you cant locate the URC7880, you can press a button in the app to make the remote beep. 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. 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. REVIEW: Sofabaton X1 Smart Universal Remote - Control Everything? 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. It seems, Sofabaton is neither responding here any more, nor did we see any improvement lately. Copyright 1998-2023 AV Gadgets. Thankfully, the printed instructions are thorough. 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. The developer responded and finally told me there is a bug in the IR design. Step6: Syncing activities from Sofabaton X1 If you need voice control for a device, you can set it up as a separate Activity. But it lacks backlighting and activity buttons, and programming advanced tasks can be challenging. I expect Sofabaton will follow the same trajectory. Even used models can cost up to or more than $400. 2. You can do that with the Sofabaton, but it takes a few more steps, and as you said, its not as simple. 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. Seleziona una pagina. And since the U1 is not locked in to a set of pre-labeled device buttons, it can control multiple models of the same typesay, two media players, two TVs, and two audio systems. Your time investment will depend on how precisely you want to tweak your controls. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I'm looking forward to it already because right now the U1 is okay, but doesn't really fully replace the Harmony. Theyre just designed to hold a lot of buttons to control your different devices (usually a total of four to six devices). But there is a Fix function within the Set menu. That being said, if my assumption is correct about your service and you have an AT&T cable box, its a quirk of the way some cable boxes are designed. 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. Step2: Source information: source switching mode of the output device. Step6: Select the source location where the input device (Stream-ing box, Player) connects to the output device, like a TV. Just under the screen are a scroll wheel and D-Pad/select button. Finally, all the functions are mixed up on my Shaw cable boxhome is menu, menu is list, etcso their database is incorrect. The remote communicates with the app via Bluetooth, so the first step in the setup process is to pair the two. 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. 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. To date, there have already been three firmware updates. But it cant control Wi-Fibased devices, so you cant integrate smart-home lighting or temperature controls. The equipment consists of a mix of traditional IR devices, Bluetooth devices, and some Wi-Fi smart-home lighting and temperature items from Lutron and Honeywell. It works with more than 270,000 entertainment and smart home devices and has one-touch macros that can be changed. Search Newegg.com for sofabaton x1 universal remote. I am hopeful that they will continue to improve the experience. It looks great, and the hardware is solid, but it lacks the pedigree of the Harmony. I have an email in for assistance. Sofabaton x1 comes with a wireless hub,ultra-universal remote control for all your entertainment and home devices. I wish it had a small cradle for charging, which would make things a little bit easier. Ill go to Set, then Fix, then scroll to my AVR, and then click the wheel to make it say On. Direct from Manufacturer. But I manage to configure a new remote from scratch through command testing. After that you need to click on the '+' icon. The full service launched on July 15, 2020. Home Theater Accessories. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The hub randomly locks up requiring power cycling by unplugging it frequently for many people on the forums (leading to Lost hub messages on the remote). While setting up the X1, the phone and hub must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. UI is an important element of a device and this is where the X1 fails amongst all the other issues, this device has. Make sure you add a set to your shopping cart. Free shipping for many products! I have not setup the remote yet (will do when I get home from work) but am pretty excited to try it out. 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. Step5: Send the WiFi password so that the Hub can access your home LAN. I tried fixing the Activities, but nothing seemed to work. joho500 (Joost) October 3, 2022, 2:49pm #2 Cookie Notice Its not designed for people who use streaming media devices and will not work with devices that are controlled via Bluetooth or radio frequency (RF). It could be they are trying to work out the worst of the bugs, it could be supply chain issues. FREE Delivery Across Mauritius. Communication between the app and hub still does not work if you have 2.5ghz/5ghz networks with the same SSID. 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. 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. Editors Note: One common complaint that didnt really bother Andrew is that you have to wake up the remote with a button push. The app is used to set up and configurate the physical Sofabaton remote. When learning, the original remote should be pointed toward the circular icon, at a distance of 3-5 inches and perpendicular to the hub surface. This is so nice to have a single, easy to see, hold and use remote control and best of all, no batteries required!!! Build quality feels good, though I could see a need for more than 2 IR ports for more complex setups, it works perfectly well for my needs. A 2.4 GHz WiFi network is required for setup (there is no 5 GHz support). Our senior testers generally liked the EasyMote, but they thought the Flippers slightly larger size made it more comfortable to hold. After deleting all my devices and activities and then redoing them, they seem to work. The circular d-pad below lets you control your system. Top Sellers. Thats not a surprising omission for something in this price range. Found 1 Back command which works. You have no option to hardwire the remote via USB and program it with your computer. 