As the complexity of home electronics continues to increase, so does the number of remote controls that come with them. Between cable boxes, audio receivers, thermostats, lighting systems, and fire alarms, it’s no wonder why the universal remote has become an essential piece of home technology. Since universal remotes can control multiple devices at once, they save users from having to operate several different remote controls for their various electronics. The problem is there are so many universal remotes on the market that choosing one can be overwhelming. Fortunately, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. While some universal remotes are less expensive than others, they won’t provide you with the same level of functionality and ease of use over time. In this article, we’ll discuss some important factors to consider when purchasing a universal remote control.
What to Look for When Choosing a Universal Remote
The number one thing to look for when choosing a universal remote control is flexibility in terms of device compatibility. Some remote controls will be compatible with a few popular brands, while others can control up to hundreds of devices. The first step is to identify the devices you want to control with the universal remote. This can be as simple as every device in your entertainment center, or it may also include other home appliances like lighting and security systems. Next, look for a remote that can control those devices. The second thing you need to look for is the ease of use. Many remote controls boast tons of buttons and options, but those remotes can get confusing in a hurry.
When selecting a remote, keep in mind that the fewer options and buttons you have to navigate, the easier the remote will be to use. The third thing to look for is the user experience. To decide which remote control has the best user experience, you need to consider what each remote offers in terms of design, functionality, and usability. Some remote controls will have vibrations or lights that indicate when you’ve pressed a button, while others will display this information on an LED screen. They will allow you to program and customize your remote to fit your specific needs, while others will only allow for very basic customization and programming.
Finding the Right Combination of Devices
Before you purchase a universal remote control, take the time to research which devices it can control. This is especially important if you have a large home with lots of different devices. Remote controls will be compatible with a specific number of devices, while others are compatible with an ever-expanding list. Depending on the remote you choose, you may have to purchase a separate remote for your home security system. If you have a large home with many different devices, it’s important to find a remote control that can control as many of those devices as possible. It’s not necessary that the remote control every single device in your home, but it should at least be able to control the devices you use most often. Unfortunately, not every device is compatible with a universal remote control, so you may have to do some research.
Finding the Right User Experience
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a remote control is how it feels in your hand. The ergonomic design of a remote will determine how comfortable it feels to hold and use over an extended period. Controls via remote are built with large buttons that are easy to navigate, while others are more compact and meant for one-handed use. Remote controls are designed to be held vertically, while others are built to be held horizontally. They have a tactile feel that lets you know when you’ve pressed a button. They have a sleek and modern design that fits with your other home appliances, while others have a more retro or vintage design.
Finding the Right Size and Ergonomic Factors
Some of the factors that determine the overall size of remote control are the number of buttons and the size of the remote. Controls via remote will have fewer buttons, while others will have an overwhelming amount of buttons. Remote controls are extremely large and will likely not fit comfortably in your hand. Some are meant to be held vertically, while others are meant to be held horizontally. Depending on the way you prefer to hold your remote, you may need to select a remote that is designed to be held in your preferred position.
Finding the Right Audio Experience
Remote Controls have built-in sound bars that amplify sound and provide a surround sound-like experience. Some have sound bars that can be detached and removed from the remote control. Some remote controls have voice assistants that allow you to control your devices and access content through your voice. Some remote controls can connect to Wi-Fi and will stream content from your devices. Some have a USB port that lets you stream content from your devices.
Finding the Right Video Experience
Some remote controls offer video recording functionality, which lets you record any activity you’re watching on your television. Some remote controls have a built-in webcam that lets you stream video from your remote control. Some let you record content from your television, which lets you save and re-watch content for later. Some remote controls have a built-in streaming service that lets you stream content from your internet-connected devices.
Conclusion
When purchasing a new universal remote control, it’s important to keep an open mind when it comes to devising compatibility. While some remote controls are compatible with a wide range of home devices, others are only compatible with a select list of devices. Some remote controls are better than others when it comes to ergonomic design, user experience, and audio and video experience. You should select a remote control that feels comfortable in your hand and is easy to use. If you’re in the market for a new universal remote control, you may have no idea where to start. With so many different remotes on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your needs. Fortunately, with a bit of research, you can find the remote control that you’ve been looking for.
