hah, finally a reviewer that points out the glaring design flaw of having the back button for the screen in the very top right corner of the remote. It doesn't matter what hand you use, it's still an unnecessary reach. The screen also looks like it's just plastic and not glass so I'd imagine it will get scratched up pretty easy. But I'm still looking forward to trying this one out.
Appreciate that - the screen feels like it could be glass.. I will have to ask them - it looks very robust and doesn't look like it will scratch easily. I'll have to test it out ;)
@@BuildMontage yeah definitely let us know, I didn't see anything mentioned on their KS but honestly, an old Harmony I had was plastic so it's not like it would be unusual.
This video has a walkthrough of the process of adding devices etc so it should give a pretty decent idea of how it works. More features coming as well.
Looks to me like a Chinese clone from the Logitech that or a Clone done by a former Logitech Engineer thus explains why so many limitations (may be due to software copyright). I’ll keep searching/waiting my Logitech is still going strong.
On their Kickstarter page and their Facebook group they have stated that an open local api will be available when they ship the remote so it can be integrated into home assistant and such. It wasn't mentioned in the video but I wanted to point it out. Great video I appreciated the setup walk-through
Thanks for that - I wasn't a part of that group until yesterday - and they had told me it would be opened up but were not specific about which APIs they would be supporting so thank you for the update!
Thanks for the video! Just putting the finishing touch on my new home theater and the universal remote was the last thing I needed to buy. Went to the kickstarter page and did the 2 pack special! 2 for the price of one. Great deal.
Thanks for the overview. Can you customize the remote’s screen via the app? Specifically sorting, adding & removing device commands and activities. An AVR for example will easily have 50+ commands.
The commands will show up via the context of the menu as you scroll in and out of the sections and subsections. You can also create shortcuts and assign them to the coloured shortcuts as well.
Yes I did have that in the footage but I was making mistakes and it kind of looked janky in the video so I cut it out - you can absolutely choose inputs on the Denon.
Excellent video! My Logitech Harmony One is on it's last legs (20% of the physical buttons no longer work) and I've been keeping a close watch on this as a hopefully viable replacement... so far looking like a done deal!
A deal breaker fir me would be activities. My Logitech can switch from one activity to another, turning on or off the devices the activity requires. Does the Sofabatin do this? I bought the original sofabaton, and while you could get activities to work, you had to power everything down jn order to start a new activity. It became too much hassle so I stopped using it.
This is a great point. I didn't even think to test that yet but I will when I get my hands onto a production model. The purpose of this video was more of an overview and to see how the setup and process works. I will make more videos of it in action soon.
Yes, that looks interesting. Most features look very, very similar to Harmony, (including those icons), so I’m sure many of us Harmony users would find it easy to migrate. ☺️👍🏻
@@BuildMontage The way the program is almost identical. Logitech does have some really nice built in features like delay setting and gestures which I found very useful.
@@scotttild it does for sure. I was just disappointed with the lack of adding smart home devices to sequences. That is what killed it for me. Sequences elevated the Harmony to new potential but not allowing smart devices was a missed opportunity and also literally no reason not to. As well as local database support to make it faster to modify.
@@BuildMontage I'm not into home automation, but I like the Logitech's ability to customize and and every key (except home control :-( ) within Activities (Short & Long Press); dealing with multiple streamers and multiple apps (Plex, Kodi, etc) it's nice to be able to get almost every key you need on a daily basis onto the Companion (the Elite a little less). But I've ordered an X1 to try in my Living Room set up with fewer devices and where my wife is in charge!
Great preview sir! I've ordered a pair of X1 remotes to replace my Games room Harmony One and my Cinema room's URC MX-810 / MRF-300 combo and I'm really looking forward to getting them! Hopefully, they'll add some more advanced features down the track and add an option for a charging dock.
If your remote as an IR, you can either program it yourself, or, you can find a match in the code base library. I will say even in Beta, the app was quite easy to use to add devices to it.
Yes it does, I ended up chopping it out of the video as I was messing around with the settings and it didn't flow well with the video - but yes you can change inputs.
Very nice someone is stepping up . I own the Logitech 650x2 and just purchased a used Touch because I think I'm really going to like the touchscreen. Unless they all fail I don't see myself being in the market for a new remote anytime soon but it's nice to know there are options.
Thanks for the review. Was looking at supporting on Kickstarter but this has convinced me it’s not quite there yet. Will wait for the X2 which hopefully will be more like the Ultimate and hope my Harmony remotes don’t crap out in the meantime.
No screen. I know that would increase the cost but it is also the best feature of the Harmony Ultimate. This is like settling for the harmony companion remote because you expect to use your phone most of the time. If forced down this route then I guess I would repurpose an old smartphone and use it as a remote. I wish them every success and hope they can develop a whole ecosystem of products.
