Replace ALL YOUR REMOTES with the Sofabaton X1S! Step-by-Step Guide
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 พ.ค. 2024
- Replace ALL YOUR REMOTES with the Sofabaton X1S! Step-by-Step Guide
Buy the Sofabaton X1S - amzn.to/3U1TbPq
Receive 10% off when you use promo code Youthman during checkout.
Full review coming later this week.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:15 - What's in the box
01:47 - Installing the Hub
03:28 - App Setup
05:37 - Adding Devices
07:42 - Setting Up AppleTV
08:39 - Adjusting Power Settings
12:55 - Source Configuration
17:31 - Creating Activities
20:40 - Adding Activities
26:20 - Sharing Remote Codes
27:40 - Updating Firmware
28:36 - Learning Remotes
35:50 - Repairing Commands
31:42 - Create Custom Buttons
32:50 - Create Favorite Keys
35:00 - Using the Remote
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Replace ALL YOUR REMOTES with the Sofabaton X1S! Step-by-Step Guide
Buy the Sofabaton X1S - amzn.to/3U1TbPq
Receive 10% off when you use promo code Youthman during checkout.
Full review coming later this week.
This video is sponsored by Arendal Sound - bit.ly/Arendal_Sound
Join Us for MWAVE 2024 (June 21-23, 2024) - midwestavexperience.com/
Platinum Channel Sponsor: Arendal Sound - bit.ly/Arendal_Sound
Subwoofers - bit.ly/Arendal_Subwoofers
1723 Speakers - bit.ly/Arendal_1723_Series
1723 THX Monitor - bit.ly/Arendal_1723_Monitor
1723 Subwoofer 2V - bit.ly/1723_Subwoofer_2V
1723 Subwoofer 1S - bit.ly/1723_Subwoofer_1S
Use the affiliate links below and help support the channel with no cost to you.
TV's (98" and larger) - shop.howl.me/youthman/collections/5383
Audio Advice - bit.ly/Audio_Advice
Best Buy - howl.me/clwC9rCV7qx
Amazon - www.amazon.com/shop/youthman
-----------
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:15 - What's in the box
01:47 - Installing the Hub
03:28 - App Setup
05:37 - Adding Devices
07:42 - Setting Up AppleTV
08:39 - Adjusting Power Settings
12:55 - Source Configuration
17:31 - Creating Activities
20:40 - Adding Activities
26:20 - Sharing Remote Codes
27:40 - Updating Firmware
28:36 - Learning Remotes
35:50 - Repairing Commands
31:42 - Create Custom Buttons
32:50 - Create Favorite Keys
35:00 - Using the Remote
Awesome tutorial Michael. Have you tried the Alexa integration?
This stacks with the current 10% off coupon!
Does this work with Amazon Alexa?
Ignore, see that it does
Awesome! I’m glad you guys are getting a Youthman deal! I have not tested Alexa
Youthman Thank you so much for informative tutorial and review ❤
Another outstanding review by the Youthman ❤
Thanks, Tristan I hope you and your family are doing well, brother
I went ahead and ordered one (the discount helped!) since I'm worried about my 16 year old MX-500 universal remote completely dying. I certainly got my moneys worth even though the LCD backlight hasn't worked in at least 14 years, and I have to put in 4 new AAA cells every couple of months.
Cool let me know how you like it
Michael love your product review videos that are so informative and therapeutic at the same time, thank you so much.😊
Wow Randy. Thank you for the kind words. I’m curious what you mean by therapeutic. I’ve never heard that before. 👍
@@Youthman It is so soothing and relax watching the video like the peace of God is all over you and you convey that peace to others.
Man I really appreciate you sharing that.
@@Youthman it's the truth😊
Great review, informative, detailed and easy to understand, if familiar with programing Universal remotes. Not so much if a newbie.
Great review. I bought a Skip 1s configurable remote which is cheaper but doesn't have bluetooth. but for me IR only (plus HDMI-CEC relaying) it's fine so far.
Thanks for the informative video and outlook on a universal remote for us diy guys!!!! Will be giving it a order and a go!
Glad you found the video helpful. Let me know how you like it.
@@Youthman will do guy!
I tried the X1S and after a couple of frustrating weeks I returned it and bought a used Harmony Elite and have been very pleased.
Thanks, Rick. What did you find that was frustrating?
I did the same, I went back to my Harmony. I will use Harmony until Logitech stop maintaining the server.
I have a Harmony remote and like me, it's getting older. What did you not like about the X1S? I'd like to get one for Vizio TV, BD, cable but no set top box, and internet ie TH-cam., Denon 6700 AVR. No gaming devices.
@@voiceofreason9238 Are the Harmony configuration websites still in use/accessible?
