If you're like any typical plugged in family today you probably have at least one home theater receiver, few TVs, a media player or two, A DVD or Blu-Ray player, and probably a couple cable or satellite boxes running around. Trouble is, the remote the cable guys give is never good enough to have all of your devices. So what do you do?
There are some good options available. You can buy a programmable remote control. like a Logitech Harmony, or you can some times, use your smart phone or tablet as a remote. I have tried both to an extent. You can always throw money at any problem and solve it. I don't like just throwing money at a problem to make it go away. I like to see what's out there and run through the options. I have better things to spend my money on than $400 to $500 on controlling my home electronics.
Enter the Logitech Harmony Remote. It comes is several models from the basic model to the advanced model where macros can be programmed and customized. I currently use the Logitech Harmony 650. It controls up to 5 devices, but that's all I need. There about 4 models to choose from, the basic being the 650 for about $80 retail and the high end being the 1100 for about $350 retail. These devices can be programmed to work with practically any device and can learn buttons from the original remote. I would recommend that the programmer and primary user be at least an enthusiast for home electronics as these can be confusing to program if you are not technically inclined. You can find out more at Logitech's web site.
Another option is to use your smart phone or tablet. Your smart phone or tablet does not have an infrared transmitter built in to it, so do not expect this to work on every device. This typically will work on some network connected devices, live TVs, Cable boxes, media players, and possibly your DVD or Blu-Ray player. What I have found is some companies and individual developers have created apps that can control their devices over a wireless network connection. If you use DirecTV you can install an app that will allow you to use your tablet or smart phone just like your regular DirecTV remote. Just search the Google Play store for DirecTV and remote apps will show up. Try searching for WD TV Live and there's a remote app for that. As a bonus there are apps that can play content from your phone or tablet to the WD TV Live.
The major draw back here is your phone becomes the virtual couch cushion where you lose or keep all of your remotes. I have not found good option for multi function remotes as an app. Your best option, in my opinion, is a Logitech Harmony remote for single one stop shop remote that can rule them all.
If you are interested in the Logitech devices, keep an eye out for sales. I was able to pick up my 650 for about half off retail during a weekend sale. The higher end models go on sale occasionally, but not to 50% off. Still money saved is money saved.
What do you use to control your house electronics? I'm sure there are other options out there. Let's hear them.
