Sofabaton X1 Remote - Out of Control

When Logitech stopped making Harmony remotes in 2021, few options remained. The Sofabaton X1, with its vast database of codes for TVs and other devices, sounded promising. If you want a single remote and are willing to invest time to set it up, you may get what you need but it's not a substitute for what it's intended to replace.

- BARB GONZALEZ

The Sofabaton X1 Hub and remote control come with a hub and a remote. The remote has an extended LED screen displaying a home menu with Devices, Activities, and Set(up) options. It’s not a touch screen; you use a scroll ball to choose activities.

To set up the Sofabaton X1 Hub, you’ll need to download the Sofabaton app and connect the hub to WiFi. The hub communicates with devices via Bluetooth, WiFi, and IR blasters. First, add each device. To add a TV, search by brand and model number. The database, and syncs it to the Sofabaton X1 remote. Adding an Apple TV 4K, Chromecast with Google TV, and Roku Soundbar was quick and easy.

Although 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. Pressing the OFF button does not turn off the TV or the home theater system. Each device must be added to an activity.