@@toddregister6621 Yes for now but anyones guess as to how long they will be supported. Real issue with the Harmony was the batteries fitzing out on the crappy designed cradle dock that never seated properly at least on mine
I had the X1 and did purchase the X1S a month ago and it’s working well for me. Once you get by the learning curve, programming my new remote was quite easy.
Happy to hear it’s working well for your setup.
I always appreciate your reviews!
@chuckcurrier1686 thank you kindly
Thanks for the review. I like the way you explain in detail how the X1S function. It do remind me of the Harmony, but with a better lay on the app. I do have the U1 had a difficult setting the U1 up I believe I will give the X1S a try.
Thanks Dwayne. Let me know how you like it.
great informative video
thanks for your efforts
When I replaced my Harmony last year with a Sofabaton I'd decided on the U2 over the original X1. A video comparing the X1S improvements over either X1/U2 would be appreciated.
Great video! I have two of the Harmony remotes and honestly, I’m not very impressed with them. To me, they are not as easy to use as my old URC MX450 I had back around 2010.
One of the issues I have with the Harmony is that I cannot set the volume to always address the Marantz AV10 regardless of which device is selected. If I create an activity, I can do this but I’m old school and resisting the activity approach. Can the Sofabatan do this?
You did a great job explaining how to setup the Sofabatan and how to use the activities so maybe I just need to stop resisting this approach and go with it either with my existing Harmony’s or get the Sofabatan.
Ultimately, I would like to control everything with Home Assistant using a tablet. The top page of the dashboard would have all the basic regularly used commands for each device so I don’t have to constantly switch between devices like I do now with the Harmony.
The problem is compounded by an issue with the AV10 on screen volume display. It only offers very top, or very bottom of the screen and because I use an anamorphic lens, the volume display is always off the screen. (Maybe I need a MadVR)
If I want to change volume, other than doing it blind, I have to do the following sequence…
1. Select player, select pause.
2. Select JVC NZ8, change anamorphic stretch.
3. Select AV10, change volume.
4. Select JVC NZ8, change stretch back.
5. Select player, release pause.
There has to be a better way! I really don’t like constantly having to select device, I’m thinking with a tablet and Home Assistant, I could avoid this by having controls for all the devices on the same dashboard.
From watching your video however, I’m thinking that with the Sofabatan, and possibly the Harmony, using the activities capabilities, I could control everything without having to jump from device to device. Is this a correct assumption?
Thanks to your video, I may be able to get either the Harmony or the Sofabatan to solve my problem. I’ll look more into it when I get home in mid May.
Thanks for posting such a well organized and informative video on the Sofabatan.
Good job Michael....your instructions are very detailed and clear...now I think I will invest in one of these...✌
Thank you for the kind words. This took me 4 days to film and edit but I wanted it to be as comprehensive and easy to follow as possible.
Dont be so sure, My experience has been very bad on day 1 and Im an engineer/techie
Did you reach out to their tech support via the app?
@@YouthmanI will be contacting them because none of my activities work even though the devices work
Thanks for this informative video. How do you control device specific functions? E.g. changing music formats on a Denon AVR? Or switching user settings on a Sony PJ?
Great video. I think I’ll pull the trigger on this one.
Let me know what you think.
Great video ... very well done ... I have ordered one to use with my devices ... I have a Zidoo Z10 Pro, Apple TV 4K, Nakamichi 3000 11.2.4 soundbar & a Hisense U8 4K TV ... I hope I am able to convert everything ... is it possible for you to maybe do something in the way of a video for the soundbar and the Hisense TV
Really nice tuturial. I love that it accepts blu-tooth devices. Really wish it was a touch screen though. That could make it perfect.
I would be surprised if sometime down the road they add that. Seems like they are just getting started but I like where they are headed.
so far my experience with bluetooth devices (my NVIDIA shield) have failed
Michael. I have a Panasonic DP-UB9000 4K spinner.
Can this SofabatonX1S remote -
adopt most of the button executions from the UB9000 remote. ?
And also most of the button executions from my Epson projector remote. ?
Reason I'm asking is. I'm always fiddling with the UB9000 remote,
to get the best overall picture quality for nearly each individual movie.
Wow really impressed here. I've been holding off on what to do to update my DEAD Logitech universal remote. The top 2 options weren't that great and had many issues. This looks like it might Finally Be the one to take over. Crossing fingers. Great top notch detailed walk thru tutorial Youthman !! Keep up the good work
I’m glad you found the video helpful
Before you jump for excitement wait till you actually try it. My experience has not been favorable so far. :(
I just wanted to say that I'm so happy with the tutorial. I can't tell you how long I have struggled with this remote. I'm going to take your input and work on my configurations. I have the X1. Now I plan to get another one for my home theater. Finally one remote again.