Wonder if you can customize a setting with step by step button pushes. Depending what I watch on my projector, I will pick a different customized picture setting that is different for sports and movies. I set my Harmony up to change the settings with a push of a button but I had to program each step such as select the menu button and then down button 3 times to the video icon, then to the customized settings and then down twice to select setting 2. I did this for a bunch of things so complicated steps are combined to all happen at a press of a button.
When you select an activity on the harmony remote, the remote screen change to show on screen buttons that I created and put in the order I want, that can do anything on any device that I want. Does the X1 allow for that same level of customization?
So if there are no number buttons, how do you direct tune to a channel? If I'm on ch 501 and want to go to 560 I don't want to tap the up button 59 times!
There is a scroll wheel that allows you to change the number buttons with scroll and press. I should have shown it in the video - oversight on my part!
I'm really hoping they can open up the ecosystem and allow that level of customisation. I really want them to add sequences so we can add native pause/play with dim and brighten of lights.
Thanks for the vid. But I'll pass as I'm too used to my Ultimate touch screen which is invaluable for the main reason I have that remote - its direct channel selection for Foxtel. Having only an up/down button on the Sofabaton will be a retrograde step for me.
@@BuildMontage Unfortunately no arrow or toggle switch can replace something that does it simpler, and with fewer moves, than a touch screen with individual channel selection and mini logo of the channel. I understand the idea that not having a touch screen prolongs battery life. But for sheer operating ease direct channel selection is the only way. I'm surprised that Sofabaton has not offered a touch screen option (with a charging cradle) which would solve the battery issue anyway. I'd probably jump on that model. Cheers.
I've wanted to see details on this one. Interesting! No touch screen is....good/bad? I'm so used to having a touch screen on my Logitech Harmony. I like the idea of the scroll wheel, but wonder how practical it is vs. a touch screen. What is the button to the left of home do? Looks like a back button. Is it an enter button? I hope that the font on the remote can be adjusted. It looks...weird? Personal preference of course. But we will see :) The app looks decent for a beta. Looks promising. A cradle option is a MUST for me. Hopefully it will be an option or someone will make a 3rd party option for it. Overall, looks great! Still some time before release. I really hope this works out as a viable option to replace my Harmony remotes as they begin to fail due to obsolescence
I actually prefer it not being touchscreen - I am not a huge fan of that - the scroll wheel works perfectly, saves on battery life as well. The "back" button on the pad underneith is to go back within the device - not back on the remote. A distinction with a difference :) Even pre-production, the unit feels solid and polished, buttons click nicely etc.. my verdict is thumbs up!
Yes you can - I cut that footage out as I was making silly mistakes and it didn't flow well - it is an important point and I should have included that in the video but it was an oversight now not to.
Are there any good universal remotes RIGHT now that can replace my Harmony Elite? I just changed my router to full 5Ghz and now the Hub will not work. Since the hub does not work, neither does the remote or phone app. HELP please!!! Will this remote work with a 5GHz router..no more 2.4 in the house? What is the difference between the X1 and U1?
How is the IR dispersion pattern? My only issue with my U1 remote is it only works in a narrow band For pointing. It works in my normal lounging position but not my wife’s. Can you test how offset the pointing angle can be?
The video showed that you could chose that the receiver controlled the volume and mute buttons, and then chose that the Apple TV controlled everything else. But what if you also wanted the Red button to control something on the TV, and the Blue button to control something on the Receiver. Does the Sofabaton software allow you to do that, like I can with the Harmony?
Great video mate, I just sold my Logitech Harmony Elite - I found it quite hard to programme activities - it often doesn't do everything 100% properly. Will get the Sofabaton X1 in replacement - setup seems much easier than Logitech. Nice!
IF you could not program the Logitech you will not be able to program this one. They are almost identical in programing it looks like. The Logitech was very easy to program you just needed to set it up right and know the features. This will be no different.
@@scotttild I did manage to in the end, but just some things didn't work as planned, so a lot of jiggery pokery to be done, e.g. 3 sec delay buttons, etc. etc...
Thanks for the great review Tony, question for you, how does it know what input to set the projector/receiver to as it does not ask that information during the activity setup?
It actually does I think I may have cut that part out as I was fumbling about with the options and testing it. But yes there is input select. It would be pretty useless as a remote if you can’t do that :)
@@BuildMontage and which button should I press? I mean if the original receiver had a button called "cinema". If the sofabaton doesnt have it, how can I use that function? Thanks a lot
Special price as well $99 bucks if you get it before the campaign ends. I'm actually considering getting a couple of them so I can rig all my spaces with one! Kickstarter link in the description.
Yes it can, if you choose the inputs for each activity. I had to cut that out of my overhead shot as I made a few mistakes which I didn't realise during filming. But yes - you can choose the inputs.
