http://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Mon, 12 Nov 2012 01:15:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/irule-ios-android-wifi-remoteThanks to all that great gear I review, I have another problem on my hands: getting all those devices to talk together. That requires a pretty decent remote. You see, while the average consumer upgrades once every couple of years, I have to upgrade every couple of weeks. And that kind of amps up my remote control needs. So needless to say I need a good remote. A couple of months ago we ran through a couple of batches of Bluetooth and IR remotes. But we only touched upon what we consider to be the next generation of remotes, the most powerful - the WiFi remote. This is a system that connects into your existing WiFi network and then allows your iOS or Android device to control your equipment without the confusion or hassle of Bluetooth or the hit-and-miss or line-of-site issues of IR.Mon, 12 Nov 2012 01:15:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/irule-ios-android-wifi-remoteRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/urc-mrx-20-network-controller-videoUniversal Remote Control's MRX-20 network controller is a brand new whole home network control system and what they've done this time around is offer an alternative to the MRX-10, wrapping a video processing system into the mix. So you can sit there on your couch and actually overlay your system control on top of video. The new GUI lets you select from cable or satellite TV, Blu-ray, AppleTV or other source device and select that from within the Entertainment menu. You can also access lights, surveillance, photos and more. URC has added two new gyro mouses that are compatible with the MRX-20, the simplified TRG-100 for a simplified interface, and the TRG-200 which gives you a much more robust control interface for advanced users. To access, for example, cable TV, you just activate the gyro mouse and point the remote where you need it - it kind of works like the popular wii remote.Fri, 07 Sep 2012 02:15:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/urc-mrx-20-network-controller-videoRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/iphone-remote-controls-videoThis is a weird review. We are looking at an assortment of iPhone-based remote controls. Some may not even look like remote controls, but they are. So for this video, we're not reviewing a product per se, but more of a genre. Let me tell you first how it came about. There are a myriad of iPhone-based remote controls on the market right now. We don't have all of them here, but we've sampled quite a few and we've formed more than a few opinions on the topic. I wanted to do this review because, well, the remote control market is a mess right now. Most companies don't quite get it. And the range of "not getting it" goes from "could use a little work" to "completely clueless". With that said, let's review the types of iPhone remotes...Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:05:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/iphone-remote-controls-videoRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/sunfire-wireless-subwoofer-kit-sdswitx-sdswirx-flInformation on the Sunfire Universal Subwoofer Wireless Kit is very thin right now. But at $80 each for the transmitter and receiver and the ability to pair two receivers with a single transmitter, color us intrigued. We know they are using 2.4Ghz transmission with 16-bit resolution and a 48 khz sampling rate. Sunfire claims 100% signal accuracy up to 25 feet given their digital transmission. Without more information about how many transmitters you can have working in the same room and how they are combating interference, our excitement will have to be subdued. At least until we get our hands on a kit.Wed, 25 May 2011 10:35:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/sunfire-wireless-subwoofer-kit-sdswitx-sdswirx-flRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/elan-hr2-hc4-flThe problem with custom install products has, traditionally, been cost. But the ELAN "Killer Combo" of the HR2 remote and HC4 Media Controller is much more than that. It is a home control system and it runs only $1860. That means you'll be controlling not only the volume and channel, but also the lights, heating, security systems, and more. Compete with i-app support, IP interface for control from anywhere with a connection to the Internet, and up to four system support, ELAN looks to make you a customer with this deal. Will it work? Sat, 21 May 2011 15:15:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/elan-hr2-hc4-flRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/peel-iphone-ipad-remote-controlI've presided over many advanced devices in the audio-video world. Peel, a new Silicon Valley company that hit the scene this year with the help for some well-placed venture capital, is aiming to undo even the legacy of Logitech's Harmony - if they continue on the path they're one. Peel has developed an iPhone, iPod, iPad-based remote control system that literally revolutionizes the way you'll want to consume TV. So what makes the Peel special? Simple. It allows you to effortlessly set up your system, and then it organizes your options by genre, presenting you with iconic images of what's on TV and asking you the simple question: "What do you want to watch?". And it doesn't even have to ask the question, really, because it's all right there - in front of you. It's intuitive. In fact, it's stupid-easy. Head-slappingly so, in a way that makes you look around and wonder: Why TV hasn't been this way for the past 5 years?Thu, 19 May 2011 09:30:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/peel-iphone-ipad-remote-controlRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/universal-remote-control-rf20-videoUniversal Remote's RF20 is one of the solutions for basic home control. Now there are several things that make this remote stand out, but the most visual thing is that it has a backlit LCD screen that can be customized to control up to 10 different devices. The remote comes pre-programmed to operate virtually all brands of equipment. It can also do macros, which is like having the remote issue a bunch of commands to your gear in a row so that it turns itself on properly and starts playing a DVD, for example. Read on for more...Remote controls are