Thank you kindly. I reviewed the X1 and I too had a lot of issues with it. The only issue I had with the X1S was configuring the inputs but that was partially my error. once I used their default recommendation and used the AVM70 code instead of the user uploaded AVM70 8K codes, that worked like a champ!
Michael, thanks for the review. I have been using the CEC function for years but it is limited. I was all excited watching your review until I saw the 85U7H remote could not be learned (that's what I have). Is that not compatible with the X1S? Also, I have my components in another room, how does that work, I must have missed something.
My Harmony Elite battery finally died after seven years of loyal service! I tried replacing the battery with one I bought on eBay but it did work out! Glad I still have the Harmony app on my iPhone! Works great :)
I bought a replacement battery on Amazon. th-cam.com/video/9SMwAtVpP0o/w-d-xo.htmlsi=eN9qc8gwAARuD1PY
Looks like it’s no longer available on Amazon.
Great video! Just bought one and you cleared up a couple of issues I was having.
Awesome! Glad you found it helpful
@@Youthman Ran into a new snag! had to swap out cable boxes. I had the Altice One box and it worked fine. I swapped it out for the Altice mini and can't pair it. Sofabaton won't even learn from the remote. Weird because they are identical. As a last resort, I'm going to do a factory reset. If that doesn't work I have to return the Sofabaton. I'm not happy.
I’m sorry to hear you are not able to get your cable box to work. I would recommend reaching out to their support within the app. It’s under the Me tab.
Found out the problem. I needed to unpair the actual remote. It puts the cable box in BTmode. You have to unpair and put the box in IR mode.
Ah! Glad you figured it out. Thx for the update.
Hi Michael, thanks a lot for the Video. I am using the Harmony Elite for years now and happy to see, that another product seems to be so close now... I think the missing step is the remote. A Touchscreen is mandatory and it needs a few more buttons... Seems a realistic perspective 😁
I wouldn't be surprised if we see a touch screen sometime in the future. I think they are off to a good start.
Nice review Michael 👍. Are you switching to Sofabaton X1S?
Appreciate the video explaining things in detail. Can you please do one for stereo setup as well? The DACs and sources are of bigger variety and seems like the X1S needs to manually learn cmds from them all
I just wanted to say I'm impressed with the remote. BUT its missing q few things that is stopping me from getting it
It needs to be able to integrate in eith home assistant so i can use it just like i have done with my harmony remote
At least it offers an "API" option in the app, which gives URLs for switching on and off every activity. I use that in an Apple short-cut, activated via voice.
If you look at the actual firmware updates. 1st update states Hub firmware and the 2nd update said hub REMOTE firmware update. Different devices
Cool remote looks like something I may need to upgrade too, but when is the full update of the Anthem? Thx!
Does it work with Emotiva RMC-1L?
Excellent tutorial🎉
They have the codes for the RMC-1 and RMC-1L.
Hey youthman, do you know if it's possible to use this remote to control a ps5 for media playing purposes? (eg 4k blu ray or TH-cam app control). Thanks!
I can see Logitech Harmony Elite there how you compare with that as I am using the same and very much pleased.
Hello, can you tell me if it's possible to use with Emotiva RMC 1 ?
Thanks in advance for answering
Makes me a proud AVM70 owner to see 2 big channel users I watch rocking it.
I wouldn’t say I’m rocking it. Audio Advice lent it to me to review. I rock the Marantz AV7706 which has performed flawlessly without any hiccups. I’ve had several hiccups with the AVM70, most are HDMI handshake issues.
@@Youthman interesting, I haven't had any issues except hand shakes with my Chromecast with Google TV, but that thing has always been glitchy.
@@Youthman I use a 7706 like you, interestingly enough I run 3 Lascala’s like you used to use for lcr. I have heard so much good reviews of the avm70. Have you noticed a sound quality improvement or difference in any way on the sound quality front compared to the 7706?
My 2011 Logitech Harmony One still works great. It has a touch screen and charging dock, but no RF or Bluetooth.
This looks like a truly worthy "all-in-one" remote! - Thanks fror your awesome review Michael! - Cheers!
I agree. Glad you enjoyed it
Great Video! Very thorough!
Does it take Mola Mola products, Zapitti, Innuos???
The database shows 10 Zappiti products. Innuous is not listed so you would need to learn those codes.
realy enjoy your videos. I too have an Anthem 70 (8K) as well as the JVC NZ8!! I now use the Harmony Elite and like many am waiting for the day they shut down their servers. Does this hub X1s connect to their servers to operate (like the Harmony)? If so, someday we could face the same issue? Also can you create scenes? Thanks again for a great video!
