Universal remotes
Discussion
I want a universal remote for the bedroom that will do the following -
Operate the Samsung TV
Raise and lower the TV bed plinth
Raise and lower the remote control roller blinds
Operate the Ruark R4i audio system.
Now I know that just about any of them with do number 1 and number 4 but what about 2 and 3? many that I see advertised are aimed purely at home entertainment control. Any links to remotes that will work binds and other things greatly appreciated.
Operate the Samsung TV
Raise and lower the TV bed plinth
Raise and lower the remote control roller blinds
Operate the Ruark R4i audio system.
Now I know that just about any of them with do number 1 and number 4 but what about 2 and 3? many that I see advertised are aimed purely at home entertainment control. Any links to remotes that will work binds and other things greatly appreciated.
Just thought it might be worth asking if the bed plinth and/or curtains use IR or RF to control them? If they use RF then it's much harder (read expensive) to find a universal remote that can control them too.
I'm installing a TV lift soon which is RF and it's a pain because I already have an IR universal remote that I'm otherwise happy with.
I'm installing a TV lift soon which is RF and it's a pain because I already have an IR universal remote that I'm otherwise happy with.
OldSkoolRS said:
Just thought it might be worth asking if the bed plinth and/or curtains use IR or RF to control them? If they use RF then it's much harder (read expensive) to find a universal remote that can control them too.
I'm installing a TV lift soon which is RF and it's a pain because I already have an IR universal remote that I'm otherwise happy with.
I need to check that thanks I'm installing a TV lift soon which is RF and it's a pain because I already have an IR universal remote that I'm otherwise happy with.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Indeed, although if they are IR, then there's every chance they'll already be in the database - there are dozens and dozens of manufacturers in the Home Appliances section alone. How the hell do the United States Stove Company manage to make a stove controlled by remote control in the first place??? 
Edited by Kermit power on Wednesday 1st January 00:15
The Logitech Harmony range is really good and can handle pretty much any device that uses IR. Even the 900, which in fact uses RF to transmit to an IR blaster to avoid line of site issues, can still only handle IR unfortunately.
However, with the appropriate relay, IR=>RF converter there's no reason why it couldn't do the job. Logitech already sell a similar such device for the PS3 to relay IR to Bluetooth...
That said, the IR blaster for the 900, has some wire outs to satellite IR transmitters, which you maybe able to hook to something else with a bit of tinkering. The soft can set a subset of your devices to be handled by the blaster and each satellite IR individually too.
Logitech have a hell of a lot of devices in their DB, but there's nothing stopping you train it up with a new IR device - the remote have an IR receiver in base of handset which you can zap and teach it every button on an existing remote.
However, with the appropriate relay, IR=>RF converter there's no reason why it couldn't do the job. Logitech already sell a similar such device for the PS3 to relay IR to Bluetooth...
That said, the IR blaster for the 900, has some wire outs to satellite IR transmitters, which you maybe able to hook to something else with a bit of tinkering. The soft can set a subset of your devices to be handled by the blaster and each satellite IR individually too.
Logitech have a hell of a lot of devices in their DB, but there's nothing stopping you train it up with a new IR device - the remote have an IR receiver in base of handset which you can zap and teach it every button on an existing remote.
I have a harmony smart control and it's been really good. You get a simple remote (high WAF) with real buttons (no silly touch screen). The base lives in your cabinet and is controlled by RF. It has IR and Bluetooth to control your devices and all the setup is through the Logitech website. It's connected to your network through WiFi so you can control everything with the smartphone app too.
Just had a brief look at that harmony smart control but it looks like I'd need a smart phone? Since I only have a work Blackberry (and my OH has a work Nokia) neither of which can be used (nor am I allowed to use any apps on the BB) then can I still use the harmony smart control without a phone?
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