Harmony Replacement? The Unfolded Circle Remote Two + Home Assistant
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2024
- This hard-to-get Kickstarter remote, the unfolded circle Remote Two, when paired with a Home Assistant isn't just a Harmony remote replacement, it's more like a $600 Control4 replacement! Once you learn how to combine the two systems, the power provided with this pair is impressive.
Kaleidescape: kaleidesca.pe/ballstadt20230
Anthem: www.audioadvice.com/home-thea...
Lumagen: www.lumagen.com
AppleTV 4K: amzn.to/4a0hvrN
SeymourAV: seymourav.com
Govee Rope Light: amzn.to/490bABR
Phillips Hue LED Strips: amzn.to/3THMROo
Having been an original NEEO backer, it stopped working the same day they announced the company had been sold to Control 4, so I begrudgingly bought a Harmony Elite + Hub to control my theater system. The drop in build quality annoyed me every time I picked it up, but at least it controlled my system. - บันเทิง
![ทททททททท #27 [หลุยส์ เค โตมายังไง ณ สระบุรี]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CaKoYw_Xmtg/mqdefault.jpg)
Tanks for the demo. I added myself to the waiting list in October 2022 but heard nothing yet. It looks very promising!
Thanks! I saw on the discord yesterday that they hope to be emailing an update by early next week.
Thanks for the video. This cleared up some things for me. This remote is really a diy control4 when paired with home assistant. Makes it interesting and possibly powerful, just not sure i want to go down the diy home automation rabbit hole.
It does take some work, but once things click, it’s not as difficult as it may seem. I wanted to get this video up as an overview but I do have a more carefully planned step by step planned, but that would also involve starting over on the remote itself and not sure I want to do that just yet. I wish I had another remote to start from scratch with.
Thank you for this review. I signed up for waitlist after this video. I’m a tinkerer and avoiding getting into Control 4
Glad I could help! I already need to put together an update as I’ve got it working for my entire theater, and answer some other questions I’ve received.
this is exciting! thank you!
You're so welcome!
Thanks for this. I have been discouraged with my remote Two. I have HA integrated with it. But I find that I have options available in HA on my ipad but these don't show up as options on the remote two. I need to spend some more time with HA and get this remote up and running.
It can be discouraging. It could be more intuitive. It should have had better documentation from day 1. Stick with it and hopefully it will pay off for you.
I found this a bit late so still on the waiting list, but definitely want one. Already am a Home Assistant user and the way they can work together is a great way for a mere mortal to get a proper automation remote control combo. I also have a Broadlink RM4 Pro I'm still working on setting up but that will also talk on the network, and fire off IR commands, so technically you could probably just get along entirely without using the Remote Two's IR functions. But yeah, users who look at Home Assistant and feel that's too hard should probably think twice, this is not plug and play. Enthusiasts who are willing to put in the time can not just control their home theater, in theory they can control their houses.
I view the Remote Two as a really, REALLY nice front-end for Home Assistant.
Same hear. I've been using HA for 6 years, it's WAY easier to set up now then back then. I would just need to create the activities and map buttons.
It's not without it's headaches but it's essentially Matter without Matter/Thread but more powerful. The fact that it's the second largest open source project in the world, with MS visual studio being number one. The possibilities are endless with this remote but it's a bit pricey and I understand why, took them over 2 years to get the first units shipped so software issues were to be expected. As long as they fix them in a reasonable time.
I read that some people use Ethernet with an Ethernet to COM adapter to control Lumagen devices. Kind of a headache but it works but using COM in 2024 is just odd on such a high end device. I have no idea why they make their IR codes like they did in the early 2000's, things changed, they never did. I think I read that it can learn from the Harmony remote as Lumagen did give Logitech the codes that work and can be learned so try adding it to your harmony and learn from there. Worth a shot. Outside that, the COM port is the only other option I have heard of outside Logitech. I don't understand why Lumagen won't give them out freely, you need a very expensive device to use it and Logitech got it to work.
Right now HA forums are going to be your best friend. Lots of useful smart people there. Like controlling your Lumagen over.the COM port using an adapter via Home Assistant. There is some way to send COM. Commands directly to the Lumagen via HA with an adapter.
Great video. This looks promising. I did not see marantz listed as a connected device, do you know if thats compatible? I also have a masking screen and lumagen. What commands do you use with the lumagen that you would like to command? Is your equipment in the same room?