Steve
Hi Steve, I believe the database is on their servers, just like Harmony but I would clarify with them to make sure. Thats just my guess.
What type of scenes are you wanting it to create?
They said that if their servers are down the unit will function the same but if you use the phone remote it will not! That’s good news!
Scenes- example set various lights to a specific setting or “movie time”
Really great run through. Thanks for the thorough set up explanation. This helps knowing there are other solutions other than the defunct harmony or paying for a 3rd party control 4 system.
Thank you kindly. I’m glad you found the video helpful.
nice that they listened to you and implemented them and other fixes. excellent tutorial Youthman. looking forward to the full review.
Thank you Kman.
Can you do a review on the xgimi horizon ultra mk2 please
You're right, this looks legit now. Not like the old version! I'm honestly surprised.
I was too! That’s why it sat on my desk for a month before I opened it up to review it lol
Still love my 25 year old Philips Pronto!
Oh man! I haven't seen the Pronto in several decades. :)
@@Youthman Still works great, but I lost pronto edit capabilities, because it hooked to the computer with a serial cable. I’m 72 and I think it will outlast me! Talking about old …I still have a Pioneer 301 dvd changer that also works like new, they don’t make them like that anymore.
Now that is a blast from the past!!! Weren't they steam powered? 😅
@@northeastcorals They are more dependable than the current crop of 4K players.
Thanks for the great review and tutorial!
Why did you change Apple TV to bluetooth? Will you be using the X1S in stead of your old remote?
Good job!
Thanks Benny!
@Youthman Did you officially switch to the AVM70? Or just reviewing? I, like you, had the Marantz 7706 but recently upgraded to an Anthem too (AVM90).
No. It’s still in for review. No decisions yet on whether I will be purchasing it or returning it after the review.
I have a 7706 now and am wondering if there are any noticeable improvements to sound quality with the avm? Or sound differences?
Nice! very useful tips! Good to know Sofabaton is to the mark! Great video Michael!
Thank you kindly
Promo code not working for me. What am I doing wrong? Youthman in promo box at check out? Correct?
Great tutorial, though!
Sofabaton needs to include an owner's manual with this remote. I worked for two days in trial-and-error mode to get things right with my devices. This video shows how complicated things can get.
Maybe because I came from using the Harmony elite for so many years, it’s a very familiar so I found it extremely intuitive to add devices and create activities. as with anything, there’s always some learning curve for things that you don’t know or understand, but I did not find it difficult at all. Hopefully the video made it more simple for you.
That complexity is what makes this so useful. All the settings options are entered only once. Global buttons can be named and depicted for ultimate operating simplicity. That’s just the way it is to make a global remote.
Ive been pulling my hair out with my as well on Day 1 and no way this should be THIS hard for an Engineer like myself to figure out never mind the average person. Constant disconnects from Blutooth and having to always have the remote on top of or very close to the hub to get the sync to work
What do you find is difficult to figure out? What seems complicated to program?
It will change to the wrong input on my Denon receiver when I decide to watch something on my android box from my TV box, or when I go to a music input, etc. for no apparent reason. When I go to the page where the sequence is shown it doesn't have the sequence it's supposed to. No idea what changes this but it happens randomly and just when I figure I've got it, it messes up. Been doing this since I got it and it is frustrating compared to my Harmony that is old but rock solid. I have the Sofabaton U2 which is great, easy to program and works every time. Programing is another issue and why sequences change on their own is one of life's little mysteries.
I still have my X1 in box and never tried it out after all bad reviews. Hopefully a few nice long software updates will bring the X1 up to the levels of the X1S. Not holding my breath but if this company is going to be a player it will the solve the problems the X1 had with updates. Thanks for this great review and guide. My two harmonies are still going strong but thats a loosing game.
I have the x1 and had it packed away for a year as it was rubbish. I got it back out a couple of months ago and it's way better since the new update. The only issue it still had now and then was it would disconnect from the hub. I've put a smart plug on the hub to do a reboot every morning and never had a problem with it since. Only difference I can really see vs x1s is wake to sleep feature and it having a slightly better screen. I've now packed away my harmony and like my x1 hope that helps anyone.
@@paulgrimwood3700 thanks, time to get it going
That’s great to hear that the firmware has helped improve the X1. I know initially had a lot of issues with it during my review of it.
One reason I haven't picked up Sofabaton is Logitech support. They still continuously update device profiles, and ensure that all these power on power off profiles and sequences are pre configured. Massively reduces the setup time.
Other reason is small amount of buttons compared to Logitech Harmony elite.
Third is PC compatibility, it is a little lacking when compared with Logitech.
Yes there are still some features that Harmony has over the X1S. I’m just glad they are continually improving.