Hard to beat Roomie Remote. It’s been the best option since I started using it in 2014. I just wish it’d integrate to a physical room somehow. But you learn to adapt.
I personally want good hardware and an open platform to add whatever ecosystem I want to, and allow custom coding. The Sofabaton hardware looks good, so fingers crossed it gets opened up to developers.
@@BuildMontage I see it as a LONG ways off from what's already available through Roomie. You just have to get used to using your phone (or an iPad). But that's easy enough when everything else just works. And, I can be in any room in the house, and control whatever I want. Also, all your devices would likely already work. So you're not waiting and hoping for them to one day. I just don't see someone like Sofabaton going as deep into the iOS integration process.
Kickstarter for 1 remote has ended, you need to order at least 2. I wanted to buy the Logitech, but then they stopped making them and I don’t think the support will last long, so I went for the Sofabaton.
I don't know specifically about Govee - I have asked - but as the Sofabaton X1 will have Alexa support, that is how I use my current Govee setup with my Harmony. So I think there will still be a way to control them in the least through Alexa.
This is interesting but I don't really see the need if you own an Nvidia Shield, I control everything with my shield remote, and for powering on or off I use a simple Google routine
I think it is for one room: The hub seems to have an inbuilt IR-Transmitter, and two extra cable which can connected as IR external transmitter, but if you have a big flat with several rooms it would be better if they made a system to expand with extra hubs as optional attachments. That wheel-key need a back and return key nearly and left and right to go in deeper Menu options. Maybe next generation?
I am going to test out as I believe I can aim it at a device and press "off" and it will turn it off. A more thorough test is required, but that would be for another video - this was more of a setup/install/features video - I didn't want to make it too long.
Scrollwheel on the screen - quickly thumb down to the channel you want. I probably should have shown that in the video - I will in any follow up videos I make.
Will the hub offer a local API (REST/MQTT etc.) like the Harmony Hub does ? If so, it will easily integrate with pretty much anything. If not .... no thanks :)
Would you know if if they have a fix or another way to program activities with a Denon that Uses ARC to a Samsung tv for audio? Doesn’t seem to want to give video when switching back to cable from using the smart hub on Samsung tv. Audio changes but not the video. I’ve got an unhappy customer until I figure this out. Thought? Thank you
@@BuildMontage that would be appreciated! If there is a fix for this it would be a killer remote. Another thing is the Button mashing you need to do sometimes. A lot of the time it is communicating as you can see the light on the hub blinking when pressed but no action. Any advice for this would be much appreciated as well! Thank you
@@danielshanahan8959 I havent opened the box up yet sorry - ive been busy with other projects... It doesnt bode well if they aren't responding though...
considering you're in Australia as am i, that power point plug is American. What did you use in Australia? Really keen to get this remote as my harmony ultimate is now dead.
Let’s check with a device that doesn’t provide a power off and on separate or code. And with a sound bar (like Samsung) with only one button to select the I put and you need to circle through to go to your input. Harmony remember the input your are using and send the right amount of it command to go to the right input. Same thing with a wake up command to send before the device can take a command … a lot of stuff that works with harmony ( and you can set it and modify it). Not sure it works with sofabaton x1. And no cable needed with harmony elite too :) you can setup it from a tablet or phone directly.
I showed what I could with the pre-production model. Unfortunately the app still isn't fully finished but I know that they are opening up so it can be used with other ecosystems and I believe also aiming at a device and pressing "OFF" in the top left corner will send an off command. I haven't tested everything yet - for the sake of the video length, I tried to show the process as I know people were wanting to see that. I have a lot of experience with Harmony Hub, I have worked with another creator in concept and delivery using virtual roku to emulate smart devices to be used in sequences - so Harmony is very powerful but slow, clunky and buggy. Yes, the Elite doesn't "need" a cable, but I have found it doesn't work anywhere near as well unlelss you have the elite attached to a PC and modifying things through the app. The Harmony is of course a more polished product than the X1, however, I look at the hardware and it's great, so if they open up the ecosystem there is a LOT of potential for it to go places.
LOL they support DirecTV, but no number pad, so they expect you to scroll through hundreds of channels to get the desired one. Same is true with OTA channels. Even if the phone app has number pad, many seniors don't have smart phones and then what would be the point of the remote anyway? This is a huge miss IMO. Does it support channel short cuts? Why have a rubber scroll wheel/ball when the an apple like scroll wheel/circle is designed to do it all? How does the hub get updated...through hubs WiFI? If the remote breaks can a new remote be paired with existing hub so nothing has to be reprogrammed?
One correction to your comments. Logitech Harmony is still supported its just not being made anymore. If Logitech keeps that support going for a long time is another story. If they are not making any money off the remotes its only a matter of time. This does look like a good alternative.
