Would you say this is a good replacement for the harmony elite? I've been holding out hoping my reservation will come through for the unfolded circle remote.
Man I’m dying to get my hands on the unfolded circle. I dont think it’s 1:1 replacement…But in the Harmony’s absence it’s a viable substitute. I think the unfolded circle might take the cake when it releases though
@@hatoraidcowboy the harmony is becoming a victim of its age. While it's a great remote it's almost 10 year old hardware at this point. I've looked into control 4 but I just can't get past having to pay someone to program it.
@@hatoraidcowboy I'm really surprised there hasn't been any viable replacement for the Harmony. There are fairly decent remotes on Alibaba that resemble the control 4 remote and the Unfolded circle remote but they lack an operating system. Just surprising given that this is basic tech at this point. There seem to be options if you only want to use your phone or tablet but for most of use we want tactile buttons. All touch screen is always going to be a pain in a dark room.
@johnwaugh8633 The Harmony phone app was cool when it first came out but it got old quick. I only use my phone if I forgot to charge my remote and the battery dies. I’m quickly reminded how much I hate using the app to control my system lol
If you havent already, watch the original X1 review. Its def not a perfect remote but the X1s makes some minor improvements that makes it a lot better than its predecessor. It still has a ways to go to go head to head with Harmony but its a pretty solid remote.
I am hoping to use the remote with a Sony Bravia TV. I often like to watch UA-cam and with my current remote, when doing a search on UA-cam, I can search by talking directly into the remote's microphone. The Sofabaton does not have a mic... would I be able to do the same thing via its connection to Google Assistant?
I dont know the extent of voice command integrations but I would assume yes? In my eyes it would kind of defeat the purpose if you couldnt, but again I dont know all the ins and outs of the voice commands and how much control you actually have. It probably depends on the device as well.
Thanks for this. I had the x1 about 2 yrs back. It had issues with my devices and even Sofabaton gave up. I would liked to try this new one as my Harmony remote has never worked well with my direct tv. Cox cable is what I had until 8 mos ago. SO big question. Can you post a screen shot or video of the cable channels? The biggest feature I like with the harmony is the 50 favorite channels and that I can attach a jpeg. Example for NBC I just press the nbc icon. No need to press 4. Thx.
I’m not sure if the Sofabaton has the same function with channels as the Harmony. MAYBE in the app but I’m not sure and I dont have cable to test with unfortunately.
@@hatoraidcowboy oh, ok. btw, its a discountinued 4 port HDMI box that comes with a remote that can control all devices connected to it, but as i said it requiers a companion app installed on each device (smart tv, console, rokus etc). and also controls tvs and receivers. good product, but the company pivoted and the product was abandoned. works great still, though. anyway, thanks. cheers.
It seems they did some good upgrading. Wonder does it have an app like harmony does? I like using my IPad as the remote (currently harmony) because it just sits on the mount on the Valencia so I never misplace it.
@@hatoraidcowboy oh ok I see it now Niceee. My partner at work wouldn’t stop talking during the video so I spent half of it telling them to shhhh. And now I saw it right lol
I'm probably gonna get this remote. It controls smartlights, conpatible with Alexa and has Macros. Thats pretty much all I need for it to do everything I want.
Can you use multiple ways of connecting to multiple devices for example can one device be connected via Bluetooth and another device be connected to Wi-Fi or do they all have to be connected via the same way?
Packed it up last night, will stick with my Harmony hub. Overall they still need more improvement, set up is not as intuitive when it comes to activities but that is not the reason for my return. My reason is that it does not communicate with my Zidoo Z9X which is in another room but has the IR blasters connected to it. Harmony connects like a breeze each time. Deal breaker for me. I also use an Ipad for controlling my media and the application maintains its phone size which is annoying. Also had to add all Denon inputs manually unlike Harmony.
That’s fair. It may not work for everybody’s setup. They have made some big improvements over the previous version. Hopefully they will continue to improve and refine.
