However, it started when I said, "Alexa, Watch Apple TV." Switching to Chromecast was hit and miss. But the example voice command, "Turn on TV," wouldn't work because my home already has that command for another TV. It was easy to find and enable the Sofabaton skill. Once setup was complete, it was time to test Alexa. More notable omissions: While the PS3 and Xbox One were in the database, Sony PS4 and Xbox Series X or Series S were also absent. I tried to use the original remote to teach the hub the commands, but I quit when it didn't learn the power command. Worse still, the AV receiver model was not in the database. Again, there were issues with switching inputs on the Roku TV. Note that when I had difficulties, I also tried it on my primary home theater system-a Roku TV with an Onkyo AV Receiver. But I could never switch from watching Apple TV to another activity like Chromecast, and I had to turn off the TV power and start again. I had to choose for the Soundbar to stay "always on" and change the LG TV to "no need to change sources." It stayed on Apple TV.įinally, the three activities worked: Watch Roku (Soundbar), Watch Apple TV, and Watch Chromecast. But immediately, it would switch to the Roku Soundbar. At first, the TV would switch to the Apple TV with a command to press Homepage. It took a few tries to determine where to place the command in the startup settings. If Simplink (HDMI CEC) was enabled on the TV and devices, I would only need to press a home key on the device to get the LG TV to change inputs. I followed the instructions and designated specific buttons on the Sofabaton to correspond with the input buttons, but nothing was changing. Again, it was unclear why I was making the same choice twice. The next page asked for the source device that needed to be prepared. The app asked to select the source device that needed to be re-paired (the TV). I then chose "The source of the drive is out of order and cannot be switched." The input wasn't "out of order," but it didn't switch. When my LG TV wouldn't change inputs, I tapped the Repair button in the Watch Apple TV activity that I created in the app. If the device's commands are in a database, why should I have to set them? The database should be coded to know what buttons are used to change inputs. I also had to set whether the power command needed separate power on and off keys or a single key. It is unclear if the TV is left on when switching from one activity to another (e.g., watching Chromecast to watching Roku). Always on unless the Off key is pressed.You must determine their power state, with the choices being: The setup options for the TV and devices are confusing. Each device must be added to an activity. Pressing the OFF button does not turn off the TV or the home theater system. The process was quick and easy for each device.Īlthough you can select devices on the remote's LCD screen, you can't simply use the remote as a universal remote to control the TV or other device. I continued, adding an Apple TV 4K, a Chromecast with Google TV, and a Roku Soundbar. The app will quickly find the model, download the database, and sync it to the Sofabaton X1 remote control. To add a TV, look up the TV by brand and type in the model number. The hub communicates with devices via Bluetooth, WiFi, and IR blasters.įirst, add each device. To set up the Sofabaton X1 Hub, you'll need to download the Sofabaton app and connect the hub to WiFi. The screen is not a touch screen, so you use a scroll ball to choose the activity you want. The remote has an extended LED screen that displays a home menu with the options Devices, Activities, and Set (up). The hub sends out command signals, and the remote sends commands to the hub. The Sofabaton X1 Hub and remote control come with a hub and a remote. But it is no substitute for what it is intended to replace. If you have your heart set on a single remote to control your various devices and you're willing to put in a lot of time to get it working, you may get what you need. The Sofabaton sounded promising with its vast database of codes for TVs and other devices. When Logitech stopped making the Harmony remote controls in 2021, there were few options to take their place. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold a candle to Harmony's ease of use, compatibility, and design. There was hope that the Sofabaton X1 Hub and Remote could replace the now-discontinued Logitech Harmony Hub. Inconsistent and occasionally doesn’t work Must create workarounds for input switching Bluetooth, Infrared (IR), and WiFi control
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