@@scotttild it's based on my personal interactions with them. Harmony is a good product for what it is, but the lack of support during it's manufacture was a big problem. I would often raise tickets with them to fix bugs and it would take weeks before they answered with canned responses. Also, I was kinda being a little tongue in cheek - I was trying to crack a little joke there.. ;)
Glad to see another option besides Harmony, since they are abandoning us 😀. One day, I might just cave and get a universal remote haha, maybe this will be the one.
Sad to say this doesn't look anywhere near the Harmony. How is it that no one has bought that division from Logitech? Samsung and Sound United are you guys listening? You two companies buy everybody.
It's not like the Harmony. Harmony has a lot of options that this one doesnt have - sequences being the main one - but the hardware looks good and hopefully they can get all of these smarts added to the functionality easily enough (and move the back button!)
It's an overview video of a pre-production model, not intended to be an instructional. I am not recommending this product any more either as Sofabaton failed to deliver on what it said it was going to.
Recd mine. Not impressed. Set required use of the apps of BOTH my Samsung s22 & my ipad pro! The only thing the X1 remote can do is power on and off of my devices. The hub wont learn any button from my remotes. I wrote to sofabaton to see if a new firmware coming out soon. Their response - due to the newest covid breakout in china, their factories shutdown as all employees sent home. The x1 is now back in its box. So - dont buy.
hah, finally a reviewer that points out the glaring design flaw of having the back button for the screen in the very top right corner of the remote. It doesn't matter what hand you use, it's still an unnecessary reach. The screen also looks like it's just plastic and not glass so I'd imagine it will get scratched up pretty easy. But I'm still looking forward to trying this one out.
Appreciate that - the screen feels like it could be glass.. I will have to ask them - it looks very robust and doesn't look like it will scratch easily. I'll have to test it out ;)
@@BuildMontage yeah definitely let us know, I didn't see anything mentioned on their KS but honestly, an old Harmony I had was plastic so it's not like it would be unusual.
Okay yeah I need something like this. Once the logitech remote was announced to be finishing I have been looking for alternatives...
This video has a walkthrough of the process of adding devices etc so it should give a pretty decent idea of how it works. More features coming as well.
@@BuildMontage will watch now!
@@scotttild I believe so. Are you in NZ?
Looks to me like a Chinese clone from the Logitech that or a Clone done by a former Logitech Engineer thus explains why so many limitations (may be due to software copyright).
I’ll keep searching/waiting my Logitech is still going strong.
That beard deserves its own channel. For real.
HAHA, thank lockdown for that - no beard trim in over 3 months.
“BEARD MONTAGE”
Great overview Tony. Thanks for providing life after Harmony..
Thanks for watching! I'll do another one when the production units are sent out.
On their Kickstarter page and their Facebook group they have stated that an open local api will be available when they ship the remote so it can be integrated into home assistant and such. It wasn't mentioned in the video but I wanted to point it out. Great video I appreciated the setup walk-through
Thanks for that - I wasn't a part of that group until yesterday - and they had told me it would be opened up but were not specific about which APIs they would be supporting so thank you for the update!
Wow, so happy there is a replacement for harmony when it breaks or I want to update. Thanks Tony. Look like the real deal 👍
I like that the setup is wireless. The biggest problem I have with Harmony remotes is errors with the USB cable.
I hope the back button gets moved for the production model. That's a design oversight that never should have happened.
Thanks for the video! Just putting the finishing touch on my new home theater and the universal remote was the last thing I needed to buy. Went to the kickstarter page and did the 2 pack special! 2 for the price of one. Great deal.
Thanks for the overview. Can you customize the remote’s screen via the app? Specifically sorting, adding & removing device commands and activities. An AVR for example will easily have 50+ commands.
The commands will show up via the context of the menu as you scroll in and out of the sections and subsections. You can also create shortcuts and assign them to the coloured shortcuts as well.
I didn’t notice you picking inputs on projector or Denon … does it choose inputs on activities like the harmony
Yes I did have that in the footage but I was making mistakes and it kind of looked janky in the video so I cut it out - you can absolutely choose inputs on the Denon.
Thanks Tony, this device can replace the harmony. Love to see the Philips Hue settings is part of the Sofabaton X1 system.
Thanks for watching Oskar! Hope you are well :)
Thanks for the review, does if have voice controll?
Excellent video! My Logitech Harmony One is on it's last legs (20% of the physical buttons no longer work) and I've been keeping a close watch on this as a hopefully viable replacement... so far looking like a done deal!
Hopefully available to buy in March!
A deal breaker fir me would be activities. My Logitech can switch from one activity to another, turning on or off the devices the activity requires. Does the Sofabatin do this? I bought the original sofabaton, and while you could get activities to work, you had to power everything down jn order to start a new activity. It became too much hassle so I stopped using it.
