8.3
Sofabaton U2
Like
Straightforward to program
Reasonably priced
Enjoyable to make use of
Can request system additions from inside the app
Do not like
Some gaps in its system database
Macro operate is proscribed
When Logitech unceremoniously dumped its universal-remote enterprise, it left a gap that is nonetheless felt by house theater followers a few years later. The corporate’s Concord line of remotes might not have been the one gamers on this space, however seemingly each competitor has been destined to go the identical manner. Sofas throughout the land function memorials to the remotes perpetually misplaced beneath the cushions. Right here lies Caavo. Relaxation in peace, Acoustic Analysis. Sevenhugs, we hardly knew ye.
Might Sofabaton provide the aid from juggling a number of remotes that house theater fanatics have hoped for? From the primary blush, the U2 appears to be like 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 to be like that the U2 common distant inherited, it additionally boasts the Concord’s ease of use — plus some extra.
Although you may spend 100 bucks or extra on a secondhand Concord 665, the good cash is on the $60 Sofabaton U2. The U2 is less complicated to arrange than the previous Concord, and it is each enjoyable and easy to make use of. I’ll get hate mail for this, however it’s additionally arguably a greater purchase than the Logitech Concord collection ever was. The Sofa King is useless; lengthy stay the Sofa King.
What it’s
The Sofabaton U2 is a common distant management. Utilizing its Android or iOS cellular app, Sofabaton says, the U2 may be programmed to regulate 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 provide solely 5. The distant connects over Bluetooth to your cellphone, 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.
Based on Sofabaton, the principle variations between the previous U1 and the U2 are a higher infrared vary, a redesigned battery compartment and a higher variety of buttons. The distant can also be barely longer than the unique at 8.9 by 3.4 by 1.5 inches (HWD). The highest of the distant contains a three-line OLED display with a scroll wheel to modify between units. The remainder of the distant — which, disappointingly, is not backlit –features a logical structure that features a set of programmable macro buttons.
The Sofabaton U2 on the left is just a little longer than the U1.
You’ll be able to add macros — the place a single button performs a number of duties without delay — however it’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 may be tough as there is no devoted button for a 3rd HDMI enter, for instance. You may program the distant to cycle the inputs by issuing the Enter command a number of occasions, however it might not work if you happen to’ve switched the inputs your self manually.
The OLED display is three traces tall.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a distant that allows more-sophisticated macros, or in Sofabaton parlance “actions,” you then’ll have to pay much more. There’s fairly a leap 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 involved in it as a possible substitute for the superb and even more-expensive Concord Elite.
Setting it up
Organising a common distant was one thing finest left to laptop scientists — trying by means of lists of mannequin numbers, utilizing trial and error to choose the proper codes, and so forth. Logitech’s Concord remotes modified all that: their essential benefit was that they simplified the setup course of — first through the use of a PC after which streamlining it even additional with the usage of a smartphone app.
Programming is straightforward with the Sofabaton app.
There are three essential methods to program the U2 distant: Infrared Mode, Bluetooth Mode and Handbook Studying Mode. Provided that the majority of the units I used have been within the database, I opted for the primary mode probably the most. Going to “Add” within the top-right nook lets you enter new units by including the producer and the mannequin quantity.
Sofabaton gives an on-line system checker, the place you’ll be able to see if a model is supported, although it might solely be a single mannequin in some instances. Certainly, efficiently including units to the distant might 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 might have to program the distant your self utilizing Handbook Studying Mode. That requires you to place the U2 and system remotes finish to finish whereas holding down buttons. It is fairly simple in apply, however it’s additionally the place I stumbled into points.
Although Cambridge Audio seems within the on-line look-up, I had actual bother getting the Cambridge Audio CXN V2 music streamer to work. For 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 anticipate this to be a straightforward repair. That is as a result of you’ll be able to submit your system to Sofabaton by way of the app, and it may well add the proper 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 largest plus in regards to 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 easy. Use the thumbwheel to choose your system, after which, if it is programmed appropriately, all of the buttons work as anticipated. Aside from the Cambridge Audio system talked about earlier, each different system carried out as I needed.
The distant sits properly within the hand, with three ergonomic bumps on the rear, and my solely grievance is that even with my lengthy fingers, the thumbwheel was just a little little bit of a stretch. The shortage of a backlight might bother individuals who need one thing they’ll use at the hours of darkness, however I discovered it was fairly straightforward to find the principle buttons by really feel.
Provided that one of many essential causes to purchase the U2 is for the elevated infrared efficiency, I examined the U2 towards the U1. And sure, the U2 is a lot better at broadcasting its IR sign than the U1 is. Beforehand I would had some actual issues attempting to regulate 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 may even level behind me and it could work. I could not management the TV like this with the U1.
Must you purchase it?
Although you’ll be able to pay a ridiculous sum of money for one of many legacy Concord remotes, the Sofabaton U2 proves that you do not want to spend so much to get an amazing distant. With its ease of setup and its means to regulate all kinds of units, the Sofabaton U2 is the brand new go-to for anybody seeking to simplify their lounge. Hail to the king, child!
