The best way to reduce the number of remote controls would depend on your set up and the extent of your understanding of the equipment you have. There are a few ways to do it, with 2 main ones. First one is to use all the devices you have and set them up utilising all the integration features they have available. Second option is more involved and would require installing a custom control system over the top of all the equipment already installed.
Set up a primary device remote
In most cases using the existing controls efficiently is a great way to start. A lot of devices use CEC (Consumer Electronics Control)
With CEC you can use one device’s remote to control multiple devices. It could be a projector, TV or an AV receiver. Once CEC is set up the devices talk to each other and it lets you eliminate a few remotes. There can be some limitations with this. In my experience Samsung and LG TVs don’t seem to work well with CEC, they prefer their proprietary control systems.
For example CEC could work with a Sony TV, AV receiver with some devices connected like Apple TV. You would turn on the TV with a remote, then an AV receiver would turn on and the volume on the TV remote would control the volume for the AV receiver. Newer Panasonic and Sony TVs remotes often have a Netflix button on the remote as well. Often remotes for projectors are great as a primary remote as they are backlit which is great for in dark rooms.
These days when people get a new TV they often set it up with Netflix, ABC iView or other TV on demand services. So they would use their TV remote for pause, play, input switch, volume and cursor control. This is a nice simple way to operate your components easily. Adding other devices like Apple TV can be set up with CEC control. Some newer TVs also use Chromecasting for connecting devices computers and mobiles Chrome tabs. TVs have become a primary device for more people over the last few years. And you don’t tend to need as many external devices. CEC doesn’t cost extra and it can work with soundbars, projectors, bluerays, TVs, AV receivers. It doesn’t work for Foxtel, but in this case you just have 2 remotes, TV and Foxtel. And it’s generally fine as Foxtel users tend to use it more than any other content.
Custom control systems
If you do have a big complex set up then investing in a custom control system could be a good option.It would control all the devices as a “macro”. Pushing one button would trigger a number of different things, like turning on a projector, receiver, and select the right input on the receiver. It would generally make sure you have the right controls ready to operate, like Apple TV, Blue ray or Foxtel. This option costs from $1500 and is generally used for higher budget complex installations.
It can be set up with a control device like iPad mini. Being a backlit screen this is a good option for dark rooms. Regular iPads can work also but people often find them a bit big and less comfortable. Also some prefer a remote with tactile buttons rather than a screen.
Push controls is popular system for iPads. And RTI is another system on the market.
DIY
These options are inexpensive if you are happy to go through the instructions and give it a go. There can be some limitations with this in my experience, some functions might not work well. Some brands to consider are One For All and Logitech.
Something to keep in mind – buying a bunch of different devices could cause a problem for integrating them and using less remotes. It is a good idea to get advice from a professional installer about what equipment to get in the first place for the best result. This can save you costs buying unnecessary equipment and ensuring that the gear you buy works well together.
If you enjoy playing around with settings – device apps is another alternative for reducing the remotes. They are free from app stores and are constantly improving.
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