Do you want to get rid of physical remotes so you can use them through your mobile phone? Want to know how you can do that and how many universal remotes you need?
At Smartify we have a smart option that will mark the end of the confusion of remotes scattered around the house, with buttons malfunctioning and always mysteriously disappearing. This device is the universal remote. A versatile and powerful device with the ability to control multiple remotes through a single device, simplifying your experience and making the management of your equipment more convenient.
What is a universal remote?
A universal remote offers centralized control for the automation of electronic devices. By programming the universal remote with the specific codes for each device, you can replicate the functionalities of individual remote controls. This way, you don’t need to have multiple remotes scattered around the house, as you can use just one universal remote to control all your equipment.
The universal remote has a vast database by brands and models of remotes that you can associate with the indicated device. If your remote still does not appear in the database, you can also program a remote with the "DIY" mode. This way, you can virtually put any remote on your mobile phone.
Types of universal remotes
There are different types of universal remotes available on the market, each with its unique features and functionalities. The two main types are infrared universal remotes and infrared and radio frequency universal remotes.
Infrared universal remotes are designed to control devices that use infrared signals, such as televisions, DVD players, sound systems, and other similar devices. These remotes can learn the specific infrared codes of each device, allowing you to control them from a single remote.
On the other hand, infrared and radio frequency universal remotes offer additional functionality. Besides controlling infrared devices, these remotes can also communicate with devices that use radio frequency, such as air conditioning systems, electric blinds, and smart lighting. This means you can have more comprehensive and versatile control over a variety of equipment, increasing the possibilities from automation in your home.
It is important to see what remotes you have at home, to understand what type of universal remote you need. It is very simple to check if the remote you want to set up on your smartphone is infrared or radio frequency: On the remote control, look for visible LED lights, which indicates it is IR, or their absence, suggesting RF. You can also confirm the range, as IR generally has a short range and requires line of sight, while RF has a greater range and does not require direct line of sight. If you still have doubts, research the device or use a camera to identify infrared light when pressing the buttons. Modern devices may support both methods.
Popular brands of universal remotes
There are several popular brands that offer high-quality universal remotes. Here are some of them:
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Smartify is a well-known brand that offers an infrared universal remote for automating devices in your home. The universal remote Smartify is a stylish device that supports all infrared devices you want to set up on your smartphone. It has intuitive programming features and Wi-Fi connectivity and is easy to set up and use. Additionally, Smartify also offers a wide range of other products for home automation, such as smart bulbs, smart plugs, and sensors.
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Sonoff is a brand specialized in home automation solutions and offers high-quality universal remotes. Sonoff universal remotes are compatible with radio frequency remotes and allow for control of Sonoff devices. They have advanced programming features and compatibility with voice assistants, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
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BroadLink It is a recognized brand in the field of home automation and offers a variety of advanced universal remotes. BroadLink universal remotes support both infrared and radio frequency, allowing you to control a wide range of electronic devices. Furthermore, BroadLink offers additional features, such as remote control through a mobile app and integration with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
These are just a few examples of popular brands on the market, but there are many other options available. When choosing a universal remote, make sure it is compatible with your devices and offers the necessary features for the desired automation.
Do I need a universal remote for each device I want to automate?
This is a common question that has a positive and simple answer. No, you do not need a universal remote for each device. In fact, a single universal remote can control multiple devices at the same time. For example, if you have a room with a television, a DVD player, a sound system, and even an air conditioner, you can program all those devices into the same universal remote. This means you can control all the equipment with a single remote, eliminating the need for multiple individual remotes.
Generally, you need one universal remote for each room where you want to put your remote on your smartphone.
Universal remotes simplify the automation of electronic devices in your home, providing centralized and convenient control. With a single device, you can eliminate the confusion of multiple remote controls and enjoy a more intuitive user experience. Whatever your automation needs, a universal remote is the ideal solution for efficiently controlling your devices. Choose the universal remote that suits your needs and enjoy a smarter and more automated home.
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Now, you are one step closer to having a fully customized smart home according to your preferences.