Thanks for your review as always!! Appreciate you !! I’m gonna stick to my 2 harmony elites until they die,One of my elites is one I bought when it first came out and it’s still going strong!! Battery is still great !! I tried the sofabaton x1 last year and returned it after 2 weeks,it was ok but no way gonna replace my harmony Elites.
It should be working now. I found out that ya’ll rock and bought up all the remotes and because stock was low they deactivated the promo code(without telling me) for a few days but they gave me a new one that I tested this morning and worked. Thank you for your support and sorry for the inconvenience.
@DREYDAYMAN Interesting. It worked for me when I set it up. I think there was more than one Emotiva brand that popped up so maybe try the setup process again?
Bought the X1S today with code. I bought the X1 a few months ago and could not get the activities to work and said screw it and tossed on shelf. X1S looks way better.
@@hatoraidcowboy I spent way too long working on set up. Any thoughts on a video on how to do activities, source configuration and inputs assignments, what the pages look like? I only have watch Apple and Oppo. Component are Anthem, Sony projector, Lumagen, Oppo and Apple TV.
It walks you through all of that when setting up an activity. I had zero issues with that but obviously everyone is gonna have different gear. What issue are you having exactly?
Man. I dont know what’s going on with Amazon. We just changed the promo code this morning. I tested it and it was working. All I can say is please try again later and hopefully Amazon gets their crap together. Super frustrating
Sorry. I just heard from sofabaton. Stock got so low from everyone buying the remotes that they deactivated the promo code. They did not inform me prior. They will be giving me a new 20% discount code next week. Sorry for the inconvenience and I appreciate your patience.
Code works but it’s Amazon. The code goes intermittent periodically. We cant figure out why. I’d say try again in a few hours or tomorrow. Thanks for the support
I don't understand how in 2024, people still don't understand what an overview/first look is...I really appreciate this format bc I don't care about the specs or how it fares against the Harmony or anything else...I just want to see what the remote looks like and what it's capable of... Thank you for the great content and ignore the idiots
So the title says, is it finally better than harmony? ........ may have missed it, but I don't know if the question was answered. Just in conclusion, it's better than it was.
The question is left up to those that watch. I have my own answer but that might differ between others who use the remote. I still prefer the harmony but Sofabaton is getting close.
Definitely not better than Harmony: - no touch screen - limited number of physical buttons - no way to connect to remotes (like Harmony Companion) - no charging cradle.
For $120 I couldn't pass this up. Even if it's 1/3 as good as the Harmony Elite it will be worth the test. Although, I don't have high hopes for the software. Even their website has a ton of 404 links to various portions. Does not bode well for the future.
Channel is going downhill. As someone else said, a lot of your videos now just watch like an ad. Shane Lee has gathered a decent following because he's critical. He says whats good, and he says whats bad. He doesn't give products a free pas and he'll be absolutely critical. Your videos, although not ads, feel like them. You have a unique charm and a nice friendly humble disposition but if you continue down this route re: content, I don't see much growth ahead. I understand the temptation of affiliate deals, commission and keeping manufacturers in good stead - but please prioritise first and foremost the quality of your reviews which need to at times be more brutal. Your product quality has improved so much over the last few videos and I'm really impressed with it and want to see you continue to grow. Selling out to these big companies too soon will really stop you from blossoming and fulfilling the channels full potential.
I guess you havent watched the first X1 review because you’re wildly off base. But like I said before, I cant control what people think. I make the content that I want to make. If that happens to get me affiliate links and or a sponsored video or paid video for my efforts then I’m going to take that opportunity. I said what I needed to say about the original remote which is basically the same remote with some minor updated features. Go watch that video….or don’t. And you’re very welcome to form your own opinion. I also invite you to start a channel and do better if you’re not satisfied. And if you feel my channel is going downhill then again that’s your subjective opinion, and opinion isn’t fact. You don’t have to watch. I’m making content for those who value my opinion and honesty. AND, this is still a product review.