This is a great point. I didn't even think to test that yet but I will when I get my hands onto a production model. The purpose of this video was more of an overview and to see how the setup and process works. I will make more videos of it in action soon.
Thanks for the review Tony. One question I didn't see covered in your review. Without a number keypad, how do you input numbers on this device?
So yes, I'm realising this is a question being asked a lot - you can use the scroll wheel to change to the different number options.
@@BuildMontage Thanks for the reply. This information greatly improves my level of interest in this device.
Yes, that looks interesting. Most features look very, very similar to Harmony, (including those icons), so I’m sure many of us Harmony users would find it easy to migrate. ☺️👍🏻
Agree mate. I’m looking forward to the production unit so I can make the switch!
@@BuildMontage The way the program is almost identical. Logitech does have some really nice built in features like delay setting and gestures which I found very useful.
@@scotttild it does for sure. I was just disappointed with the lack of adding smart home devices to sequences. That is what killed it for me. Sequences elevated the Harmony to new potential but not allowing smart devices was a missed opportunity and also literally no reason not to. As well as local database support to make it faster to modify.
@@BuildMontage I'm not into home automation, but I like the Logitech's ability to customize and and every key (except home control :-( ) within Activities (Short & Long Press); dealing with multiple streamers and multiple apps (Plex, Kodi, etc) it's nice to be able to get almost every key you need on a daily basis onto the Companion (the Elite a little less). But I've ordered an X1 to try in my Living Room set up with fewer devices and where my wife is in charge!
Will this work if I have two smart TVs near each other? Thinking about buying this to fix problem of both tv volumes going up
Great preview sir! I've ordered a pair of X1 remotes to replace my Games room Harmony One and my Cinema room's URC MX-810 / MRF-300 combo and I'm really looking forward to getting them! Hopefully, they'll add some more advanced features down the track and add an option for a charging dock.
Nice! Hopefully it works out well for your setup.
Looks great. Want a good universal remote to get for me as Logitech has crap support with my Amazon Fire TV.
If your remote as an IR, you can either program it yourself, or, you can find a match in the code base library. I will say even in Beta, the app was quite easy to use to add devices to it.
Does it also set up inputs for each device you are using?
Yes it does, I ended up chopping it out of the video as I was messing around with the settings and it didn't flow well with the video - but yes you can change inputs.
Very nice someone is stepping up . I own the Logitech 650x2 and just purchased a used Touch because I think I'm really going to like the touchscreen. Unless they all fail I don't see myself being in the market for a new remote anytime soon but it's nice to know there are options.
Its still not in production yet - hopefully soon!
@@BuildMontage 👍
Does it have a microphone? Can you control Alexa with it?
Thanks for the review. Was looking at supporting on Kickstarter but this has convinced me it’s not quite there yet. Will wait for the X2 which hopefully will be more like the Ultimate and hope my Harmony remotes don’t crap out in the meantime.
I’m interested to know what specifically you feel isn’t there yet? My unit is pre production bear that in mind.
No screen. I know that would increase the cost but it is also the best feature of the Harmony Ultimate. This is like settling for the harmony companion remote because you expect to use your phone most of the time.
If forced down this route then I guess I would repurpose an old smartphone and use it as a remote.
I wish them every success and hope they can develop a whole ecosystem of products.
Definitely looking forward to that! Hoping there's a Lifx Integration soon!
From what I've been told, yes, LIFX and other smart home devices will be continually added to the ecosystem.
@@BuildMontage That's great to hear :D
Wonder if you can customize a setting with step by step button pushes. Depending what I watch on my projector, I will pick a different customized picture setting that is different for sports and movies. I set my Harmony up to change the settings with a push of a button but I had to program each step such as select the menu button and then down button 3 times to the video icon, then to the customized settings and then down twice to select setting 2.
I did this for a bunch of things so complicated steps are combined to all happen at a press of a button.
That sounds like a sequence. I’m not sure if/when they will implement sequences. I might add this to my list of questions for them.
@@BuildMontage That would be great, at least it could put it on their radar
When you select an activity on the harmony remote, the remote screen change to show on screen buttons that I created and put in the order I want, that can do anything on any device that I want.
Does the X1 allow for that same level of customization?
So if there are no number buttons, how do you direct tune to a channel? If I'm on ch 501 and want to go to 560 I don't want to tap the up button 59 times!
There is a scroll wheel that allows you to change the number buttons with scroll and press. I should have shown it in the video - oversight on my part!
Can you use the remote to control more than one TV in separate rooms or would you need a second hub?
if it had mqtt / home assistant support it would be really good
I'm really hoping they can open up the ecosystem and allow that level of customisation. I really want them to add sequences so we can add native pause/play with dim and brighten of lights.