Thanks! Marantz does not have an integration in Remote Two yet, but I imagine the IR codes are in the database, and there may be a Home Assistant integration as well. What I really want for the Lumagen is On/Off, and the d-pad controls would also be nice for quick status check or DynPad adjustment. Yes, it’s all in the same room.
Finally a good video (for me). My use case is that I have Control4 / Neeo remote (c4 version) which I self installed as I have a close relationship with a dealer but am looking to get away from that crappy ecosystem. Frankly the C4 stuff, while powerful, is a walled garden of garbage meant to build a revenue stream for installers servicing affluent clients. I get that. For me, I'm a DIY person running Homebridge and would be happy to build out a HA system to leverage their as-built drivers and use this as a simple remote interface. My concern is the remote itself as I've heard of lots of bugs with it just for WiFi connectivity, sleeping, etc. that may still need to be resolved and the team is small and slow at fixing bugs. It appears this remote was marketed towards the Logitech / URC crowd but they are unhappy as it's not prime time yet for that sector but they needed the money so here we are.
How is your experience with the remote itself with repect to the aforementioned issues? Does it work great as a remote i.e. can the wife pick it up and it responds and doesn't lock up, etc? Or is it very quirky still in that aspect? I can handle all the drivers / HA stuff / scripts, etc.
I’ve been trying to plan a follow-up video now that I’m using it full-time, but have had some other things taking my time.
I love this remote. It’s essentially a front-end for my HA configuration, and then I’ve accentuated a few of the HA integrations with some additional IR codes learned by the UCR2.
My remote has no issues staying connected to WiFi, it’s only locked up once since I’ve had it, which was in the first few weeks. My partner never even attempts to use it so I can’t speak to that, but I have no doubt she could use it if she tried. The ability to completely customize the buttons and screen layout mean I’m able to make it very simple with only what you need.
If you are confident with Home Assistant I have no doubt you’ll love this remote. The HA integration is in great shape, the other integrations, not so much. For someone who only knows Harmony, it’s a struggle and not really ready for them yet. All my automations are done in HA, and I’m only using the UCR2 configurator for creating activities, and customizing the remote layouts.
The firmware updates are slow, but I’ve not had any need for a new update because it’s been solid for me.
@@av_nirvana Perfect. Now to find a few to purchase and tinker with... I see some people sell them after learning the curve so I'll see. If you know of one let me know i'll buy it.
Nope. Not yet. Thanks though! Looking at the ava cinema remote. Looks super easy, like a Google phone. So expensive but im debating it still
If I was considering spending AVA money I’d spend it on Control4, for the same reason that Harmony is still a simpler and easier solution than the “replacements” - time. They’ve been building their databases and experience for years and as such it’s more polished. The Sofabaton is the new Harmony, the Remote Two + Home Assistant is the new Control4. The AVA seems somewhere in between? It’s slick looking but I don’t think I’m a fan of the click wheel design.
Is there any way to get IR extenders at a different location from the dock? I'm wired for the Harmony hub and rewiring would be difficult.
Not until they begin offering additional docks available for purchase. I believe there was a Kickstarter config with an extra dock, but not available since. The dock works like a Harmony Hub, connects to the system with WiFi or Ethernet and relays IR from the dock. There are jacks for external IR repeaters as well, but you’d need to find a way to get that signal to your other location.
@@av_nirvana the cradle is just the wrong location for all those connections in my finished room. My rack is off in an equipment closet - not even the same room. Maybe I could use an IP IR blaster using Home Assistant, but I think I’ll stick with Harmony as long as I can, rather than create unnecessary problems.
Does it actually have hub with IR repeater to properly replicated a Harmony Elite with Hub/ blasters attached? If not that's a deal breaker for me as I mainly need it for my dedicated HT with separate equipment closet. My Harmony is still working fine but this system does look nice. After my last experience with C4 circa 2015 (in a home I've since sold), I'm never going back to them. They cost me a small fortune for ridiculously clunky home automation that was incredibly hard to program yourself, had heaps of issues (especially in the lighting control system) and wasn't a pleasant UI to use either.
The IR hub is built into the charging dock, and it does have two jacks for IR extenders. Not ideal if you have your rack in another room. They have said that once preorders are filled they will likely sell extra hubs. Or if you’re able to use Home assistant to control you don’t need IR, which is my end game.
Good to know, thanks. But yeah totally sub optimal for dedicated HT with equipment room/closet like mine. One of the guys on the LRP owners thread me posted your vid today so I thought I'd check it out.
(That was me. 😎)
@@av_nirvana Ahh I see. Didn't realise. I'm Ozhdht on AVS.
