universalremote
Latest
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.
Sony unveils five new audio accessories: headphones, speakers and remote
Rather than just introducing these five items individually, Sony reckoned the world at large may pay more attention if they were unveiled in one fell swoop. To that end, we're left staring at a new pair of noise canceling headphones (MDR-NC7; $50), travel speakers (SRS-M50; $50), a universal remote (RM-VL610; $30), EX Series earbuds (MDR-EX36V; $30) and stereo Bluetooth headphones (DR-BT160AS; $160). While the first two are pretty self-explanatory, color lovers will appreciate the three swappable back plates for the remote, and the water-resistant BT 'phones pack a built-in microphone, rechargeable Li-ion cells and A2DP support. Everything should be available now if you look hard enough, and the full release with all the gory details is waiting just after the break.%Gallery-37129%
Universal Remote reveals $149 URC Digital R50
Back at CEDIA, you witnessed the best Universal Remote Control had to offer for the high-end and custom-install market, but the outfit's latest caters to the commercial crowd. Hailed as its new flagship unit for the consumer retail channel, the URC Digital R50 features a backlit, customizable color screen, PC-free setup, an IR blaster, support for up to 18 home theater components, an ARM7 microprocessor and backlit buttons for good measure. The unit gets powered by four AA cells and weighs just nine ounces with the batteries installed, and for those who are already drooling, you can snap it up now through major retailers for $149.
IR2BTci Infrared-to-Bluetooth converter introduced for pro installers
While IR2BT would've done well to have this out and showcased at CEDIA, we suppose late is better than never. The company responsible for the heralded Infrared-to-Bluetooth converter -- which allows PS3 owners to control their console via a traditional IR-based universal remote -- has just pumped out another iteration aimed at professional installers. The IR2BTci is dubbed a "highly flexible and user-customizable device" that supports firmware upgrades and features configurable IR device codes for coexisting PS3, PS2 and DVD players. Additionally, it boasts multiple power sensing / tracking options, user-programmable macros, discrete on / off IR commands and ports for integrating it into existing IR distribution systems. The box can be purchased right now for $150, and if you'd rather just have the old one, good luck on eBay. You heard right, the introduction of the IR2BTci marks the death of the original IR2BT. [Thanks, Anthony]
Ask Engadget HD: What's the best remote for Sony's PlayStation 3?
With all these magnificent universal remotes coming down the pike, it's a tough pill for PS3 owners to swallow. That dreaded Bluetooth control protocol cuts out the vast majority of remotes from consideration, so we're putting the question out there for those that have already stumbled upon the ultimate solution."I'm in the same boat as so many others: I have a PlayStation 3 and would like a universal remote. I know I can get a Bluetooth remote to just handle the PS3, so I guess that's an option, but I would love to find one with Bluetooth and IR / RF to control multiple components. What's my best option here?" We'd also like to ask if anyone has any experience with the IR2BT Infrared-to-Bluetooth converter, though a sufficiently equipped BT / IR / RF remote would obviously be ideal. Let it rip, PS3 owners!Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Logitech quietly launches $99 Harmony 510 universal remote
We know, January wasn't that long ago, but in consumer electronics years, it's been forever since a new Harmony was revealed. For those of you already on the hunt for a sub-$100 gizmo to give to your favorite person this holiday season, Logitech is jonesing for your business with its entry-level Harmony 510 universal remote. You should know, however, that the IR remote operates just five devices (remember the "entry-level" bit we mentioned?), though it does boast an inbuilt LCD and a fair amount of buttons. Harmony freaks have already pointed out that this one looks almost like a repackaged 550, though your technology-challenged sibling / parent / colleague probably won't take the time to notice. Get those stockings stuffed early for $99.99 (MSRP) a pop.[Via CNET]
One For All debuts Xsight / Protecto remote lines
Still haven't found a universal remote to match your style? If not, have a look at the latest from One For All. The Xsight line, consisting of the Touch (€199; $281) and Color (€149; $210), boasts a 2.2-inch color display, touch-slide navigation, control for up to 18 devices and a web-based programming process that's reportedly easy enough for a caveman to handle. If you're looking for something really unusual, the Protecto line shouldn't disappoint. The display-less universals feature backlit keys, the ability to control up to 4 devices and a rubberized design that keeps 'em from cracking under the pressures of kids and weekly NFL parties. Clearly aimed at the low-end, these range from just €19.99 ($28) to €29.99 ($43) and should hit stores (at least across the pond) later this month.Read - Xsight lineRead - Protecto line
Movea's Gyration Air Music Remote doubles as a wireless mouse
While you may be more familiar with the word Gyration paired with mouse, Movea has decided to combine its excellence in cursor-pointing with its knowledge of remote-making. The HTPC universal remote, christened Gyration Air Music Remote, includes a backlit LCD that can display music choices from WMP / iTunes, a motion sensor for inputting mouse commands from your couch (up to 100-feet away) and RF / IR support. If all that fits your bill, you can grab one now for $179.99 or $229.99 when bundled with a wireless portable keyboard.
