Podcast #1155: Harmony Remote Replacement Contender

On this week's show we give a brief lesson on American Antitrust law and how it applies to Hollywood. We also review the SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote. Is it a Harmony Replacement? We also read your emails and take a look at the week's news.

News:

• New YouTube TV Customers Can Get Can Get NFL Sunday Ticket For Just $179 a Year
• Disney Bundle Cuts Hulu Churn Nearly in Half (Charts of the Day) | Next TV
• Brad Pitt's Formula 1 Film Gets June 2025 Release Date From Apple
• Sony Pictures Buys Alamo Drafthouse

Other:

• Only 100 cinemas can show 'Inside Out 2' as Pixar intended
• The HDR Superchannel
• Stop the FOMO

SofaBaton X1S Review

We have been searching for a Harmony Replacement since they discontinued what we felt was the best "consumer grade" remote on the market. We reviewed the SofaBaton X1 last november and felt it came close to being the Harmony Replacement. It worked but it still had some rough edges.

Well, SofaBaton is back with the X1S ($189.99). The X1S has enhanced performance and compatibility compared to the X1. The X1S boasts features like "Raise to Wake" and supports a vast array of devices, over 500,000 across IR, Bluetooth, and WiFi thanks to its use of the "cloud code library".

There is even a Smart SofaBaton App, that allows you to manage devices, personalize buttons and activities. The X1S makes use of a hub that offers 360 degree control, 40 foot infrared range, and has support for IR blasters for devices in different rooms or in cabinets.

There is also support for hands free control with Alexa and Google Assistant, personalized macro buttons, and API integration allows for third parties to further expand on the X1S' capabilities. The X1S also has backlit buttons, and a 45 day battery. The full feature list is below:

Features:

SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote:

• Enhanced performance and compatibility over X1
• Supports 500,000+ devices (IR, Bluetooth, WiFi)
• Includes powerful cloud code library

Smart SofaBaton App:

• Device management and customization
• Favorite channel organization
• Remote tracking and phone backup control

Effortless OneClick Activities:

• Initiates predefined device settings with one command
• Example: "Music Time" activity for automated device control

Powerful Hub:

• 360degree control
• 40foot infrared range
• 2 IR blasters for signal coverage
• Can be hidden in cabinet
• Voice Control with Alexa and Google Assistant

Personalized Macro Buttons:

• Customizable key functions
• Create sequences for complex operations

API Integration:

• Integration with other applications
• Personalized control through simple configurations

Highlight Design:

• Raise To Wake function
• Backlight buttons
• Rechargeable battery lasting up to 45 days
• Thumb scroll wheel for quick device switching

Setup:

The setup process started out intuitive, but it required additional effort and time to fine tune the configuration. The Harmony had some configuration issues too but the X1S was a little more cumbersome. Once you grasp the app's workflow you can work through the issues. The app provides a step by step guide to help you quickly connect your devices. Like other remotes you can personalize buttons and set up macros for specific functions allowing you to customize the remote to suit your preferences.

It took me 90 minutes to get my system (AppleTV, Oppo UHD Player, SONY TV, and Yamaha Receiver) up and running. Like the Harmony, once you have added your devices you then create activities. Then you test and then you tweak and you finally get it dialed in.

One oddity was how the remote dealt with power. It has a concept of the steady state of the power setting for each device, which I thought was odd. So our tip is just say that your devices are always powered off. Then go into the startup settings and add the power on command for your devices. Do the opposite for the shutdown settings. This caused me at least 30 minutes of grief in setting it up. But once the setup was done the remote worked flawlessly!

Performance:

The SofaBaton X1S remote's build quality is top notch! And battery life is as advertised. The display is simple, clean and nothing fancy. I had to add delays between some commands for some activities to respond properly. The scroll wheel on the X1S is tighter and smoother than the X1, providing a more precise user experience. The inclusion of a USB C charging port allows usage while charging which is a nice added touch.

Syncing commands from the phone to the remote takes a long time which can be annoying while making tweaks to dial in the exact commands you want. But once it's set up you no longer have to worry about this. Also, the battery charging level is only visible from the main screen. It would be nice if you could see it from any screen.

We have used the remote for over a week and the family approves. No missed commands, easy to use. I still like my Harmony a little better but I am confident that the Sofabaton will improve with better configuration software and become the replacement to the Harmony we have all been wanting!

Pros:

• Pleasing design and buttons with solid tactile response.
• Backlit buttons are great for dark rooms.
• The IR blaster sends signals omnidirectional.
• Handy "find the remote" button.

Cons:

• The setup process proved challenging, particularly concerning the power settings. An unusual default configuration involved separate power on and power off buttons for each device, such as my receiver and TV.
• No Direct Number input
• No Dock for charging. Plugging in a cable is cumbersome
• Sync times are too slow
• The remote does not emit IR commands.