The IR4PS3 allows everything the official Bluetooth remote can do... all from your standard universal remote!
Posted by Daniel Tonks on January 21, 2008 at 8:50 AM
If you’re a fan of the Sony PlayStation 3, you’re undoubtedly aware of the ongoing saga that is the effort to integrate the game console with standard infrared universal remote controls. As a Bluetooth-only device, it lacks the necessary CIR receiver used by almost every piece of consumer electronics that would be found in your home theater system. And since the PS3 is one of the best Blue-ray Disc players on the market (not to mention the most upgradable) and can also be used as an excellent media player, the complete lack of official integration with expensive universal remotes such as the Logitech Harmony, Philips Pronto or Complete Control series has been a huge disappointment.
When the PS3 was released over a year ago, our article Adding IR Remote Control to the Sony PS3 showed that it was indeed possible to add some level of PS3 control to any universal remote control using a number of standard PS2 accessories already available on the market. Since then, PlayStation accessory manufacturers have capitalized on the concept and you can now select from a number of prepared (and far more stylish) USB-based PS3 remotes and receivers. Unfortunately, none of these offer any greater level of control than our initial do-it-yourself solution. There are barely more than a dozen possible commands, and the console can’t be powered on or off from afar.
It’s now time to throw those limitations out the window, because we have a world exclusive look at the very first infrared-based solution that offers you complete control over the PlayStation 3. It’s the IR4PS3, and if the official Sony Bluetooth-based movie remote can do it, the IR4PS3 can make your existing universal remote control do it as well. That includes a full complement of 51 commands as well as powering the system on and off. Sound interesting?
Bluetooth-based remote offers full BD control; universal remote compatibility.
"Harmony Ultimate" hybrid touchscreen and "Harmony Smart Control" models join the ranks.