@@Youthman Absolutely agreed!! Logitech didn’t get there in a day. It is a process. I just hope new home theatre people get similar benefits with this option, rather than paying black market prices to pick up old harmony elite remotes.
Did you try to f8nd the device entering the remote code? For me, it couldn't find my samsung tv, then I used samsung TVs remote control code, it added without issue. Support is super good. They added my TV within 24hrs after I reported.
As Logitech does not have a solution for the new(ish) Dutch Ziggo Next Mini cable box, I wonder if this will be a solution.
The Ziggo Next Mini box uses a radio signal, which makes current Logitech (Elite) remotes useless. The only solution is NOT use a universal remote, but use CEC solutions with the Ziggo remote.
Any ideas?
Got mine with your link, works good. I had no issues with the remote learning. Either they fixed it with an update, or the remotes was possibly RF? Only issue I'm having isn't really an issue, but a little annoying. When I set an activity that involves switching sources on my AV receiver, it has to "turn on" before switching, even if it's already on. With my receiver, it triggers the relay switch every time. Is there a way around that?
My Harmony Elite is the same way. If a device is already on (like my projector and my Marantz processor, if I switch from Kaleidescape to AppleTV, the commands will be sent for the AppleTV which includes turning on the Marantz and the projector. Nothing happens because they are already turned on.
Great video, Michael! I decided to give thr X1S a go. I've been using roomie remote (which is fantastic) but it's a subscription fee and i miss having physical buttons.
I’ve heard of Roomie but haven’t used it myself. Let me know what you think of the X1S.
It's too bad, I really like the remote and the app, but the IR blasters are the weak link. I can't get them to turn on my projector 4 ft away pointing directly at it.
I'm guessing they have to be sitting in front of the sensor which is too long of a run and my hub doesn't have line of sight so I think this is a no go for me 😞.
@DerekBove the small or repeaters are meant to attach directly to a single component so they won’t be able to turn on a device that is 4’ away. Can you place the main hub more in the open? During my patron zoom call tonight, one of my patrons has been using it for the past two weeks and he has the hub sitting on top of his audio video cabinet and it is able to turn on his AVR that’s inside the cabinet.
@DerekBove then he uses the small repeater to go inside the cabinet to turn on his Kaleidescape
@@Youthman that makes sense, I figured that was the case. My equipment is on a closet at the back of the room so I can't get line of sight to the projector and the components unfortunately.
I still think logi harmony was the best, after that, I think I just use a chromecast remote for everything (except aircon)
I have been looking for a smart universal remote. Thanks for making this very detailed video.
Glad you found it helpful.
Youthman, Subscribed because your videos are so much fun!
Thank you kindly
Hi Michael, will this work if the hub is in another room with the audio equipment, or does it have to be in the same room?🤔
The remote communicates to the hub via 433Hz frequency. I was able to be just outside my room around the corner to control the system. I would imagine it depends on how far you will be sitting from where the equipment rack will be
Can this load projector memory presets as well? I have different color settings saved for HDR/SDR content. I suppose a custom Macro could likely be created as worst-case scenario.
Absolutely. I use a mad VR so I do not utilize the memory presets. But yes, when you create the activity or even after you have created the activity, you can simply add a command for that memory preset. You may have to add a delay in between say, turning on the projector, changing input, and then the correct preset
Great review. Extremely informative!
Thanks but I will make a separate review video where I’ll share the differences between it and my Harmony Elite.
Great review! Any chance you've tried connecting the Sofobaton hub directly to a third party IR blaster? I have a URC MRF 350 that I am hoping I can integrate with this remote. And I am assuming that there is no integration with your Lutron lighting? (yet, hopefully in the future) I've got some older IR switches to control my lighting in the home theater but would love to switch it over to Lutron like the rest of the house.
I have not tried any third party IR blasters. No integration yet with my Lutron as I always control them with Alexa which communicates to the Lutron Hub.
They do show 9 Lutron devices in their database.
@@Youthman Picked one up based on your review. Lutron does work so that's great. It also works well with third part ir blaster. I ditched the URC equipment and used the other amazon blaster I had. My range from the hub to the remote is very poor and room placement is critical in my set up to avoid interference. I hopefully can work around that. My two biggest issues are the lack of a built in ir blaster in the remote itself and the oddly placed back button.
Yeah, I mentioned that back button in my original review of the X1. Hopefully they will move that whenever they design their next remote
Do you need to use the hub? I saw you hooked up the blasters to the Anthem and Kaleidiscape. BUT you didn't show if you used one on the JVC Proj. So I am assuming the remote turned it on without the blaster. I'm not a fan of having wires semidraped over my equipment
Yes the remote does not have IR so the hub is needed. Honestly, I’m was not sure how it turned on my JVC which is in another room. But I just put a box in front of the Sofabaton Hub and it did not turn on my projector. Moving the box it allowed it to turn it on so the IR blaster is able to turn on my projector from 16’ away.