Not at all. I'm in a good position in life and with my current setup. Perlisten S series and Trinnov Alt 16 :D. However I really like Hatoraid's channel and want it to succeed hence being honest. If I didn't care about the success of his channel and quality of content, I wouldn't bother to post such a long response. If people want to take it as destructive rather than constructive critique - its up to them. @@djderekrock
@Keithmonnelly Not sure why you think its an ad. I was sent the remote to review and show the enhancements and simplified setup process over the previous version. And they gave my viewers a good discount. If you’re gonna comment I’m all for constructive criticism. But dont leave comments accusing me of something that isnt true.
@@hatoraidcowboy reason why I posted that is cause the video feels like a paid ad. Or a promotional video it wasn't a review. I like your channel. I don't want to get into a flame war but if you do want some constructive criticism. Simple things that were missing from the review. Comparisons with other products. Pros and cons is it value for money. Any issues you've had
@Keithmonnelly I stated in the beginning of the video that it’s essentially the same remote as the original X1 so I was only going to be highlighting the new features. And I also said since its not a complete revamp you can watch the original review for the full in depth review. I appreciate your support. But its not an ad. Sofabaton did the same thing with the original X1 remote. I got it free to review and give my honest thoughts. With the X1S Sofabaton asked me to highlight the updated features and ease of setup process. That’s what I did. I can’t control what anyone thinks.
Check out the previous X1 review for a full in depth look:
ua-cam.com/video/mKy06sveKlc/v-deo.html
Connect to receivers such as Sony 1000 etc?
Would you say this is a good replacement for the harmony elite? I've been holding out hoping my reservation will come through for the unfolded circle remote.
Man I’m dying to get my hands on the unfolded circle. I dont think it’s 1:1 replacement…But in the Harmony’s absence it’s a viable substitute. I think the unfolded circle might take the cake when it releases though
@@hatoraidcowboy the harmony is becoming a victim of its age. While it's a great remote it's almost 10 year old hardware at this point. I've looked into control 4 but I just can't get past having to pay someone to program it.
@johnwaugh8633 I really want Control 4 as well but I dont want to pay for the programming as well.
@@hatoraidcowboy I'm really surprised there hasn't been any viable replacement for the Harmony. There are fairly decent remotes on Alibaba that resemble the control 4 remote and the Unfolded circle remote but they lack an operating system. Just surprising given that this is basic tech at this point. There seem to be options if you only want to use your phone or tablet but for most of use we want tactile buttons. All touch screen is always going to be a pain in a dark room.
@johnwaugh8633 The Harmony phone app was cool when it first came out but it got old quick. I only use my phone if I forgot to charge my remote and the battery dies. I’m quickly reminded how much I hate using the app to control my system lol
How about receivers such as Sony 1000 or others? Thank you!
At that price it makes it very tempting! I currently have a harmony elite for my home theater but wouldn't mind checking this one out.
Try it out! Its not Harmony Elite level yet but its probably the next best thing right now on the market beside Creston and the likes
purchased. Couldnt resist the discount. Thanks. Hopefully it works easy for me.
Awesome! Hope you enjoy it!
If you havent already, watch the original X1 review. Its def not a perfect remote but the X1s makes some minor improvements that makes it a lot better than its predecessor. It still has a ways to go to go head to head with Harmony but its a pretty solid remote.
I am hoping to use the remote with a Sony Bravia TV. I often like to watch UA-cam and with my current remote, when doing a search on UA-cam, I can search by talking directly into the remote's microphone. The Sofabaton does not have a mic... would I be able to do the same thing via its connection to Google Assistant?
I dont know the extent of voice command integrations but I would assume yes? In my eyes it would kind of defeat the purpose if you couldnt, but again I dont know all the ins and outs of the voice commands and how much control you actually have. It probably depends on the device as well.
If im watching my cable box, how do i input channel numbers ?
You could probably program with macros. Unfortunately I don’t have cable to test that functionality.
Ìm about to give up, powers on tv in devices but in activities it doesn't. Tried everything 😢😢
😮 Did you contact tech support?
