SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote with Hub and App, All in One Smart Universal Remote Control with Customize Activities, Control Up to 60 IR/Bluetooth/WiFi Devices

As my Audio visual equipment grew, so did my individual remote collection. The need for a single universal remote that could control all my devices including my TV room lights became more apparent. After reading numerous online reviews and doing my own research I came across the Sofabaton X1S remote. I was a bit worried at the overall negative reviews on the product. However it's technical aspects and what it potentially could do regarding automation of my audio visual set up swayed me. The unit arrived quickly, it wasn't cheap to purchase in the uk via amazon. I bought the device from amazon UK because I wanted ease of return should the unit not be suitable when compared to purchasing from an American or Chinese company where returns could be challenging. The unit arrived the very next day. Once unboxed, I was immediately impressed with the units weight and size and overall modern look. Set up was easy via the app. The hub set up was straight forward too, again via the app, but the learning curve very very steep! I watched and rewatched numerous YouTube videos on the set up process. Just when I thought I'd got everything set up to my liking, up would pop an issue. Like for example when creating an activity not all devices would turn on or correct HDMI input selected. That said, adding devices was simple and straight forward. Configuration of them correctly, proved more challenging for me. Eventually after many hours going through everything I found the mistakes I'd made in my configuration set up. Once corrected, I immersed myself in understanding the units full capabilities. Patience is the key with this, you're not going to get things right first time around. Going calmly step by step is paramount. Most if not all configuration issues, can be answered through online searches, the sofabaton website or through YouTube. I have now been able to integrate my sofabaton remote with alexa voice control. I can now switch all the relevant audio visual equipment activity dependant, off and on using my voice (via sofabaton link). I've also added my miniDSP 2x4 (subwoofer control) to my device list, which the sofabaton controls effortlessly. Additionally I have created macro activities within the sofabaton app linked to my alexa app allowing me to use my voice to turn room lights off or on or dim them as I want or pair them with other activities within the sofabaton app. Like watching TV for example all relevant devices and lights turn on from one input or voice command. The Sofabaton X1S has simplified the operation of my entire audio visual system and other connected peripherals. So in conclusion this device has set up an incredible level of automation. It's functionality once configured correctly is second to non. Battery life is very good on one charge and the wake up functionality when tilted up from a flat position is an excellent feature. If you take the time to understand it's set up and configuration fully, then you'll be rewarded handsomely with cross device remote controls and device control all from a single remote. Configured button functionality is incredibly responsive. All my other remotes have now been consigned to a box in the garage. I doubt I'll be using them anytime soon. Needless to say I'm glad that I bought this unit but more that I persisted with it and got it right. If you're prepared to put the work in then this device's operation and capabilities will exceed your expectations. I 100% recommend this product provided that you are prepared put the work in to configure it properly and do the required learning which maybe steep for some.

Having had an Harmony Elite for many years I decided that it was only a matter of time before it failed so a replacement was sought but there really was only one option, the SofaBaton. Initially I was impressed with the packaging, the handset and hub, also included were 3 blasters for if your units are in closed cupboards (not a good idea for heat dissipation). The hub power adapter (UK) confused me initially because the earth pin was too close to the other pins, on closer inspection I found that the earth pin could be slid out to the normal position. App (IOS) downloaded no problem. On trying to connect the hub to my iPad it could not make a Bluetooth connection until I went into the App Settings and found the “Allow Bluetooth” switch was off, once this was rectified everything connected fine. I now proceeded to add my TV as the first device but my exact model wasn’t listed, although the database is very comprehensive, so I picked the closest option, at this point I was sat at my desk at the opposite end of the room (fairly large) and at right angles to the TV so was very pleased when the TV responded immediately to the remote commands. I had been concerned about the strength to the IR signal since I wanted to put the hub in the AV cabinet and bounce the IR across the room and back but no problem at all. Continued to add my other unis but in most cases had to select similar models since my exact units were not listed, however everything worked fine. I did have to add a few commands from my Harmony but this was really easy with the App detailing the procedure and was very quick. Setting up Activities took rather longer mainly due to the required Power Settings but I remember having similar problems with the Harmony, all CEC settings are set to Off. Handset battery life looks good so far, whether it will make 45 days remains to be seen, we had to charge the Harmony every three days. The App is really good, comprehensive database and handset excellent with buttons small but well separated. Easy to to set up, overall really impressed, far better than I was expecting.

It's a really good universal remote for complicated home TV setups (TV, Receiver, multiple video sources). It's a bit of a pain to set up, the process takes longer and is more repetitive than it needs to be, but once done it's nice and responsive, devices come on and set to the correct inputs, with functions like volume and menu buttons being sent to the correct devices. The companion phone app isn't great, it takes more taps that necessary to get to a screen where you can turn everything off. Battery life is a lot better than the Harmony ever was - a month between recharges, and then only a USB C cable needed, compared to needing to spend hours in a proprietary docking cradle every 2 days.