Philips reveals Pronto TSU9800 touchscreen remote
Rather quietly, Philips has taken the wraps off of its TSU9600 successor, the TSU9800. For those familiar with the former, you'll notice a plethora of similarities on the newcomer, but this version does include an expansive 6.4-inch VGA display, two extra buttons and an optical rotary wheel. As expected, the unit can be used as a handheld or wall-mounted device, and the docking station enables it to tap into an Ethernet connection. A price and release date have yet to be posted, but we wouldn't expect Philips to hold out on us for too much longer.[Via Remote Shoppe]
Universal Remote's Complete Control MX-450 gets reviewed
Remember those days of programming your "universal" remote to control five or six components right on the dimly-lit, likely monochrome display? For better or worse, Universal Remote is taking you back to a familiar time with its Complete Control MX-450, which absolutely doesn't allow PC programming whatsoever. Thankfully, the included display was found to be plenty big for even the amateur AV enthusiast to handle, and the built-in UI / MacroEdit features were sensibly laid out and very user-friendly. Surprisingly, reviewers found the on-remote setup process not only adequate, but actually enjoyable to use. Overall, critics didn't have too much to gripe about (aside from the steep price for an entry-level device), but we'd still recommend hitting the read link and thinking this one over before biting off more than you can chew.
Universal Remote's MX-450, MX-880 and MX-6000 hands-on
Who says universal remotes are too complicated to bother with? Judging by the legions of people loitering outside of Universal Remote's booth at CEDIA, quite a few home cinema freaks are considering one of the company's newest controllers. The MX-450, MX-880 and MX-6000 were all on display, though we definitely saw the former two getting all sorts of jealous of the latter. We guess that's what happens when Earthlings are clearly more interested with expansive touchscreens, huh? Check out the whole fam just down there. %Gallery-31226%
Universal Remote reveals MX-6000 touchscreen remote with RF and WiFi
And you thought Universal Remote was done with just the MX-880 and the MX-450, didn't you? If so, you should really take a look at the MX-6000, a swank new touchscreen two-way remote that it's introducing at CEDIA. Designed for use in controlling one's home theater and home at large, the device puts the menu navigation on its own 4.3-inch (480 x 272 resolution) display rather than cluttering up your TV. You'll also find twin RF transmitters: 802.11b/g WiFi for network control, plus narrow-band RF for traditional control. Oh, and if you're looking to turn your iPod into your own personal AV service, the optional PSX-1 ($349) is just the ticket. Too bad the remote itself will set you back $1,499 when it ships this month.
Universal Remote intros $500 Complete Control MX-880
Universal Remote briefly mentioned the Complete Control MX-880 in its release of the MX-450, but now we're being treated to a whole heap of new information. URC's PC-programmable remote is unsurprisingly aimed at the custom install sector and boasts a two-inch color LCD along with the ability to be used as an infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) remote. The $499 unit is essentially a color-screen version of the popular MX-900, and thankfully, the company included interoperability between files built for the latter to work on the new model. Oh, and it's available right now. Full release after the break.
Universal Remote busts out the Complete Control MX-450
It's been a tick since we've seen any new component controllers from Universal Remote, but with CEDIA 2008 just over the horizon, the outfit is pumping out a new entry-level unit aimed at the custom install channel. The Complete Control MX-450 boasts a rather stylish, slender design that includes a built-in color LCD (220 x 176 resolution), MacroEdit firmware for on-remote editing (huzzah!), LED backlit screen and buttons and a respectable $249 price tag. Eager consumers can reportedly snap this one up right now. Full release after the break.
