Often, many clients express a shocked look on their face when you let them know how much a universal remote, or control system costs. If the client is not familiar with technology and exactly how these systems work, the reaction could be even worse. We want our clients to know this is certainly not a conspiracy in the AV world. By educating them on the different options, levels and ultimate price points they can pick something out that matches their needs and budget.
There are many different choices when purchasing a remote control. There are two distinct categories – consumer grade and professional remotes. Let’s first define what a remote control is; it is simply a single remote device that can communicate using the same infra-red technology as the remote that came with your equipment. The only difference is that it has the capability to store separate IR codes for 2 or more pieces of equipment. By following the instructions that come with the universal remote, anyone can effectively calibrate them to control a TV, DVD Player, Receiver, even Apple TV by following a few simple procedures. Various code sets are included in the instruction booklet and by trial and error a user can effectively switch between equipment by pressing one of the few buttons on the top of the remote that read “TV”, “DVD”, “AUX” and possibly a few others. Depending on how many devices this simple but effective remote can control, it may go up in price, but these solutions typically start at $20 and can go up to about $50. This is the most simple option you can choose, but while these remotes allow you to control your devices with a single remote, it is still usually complicated as you have to press TV, then power to turn on the TV, then RCVR, then power to turn on the receiver, and a sequence of other commands in order to get your system ready. This is, in our opinion not simple. The only merit is that you don’t have to press all those buttons on separate remotes, but you still must press all those buttons on the single remote.
Now let’s get more sophisticated and go with a consumer based remote that will require the same steps as above for calibration, but will allow you to store routines, or macros, into the remote buttons. You probably need some software, web based or pc-based to identify your equipment and record commands that perform those button presses automatically. For example, now, when you press “CABLE” it will turn on the TV, and all underlying equipment and switch inputs for you. These remotes can be enough for some people, but usually leave them wanting more. They are not very easy to customize or tweak to precision, and users usually want something at least a little better. These remote control systems start at $100 and can go up in price depending on features and control options. They round out the consumer grade remotes and from there, some of the features start to get more involved. These remotes can also start controlling some automation features based on the wireless technology and accessory equipment they utilize; that is why they can be priced from $100 to several hundreds of dollars.
Let’s discuss consumer grade options that could greatly impact price. One aspect is the presentation of the remote. The remote could incorporate graphics and have a touchscreen combined with hard buttons. Some think that this is easier for people to control since they are graphically presented. A picture of a DVD with the text “Watch DVD” is always a bit warmer. Another physical characteristic is the battery life. Does the remote require regular alkaline batteries, or is it rechargeable via lithium? Does the remote incorporate radio frequency and or other types of wireless signal such as Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, ZigBee, or Bluetooth? These types of technologies make the remote open to automation features such as lighting, door locks, security, shades, climate, and a host of other functions. Best of all they allow you to control third party equipment through walls and doors up to a hundred feet away by purchasing optional accessory devices. This can bring the price tag way up, and worse, can require a good deal of technical knowledge to set up to work perfectly. It is this reason the need and market for professional based systems cost, which I will discuss in the next few paragraphs.
For those who never purchased or used a high-end professionally programmed remote the idea of spending hundreds, even thousands may seem ludicrous, the same way one would not dream of purchasing a 40,000 dollar projector or a $25 thousand pair of speakers. While a good control system can be relatively expensive, it is only a multiple of the investment you make in audio and video, and plays an important role in the overall experience as you interact with your system. In fact, it can be the difference between some people in the home being able to use the system or not. Instead of being completely intimidated by a pile of remotes that need to be utilized in order to turn the system on and set it to the right input and setting, one would simply press a single button the professionally programmed remote. The pro remote stores multiple command sequences which have intelligence to treat the system differently if the system is already on. For example, when you turn the system on the TV and Receiver need to warm up for a few seconds before accepting an input command. The remote knows the system is on or off and handles the situation accordingly. The pro remote provides an activity-based appearance. Instead of meaningless buttons, the remote may include a “Watch Cable” or “Watch Movie” button. Once pressed, the remote performs a series of commands and primes the system perfectly. It then takes you to the respective control page for that device in a much more aesthetic and ergonomic appearance.
However, appearance is only one aspect of professional remotes. While a programmer can spend countless hours developing custom graphics and interfaces that encapsulate all the features and desires of the client, the technology is the key difference. How the remote communicates to the home and components can drive the price exponentially. Signals such as Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth and other proprietary frequencies can communicate with lighting, thermostats, shades, energy management, and obviously audio/video devices. In many cases, a control system consists of more than just a remote. Control processors and base units are needed to allow the remote to control equipment in other areas of the home, through walls and doors, and over great distances. We will be writing a separate article called “Remote Control vs. Control System”, but the more you control, the more the need for a control system vs. just a universal remote. All in all, as expensive as these items are, they only wind up being a percentage of what the entire system purchase is. And the fact that the controller is your ticket to experience, we believe it is well worth the price tag.
Hopefully this has given you some insight into the world of control and how professional controllers and control systems justify the high price tags. To summarize, your money goes to the technology, service and advanced programming that your custom integrator performs. The end result is a way for you to enjoy your home and have all the functionality and feature set at your fingertips.
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