Hey Youthman, out of topic question but when did you get the Anthem? I dont remember any videos of you talking about the Anthem. I think I remember you having a Marantz and then the HTP-1. If you do have a video would you mind posting a link? Is it the 70 or the 90? Im trying to choose between the Avm90 or the AV10
I have two videos on it.
Unboxing - th-cam.com/video/-FepDvr8G7A/w-d-xo.htmlsi=TzPOCoxHPeXHdTuO
Initial Setup - th-cam.com/video/KvPGFU4Dv5A/w-d-xo.htmlsi=y68odaGYGOjn89gg
It’s in for review. I still have my Marantz AV7706.
Marantz are rock solid. Anthem ARC offers more granular control, but you may run into a few bugs along the way.
Awesome, thank u sir
After many hours have it working pretty well with TV, AVR, Blu-Ray, and Nvidia Shield Pro. For some reasons there were three LX305 configurations to choose from, the first had very few entries that actually worked but the 2nd was OK, with just a few buttons from the original remote I needed to add using the learning function. I found the bluetooth communications with the Shield to be quite unreliable and after messing about trying different things for a few hours gave up and went back to a Flirc USB IR receiver like I used with my old remote and now it works fine. But apparently having bluetooth remote issues with the shield is nothing new, even with the weird one Nvidia provides.
There are definitely some quirks they need to work out. But the X1S is much better than the X1.
I discovered that I could use a 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo jack cable between the hub and the Flasher In connection on my Marantz AVR to control it without having to use infrared.
Does it use the mono (1 ring jack) or stereo (2 ring jack)
The X1S hub has mono
So in theory a 12v trigger cable from the hub into the flasher in jack would also work.
@@kieranmcanimal3596 Correct. FYI I once tried this direct wire technique with a Sony AVR which specifically had the 3.5 receptacle and it didn't work for me. I had to use the IR sensor with the sticky tape, a poor second choice IMO.
Michael, as usual great demo. I recall your review of the X1 and I commented on that one, as I was in on the original Kickstarter. That device was a fail for me for many reasons, but the major one was the lack of any easy to use number keys. Those of us who have NOT cut the cable, have settop boxes which require numbers to access the 200+ stations. My comments to the SB team about the way they presented numbers (display number on screen and click), there was no way to dial in a 3 digit number in time for the setbox to process it. One of their answers: "create a macro" seemed wacko - 200 macros?
Since the X1S uses the same physical format (very clunky scroll button, supid back button palcement), I don't see it as a player... at least give us a touch screen, a la the Elite. I have 3 Harmony Companions - since they all have hard number buttons.
I recall you were much higher on the YIO Remote, now rebranded the Unfolded Circle Remote Two. I've seen reviews and other than the outrageous price ($450?) and lack of a decent code database, it seems like a better design, more like a Harmony Elite.
As an aging HT enthusiast, I need to be aware that any system that depends on me being present (especially for moves, adds, changes and issues), is problematic. I'm almost to the point of going to Control-4 so there is external support available... when I am no longer so.
Regards.
I don’t recall how the X1 handles numbers as I have never had to use them myself.
I just looked in the App. The X1S, when you click on a device, there is a “123” button at the bottom left that pops up a normal numeric keypad. Is this different from the X1?
@@Youthman the keypad is viewable in the LED screen, but its not a touch sensitive pad, so you have to highlight and click the wheel, right? I don't recall much the box has been tucked away for some time now.
I see what you’re saying you were referring to the actual remote. I don’t have anything with channels to test that out
@@Youthman No prob, thanks for taking time to reply! I bought the X1 for my bedroom, just TV, Settop box and firestick, thought it was pretty easy. Remote has to be functional - in the dark. App won't cut it,.
Sorry to say, but you lost me when you started hooking up the repeaters. I have a remote caddy for my 6 remotes and 90 percent of the time I only use two of them. I think I will save my $200 and stay with my setup till something better comes along. Great video on what can be and thanks for keeping us informed 😁 A loyal subscriber.
Nothing wrong if your current system is working for you. This is for someone that wants to simplify their remote situation.
Great review, quick question Youthman, how is it transmitting to the JVC? IR, Bluetooth or WIFI?
I have the same question. My harmony with hub has a powerful ir blaster that I place outside of my equipment closet to turn on a jvc projector.
Nice to see it has RF by Bluetooth. Can’t wait to see how this stacks up against the unfolded circle remote.
