Sofabaton U2 Evaluate: Greatest Funds Common Distant

8.3

Sofabaton U2

Like

• 
  Simple to program
• 
  Inexpensive
• 
  Enjoyable to make use of
• 
  Can request system additions from inside the app

Do not like

• 
  Some gaps in its system database
• 
  Macro perform is restricted

When Logitech unceremoniously dumped its universal-remote enterprise, it left a gap that is nonetheless felt by residence theater followers a few years later. The corporate’s Concord line of remotes could not have been the one gamers on this space, however seemingly each competitor has been destined to go the identical method. Sofas throughout the land function memorials to the remotes without end misplaced beneath the cushions. Right here lies Caavo. Relaxation in peace, Acoustic Analysis. Sevenhugs, we hardly knew ye.

Might Sofabaton supply the reduction from juggling a number of remotes that residence theater fanatics have hoped for? From the primary blush, the U2 appears each bit like a Logitech distant — from its ergonomic form to the button structure and the show on the prime of the system. But it surely’s not simply the appears that the U2 common distant inherited, it additionally boasts the Concord’s ease of use — plus some extra.

Although you can spend 100 bucks or extra on a secondhand Concord 665, the sensible cash is on the $60 Sofabaton U2. The U2 is less complicated to arrange than the outdated Concord, and it is each enjoyable and easy to make use of. I will get hate mail for this, but it surely’s additionally arguably a greater purchase than the Logitech Concord sequence ever was. The Sofa King is useless; lengthy dwell the Sofa King.

What it’s

The Sofabaton U2 is a common distant management. Utilizing its Android or iOS cell app, Sofabaton says, the U2 might be programmed to manage greater than 500,000-plus units. The distant can deal with as much as 15 units at a time, whereas the aggressive Concord 650 can supply solely 5. The distant connects over Bluetooth to your telephone, and I discovered this to be extra handy than the USB PC connection of the 650/665, and even the Wi-Fi connection of the hub-based Concord fashions.

In keeping with Sofabaton, the primary variations between the outdated U1 and the U2 are a larger infrared vary, a redesigned battery compartment and a larger variety of buttons. The distant can be barely longer than the unique at 8.9 by 3.4 by 1.5 inches (HWD). The highest of the distant encompasses a three-line OLED display screen with a scroll wheel to change between units. The remainder of the distant — which, disappointingly, is not backlit –features a logical structure that features a set of programmable macro buttons.  

You may add macros — the place a single button performs a number of duties without delay — but it surely’s restricted to the bodily buttons on the distant. For instance, you will get the distant to carry out turning on all of your units, however altering inputs might be difficult as there isn’t any devoted button for a 3rd HDMI enter, for instance. You might program the distant to cycle the inputs by issuing the Enter command a number of instances, however it might not work in the event you’ve switched the inputs your self manually.

Should you’re in search of a distant that permits more-sophisticated macros, or in Sofabaton parlance “actions,” then you definately’ll have to pay much more. There’s fairly a soar from the $60 U2 to the all-singing, all-dancing X1, which prices $190. However for the three-fold-or-more improve, the step-up does add Wi-Fi, voice management and recharging capabilities. I’ve but to evaluate the more-expensive mannequin, however I am focused on it as a possible alternative for the wonderful and even more-expensive Concord Elite.

Setting it up

Establishing a common distant was once one thing greatest left to pc scientists — wanting by lists of mannequin numbers, utilizing trial and error to select the correct codes, and so forth. Logitech’s Concord remotes modified all that: their foremost benefit was that they simplified the setup course of — first by utilizing a PC after which streamlining it even additional with using a smartphone app.

There are three foremost methods to program the U2 distant: Infrared Mode, Bluetooth Mode and Guide Studying Mode. Provided that the majority of the units I used had been within the database, I opted for the primary mode essentially the most. Going to “Add” within the top-right nook allows you to enter new units by including the producer and the mannequin quantity. 

Sofabaton gives an on-line system checker, the place you may see if a model is supported, although it might solely be a single mannequin in some circumstances. Certainly, efficiently including units to the distant could depend upon whether or not they’re within the database. 

The distant labored nice for Vizio and Samsung TVs and Marantz and Onkyo receivers, although within the latter case, I had to decide on a mannequin that was much like our Onkyo TX-RZ50 reference. In case your system is a bit more obscure, you could have to program the distant your self utilizing Guide Studying Mode. That requires you to place the U2 and system remotes finish to finish whereas holding down buttons. It is fairly easy in apply, but it surely’s additionally the place I stumbled into points. 

Although Cambridge Audio seems within the on-line look-up, I had actual hassle getting the Cambridge Audio CXN V2 music streamer to work. As an example, the play/pause management is a single button on the CXN distant however two discreet ones on the Sofabaton. This should not be a problem — you merely program the identical button twice — however weirdly, the Sofabaton’s two controls carried out completely different capabilities every time, typically pause, typically play. Given my years of programming remotes, I do not truly blame Sofabaton for this oddity: some units are quirky, and I count on this to be a simple repair. That is as a result of you may submit your system to Sofabaton by way of the app, and it may possibly add the right codes to the database. I will replace this evaluate if and when the corporate will get again to me.

Utilizing the distant

I’ve used loads of common remotes over time — together with One for All and a number of Concord fashions. Till now, remotes such because the Concord 900 have been on the apex of the common controller sport. However the greatest plus concerning the Safabaton, for me, is that my household was in a position to choose up the distant and use it with none teaching. It is that simple. Use the thumbwheel to select your system, after which, if it is programmed accurately, all of the buttons work as anticipated. Other than the Cambridge Audio system talked about earlier, each different system carried out as I wished.

The distant sits properly within the hand, with three ergonomic bumps on the rear, and my solely criticism is that even with my lengthy fingers, the thumbwheel was a bit of little bit of a stretch. The dearth of a backlight could hassle individuals who need one thing they will use in the dead of night, however I discovered it was fairly simple to find the primary buttons by really feel. 

Provided that one of many foremost causes to purchase the U2 is for the elevated infrared efficiency, I examined the U2 in opposition to the U1. And sure, the U2 is significantly better at broadcasting its IR sign than the U1 is. Beforehand I might had some actual issues attempting to manage a Vizio TV with the U1 except I pointed instantly on the sensor. Although I did not have the TV with me for the U2 testing, I discovered I did not must level it instantly at a Samsung TV to function it — I might even level behind me and it will work. I could not management the TV like this with the U1. 

Must you purchase it?

Although you may pay a ridiculous amount of cash for one of many legacy Concord remotes, the Sofabaton U2 proves that you do not want to spend so much to get an awesome distant. With its ease of setup and its potential to manage all kinds of units, the Sofabaton U2 is the brand new go-to for anybody trying to simplify their front room. Hail to the king, child!