Thanks for this. I had the x1 about 2 yrs back. It had issues with my devices and even Sofabaton gave up. I would liked to try this new one as my Harmony remote has never worked well with my direct tv. Cox cable is what I had until 8 mos ago. SO big question. Can you post a screen shot or video of the cable channels? The biggest feature I like with the harmony is the 50 favorite channels and that I can attach a jpeg. Example for NBC I just press the nbc icon. No need to press 4. Thx.
I’m not sure if the Sofabaton has the same function with channels as the Harmony. MAYBE in the app but I’m not sure and I dont have cable to test with unfortunately.
Ok. Thx@@hatoraidcowboy
Thanks for the discount my guy!
Yessir!
I’d be curious to see how these stack up against the Control 4 Halo Touchscreen remote.
Not even in the same league…LOL The Halo is gonna be better in every way. But the Halo costs waaaaaaaaaaay more.
would this work with caavo control center? mind you, caavo has a companion app you install on android tv, roku, xbox etc. anyone? thanks.
I’m not familiar with caavo
@@hatoraidcowboy oh, ok. btw, its a discountinued 4 port HDMI box that comes with a remote that can control all devices connected to it, but as i said it requiers a companion app installed on each device (smart tv, console, rokus etc). and also controls tvs and receivers. good product, but the company pivoted and the product was abandoned. works great still, though. anyway, thanks. cheers.
This looks like a great replacement for my Harmony Hub Companion remote
It isn't....save your money!!! Avoid..you've been warned!!
It seems they did some good upgrading. Wonder does it have an app like harmony does? I like using my IPad as the remote (currently harmony) because it just sits on the mount on the Valencia so I never misplace it.
Yea there’s an app. That’s what I used for the video. I was using my phone.
@@hatoraidcowboy oh ok I see it now Niceee. My partner at work wouldn’t stop talking during the video so I spent half of it telling them to shhhh. And now I saw it right lol
@Rob_James LOLLLLL No worries
I just got the U2
Not good enough for my Home Theater ?
I personally am not a fan of the U2. The X1 is a MUCH better experience. Plus it has a hub unlike the U2.
I have a U2 as well and just got my X1s. My VAVA 4k projector would drop the U2 but the X stays connected. It is way faster and better. I recommend.
I'm probably gonna get this remote. It controls smartlights, conpatible with Alexa and has Macros. Thats pretty much all I need for it to do everything I want.
🙌
Are the buttons illuminated?
That would be very useful in a dark bedroom at night.
Yea they are. Watch the video where I mention this
Can you use multiple ways of connecting to multiple devices for example can one device be connected via Bluetooth and another device be connected to Wi-Fi or do they all have to be connected via the same way?
I’m not sure on that. I would assume you could use multiple ways of connecting.
Thanks for the link. However it’s going back. No IR on the remote itself is a deal breaker for me.
You’re welcome. It does support IR but you’re wanting to control devices strictly from the remote and not the hub?
@@hatoraidcowboy correct. My projector is in another room than my gear. Needs IR to power and not in range of repeaters.
@stevewright1539 Ah ok. Have you looked at the Sofabaton U1 remote?
no one shows integration with Apple TV ?.. how are the controls, wheel scroll buttons, etc.. obviously there is no Siri button
I’ll have to test.
Packed it up last night, will stick with my Harmony hub. Overall they still need more improvement, set up is not as intuitive when it comes to activities but that is not the reason for my return. My reason is that it does not communicate with my Zidoo Z9X which is in another room but has the IR blasters connected to it. Harmony connects like a breeze each time. Deal breaker for me. I also use an Ipad for controlling my media and the application maintains its phone size which is annoying. Also had to add all Denon inputs manually unlike Harmony.
That’s fair. It may not work for everybody’s setup. They have made some big improvements over the previous version. Hopefully they will continue to improve and refine.
Controls for receivers such as Sony 1000 receiver?
I dont have Sony receivers so no clue
I just purchased one of these at your information here. Looking forward to making this work.
Thank you!
Hi. I’ve got the option to pick between the X1S & Harmony Elite. I want an easy life, which is better please?