I’m thrillcat
Is this remote control freely programmable? For example, for a pair of active KEF speakers? Unfortunately, their remote control is made of simple plastic with very limited quality features...not exactly adequate for the product...your product would be a great fit if it could be programmed for source selection, forward/backward, next song, last song, volume control, on/off. Some manufacturers in the hi-fi sector don't really care about a remote control. There is a lot of potential here.
It can learn IR codes, though not all older code sets. Had no problem learning Kaleidescape and Anthem but Lumagen codes could not be learned. All physical buttons can be reassigned and the touchscreen is completely customizable including uploading custom icons.
Sounds even more complicated than the Sofabaton X1S so it's going to be a hard sell for us people who were used to the Harmony experience.
Definitely harder to configure than a Harmony but it’s also exponentially more powerful and the hardware is much better built - not cheap plastic.
I too got on the waiting list shortly after the Kickstarter closed, but I ended up passing on buying it... not because I didn't think it's a good product, but my trusty old Pronto (downstairs home cinema) and Harmony Hub (living room) both still work great and the Remote Two isn't cheap... (not a criticism; materials and build quality seem to be better than the Pronto, which wasn't cheap either)
Still top of my list as a replacment for the Pronto (TSU9400 + RFX9600 extender).
Probably should’ve still bought it when you came up, they are VERY hard to get right now. 😃
@@av_nirvana yes, the thought did occur to me, though the opportunity to buy also came at the worst possible time thanks to some other large outlays at the time. Anyway, I've just installed the Pronto configuration tool again as it needs some updates, and I'm reminded just how long I've had it and how much I've forgotten about how to configure it... I've got some serious relearning ahead.
Sounds like it’s on par with the Sofabaton X1 😅😂😅😂 money for old rope as they say.
The hardware blows the Sofabaton out of the water. Completely different class. Software has received several updates since posting this video and it’s now completely replaced my Harmony (with the help of Home Assistant). If I had to choose between Sofabaton and Harmony I’d be buying backup Harmony remotes. As it stands, even with the lack of documentation for the Remote Two, it’s the far superior remote to either Harmony or Sofabaton, it just has a steep learning curve. Paired with Home Assistant it’s a $500 Control4.
@@av_nirvana May be superior to Sofabaton X1S, but it is not available. The Sofabaton is available now.
I've been trying to get one of those remotes can you help me I went to the website and signed up is there something else or is it a waiting game. Can you help me get the remote 2.
It’s a waiting game now. There is supposed to be an announcement soon regarding more hardware availability but nothing yet. I got on the list the day the kickstarter closed and got mine in December.
Something that hasn’t been discussed in these comments is the apparent reliance of the Circle Remote Two to be able to make direct IP connections with other devices that it is controlling. While this is “quick and easy” from a convenience perspective this is terrible from a network security perspective. Best practice is for IoT devices to be on a separate WiFi network than the non IoT devices in the home and not even be able to see each other. When they need to perform an action it is to a cloud server which can then relay things to other cloud devices. This might sound painful but it’s needed to protect increasingly large home networks from getting penetrated by infiltration of very low security IoT devices like this one.
Where can I get one?
There’s a waiting list at the unfolded circle website, but also no definitive timeline for when more will be available.
You can't unless there's a used one for sale on the forum.
STAY AWAY FOR NOW. ITS NOWHERR NEAR CONSUMER READY.
Hey man love the video, just wanted to offer that I'd personally sit down with you via Zoom to get you a better quality upload on your videos if you want it.
I’m good thanks. This isn’t upload quality it’s recorded on my webcam for simplicity.
LOL your good..... isn't film creator your side job@@av_nirvana
Ha! I’ve got a bunch of side jobs, but yes, one of them is filmmaker and video producer.
Doesn’t seem to be worth getting at this point!
If you’re not willing to use Home Assistant and spend a little bit of time to merge them, probably not.
Hardware is shit too. Weakest IR blaster known to mankind.
Software isn't even Beta yet.
ONLY BUY THIS IF YOU HAVE ADVANCED CODING AND PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE.
I felt the same way until a few weeks ago. The IR blaster is narrow but working towards complete IP/integration control makes it a non-issue. Software is better than people think, but the lack of documentation means you need to understand how the R2 and HA communicate, and create your setups accordingly.
It’s not for the casual user at this point, but I know zero code, I know enough about the process and logistics of how code operates to get this working for my theater.
@@av_nirvana exactly why it doesn't even qualify as Beta yet.