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. It has a small indicator LED on the front. 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. I expect many more. 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. He also enjoys reading video game manuals. Plus, the inclusion of activity controls cuts down on how often youll need to switch between devices. We looked for remotes that can control at least eight devices, have an intuitive button design, and are easy to program. The pronounced scroll wheel is easy to find, so the lack of an accelerometer to activate the backlight is not a deal-breaker. Seemed like they were saying create a macro what for every 1 2 3 and 4 digit channel number? Eliminate clutter and enjoy convenient control. I just curious to know the thought regarding. You started your Watch TV Activity, but your AV Receiver didnt turn on? I am the supervising editor of Wirecutters AV coverage, and I have worked as a writer and editor in the consumer electronics industry for 20 years. FYI macro whats that, I could not find the word in my instruction package. Customized APP C ontrol: More functions such as: Find the remote. 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). The frustration lies with the setup process. Shouldn't the Voices Only Come from My Center Speaker? Short and long-press options for the hardware buttons only exist in Activities. Highly recommend. SofabatonX1-Most Versatile Universal ALL-IN-ONE Smart Remote Ultra-universal remote control for all your entertainment and home devices. If you want the best AV presentation of your favorite films, we recommend 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs, and the Panasonic DP-UB420 is the best player weve tested. There are no options for brightness (yet), so its a one-size-fits-all solution. A game console or two might also be included. I am confident that Sofabaton sees the potential of this remote and will eventually solve the problems. Step4: Select the device you want to connect to your home Wi-Fi. DVD, Mac / iOS, PlayStation 4, TV, Universal, One-Click Activity Buttons; Color Display; Interactive Help, A capacitive touchscreen makes it easy to control your devices, Not in production, so may be difficult to find new. 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. YMMV. As we mentioned, the URC7880 can only control IR-based equipment, so it needs to have line-of-sight with all your gear. However, learning commands is still not perfect, and it requires you to play with the remote positioning. However, the instructions do not speak to the proper placement of the hub for correct use or how to connect and place IR blasters. 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. I will agree that the updates are slow. Can I use my smartphone as a remote control? If they listen to users and make changes based on our feedbackthen yes, I think it will be a great remote. You have to select the device in question and resend the command. Eliminate clutter and enjoy convenient control. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. You can quickly switch between devices you want to control. I'm still kicking myself for not buying a backup Harmony Elite when Best Buy had blowout prices. In fact, Ill bet youre super confused from what I just wrote! The hub is also where you can teach the system to learn commands for devices not currently in the database. You must use your phone and the app. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvCGN_Bmmf4, 2022.9.9, Major Update of Android APP ,HUB. But, as my editor pointed out, this is normal for new devices. So its been a whole month since I posted my review, and I have been using the Sofabaton X1 exclusively as my daily remote. As soon as Logitech announced they were killing Harmony I bought an extra Elite from Best Buy which is still unopened. Free Shipping. Setup is done using an Android or iOS app on your phone or tablet. Nothing, no hints. 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. And 90% is way better than 0%. I have a lot of of vintage tech MD player, CD player and VCR that were not in the database. Nice review, Andrew! Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. the channel or volume buttons to operate while still holding the remote somehow, - The lack of any actual IR emitters on the remote itself - the IR comes from THE HUB, without which the remote is useless for IR purposes, - The enclosed rechargeable battery which doesn't seem to be replaceable. I had the U1 and I had to stand right in front of my TV to get it to work. Scroll to the bottom for my one-month update. Also, since this hub can send commands to devices using Wi-Fi, IR, or Bluetooth signals, you can control your devices even when they are behind closed doors or cabinets and use home entertainment services like Netflix and Hulu. I have vowed to use only the Sofabaton X1 for the next month so that I can give it a test. The software automatically (and wirelessly) updates the remote with the proper control codes after each new device is added. In addition to https://www.yio-remote.com/ ($$$) coming to Kickstarter, https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sofabaton/sofabaton-x1 is live now. You can press any key to stop the beeping. They fixed that! 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.
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