Today's cell phones are for more than just making phone calls. They have evolved into smartphones that are used for a variety of tasks. One interesting way to use a smartphone, or even a tablet, is as a remote control for home theater components and home automation systems. If you are an smartphone or tablet user, check out some interesting remote control apps that can make operating your home theater system easier.
RedEye Remote Control App
This innovative app is free with the purchase of either a RedEye or RedEye mini remote control system that works with either an iOS or Android phone to control your home theater system and related devices. An extensive online database provides remote control codes for thousands of devices. The app enables control of devices individually or as group using an "activity" function (such as turning on your TV and home theater receiver when you want to play a Blu-ray Disc). Also included in the app is access to a real-time online program guide.
The way the system works is that once the app is installed on either an iPhone or Android phone, the phones send remote control signals either via WiFi to the RedEye station, or via direct plug-in to the RedEye mini. The RedEye station and Mini then send standard IR signals to the devices that are to be controlled. The RedEye station also doubles as a charger/AC adapter for your phone. If you have an iPhone or Android phone, this is definitely an app and remote control system to check out.
Download the App for iOS and/or Android devices.
Compare Prices for the RedEye and Compare Prices for the RedEye mini.
The Griffin Beacon - Dijit App Remote Control System
The Griffin Beacon combines an iPhone/iPod Touch/iPod or compatible Android deevice with a downloadable app from Dijit. The app is free with the purchase of the Beacon system. Once the app is installed, you can use your compatible iOS or Android device to transmit commands via Bluetooth technology to a provided wireless AV controller. The controller, can then relay IR signals to a TV, Blu-ray Disc player, home theater receiver, network media player, or other compatible components. An online database provides remote control codes for components, as well as a program guide. If you have an iPhone and a home theater system, the Dijit App and Griffin Beacon is definitely a remote control system to check out.
iControlAV2 by Pioneer Electronics
This remote control iOS-only app allows users to control select Pioneer home theater components. Check out a video demo via Pocket-Lint for a more detailed look at this app.Yamaha Network A/V Receiver Control
If you have a home Wi-Fi network, this app for both iOS and Androide allows users of select Yamaha home theater receivers to control basic functions such as input selection, volume, zone power, and settings for connected bluetooth devices.Onkyo Remote Control App
Owners of Onkyo 2009, 2010, 2011, or later, network home theater receivers and use the Onkyo Remote Control App to access a variety of functions, including volume, input selection, radio tuning, and more, using an iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad. The app is free for Onkyo owners.Download the iOS, Android, and/or Kindle Fire versions of this app.
Sony Media Control
The Sony media control app for iOS and Android devices provide control of many Sony home theater receivers, Blu-ray Disc players, and TVs. Check out the details and download info for iOS and Android devices.Denon Remote App
The Denon Remote App provides control of the 11, 12, and 13 series network home theater receivers, as well as other select Denon components. For the details and download info, check out the Denon Remote App page for iOS and Android devices.DirecTV DVR App
This iPhone remote control app allows the DirecTV subscriber to "call your DirecTV DVR" to record a show even if you are not home. Of course, even in you are home you can still use it to set of your DVR.
Download the Android and/or iPhone/iPod Touch and/or iPad versions of this app.
DVR Remote for TiVpo
Do you own a TIVO Series 3 or Premiere DVR? If so, the DVR Remote app allows you to control all of the recording and playback functions of your unit. (see video demo)iOS download version, and/or Android and Kindle Fire versions.
Boxee Remote and Boxee for iPhone and iPad
Boxee is a Network Media Player that allows the streaming of audio and video content. The Boxee remote app allows users to control the Boxee Box via an iPhone or iPad.Download the Boxee Remote for iPhone/iPad App