Analysts forecast 10-percent growth in universal remote market
Research firm Parks Associates is calling for double digit (just) compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the universal remote category between now and 2013. Knowing how the average consumer is more willing to live with a basket of remotes than plunking down money on a universal model, the 10-percent CAGR is nothing to sneeze at. We're a little troubled by the trend of increasing system complexity called out in the report, however. While we're resigned to ever-increasing complexity in AV systems, average consumers would really like to see things head in the other direction. Hiding the complexity in the remote also tends to make remote set-up complex, which will definitely threaten that growth rate. Also, the report doesn't cal out technologies like HDMI-CEC, which we'd really like to see take off. These gripes aside, though, we're hoping that remote makers take the findings as an incentive to innovate.
ESPN unveils The Ultimate Remote, is WiFi worth $300?
ESPN's unleashing The Ultimate Remote, developed by tvCompass, complete with 2.2-inch QVGA LCD screen and 802.11 b/g WiFi stuffed in a 6.5 oz package. It's certainly a serious contender with the Harmony One -- and priced like it, at $300. The marketing info claims no PC is required for setup, recharging via USB, an internet browser with real time access to scores, fantasy info and TV listings for broadcast, cable and satellite from click365's wireless partners. There's even a messaging feature for texting from remote to remote, email, or to a cellphone. We got a glimpse of it at Microsoft's booth during CES, and while it claims "Advanced Microsoft Windows operating software" it's not talking about SideShow. It reminds us a lot of the Ricavision VAVE100 MCE/SideShow remote, but with a slightly different feature set. Father's Day is coming up and suddenly walking over to the computer (or keeping a laptop or PDA/phone on the couch) is sounding like a lot of unnecessary work. Check after the break for a bigger pic with keypad breakdown, or head to Amazon to preorder.[Via Electronista]
Concordance enables Logitech Harmony programming in Linux
As a whole, it's hard to kvetch too much about Logitech's Harmony line of universal remotes, but as a devout hacker once told us, there's always room for improvement. Phil Dibowitz has been pursuing this project for months, and it looks as if a final release is at long last ready for mass distribution. Put simply, Concordance enables the Harmony family to be programmed in UNIX (which Logitech's software doesn't support) as well as in Windows and Linux. Furthermore, Phil states that the goal is to be "cross-platform," so Mac users should keep an eye out for future updates. Currently, the software supports every model save for the 890 and 1000, though both will hopefully be added in soon. Go on, give the read link a tap and get started -- just don't come crying to us if your "Watch TiVo" command starts opening the boss' garage door. [Via Hack-A-Day]
IR2BT Infrared-to-Bluetooth converter now on sale, PS3 owners rejoice
Although the PlayStation 3 is quite the lovely Blu-ray player in most respects, one issue has nagged remote junkies from day one: the absence of IR. Now, however, the highly-anticipated IR2BT Infrared-to-Bluetooth converter is on the market, and sure enough, it promises to transmit "all 51 Sony Blu-ray remote codes including the PS button for Power On / Off." The unit itself measures in at 4.5- x 3- x 1-inches, operates on a pair of AA cells or a mini-USB connector and doesn't even require you to own a soldering iron. Ready to control your PS3 via a universal IR remote without getting a degree in electrical engineering? Hit up the read link and hand over your $55, bub.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
WiFi-enabled universal remote pulls codes from the web
You probably won't be seeing TVcompass's SR 1500 universal remote released looking exactly like this (or even bearing the TVcompass name) but we have high hopes some other company will rebrand the WiFi-enabled unit soon. Featuring a QVGA display,and Windows CE, the SR 1500 pulls device codes from the web using the built-in browser, which supports Flash and J2ME, backup settings to a server, and do custom guide displays. There's no pricing yet, but hopefully that'll get sorted when this thing gets picked up for resale.[Via pocketpcwire]
Universal Remote's KP-900 RF keypad / remote makes pit stop in FCC
So do you go out and throw down on a fully-featured RF remote to control your home automation gizmos, or do you get one of those snazzy wall-mounted keypads installed to handle the same duties? Frankly, we'd recommend option C, which would involve picking up a device that operates as both depending on your mood. Universal Remote Control's KP-900 is one such unit, which easily snaps into and out of a wall mount for use in both of the aforementioned scenarios. Furthermore, there's even a built-in LCD which showcases relevant activities depending on what main selection you make first. As with everything else spotted in the FCC, you'll have to wait a tick longer before finding out a price or release date, but it looks like this bugger may actually be worth holding out for.