The Unfolded Circle Remote 2 has MUCH more features than the Sofabaton X1S. But I would hope so at $480 USD. Hoping to get one in for review eventually.
just returned to Amazon. All devices were easy to set up, however, I could get it paired with FireTV. This the reason I purchased in the first place. It would hang on the final screen before loading the Fire TV onto remote. I have several URC MX990 in my home and the programming software. The URC do not do Bluetooth. I liked the X1S but no FireTV is a showstopper.
Sorry to hear that. Did you reach out to their support via the App to see if they could help?
@@Youthman We had several exchanges. Mostly generic ideas. Eventually determined it could be a bad BT chip. Loved the unit, easy to setup and configure. BT issue killed my enthusiasm for the remote. I may order again and try another unit. Perfect for my Master Bedroom setup.
Hi Michael, can you also do a review of the AVA Cinema Remote as it looks to be matured by now.
AVA now has to be programmed by a dealer so I won’t be reviewing it
My Anthem 1120 can change the inputs by clicking the left arrow.
Sofabaton XIS every thing I need in a remote
Hello
I have a theater room with the projector, and an equipment room where I have my anthem and other equipment stealth away, my question is, how do you turn on and off the projector using the IR blaster?
It is not in line of sight of the hub, or the other IR blasters that are in the equipment room.
Did have to get a extended IR emitter cable to reach your projector?
I do have an extender but it’s connected to the Harmony I’m not sure if the Sofabaton IR blaster is what’s reaching the projector or if it’s somehow sending Ir commands from the Sofabaton hub into the Harmony Hub and from there through the wired repeater.
@@Youthman I bought a 25' extended IR emitter from OSD, IR21CG25 25ft Single Eye IR Emitter Cable, with a 3.5 mm pin, it will be here soon.
I'll have to thread it from the hub in the closet, then through the attic, to the projector. That will be so much fun, lol
Did you pair the Sofabaton X1S with the Harmony Hub, I still have my old Harmony hub, remote, and cradle.
any chance the remote has a built in mic? I would love one that works with my apple tv since im always so worried that remote is gonna break
No mic on the X1S.
Nice review. I got on and can’t get it to trigger my NX7. Any ideas?
Any solution yet?
This is a great video - I commend you on the high production values in it - very slick. This remote is very interesting - but I thought "universal remotes" died a few year ago - I remember hearing an AV podcast a year or more ago where all the AV professionals on the podcast said they gave up trying to use universal remotes (Harmony) and just went back to using the original remotes, since there was so much trouble trying to get the universal remote to do everything the originals did. So just wondering if this "new" generation of universal is any better. AV enthusiasts tend to have some very unusual niche equipment which normally is very fiddly and difficult to control e.g. for me the old universals could not handle the Blu-tooth NVidia Shield TV, or my Sony MDR-HW700 wireless surround headphones which sit in HDMI chain with HDMI control box, which meant they were useless to me.... so I'm wondering if this new remote can handle my new JVC Exofield XP-EXT1 headphones control HDMI box which is similar setup also to old Sony. So the question is - is the some online portal we can go to BEFORE buying to see what hardware is in their database and check if our own hardware is already in there? Also is this available in Europe - links only go to Amazon USA
I do not see that model listed in the database. No Universal remote is going to have codes for every single device on the market. The question is will the SofaBaton be able to learn the commands of your remote. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know that without trying it.
apps and firmware updates for a remote, must use a lot of remotes at the same time for it to be a problem or?
Firmware updates happen with most electronics. AVR’s, AppleTV, cell phones. Updates add features, fix bugs etc.
I’m always hesitant when a company does not provide updates
Sending mine back unfortunately. Would not communicate with my Zidoo Z9X which is the next room connected with IR blasters. Harmony works like a breeze.
what's the difference between X1 and X1S? I bought X1 a few months ago and it was not working right and lost interest and put away. The X1S looks like it might be better? Or at least it works for you.
I had major issues with the X1. See my review on it. I have not had any major issues with the X1S
So, the wifi is limited to just Roku, Sonos, and Phillips Hue?
I forgot, is your cabinet in the same room as the projector?
WiFi can only control those devices currently.
My equipment is in the front of my room and my projector is in the adjacent room.
The app interface looks identical to the Harmony app. Did they buy some of the technology from Logitech and build off of it?
I’m not sure. That would be a smart move if you ask me because the Harmony database is massive.
Should CEC be turned off for a device like this to work?
You wouldn’t need to use CEC if you are using a universal remote.
I will get this remote when my Harmony hub and remote stops working . The Harmony Hub still working like a champ.
Did you try the input assignments for the AVM70 with all of its virtual inputs? Does it work the same in your video where you select direct input selection?
