Infrared-to-Bluetooth converter roundup: get universal control of your PS3

So, here's a conundrum for ya. Sony's PlayStation 3 has been all but universally hailed as a stellar Blu-ray player and a respectable part of any home theater. But Sony forgot to include an IR receptor on the thing, making it incompatible with the vast majority of universal remotes on the market. Solution? An Infrared-to-Bluetooth converter. For the longest while, the original IR2BT was the de facto choice for handling the conversion, but now that it has been replaced with the more expensive (and versatile, in fairness) IR2BTci, CNET decided to roundup three other viable options so you, the almighty consumer, could make the choice that serves you best. Hit the read link for a gathering of the reviews, and don't forget to curse Sony for making you go through this exercise in the first place.

Update: RemoteShoppe has a similar, and equally helpful, roundup of its own.

[Anthony-E @ Nov 25th 2008 7:37AM]

Wow, you guys didn't even try to hide your massive Sony-Hate bias in this one. Good job Engadget! Way to be objective.

[gad get @ Nov 25th 2008 7:41AM]

"Sony's PlayStation 3 has been all but universally hailed as a stellar Blu-ray player and a respectable part of any home theater."

Engadget! How could you say such awful things about Sony!

[stealth658 @ Nov 25th 2008 7:42AM]

"Sony's PlayStation 3 has been all but universally hailed as a stellar Blu-ray player and a respectable part of any home theater"

Yeah, sounds massively biased to me.

[Erwos @ Nov 25th 2008 7:43AM]

Bias? Have you ever even tried to use the PS3 in a dedicated, high-end home theater setup? No IR power-on or power-off and no HDMI-CEC or serial control. It makes it a real PITA to work with and integrate.

Compare this to the 360, which at least lets me power it on (and as a bonus, straight into extender mode!).

[Maestro @ Nov 25th 2008 7:52AM]

The horror! You need to get off your ass to turn something on. Or worse use 2 remotes!

[kastonie @ Nov 25th 2008 8:29AM]

IT SOUNDS BIOS TO ME!

[img eL @ Nov 25th 2008 8:38AM]

Oh yeah, when will a PS3 update with hdmi-cec (theater sync) come flying out? PS3 is hdmi 1.3a right ? About time PS3's hdmi is up to spec.

[Mark @ Nov 25th 2008 2:08PM]

No they didn't. they threw this in at the end "and don't forget to curse Sony for making you go through this exercise in the first place."

Clearly they are idiots, if they don't understand that a $10 component increase results in significant reduction in profits when multiplied by 20m

[Nathan @ Nov 25th 2008 8:17AM]

I use the Nyko adapter with the Logitech Harmony 550 and I love it. The way I see it, I can turn the PS3 on when I put the disc in and turn it off when I take it out. What's the big deal? Motherfuckers are lazy.

[Saltboy @ Nov 25th 2008 9:52AM]

I use a PC to serve my movies to my PS3. While I have no problem walking up or using multiple remotes, there is not putting in or taking out of the disc to make me walk to the machine.

[ZaxCG2 @ Nov 25th 2008 8:28AM]

Wow really? I never noticed. I guess they thought Bluetooth everything was the way of the future... much like not being able to play PS1/2 games. Aw well- good news for universal remote owners!

[matjet @ Nov 25th 2008 9:20AM]

you can play ps1 games.

[Nomi @ Nov 25th 2008 11:33AM]

I actually think bluetooth is the way of the future. IR is just ridiculously annoying at times when you can get your receiver to turn on cuz you are slouched in an awkward position on your couch. Also, some manufacturers are starting to implement BT in their TVs, its only a matter of time before it becomes the defacto standard, that or RF...

[Nomi @ Nov 25th 2008 11:33AM]

*can't

[h0mi @ Nov 25th 2008 12:46PM]

I would buy into the bluetooth is the wave of the future if more devices used bluetooth. If Sony truly believed that, they'd incorporate BT in their TV sets, receivers and other peripherals. There's simply no push for bluetooth and why logitech doesn't add bluetooth to its remote is something I don't get.

[Jason Bruns @ Nov 25th 2008 8:42AM]

I use Schmarts PS3IRX1. A simple IR port that just plugs into a USB port... It works great and is only $35

http://www.schmartstuff.com/sony-ps3-ir-upgrad.html

[img eL @ Nov 25th 2008 8:56AM]

Thanks man! I have not seen this, dam no power on yet though, nice that a firmware update enabled power off! If a new PS3 firmware update is able to power on i'm there

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Nov 26th 2008 12:43AM]

Or you can use a PS2 remote abd IR Sensor with an adapter designed to convert PS2 controllers for PS3 USE.

http://www.remotecentral.com/articles/ps3-ir-remote2.htm
http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/rc-dvd/thread.cgi?1888
http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/24/control-your-playstation-3-with-ir/

[Jon @ Nov 25th 2008 8:51AM]

I use the Nyko dongle and for the price I think it's the best option. I have to get up to plug it in and put in the movie, so the power on issue isn't a factor to me. And you can power it off with your universal remote, just not a one button power off.