funny. You don't realize how important they are until you use a really good one... that's not yours... then you get remote envy. It's not pretty. Tue, 19 Oct 2010 14:55:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/universal-remote-control-rf20-videoRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/denon-network-11-appWe'd love to tell you that you could (theoretically) throw away your Denon remote if you have a "Network 11" receiver but that just isn't the case. The app is free and it works over your network (which is cool) but it has only very basic functionality at this time. If you have a AVR-4311CI, AVR-A100, AVR-3311CI, or AVR-991, download it now (update your firmware if it isn't working on the latter two). If you are on the fence about a purchase of one of Denon's newer or older receivers, this shouldn't really sway your decision. Likely as not you'll still be using the remote from time to time. Mon, 11 Oct 2010 07:10:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/denon-network-11-appRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/philips-pronto-tsw9500-control-panelPhilips Pronto previewed its new TSW9500 in-wall control panel. The TSW9500 is the first in-wall solution offered by Pronto and has been designed to utilize the same configurations that have already been created for the TSU9800 and TSU9600. With the TSW9500, integrators now have the option to add a stationary in-wall Pronto control panel to their systems, which is ideal for home control solutions such as AV equipment, lighting, IP-based cameras and shades.Sun, 26 Sep 2010 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/philips-pronto-tsw9500-control-panelRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/nextgen-remote-extender-geniusNextGen is shipping their remote Extender Genius, an upgrade over their original Remote Control extender in that it offers all the reliability of our original extender, plus allows for expanded control of up to five same brand components independently. I'd like to think that I came up with teh name, because "GENIUS" is how I described the first Remote Control Extender, for which I have been quoted extensively by the company! The Remote Extender Genius allows you to go from room-to-room and control your components from over 70 feet away.Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:05:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/nextgen-remote-extender-geniusRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/hotech-voice-me-home-control-system-first-lookHotech's VoiceMe II is a voice-activated and controlled universal remote. At first we thought you'd have to have IR flashers running all around your home but that doesn't seem to be the case with the VoiceMe II. Instead, you put the unit in the room and it blasts the IR signal in multiple directions. The VoiceMe II can be programmed with up to 120 commands and can recognize four different users and claims a greater than 95% accuracy for voice recognition. Up to 10 operations can be activated by a single command. The VoiceMe II has the ability to delay commands as well which is important so that multiple commands to the same device aren't ignored if the device isn't ready. Now if they could get someone that sounds like Majel Barrett-Roddenberry to do the voice....Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:25:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/hotech-voice-me-home-control-system-first-lookRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/sanus-elm501-ir-repeater-kit-first-lookWhile the Sanus ELM501 IR Repeater Kit isn't the cheapest on the block, it isn't overly expensive either. We really like the holster idea for the IR blasters and think that this feature alone might be worth a bit of extra cost. Add in the discrete tabletop and hole mounting options and we think Sanus just might have a winner on their hands.Wed, 31 Mar 2010 07:15:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/sanus-elm501-ir-repeater-kit-first-lookRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/universal-mx-450-rfUniversal Remote has delivered PC free programming in a beautiful and solid package. With minimal time invested, a typical setup can be programmed in a matter of minutes. With little more than a couple of preferential problems, we can't help but recommend this as a great remote for the installer who requires on-site programmability without the use of a laptop.Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:26:21 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/universal-mx-450-rfRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/amulet-voice-enabled-remote-controlThe Amulet Remote is the "first voice-enabled remote control" designed specifically for Vista Media Center. Those of you who don't use Vista won't benefit from it, but it's still an interesting product that offers a different take on remotely controlling your media PC. It allows consumers to record and watch TV, listen to their favorite music, and view DVDs, videos and photos – all using simple voice commands. The remote works with any Vista Media Center system, and replaces the standard media center remote control.Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:45:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/amulet-voice-enabled-remote-controlRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/logitech-harmony-1100-rfAt CES Unveiled yesterday, we got a sneak peek of Logitech's newest touchscreen remote, the Harmony 1100. Of course, we weren't allowed to report about it until today. The new remote differs from the original Harmony 1000 in a number of ways. First, it's black, not two-tone silver. Second, Logitech promises it won't randomly freeze up like the 1000 did (though I'm not sure that's something that was ever actually admitted to...) A customizable, 3.5-inch full-color touch screen adorns the front and hard buttons are limited to Volume, Channel, Mute, Replay and Navigation controls (less than the 1000). This remote is more configurable than the 1000 in that Logitech is claiming users can do more to customize the LCD screen and arrangement of buttons and controls.Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:10:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/logitech-harmony-1100-rfRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/greenpeak-battery-less-remoteGreenPeak, a Netherlands-based fabless semiconductor company, announced the launch of a new RF wireless radio technology for home theater remote control devices. Where they bring down the house (in terms of their claims, anyway) is that they have developed a set of reference designs for a new generation of RF remote controls that will run nearly forever without requiring a battery change for the expected life of the remote or device.Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:17:27 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/greenpeak-battery-less-remoteRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/niles-ic2-remote-control-reviewThe Niles iC2 remote control offers an option for those of us who prefer hard button remotes over the sea of touchscreen-based remotes that have flooded the market. For years, the original IntelliControl remote from Niles was a reference standard for higher-end tabletop remotes. But as TiVo, DVR's, Satellite and Cable became the norm in most home theater setups, the venerable IntelliControl began to show it's age (and weakness) as it ran out of buttons for the new features found on the remote controls belonging to this new breed of electronics. Last year Niles introduced a completely reworked version of the IntelliControl, appropriately called the iC2, which answers the call for a bulletproof, hard-button remote control. Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:22:53 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/niles-ic2-remote-control-reviewRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/philips-prestigo-sru8015Philips is well known for their Pronto line of remote control products, but they also make a rather large lineup of handheld universal remote controls. The new Prestigo line represents Philips foray into the consumer remote realm where PC-based programming is discarded in favor of preset codes and on-screen prompts. Where the new SRU8015 remote deviates is in its ability to guide the user through programming with a full color LCD screen - and without the aid of a real instruction manual. The remote is elegant, but a bit lacking in its ability to handle custom programming requirements.Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:29:27 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/philips-prestigo-sru8015Remote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/logitech-harmony-oneWhen a new Logitech Harmony Remote arrives on the scene I like to review it to update readers on the latest models in the line-up. With the introduction of the Harmony One universal remote I felt that Logitech had finally completely usurped the original Harmony design and replaced it with a "from the ground up" approach that reflected Logitech's penchant for svelte devices. In case you were still navigating through that last bit of pontifical text, I was giving them a high compliment. Logitech's Harmony One remote is quite possibly the most beautiful remote control I've ever held.Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:40:14 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/logitech-harmony-oneRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/universal-urc-mx-450Universal Remote Control, Inc. released the new MX-450 a stand-alone IR/RF programmable remote control with 2-inch color LCD screen. Custom installers can program and set up the remote in minutes without a PC or Internet connection and URC's MacroEdit firmware allows for full macro editing on the MX-450’s LCD screen. The point of the MX-450 seems to be getting a PC-free remote into the hands of custom installers who may not be apt to bring along a laptop to the jobsite. The MX-450 also provides an advanced, GUI-driven macro programming and EDITING interface, something that is new to the remote control world.Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:50:20 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/universal-urc-mx-450Remote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/universal-remote-kp-900-keypadUniversal Remote Control, Inc finally released the embargo on its new wireless, dual-use KP-900 Wireless Keypad which will be debuting at this Spring’s EHX (Electronic House Expo) in Orlando in March. We were given a super-secret private introduction to the product back in January at the 2008 CES and felt that this has the potential to be one of the hottest custom install products to hit the market in a long time. The KP-900 is a RF/IR wireless keypad remote that controls all audio and video equipment in a home. It can be mounted on a wall AND used as a handheld remote, making it ideal for retrofitting into homes with existing entertainment systems, as well as for new homes.Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:43:34 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/universal-remote-kp-900-keypadRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/mx-980-universal-remote-controlUniversal Remote Control, Inc. released their MX-980 Remote Control today at CES in Las Vegas. A winner of this year’s CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards, the MX-980 is a powerful wand-style custom control designed to advance the state of the art of Home Theater programming and integration. Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:34:09 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/mx-980-universal-remote-controlRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/mx-810-universal-remote-controlUniversal Remote Control, Inc. released the MX-810 Remote Control today at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show here in Las Vegas. A winner of this year’s CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards, the MX-810 provides Home Theater owners and professional installers with dedicated, custom control over single-room Home Theaters or AV entertainment systems. Each MX-810 remains dedicated to a single room’s equipment, complete with a user-changeable label identifying the room.Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:30:48 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/mx-810-universal-remote-controlRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/mrf-260-universal-remote-controlUniversal Remote Control, Inc released the MRF-260 Complete Control RF Base Station today at CES in Las Vegas. The MRF-260 brings the advantage of Narrow Band radio frequency (RF) reception to home entertainment systems. Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:26:21 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/mrf-260-universal-remote-controlRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/universal-remote-control-tx-1000-medius When I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing a universal remote, I said what I always say, “Sure, send it.” But honestly, I had mixed feelings. There is something empowering in having a pile of remotes that only you can decipher. It is somehow satisfying to have your wife call you on the cell and being able to fix the problem with a few words. There is a sense of serenity in knowing your in-laws won’t be able to control your system without you so you don’t have to worry about them hogging your home theater for an I Love Lucy marathon. On the other side, a universal remote is really the ultimate in cool. If you want to impress your friends and they’ve already seen your 65” plasma, a fully configured universal remote controlling everything via RF is the way to go. You’ll be able to change the channel from the garage. You’ll be able to press one button and have all the appropriate equipment turn on, all the rest turn off, the lights dim, and the popcorn maker start… well maybe not that last thing but the rest…Sat, 19 Aug 2006 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/universal-remote-control-tx-1000-mediusRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/universal-remote-control-mx-950-auroraMy current remote control is Universal Remote's Home Theater Master MX-700. This is an excellent remote control, but was somewhat less impressive once I moved all of my home theater source components to an equipment room behind the listening position. Suddenly, the coolest IR remote I had ever used lost its edge (as all of you who have ever aimed a remote backwards over your head will sympathize). The Universal Remote MX-950 (and MRF-300 RF receiver) was going to provide a new level of convenience by integrating the ability to use RF (radio frequency) in my home theater. Finally, no more funky aiming to control the system - just click and relax.Tue, 20 Dec 2005 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/universal-remote-control-mx-950-auroraRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/logitech-harmony-880-remote-controlWe continue to update our readers on the new remote control models from Logitech's Harmony line. Their newest consumer remote, the Harmony 880, departs from the norm and adds a 128x160 pixel full color LCD display and docking cradle to recharge the included Lithium-ion battery. The entire remote has been completely remodeled by Logitech's design team. This model is the culmination of the company's influence and experience being put to the test in an effort to improve upon the past Harmony designs and ergonomics. Though we'll touch upon changes and differences, for a detailed review of the Harmony Remote programming experience and website interface, we'll ask you to read our in-depth review of the Harmony 688. If you want to see what the Harmony 880 remote offers and how it compares to the 688 or 676 - please read on.Thu, 08 Dec 2005 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/logitech-harmony-880-remote-controlRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/wireless-rf-remote-control-extenderVery seldom do I catch myself uttering the word "genius" silently to myself as I'm reviewing a piece of equipment. I have to say, I had my doubts about the Remote Control Extender when it was first brought to my attention last month. How can an IR remote control be automatically converted into a wireless RF remote simply by installing a battery/transmitter device in the unit itself? It just didn't make sense until Bob Dolatowski, President of Next Generation Home Products, Inc explained his product to us in detail.Mon, 11 Apr 2005 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/wireless-rf-remote-control-extenderRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/logitech-harmony-676We reviewed the Logitech Harmony H688 remote back in July and gave it rave reviews for its excellent ergonomics, programming and programming user interface. As Logitech releases more remote control styles we promised to keep you updated so you can make informed decisions as to which to consider purchasing. For a detailed review of the Harmony Remote programming experience and website interface, we'll ask you to read our previous review. If you want to see what the Harmony 676 remote offers and how it compares to the H688 - please read on.Sat, 11 Dec 2004 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/logitech-harmony-676Remote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/harmony-h688-remote-control-review-advanced-setupThe Harmony H688 was going to provide a new experience in that the application programming interface is online and the remote is arranged by activity, rather than by device. This review details the Harmony online application system as well as some pitfalls to watch out for when using it to control multiple (and hopefully typical) devices in your home theater system.Fri, 16 Jul 2004 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/harmony-h688-remote-control-review-advanced-setupRemote ControlsAV Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/remote-controls/universal-remote-mx-700-home-theater-masterWhen I first heard I was to receive an MX-700 remote control to review I was mildly receptive. I was fairly happy with my Yamaha learning remote control, one that came with the RX-V3000 receiver I owned. What I primarily liked about that receiver's remote was its ability to automatically facilitate audio-follows-video switching and its dedicated receiver volume control. In using the Home Theater Master MX-700, I underwent an entire change in understanding of how well a remote control can function. While the small LCD of my Yamaha remote allowed for control of devices without affecting the current selected inputs, the fully-functional multi-pane LCD screen of the Home Theater MX-700 allows for tremendous flexibility in controlling all of your devices efficiently and ergonomically.Sun, 22 Feb 2004 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/remote-controls/universal-remote-mx-700-home-theater-masterRemote ControlsAV Reviews