I don’t believe I have created any virtual inputs but by default, when I added the AVM70, it shows 30 inputs you can select. You can see those listed in the video so I’m assuming many of them are virtual inputs.
@@Youthman Awesome! Thanks for the video. Ordered the remote through your link!
Let me know how you like it
I just got the X1S. However I can't get it to select my input. It simply ignores the Source Input selection on my AVM90. I tried adding delays but the input is not changed during the activity startup. I followed Youthmans guidance with Direct Input Switching and input assignments, but the AVM90 stays on the default startup input ?
@@henriklind1734 Great..... 🙄 I will have my AVM90 setup sometime in the next week or so and will try setting it up. Need this to work. Have you tried creating a dedicated custom button for HDMI inputs for the AVM90 to see if you can at least manually trigger this command?
Do we need to use the hub? All of my components are open to the room.
Yes. The remote communicates to the hub via 433Hz. The Hub then sends IR commands to your devices
Where do I go to place the order for the 20% off. I clicked on the link and it took me to Amazon and it only gives 10% off
Use Youthman code during checkout.
Did anyone else notice there's a 10% off coupon already on Amazon and it lets you stack the "youthman" code? I still have a Harmony (actually multiple) that work great but for that price decided to pull the trigger and compare. Now that's a Youthman deal!
Awesome! She mentioned in the email they are providing the biggest discount for my audience. I wasn’t sure exactly what that meant but I’m glad you were able to stack the coupon codes. That’s awesome!
It wont let me use the Youthman code at checkout.
Same. Doesn’t let me add Youthman at checkout. Any reason why?
They shared with me they have sold so many, they needed to remove the discount until they can get more quantity in.
@@Youthman ok, thanks, I’ll get one when the promo works again
Is this only IR or will it do IP also?
The remote communicates with the hub via Bluetooth. The Hub then sends IR to your equipment.
Adding TV, Emotiva RMC-1L, JVC NX5, worked flawlessly. But some issues with XBox One S, it wouldn’t turn down :(
I’m not familiar with the Xbox, but with the PlayStation, to power it down it’s a sequence of buttons. So I’m not sure the SofaBaton would be able to turn it off either, especially when it connects via Bluetooth. Using the standard PlayStation five controller, you have to push the PlayStation button, go down to the menu scroll all the way to the right click the power icon scroll down and then choose power off. That’s not something the SofaBaton likely would be able to.
I would recommend reaching out to their support team with the app under the me section and see what they have to say
@@Youthman thank you for the reply ❤️. They pointed me to their video tutorial which is not very helpful. A future video on how to turn down XBox or PlayStation would be helpful 😄
Thanks for the detailed review. What would you say the biggest difference between the X1 and the X1S is? I have been using the X1 since it came out (my wife dropped ou8r Harmony on a tile floor and it broke). My roller button doesn't work well anymore. I don't like not having a charging station or touch screen, but have been living with it for a while. The other annoying thing is I have to reset the hub at least once a week. Overall, I prefer it to having multiple remotes. Just wondering if there is a major change that would make me try upgrading since it seems to be almost identical to the original (if I recall you did a review on that and weren't that impressed). Keep up the good work!
The biggest difference between the X1 and X1S is I didn't run into any bugs with the X1S. LOL. The software was super buggy. I told Sofabaton if they sent me the X1S and it was super buggy, I would share with my audience not to buy and would not even bother making a video on it. So far, the app and the remote of the X1S has been super stable. I certainly would not have spent 4 days to film and edit a full step-by-step walkthrough if it was anything like my experience with the X1. Hope that helps.
It's hard to learn, but fairly good once you do. No PS power button for PS5 sadly.
Harmony didn’t have PS5 power either. Not sure what makes that difficult,
Looks definitely like a worthy replacement to the Harmony. I assume you can control all of the functions via the app on the phone as well as the remote itself like the Harmony and Harmony Hub app? Also, does the remote work with the screen off? I like to adjust volume with my Harmony remote, but usually have it on my lap and just touch the volume up and down. It has no screen, so it's not visible. Does the Sofabaton require it to "wake up" before any key presses work? And does the screen adjust it's brightness to the room's light level? Lots of questions..but looks like a great setup! Thanks for the review!
Yes, you can control everything from the app. The remote is going to wake up when you press any buttons. No adjustments for screen brightness.
That’s good to know Michael, but, until my Harmony remotes stop working and the website is shut down, only then will I invest money in the SofaBaton remote.
At least there is a worthy alternative if yourHarmony dies or they stop supporting the software.
Is there a way to add a device to an activity? I’ve looked but can’t find anything.
Yes, go to activities > edit > edit the Device > Startup Settings > Add Command and choose the device and command you want to add to that activity.
@@Youthman got it, thanks!