SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote with Upgraded Backlit Button, All in One Universal Remote Control with App Control, Custom Macros, Compatible with Smart TVs,Sound Bar and DVD/Blu-ray Players, and More

As a former harmony enthusiast, when that company was eaten by Logitech and failed to update their product, I was pretty pessimistic about the future of universal remotes. For years, I just went back to having multiple remotes and with the advent of HDMI control. It wasn’t that bad however, whenever I wanted to change the settings of the picture or sound, which I do quite a bit, I was back to remote flipping.I honestly didn’t think a general universal remote could come close to what Harmony did so. I waited and waited. And then came the ultra expensive options (yikes). I knew that as good as those were, the amount of time would take to program them and set them up was going to be exhausting.I started to see positive reviews on sofa batons U1 so when the U2 came out, I still waited but eventually I just picked one up. With the improved back lighting and standard AA batteries, I knew they were on the right track. It only took me one session to get everything set up. My initial thought was “no activities”!? But I realized there was macros, and you could assign any button to any device Overriding any function on a set of custom remotes, which is honestly better in some ways and, more important, simpler.It’s really up to you to decide how you want to use things. One thing I will recommend is Define one button cross all devices (I use the input button) to use as a “fix it button” that will reapply the proper inputs and your preferred sound mode in case things get messed up or don’t complete. I was able to do that and many more things, even with the simpler architecture of the SofaBaton.As far as device button database is exhaustive, but fairly easy to search and find your devices as long as you know the model numbers. The remote supports infrared, unfortunately many devices nowadays use some form of RF and this just isn’t supported also with Bluetooth now becoming a standard in remote control that can make things a little bit difficult. So it will depend on how many of your devices use traditional infrared control, but I was able to get Apple TV working with Bluetooth and all my other devices through infrared very wellAs far as improvements, it would be nice to back up not only your device buttons, but your macros and everything but at least they have a backup function in case you need to reset the remote. But without the macros being saved, it seems kind of half solution. The only other improvement I could think of would be Support for a wider range, remote control like the aforementioned RF remotes and more than one blue Ray remote. That’s probably a bit too much to ask for and such as a simple device. But as far as infrared controls, it really seems complete and I couldn’t think of any major improvements.

For anyone with an older parent (or who is just generally bad with technology) - this remote is a lifesaver.You can not only custom program every single button, including mixed use between devices without switching - but you can also turn buttons off completely to avoid any confusion or accidental presses.My mom used to lose volume, get lost between tv, soundbar and cable, etc. It was a weekly thing. Since I got this for her and programmed it, she hasn’t had a single issue. Fantastic product.

I was a big fan of the old Logitech Harmony Remotes. But since they no longer make them I decided to give this one a try. I didn’t give it 5 stars because of some minor nit picks. Overall it’s a decent remote. It does the job even though it doesn’t have the other features the higher tier model has. Such as an Activity option, for selecting one action to perform functions for multiple devices.Pros:1 - simple layout of buttons and easy enough to use for my 8yr old.2 - wide selection of codes to work with newer and older electronics.3 - somewhat easy setup: I’ll explain why in the cons section4 - strong enough IR signal that it can read through my entertainment center doors5 - Bluetooth option. Was very helpful when linking to my Apple TV. I found that it was the easiest way for the remote to link up.6 - size and weight are just right. Not overly big or heavy.Cons:1 - no ability to control multiple devices with one setting (like and activity setting on old harmony remotes). I’ve had both styles of harmony remotes - a WiFi one that was also liked to an App that could also work as a remote…. AND…. I’ve also had another IR type remote that had the ability to use activity settings. Both obviously had different pricing just like the SofaBaton. So I guess you get what you pay for.2 - the setup was not very easy at first. Don’t use the paper instructions. Watch the video tutorials. It will make it much simpler. Also, I had problems setting up my Apple TV via IR settings and ended up having to use the Bluetooth option. Super minor but worth mentioning.3 - there is a delayed response sometimes when using the remote with your device. Not annoying enough to return it but it does take some getting used to. Again you get what you pay for. I’m sure the more expensive version doesn’t have this problem.In summary, it’s not a harmony remote. And you could buy a cheaper universal remote and get a similar performance. But I did that prior to getting this one and I’m actually happy I decided to go with this one. Just go into knowing it’s not going to be perfect and you’ll enjoy it as well. Realistically no remote is going to satisfy everyone’s expectations. I would buy it again.