Evening, On the site but I do I purchase one?
here is the link: www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2ZZ4T7P
40%OFF code: BWTKZFM2
Thanks for the vid. But I'll pass as I'm too used to my Ultimate touch screen which is invaluable for the main reason I have that remote - its direct channel selection for Foxtel. Having only an up/down button on the Sofabaton will be a retrograde step for me.
There is an arrow keypad as well, I am trying to find out if we can re-purpose buttons like you could with the Harmony Elite.
@@BuildMontage Unfortunately no arrow or toggle switch can replace something that does it simpler, and with fewer moves, than a touch screen with individual channel selection and mini logo of the channel. I understand the idea that not having a touch screen prolongs battery life. But for sheer operating ease direct channel selection is the only way. I'm surprised that Sofabaton has not offered a touch screen option (with a charging cradle) which would solve the battery issue anyway. I'd probably jump on that model. Cheers.
I have got the remote now and I'm wondering if you found out if lifx strip lights are able to be added?
Thanks
I have a new one just coming in - I'll have to test it out.
I've wanted to see details on this one. Interesting! No touch screen is....good/bad? I'm so used to having a touch screen on my Logitech Harmony. I like the idea of the scroll wheel, but wonder how practical it is vs. a touch screen.
What is the button to the left of home do? Looks like a back button. Is it an enter button?
I hope that the font on the remote can be adjusted. It looks...weird? Personal preference of course. But we will see :)
The app looks decent for a beta. Looks promising.
A cradle option is a MUST for me. Hopefully it will be an option or someone will make a 3rd party option for it.
Overall, looks great! Still some time before release. I really hope this works out as a viable option to replace my Harmony remotes as they begin to fail due to obsolescence
I actually prefer it not being touchscreen - I am not a huge fan of that - the scroll wheel works perfectly, saves on battery life as well. The "back" button on the pad underneith is to go back within the device - not back on the remote. A distinction with a difference :) Even pre-production, the unit feels solid and polished, buttons click nicely etc.. my verdict is thumbs up!
@@BuildMontage That sounds great! If they can support the product, they might have a winner
'As soon as you press the button up there, it detects the change and it's synching' But Tony, what is it syncing about?
So when I added a device on the app (on the phone) the app talks to the hub, then the hub pushes the update to the remote. So it happens seamlessly.
You didn't catch the joke. Have you seen the German coast guard UA-cam clip? 'I'm sinking, I'm sinking'. 'umm what are you sinking about?'
Hahah 😂 no I haven’t seen it…
@@BuildMontage check it out. German coast guard trainee commercial
@@connorj6580 hahahaha
Can you setup the input for your display and your avr in the configuration menu for an activity ? It seems only ask for the display in the video
Yes you can - I cut that footage out as I was making silly mistakes and it didn't flow well - it is an important point and I should have included that in the video but it was an oversight now not to.
Are there any good universal remotes RIGHT now that can replace my Harmony Elite? I just changed my router to full 5Ghz and now the Hub will not work. Since the hub does not work, neither does the remote or phone app. HELP please!!! Will this remote work with a 5GHz router..no more 2.4 in the house? What is the difference between the X1 and U1?
Can you control a windows pc with this?
How is the IR dispersion pattern? My only issue with my U1 remote is it only works in a narrow band For pointing. It works in my normal lounging position but not my wife’s. Can you test how offset the pointing angle can be?
Not too bad actually. But I will reserve my judgement for when the production unit arrives.
The video showed that you could chose that the receiver controlled the volume and mute buttons, and then chose that the Apple TV controlled everything else.
But what if you also wanted the Red button to control something on the TV, and the Blue button to control something on the Receiver.
Does the Sofabaton software allow you to do that, like I can with the Harmony?
You can program multiple devices so yes, you can choose what you want that button to do based on the device or activity.
Great video mate, I just sold my Logitech Harmony Elite - I found it quite hard to programme activities - it often doesn't do everything 100% properly. Will get the Sofabaton X1 in replacement - setup seems much easier than Logitech. Nice!
Glad it helped! Links to the kickstarter in the pinned comment.
@@BuildMontage Thanks but have already supported the project awhile back :(
IF you could not program the Logitech you will not be able to program this one. They are almost identical in programing it looks like. The Logitech was very easy to program you just needed to set it up right and know the features. This will be no different.
@@scotttild I did manage to in the end, but just some things didn't work as planned, so a lot of jiggery pokery to be done, e.g. 3 sec delay buttons, etc. etc...
Thanks for the great review Tony, question for you, how does it know what input to set the projector/receiver to as it does not ask that information during the activity setup?
It actually does I think I may have cut that part out as I was fumbling about with the options and testing it. But yes there is input select. It would be pretty useless as a remote if you can’t do that :)
10:47
Is it possible to access the receiver's setup menus? Like audio setup, movie dsp, surround setup etc?