[y3k.nik @ Nov 25th 2008 8:56AM]

So people are willing to pay crazy money.. sometimes more than the PS3 bluetooth remote so that they can use one universal remote?

Human being dont make sense to me sometimes... ah well.

[Michael @ Nov 25th 2008 8:58AM]

I picked up the Schmart PS3IRx1 long before any of these IR2BT devices came out (including Schmart's) and it's worked really well for me. As the above commenter mentioned, it's only $35.

Previously I thought I should have picked up the $55 version of the ir2bt... which would have been smart of me if I didn't have the PS3IRx1, but now that it's $150 it's not worth it. Now, if anyone wants a ir to bt converter, I say go with Schmart's PS3IR-PRO, which is only $100.

http://www.schmartstuff.com/ps3irpr3.html

[Pacey @ Nov 25th 2008 9:14AM]

To everyone who are saying "just use two remotes" or "get up and turn it on", etc:

There are lots of people on this planet... we'll call them 'clients'. These clients have fandangled new technology called 'Home automation systems' and these clients care not of the ways of lower classes or tech geeks. When clients come to businessmen who provide automation systems, they expect to be able to control everything from one remote, one keypad, or one touch panel. Saying to them "Well, we can turn your coffee pot on for you at the touch of a button, but you need to use this remote within 30' of your PS3, which means you have to walk into your basement, over to your mechanical room and by the time you reach your gym, then it should work" usually brings a puzzled look to their faces.

The folks at IR2BT saw a business opportunity to cater to Custom Installers and (while I have not yet used a IR2BT converter) have provided a product that makes it so the PS3 can be used as the "stellar Blu-ray player and a respectable part of any home theater" that it is.

Just because you don't see the need for such a device doesn't mean there isn't one.

[Chad @ Nov 25th 2008 9:32AM]

I don't see those people absolutely needing a PS3 as a blu-ray player. Sounds like they can buy something more suited to their automation needs. If you're talking for media center use, there are much better integrated solutions that they're likely to have.

If you think they'd like to have one for gaming, then they still need to access the console to insert a disc.

[drsnacks @ Nov 25th 2008 10:50AM]

Thanks for the explanation, but I don't really expect a lot of rivers to be cried for those guys around here.

[Mr. Ford @ Nov 25th 2008 12:31PM]

You're probably right, drsnacks. Engadget is only for the poor and cynical. Oh yeah, and the physically fit, because people who want convenience are too lazy to "get off [their] ass" and turn on the player (read: fat asses).

For the record, I am a Sony fan. I think that the PS3 is a great Blu-Ray player, but lets not forget Sony's track record. If you think that Sony made this device blue tooth only because its the future of control, you're wrong. They only did this as a way to shoehorn the majority of consumers into buying their somewhat proprietary remote. Think about it. They had a remote concept that wouldn't allow you, at least immediately, to just borrow your friends and teach it into a universal that you may already own. Again, Sony pulls an Apple and makes a decision that cripples performance in order to protect a little extra profit.

[Professor STFU @ Nov 25th 2008 9:44AM]

just kill IR already

[Jon Acheson @ Nov 25th 2008 10:32AM]

Seriously! If a universal remote doesn't do Bluetooth, it just isn't universal any more.

Particularly, you would think that Sony's own universal remote would do it. But I guess this is a case of one hand not knowing what the other is doing (pretty sure they are made by different divisions of Sony).

I love the bluetooth remote on the PS3, and I want all of my future home theater devices to have them.

[Pacey @ Nov 25th 2008 10:17AM]

Chad:

You make a good point, however, after dealing with most of the Blu-Ray players on the market I can say that the PS3 is really the only good one there is. Most are rebranded POSs from Funai. Almost all do not have a RS-232 port for control, and the few that do have 232 don't offer great functionality.

Also, my example as to the location of the PS3 may have been a little extreme, but it was to prove a point. Of course the PS3 wouldn't (necessarily) be in the rack in the mechanical room, but it may well be in a living/theater/bed room and is part of the distributed video system. So while you may need to put the disc in to get it started, controlling it and viewing it may start in one room and end in another.

[Tony @ Nov 25th 2008 10:53AM]

How about... All the other companies get on the bluetooth bandwagon and stop making crappy IR remotes? If everyone had Bluetooth, everyone wins!

[cory yalowicki @ Nov 25th 2008 11:16AM]

Becuase Bluetooth has terrible battery life compared to an IR remote. My IR remote batteries last months, my PS3 controller lasts hours.

