My family is constantly collecting more and more remote controls, which are confusing, look ugly and clutter up the living room. Is there a cost-effective solution to this problem?
This is a common complaint that we hear from clients. Almost every piece of electronic hardware now comes with an Infra Red (IR) remote control and unless all your products come from the same manufacturer you will need to use all of them.
The easiest way to reduce the number of remotes is to use a universal remote which will allow the functionality of all the other remotes to be controlled from one handset. Logitech ( www.logitech.com 01753 870900) has a wide range of stylish products starting at about £55 which can be easily programmed via your PC.
If you would like to personalise the interface, or would like greater functionality, then I would recommend the Philips Pronto TS9600 ( www.pronto.philips.com). Although it can be programmed by an end user I would recommend employing a professional to customise the interface for you – Philips (020 7744 0344) will be able to recommend an authorised professional in your area.
To reduce clutter further, you can hide all of your Audio Visual (AV) devices in a cupboard, out of sight, by using an IR extender from Russound. This uses a magic eye to transmit IR signals from the remote to a number of AV devices. Prices start at about £99 ( www.russound.com 01242 539100); otherwise Logitech and Philips both offer Radio Frequency (RF) options for their products which don’t require line of sight to control the hardware.
For the ultimate control of your AV equipment I would suggest you use a Crestron system ( www.crestron.co.uk 020 8439 7272) which will allow you to control just about any electronic hardware device using programmed wired and wireless touchpanels. The interface can be tailored to your exact requirements and can also be incorporated into your security and CCTV systems for whole house control.
Malcolm Stewart is co-founder of Kensington Home Technology,
a custom installation company
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