Harmony Elite
I see you put a lot of effort to your videos and for that, you deserve a like and subscribe!
Thank you so much for the support! Greatly appreciated!
The promo code doesn’t work
Amazon has intermittent codes. Not sure why it does this. I would try again later. Usually it starts working again
Do you show codes for XGIM Ultra projectors?
I’ll look and get back to yoy
Cool thank you!
Did you mean Xgimi? Or Xgim?
Can't get the code to work?
Weird. I just tried it and it works for me. Sometimes Amazon has time outs. Try it again please 😃
Thanks for your review as always!! Appreciate you !! I’m gonna stick to my 2 harmony elites until they die,One of my elites is one I bought when it first came out and it’s still going strong!! Battery is still great !! I tried the sofabaton x1 last year and returned it after 2 weeks,it was ok but no way gonna replace my harmony Elites.
Same! My Harmony Elite will have to die before I replace it. I use it every day
Your promo code didn't work for me for some reason, but I did get the 10% coupon.
It should be working now. I found out that ya’ll rock and bought up all the remotes and because stock was low they deactivated the promo code(without telling me) for a few days but they gave me a new one that I tested this morning and worked. Thank you for your support and sorry for the inconvenience.
@hatoraidcowboy my RMC 1 is responding. Is there something special I need to do?
You mean isn’t?
@@hatoraidcowboy Correct it isn't responding.
@DREYDAYMAN Interesting. It worked for me when I set it up. I think there was more than one Emotiva brand that popped up so maybe try the setup process again?
@@hatoraidcowboy Did you have to change any power options?
@DREYDAYMAN I dont believe so. It just worked first time I set up
Promo code not valid. Can you check it?
Unfortunately it’s Amazon. You’ll have to retry later or maybe tomorrow. Amazon needs to fix this. They’ve done this before.
Bought the X1S today with code. I bought the X1 a few months ago and could not get the activities to work and said screw it and tossed on shelf. X1S looks way better.
Thank you! And yes they made some very good improvements to the X1s.
Now what to do with X1😮 Give it away on Nextdoor
@donforman4326 LOL 🤣
@@hatoraidcowboy I spent way too long working on set up. Any thoughts on a video on how to do activities, source configuration and inputs assignments, what the pages look like? I only have watch Apple and Oppo. Component are Anthem, Sony projector, Lumagen, Oppo and Apple TV.
It walks you through all of that when setting up an activity. I had zero issues with that but obviously everyone is gonna have different gear. What issue are you having exactly?
Promo code not working
Man. I dont know what’s going on with Amazon. We just changed the promo code this morning. I tested it and it was working. All I can say is please try again later and hopefully Amazon gets their crap together. Super frustrating
your promo code is not working
Give it a few hours or later today. Amazon has an issue where the code stops working. Its on Amazon’s end.
Sorry. I just heard from sofabaton. Stock got so low from everyone buying the remotes that they deactivated the promo code. They did not inform me prior. They will be giving me a new 20% discount code next week. Sorry for the inconvenience and I appreciate your patience.
Code does not work! Appreciate an update code.
Code works but it’s Amazon. The code goes intermittent periodically. We cant figure out why. I’d say try again in a few hours or tomorrow. Thanks for the support
I don't understand how in 2024, people still don't understand what an overview/first look is...I really appreciate this format bc I don't care about the specs or how it fares against the Harmony or anything else...I just want to see what the remote looks like and what it's capable of... Thank you for the great content and ignore the idiots
🙌 You get it….Thanks for the support and you’re welcome!
How do you use the affiliate link for Amazon?
Just click on the link and it will take you to the product page
Hey bud, good morning. I found it(and brought it). Thank you for the review and tutorial. See you on Newbie's channel.
@coleygray8907 Thank you!
So the title says, is it finally better than harmony? ........ may have missed it, but I don't know if the question was answered. Just in conclusion, it's better than it was.
The question is left up to those that watch. I have my own answer but that might differ between others who use the remote. I still prefer the harmony but Sofabaton is getting close.
