Universal Remotes - Simplify Your Entertainment Control

Logitech discontinued the Harmony line in 2021, but existing remotes and the cloud service still work. If you have a working Harmony, keep using it - they're excellent remotes. For new purchases, SofaBaton is the closest successor, offering similar activity-based programming, hub options for controlling devices in cabinets, and smartphone app setup. The SofaBaton X1S is essentially the new Harmony equivalent with modern features. Broadlink RM4 Pro is another option that integrates well with smart home systems. The universal remote market has evolved, with many households now relying on voice assistants or streaming device remotes that control TVs via HDMI-CEC.

Usually yes, with the right remote. Smart universal remotes like SofaBaton X1S can control IR devices (most TVs, soundbars, cable boxes), Bluetooth devices, and WiFi devices through their hubs. The key limitation is line-of-sight for IR - devices in closed cabinets need IR blasters or hubs with IR output. Most streaming devices can be controlled via the TV's HDMI-CEC, so you might only need to program the TV remote to also control your Fire Stick or Roku. For truly complete control, hub-based systems with multiple IR blasters provide the most flexibility.

Most streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV) use Bluetooth or WiFi for remote control, not IR. Basic universal remotes only transmit IR signals, so they can't directly control these devices. Solutions include: using the streaming device's original remote alongside your universal remote, choosing a smart universal remote that supports Bluetooth (limited options), or using HDMI-CEC so your TV remote controls the streaming device. HDMI-CEC is often the simplest solution - enable it in both your TV and streaming device settings, and TV volume/power buttons should work with the streaming device.

HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) lets devices connected via HDMI communicate and control each other. When enabled, your TV remote can control your streaming device, your soundbar can turn on when the TV does, and your streaming device can switch TV inputs automatically. Different brands use different names: Samsung calls it Anynet+, LG calls it SimpLink, Sony calls it Bravia Sync. Enable CEC in your TV settings and connected device settings to reduce remote clutter significantly. Many households find CEC eliminates the need for a universal remote entirely - the TV remote controls everything through CEC passthrough.