Yes if the reciever is in the code library you can access every part of it.
@@BuildMontage and which button should I press? I mean if the original receiver had a button called "cinema". If the sofabaton doesnt have it, how can I use that function? Thanks a lot
Sounds like this is next on my list Tony, still playing the 18 remote swap game currently
Special price as well $99 bucks if you get it before the campaign ends. I'm actually considering getting a couple of them so I can rig all my spaces with one! Kickstarter link in the description.
Backed on kick starter. Cheers Tony
@@connorj6580 awesome!
Ok so does it automatically change between the inputs on your AVR?
Yes it can, if you choose the inputs for each activity. I had to cut that out of my overhead shot as I made a few mistakes which I didn't realise during filming. But yes - you can choose the inputs.
Hard to beat Roomie Remote. It’s been the best option since I started using it in 2014. I just wish it’d integrate to a physical room somehow. But you learn to adapt.
I personally want good hardware and an open platform to add whatever ecosystem I want to, and allow custom coding. The Sofabaton hardware looks good, so fingers crossed it gets opened up to developers.
@@BuildMontage I see it as a LONG ways off from what's already available through Roomie. You just have to get used to using your phone (or an iPad). But that's easy enough when everything else just works. And, I can be in any room in the house, and control whatever I want. Also, all your devices would likely already work. So you're not waiting and hoping for them to one day. I just don't see someone like Sofabaton going as deep into the iOS integration process.
Do you know if this would work for Klipsch Cinema 1200 ???
I dare say it would as it's programmable :D Unless it's bluetooth then maybe not but if it can do WIFI or Infrared it should work.
any updates on this remote? is it still being used? im still using harmony elite remote but will want to upgrade eventually
Ive pretty much given up on it myself.
@@BuildMontage Came here to find out this. Can you do an update video on what was wrong with it?
I like the Sofabaton but where do you plug in ir blaster?
Into the hub at the back
@@BuildMontage ok Thank you
Kickstarter for 1 remote has ended, you need to order at least 2. I wanted to buy the Logitech, but then they stopped making them and I don’t think the support will last long, so I went for the Sofabaton.
Looks like you can order 1 now, I think they change the amounts based on demand
@@donrosco Thx for the heads up, I changed my pledge to 1 remote 👍
Hey Tony, Any talk about support for Govee products with the remote?
I don't know specifically about Govee - I have asked - but as the Sofabaton X1 will have Alexa support, that is how I use my current Govee setup with my Harmony. So I think there will still be a way to control them in the least through Alexa.
This is interesting but I don't really see the need if you own an Nvidia Shield, I control everything with my shield remote, and for powering on or off I use a simple Google routine
This is a great option for those who need to control multiple devices like receiver and UHD players and apple TV etc.
Does this do Fetch TV ??
Do you know if the remote has IR built in, so I don't need to put a sensor on the device itself?
I think it is for one room: The hub seems to have an inbuilt IR-Transmitter, and two extra cable which can connected as IR external transmitter, but if you have a big flat with several rooms it would be better if they made a system to expand with extra hubs as optional attachments.
That wheel-key need a back and return key nearly and left and right to go in deeper Menu options. Maybe next generation?
I am going to test out as I believe I can aim it at a device and press "off" and it will turn it off. A more thorough test is required, but that would be for another video - this was more of a setup/install/features video - I didn't want to make it too long.
How do you change the channel without a number pad?
Scrollwheel on the screen - quickly thumb down to the channel you want. I probably should have shown that in the video - I will in any follow up videos I make.
Will the hub offer a local API (REST/MQTT etc.) like the Harmony Hub does ? If so, it will easily integrate with pretty much anything. If not .... no thanks :)
I believe it will - I have seen posts about it on the FB group - but time will tell. I hope it does as it will allow for a lot of customisation.
If I watch movies using plex on a windows 10 pc, would I be able to pause and play a movie?
I don't rightly know but likely not from what I know about this remote.
Would you know if if they have a fix or another way to program activities with a Denon that Uses ARC to a Samsung tv for audio? Doesn’t seem to want to give video when switching back to cable from using the smart hub on Samsung tv. Audio changes but not the video. I’ve got an unhappy customer until I figure this out. Thought? Thank you
I just got another one sent to me so I will definitely check it out and make an updated video and see if this can be worked out.
@@BuildMontage that would be appreciated! If there is a fix for this it would be a killer remote. Another thing is the Button mashing you need to do sometimes. A lot of the time it is communicating as you can see the light on the hub blinking when pressed but no action. Any advice for this would be much appreciated as well! Thank you
Hi there. Any ideas with this? I would have asked customer service but they still have not gotten back to me.
@@danielshanahan8959 I havent opened the box up yet sorry - ive been busy with other projects... It doesnt bode well if they aren't responding though...
considering you're in Australia as am i, that power point plug is American. What did you use in Australia?