Definitely not better than Harmony:
- no touch screen
- limited number of physical buttons
- no way to connect to remotes (like Harmony Companion)
- no charging cradle.
Unless I missed it can you now add Xbox Series X & PS5? Thanks!💯
I just checked and Xbox Series X is available to add but not PS5. Only PS1-PS3.
Not better in my experience. I couldn't even get the the X1S to connect to my Xbox ONE. My 15 year old Harmony connected no problem.
For $120 I couldn't pass this up. Even if it's 1/3 as good as the Harmony Elite it will be worth the test. Although, I don't have high hopes for the software. Even their website has a ton of 404 links to various portions. Does not bode well for the future.
Really? Interesting. The software is MUCH better than the X1. They have improved it a lot.
Damn, I just missed it bye 1 day to use the code.
Oof!
The discount has been extended through August 31st.
voice not in sync with video ... makes it harder to keep watching
Not bad, but a true game changer would be to include an air mouse. I wonder why in 2024, they are still yet to do so.....
Probably has to do with how many end users would use that feature. I myself would never use that feature. 🤷🏻
Adds far to long, so poke your review
Huh?
Channel is going downhill.
As someone else said, a lot of your videos now just watch like an ad.
Shane Lee has gathered a decent following because he's critical. He says whats good, and he says whats bad. He doesn't give products a free pas and he'll be absolutely critical. Your videos, although not ads, feel like them. You have a unique charm and a nice friendly humble disposition but if you continue down this route re: content, I don't see much growth ahead.
I understand the temptation of affiliate deals, commission and keeping manufacturers in good stead - but please prioritise first and foremost the quality of your reviews which need to at times be more brutal. Your product quality has improved so much over the last few videos and I'm really impressed with it and want to see you continue to grow.
Selling out to these big companies too soon will really stop you from blossoming and fulfilling the channels full potential.
I guess you havent watched the first X1 review because you’re wildly off base. But like I said before, I cant control what people think. I make the content that I want to make. If that happens to get me affiliate links and or a sponsored video or paid video for my efforts then I’m going to take that opportunity.
I said what I needed to say about the original remote which is basically the same remote with some minor updated features. Go watch that video….or don’t. And you’re very welcome to form your own opinion. I also invite you to start a channel and do better if you’re not satisfied. And if you feel my channel is going downhill then again that’s your subjective opinion, and opinion isn’t fact. You don’t have to watch. I’m making content for those who value my opinion and honesty. AND, this is still a product review.
Not at all. I'm in a good position in life and with my current setup. Perlisten S series and Trinnov Alt 16 :D.
However I really like Hatoraid's channel and want it to succeed hence being honest. If I didn't care about the success of his channel and quality of content, I wouldn't bother to post such a long response. If people want to take it as destructive rather than constructive critique - its up to them. @@djderekrock
This is not a review. It's a ad.
@@hatoraidcowboy I'm dyslexic, thank you for spotting and poniting out my spelling mistake 👍
@Keithmonnelly Not sure why you think its an ad. I was sent the remote to review and show the enhancements and simplified setup process over the previous version. And they gave my viewers a good discount. If you’re gonna comment I’m all for constructive criticism. But dont leave comments accusing me of something that isnt true.
@@hatoraidcowboy reason why I posted that is cause the video feels like a paid ad. Or a promotional video it wasn't a review. I like your channel. I don't want to get into a flame war but if you do want some constructive criticism. Simple things that were missing from the review. Comparisons with other products. Pros and cons is it value for money. Any issues you've had
@Keithmonnelly I stated in the beginning of the video that it’s essentially the same remote as the original X1 so I was only going to be highlighting the new features. And I also said since its not a complete revamp you can watch the original review for the full in depth review. I appreciate your support. But its not an ad. Sofabaton did the same thing with the original X1 remote. I got it free to review and give my honest thoughts.
With the X1S Sofabaton asked me to highlight the updated features and ease of setup process. That’s what I did. I can’t control what anyone thinks.
@@hatoraidcowboy The problem was the original title of the video said it was a review. I can see that you've now changed the title.