[jared @ Nov 25th 2008 11:22AM]

I don't know what you're doing with your remote, but my batteries have lasted an entire year now, I just swapped them the other week for the first time.

[Mitch @ Nov 25th 2008 11:33AM]

Wow, that was about the worst comparison of products that I've ever seen. No firm prices on 3 of the converters, no comparison or explanation of differentiating features, and you have to click through 2 links to even get the specs. CNET, you bastards.

[Pacey @ Nov 25th 2008 11:40AM]

Bluetooth has a limited range, of what, aprox 30 ft? So you either go with RF -> Bluetooth, RF -> IR, or RF/BT in each unit.

If you're talking about a single room solution (which is what most people seem to be), then sure bluetooth would work in many situations. IR works at a greater distance than BT tho, RF even farther than both. Also, IR receivers are probably a crap ton cheaper than RF/BT receivers.

Bluetooth truly is a great piece of technology, but its use in the Home Theater front does yet be warranted when current technologies work fine and considering the PS3 is the only piece that has embraced BT it could be quite a while before BT Universal Remotes are a reality

[Kevster @ Nov 25th 2008 11:48AM]

Try using a Pelican Mini IR Remote for PS3 - bought mine of ebay for about £5 - works like a dream and is standard device for Harmony to recognise. Does use up another precious USB port though - my 80gb version only has 2 (sob!)

[LT73 @ Nov 25th 2008 12:53PM]

Sony really blew this IMHO.

Thankfully someone stepped up with the Bluetooth to IR adapter.

Now me, what I actually need, is a Bluetooth to RF adapter.

(All my components are in another room)

[h0mi @ Nov 25th 2008 1:03PM]

I was set to buy the ir2bt remote but they stopped making them, and finally after restarting production, jacked the price up to $150. For $150, I could probably find a quality (ie a panasonic dmp-bd35 or sony bdp-s350) 2.0 standalone blu-ray player; if not now, in the next couple of months. If logitech would add bluetooth support to the remote, that would be ideal.

Ultimately though, Sony should've added an IR port to the ps3.

[JC @ Nov 25th 2008 1:52PM]

Here's a BlueTooth universal remote:

http://www.ricavision.com/vave100.html

[Herbie555 @ Nov 25th 2008 2:08PM]

Count me among those who use the Nyko IR-to-USB control dongle. I just leave it plugged in all the time, and the PS3 gets powered-on when I insert a disc (I always have to eject whatever game I was playing last anyhow).

The Nyko controller is a supported upgrade on the JP1 compatible remotes, which means its also supported on the Pronto-style stuff, for those who know what I'm talking about. Anyone with a full-learning remote like the Harmony stuff is automatically supported.

At $19, it definitely fills my need, although I think its ironic that I'm using a $19 dongle on my $600 PS3 so I can control my entire home theater with a (JP1) hacked $10 remote.

[Luke @ Nov 25th 2008 2:09PM]

I use the IR4PS3. It's a rather unknown product, but it works brilliantly. It takes the bluetooth module from the Sony remote and calls it with an IR adapter. Also the price is way better than most of the other options and as long as the Sony remote keeps working it will keep working. Info - [e-mail] or http://cid-0407e39b2dea95f4.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/IR4PS3.

[silentShab @ Nov 26th 2008 11:56AM]

I'm also using the IR4PS3 (I was going to buy the PS3IR-PRO, but I felt that the owner of that company was pretty rude in an email conversation I had with him and decided I'd rather buy from someone that cared about me as a customer, not just getting my $100 bucks).

Putting the IR4PS3 together was a piece of cake with the youtube instructional video provided and the price was good enough (these are all overpriced devices). The only problem was that it shipped from Canada, and since I ordered it around the 4th of July, it got stuck in customs for almost 2 weeks.

[DamienS Sturdy @ Nov 25th 2008 2:37PM]

I'm confused. Can't you just power it on with the remote (controller...) it comes with!?

Ah well, whatever floats your boat!

[Dan @ Dec 22nd 2008 3:25PM]

Why would Sony want to return to the dark ages by putting something as obsolete as an IR receiver in the PS3?

[Julian Emmett Turner @ Feb 19th 2009 3:31AM]

Am I the only one OUTRAGED that they actually put the Bluetooth logo on the remote and include "Bluetooth" in the NAME and yet they refuse to use a recognized and adequate Bluetooth profile? It is supposed to be a badge of interoperability! AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) even includes extentions for proprietary manufacturer-specific functions, like the PS button, so there is no excuse for it not supporting AVRCP remotes or cheap IR-to-AVRCP adapters. The Bluetooth SIG should make it MANDATORY that any device that wants to use the Bluetooth logo MUST use a standard Bluetooth profile if one exists... otherwise it is just using BT hardware (ala the Wii remote that does NOT have a logo).