Really keen to get this remote as my harmony ultimate is now dead.
It’s usb, so I just plugged it into a usb charger and it worked fine.
@@BuildMontage good to know, are you still using the remote now or have you found another alternative?
How does it work without number buttons?
The scroll wheel and screen you can quickly scroll up and down.
Let’s check with a device that doesn’t provide a power off and on separate or code. And with a sound bar (like Samsung) with only one button to select the I put and you need to circle through to go to your input. Harmony remember the input your are using and send the right amount of it command to go to the right input. Same thing with a wake up command to send before the device can take a command … a lot of stuff that works with harmony ( and you can set it and modify it). Not sure it works with sofabaton x1. And no cable needed with harmony elite too :) you can setup it from a tablet or phone directly.
I showed what I could with the pre-production model. Unfortunately the app still isn't fully finished but I know that they are opening up so it can be used with other ecosystems and I believe also aiming at a device and pressing "OFF" in the top left corner will send an off command. I haven't tested everything yet - for the sake of the video length, I tried to show the process as I know people were wanting to see that. I have a lot of experience with Harmony Hub, I have worked with another creator in concept and delivery using virtual roku to emulate smart devices to be used in sequences - so Harmony is very powerful but slow, clunky and buggy. Yes, the Elite doesn't "need" a cable, but I have found it doesn't work anywhere near as well unlelss you have the elite attached to a PC and modifying things through the app. The Harmony is of course a more polished product than the X1, however, I look at the hardware and it's great, so if they open up the ecosystem there is a LOT of potential for it to go places.
LOL they support DirecTV, but no number pad, so they expect you to scroll through hundreds of channels to get the desired one. Same is true with OTA channels. Even if the phone app has number pad, many seniors don't have smart phones and then what would be the point of the remote anyway? This is a huge miss IMO.
Does it support channel short cuts?
Why have a rubber scroll wheel/ball when the an apple like scroll wheel/circle is designed to do it all?
How does the hub get updated...through hubs WiFI?
If the remote breaks can a new remote be paired with existing hub so nothing has to be reprogrammed?
One correction to your comments. Logitech Harmony is still supported its just not being made anymore. If Logitech keeps that support going for a long time is another story. If they are not making any money off the remotes its only a matter of time. This does look like a good alternative.
In truth I don’t think they have ever supported it 😂
@@scotttild it's based on my personal interactions with them. Harmony is a good product for what it is, but the lack of support during it's manufacture was a big problem. I would often raise tickets with them to fix bugs and it would take weeks before they answered with canned responses. Also, I was kinda being a little tongue in cheek - I was trying to crack a little joke there.. ;)
Glad to see another option besides Harmony, since they are abandoning us 😀. One day, I might just cave and get a universal remote haha, maybe this will be the one.
This could be the one mate! I am going to invest in a few of these for my 3 different setups!
Oh, didn't know the Harmony is no longer supported
It's still supported but no longer made or produced. I may have misspoke.
Sad to say this doesn't look anywhere near the Harmony. How is it that no one has bought that division from Logitech? Samsung and Sound United are you guys listening? You two companies buy everybody.
It's not like the Harmony. Harmony has a lot of options that this one doesnt have - sequences being the main one - but the hardware looks good and hopefully they can get all of these smarts added to the functionality easily enough (and move the back button!)
I wait
No numeric keypad is a deal breaker for me
The Harmony Elite doesn't have a keypad numberpad either.
@@BuildMontage well, that's why I don't own one of those either. total fail.
@@BuildMontage It does on the touch screen
The font on the X1 is hideous
I prefer san serif fonts myself.
I wish Logitech didn’t discontinue there remote line 🤬👎, I haven’t found one remote to replace the Logitech
Yes, I agree. I am still using the Harmony in my room. I will keep reviewing new remotes until we find the new winner. Hard to look past it.
No numeral keys.. 🤷♂️🤦♂️
Typical of those who know how to do it rushing through the video. Take your time so we can digest what you are doing.
It's an overview video of a pre-production model, not intended to be an instructional. I am not recommending this product any more either as Sofabaton failed to deliver on what it said it was going to.
No number buttons? Hard pass
The Harmony Elite doesn't have buttons either... I function easily without it but then again I don't watch TV.
Recd mine. Not impressed. Set required use of the apps of BOTH my Samsung s22 & my ipad pro! The only thing the X1 remote can do is power on and off of my devices. The hub wont learn any button from my remotes. I wrote to sofabaton to see if a new firmware coming out soon. Their response - due to the newest covid breakout in china, their factories shutdown as all employees sent home. The x1 is now back in its box. So - dont buy.
Im also disappointed that some of the things I was promised havent been delivered yet either. Hopefully they come to the party soon!
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