Ask Engadget: best universal remote?

Ask Engadget best universal remote

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, then here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Marc and Jack, who are going ocean-mad with all of their remote controls. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

Marc wrote

"My home theater currently has seven remote controls, which I'd like to narrow down. I know there are solutions available which are massively arcane, but is there something simple that the crowd can recommend?"

Jack wrote

"Can you recommend a universal remote control that works with a PS3 and Apple TV that doesn't suck?"

Well friends,

  • Gear 4's Unity remote has earned rave reviews thanks to its ease of use and near universal application (except for the PS3)
  • While Griffin's Beacon offers the same capability, but also works with Android devices
  • If you're serious about including the PS3 in your setup, you could splash out on Logitech's Harmony IR-to-Bluetooth adapter.

But perhaps, out there, is something even better. That's where you, the Engadget Faithful come in. Why not share your experience (or your product) in the comments below?

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Ask Engadget: best universal remote? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 17 Nov 2012 22:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Logitech Gets Official with the Harmony Touch Universal Remote


Logitech has officially announced its new Harmony Touch universal remote control. This remote control leaked previously and was spied around the web after turned up early at Best Buy location. Now...

ThinkGeek’s Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver universal remote pleases Whovians in time for Comic-Con

DNP Think Geek unveils Sonic Screwdriver,

Ever wished you too could make use of the awesome powers that lie within Dr. Matt Smith's Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver? Well, it's still not exactly a reality in the way of the space-bred handyman's gadget seen on Doctor Who, but ThinkGeek and The Wand Company have you covered if an IR-packing replica universal remote sounds good enough. This BBC-licensed Mark VII remote handles up to 39 commands that are all controlled using 13 different motion gestures. Of course, if controlling the likes of TV and AV devices in an extraterrestrial fashion just isn't your thing, there's always ThinkGeek's Sonic Screwdriver flashlight, right? There's no word on price just yet, but San Diego Comic-Con attendees can try it out first-hand at the BBC America Booth (#3629) starting July 12. The Mark VII remote is set to go sale for $99 at ThinkGeek's website on August 31st, so for now we'll direct you to the press release after the break.

Update: Video demo added after the break.

[Thanks, Alan]

Continue reading ThinkGeek's Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver universal remote pleases Whovians in time for Comic-Con

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ThinkGeek's Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver universal remote pleases Whovians in time for Comic-Con originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 11:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peal Announces New AllPlay TV


If you're a fan of the Peel Universal Remote Control System, a new app is coming that was announced at Google I/O this week that features AllPlay TV. This cool app allows you to find programming on...

UFO Waterproof Remote found floating in the company of the rich and famous

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Dreams are nice. Yachts are better. So while you cling to far-flung notions that you'll ever truly know what 'money to burn' means, the Barry Dillers of our world are crisscrossing international waters, drenching models with diamonds and dropping their universal controllers in the hot tub with abandon. Rescuing these rapscallion, modern-day robber barons from the pitfalls of excess is Crestron, with its UFO Waterproof Remote made specifically for H2O hanky panky. The disc-shaped unit, which admittedly looks more like a pool toy than high-end control hub, comes encased in a rubberized shell and features a 2.8-inch display, giving Greek shipping heirs and their ilk instant access to lighting, security systems, A/V equipment and thermostats from the comforts of their sun deck jacuzzi. Alright, so the 1% aren't the company's sole market base, as the unit's also ideally positioned for use in hospitals, owing to its ability for easy sterilization. But let's be honest, the real reason this floating controller shares a frisbee-like shape is aerodynamics. All the better to hit your staff with, right Ms. Campbell? Official PR and its hydrophobic emphasis after the break.

Continue reading UFO Waterproof Remote found floating in the company of the rich and famous

UFO Waterproof Remote found floating in the company of the rich and famous originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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