Beyonwiz 6in1 Universal Remote

PeteRyde · Post by **PeteRyde** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 19:24

Does anyone have any feedback on the new Beyonwiz 6in1 Universal Remote?
It seems VERY expensive for what it is or am I missing something? I see they are giving them away with new BWs sold in December. Perhaps BW could consider a half price offer to existing users for being early adopters and putting up with the couple of quirks along the way

Pete

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 21:23

It's build quality is excellent, unlike some other similarily priced universial remotes.

Jammer · Post by **Jammer** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 22:53

Dave? wrote:It's build quality is excellent, unlike some other similarily priced universial remotes.

How does it stack up against the mid-level Harmony's, Dave?

NPR · Post by **NPR** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 23:03

Jammer wrote:
Dave? wrote:It's build quality is excellent, unlike some other similarily priced universial remotes.
How does it stack up against the mid-level Harmony's, Dave?

Yep, that's got to be its competition. I've really found the harmony to be a brilliant addition to my kit, however the build quality leaves a lot to be desired.

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 23:17

I hate the build quality and the small screen text on my 5xx series harmony remote (which I only bought to compare against the new beyonwiz remote). It's been a few months since I played with the new bw remote but IIRC it has macros (something the harmonys seem not to have). At the time I remember thinking that I prefered the bw remote. And I thought it was easily worth as much as the 525 harmony (which was $199 at the time, and still is when not on special I think).

tigger19 · Post by **tigger19** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 23:43

I have a Harmony 880 and it works well in regard to creating macros although the way it sits in its cradle for recharging is very problematic [easily disconnects]. Does the Beyonwiz model charge reliably? If so and it 'learns' codes effectively - I'd certainly consider it as a replacement. Although I agree with Pete [ it is a might unfair if they are now bundled with new BW units] and a discount for existing owners would be good reason to purchase. A few thoughts.
David

Kezza · Post by **Kezza** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 06:11

can you use the macro keys and the coloured keys at the same time, eg if macros are turned on can one use the to do stuff in the menus?

Kezza

trevsy · Post by **trevsy** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 06:26

This remote where can I see it I have googled it with no results???

Kezza · Post by **Kezza** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 07:46

trevsy wrote:This remote where can I see it I have googled it with no results???

http://www.beyonwiz.com.au/xmas07_offer.asp

Kezza

Martyn · Post by **Martyn** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 08:32

Hi,

Is there an online user manual / programming manual somewhere ?

Martyn

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 12:43

Beyonwiz AP-U1 6-in-1 Remote Control

Did someone say 'downloadable owner's manual'?

Here's one I created earlier: Beyonwiz AP-U1_ENG_Manual_v1.0.pdf

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 13:39

tigger19 wrote:Does the Beyonwiz model charge reliably?

It uses three AAA batteries - which should last 4-6 months.

tigger19 wrote: Although I agree with Pete [ it is a might unfair if they are now bundled with new BW units] and a discount for existing owners would be good reason to purchase.

Actually they are not bundled with new Beyonwiz untis. It is a Christmas Gift offer for people who purchase (or purchased) a Beyonwiz DP-S1 or DP-P1 in December 2007. Like the limited time cash-back offers that manufacturers sometimes do.

Kezza wrote:can you use the macro keys and the coloured keys at the same time, eg if macros are turned on can one use the to do stuff in the menus?

Not sure. If the manual does not answer this question I may have to try it myself... when I get time...

tigger19 · Post by **tigger19** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 21:58

Thanks for answering the questions Dave. A quick glance of the manual seems to answer most other questions [it was good of you to upload this]. $199 still seems a bit steep if December purchasers can apply for one for free [although I do understand the limited time offer]. Comparing the features it does match up well with the mid-range Harmony - so $199 is a reasonable market value as a new purchase I was just trying to make the point of expanding the discount scheme for ALL users [not suggesting it is free but cheaper - limited to one per BW purchaser, checked via serial number etc.].
Anyway, thanks again for your help.

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 22:39

tigger19 wrote:I was just trying to make the point of expanding the discount scheme for ALL users [not suggesting it is free but cheaper - limited to one per BW purchaser, checked via serial number etc.].

I'm all for offering a discount to existing beyonwiz owners (including DP-H1). I think it'd be very popular.

clubbyr8 · Post by **clubbyr8** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 08:42

Seems existing users are being left out in the cold. Why don't these manufacturers support all users????? Why only support users who buy in December? Why not offer something to the users that bought this item when it was unknown? I just like a level playing field. Won't hold my breath

j s · Post by **j s** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 08:52

Dave? wrote:but IIRC it has macros (something the harmonys seem not to have).

Ahem!! All Harmonies are based on macro functionality - the difference is that they are built for you when you set up your "Activities". Building macros manually is like programming in Assembler.

Kezza · Post by **Kezza** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 09:02

j s wrote:Building macros manually is like programming in Assembler.

and that just the way I like it.

Kezza

craigh · Post by **craigh** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 09:31

Kezza wrote:
j s wrote:Building macros manually is like programming in Assembler.
and that just the way I like it.

Kezza

Not as bad as assembler, in fact fairly easy, and it gives you a level of control that activity based remotes cant do

The best of both worlds would be to allow all system generated macros to then be fully editable

arthurbach4 · Post by **arthurbach4** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 14:18

Having not owned or indeed used a universal remote before now I was wondering if the wiz universal remote can operate a ps3?

I was lucky enough to have bought my P1 in December and I almost bought a universal remote before I stumbled upon this deal!

Does the remote handle RF signals?

Thanks.

ccspack · Post by **ccspack** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 14:39

No, as the PS3 Remote is BlueTooth, not IR

arthurbach4 · Post by **arthurbach4** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 14:53

So to clarify the wiz universal remote does NOT handle a ps3 because it can't handle bluetooth. Is this correct?

Thanks.

arthurbach4 · Post by **arthurbach4** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 14:57

To really , really clarify I need it only to control the Blu Ray aspect of PS3 operation.

I was looking at a PS3 remote on Amazon and it had this quote:

"IR Technology allows for control up to 25 feet away"

This is where the bluetooth/IR situation confuses me.

Thanks.

arthurbach4 · Post by **arthurbach4** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 15:06

Sorry for taking up so much digital space with this query

If I had of read ahead in the Amazon post I would have seen:

"You can read the details in other reviews, but I wanted to make clear the real value of this product is the USB dongle that allows you to use IR universal remotes with your PS3. Personally, I use it with the Harmony 880 (search for Nyko Blu Wave under "game system with DVD" when setting up your remote). I would have given it five stars, but the lack of support for turning the system on and off limits it to four stars."

Sorry...

ccspack · Post by **ccspack** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 16:06

I do not know of any Universal remote that has BlueTooth inbuilt

Why did the PS3 have to be different.

arthurbach4 · Post by **arthurbach4** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 16:16

I would love someone to have a look at the Blu-Wave Remote here at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/PlayStation-3-Blu ... 969&sr=8-1

Basically the reviewers are suggesting that you can plug in the IR usb dongle into the ps3 and that you can then program your universal remote to work the PS3 (except for powering it on and off).

Does anyone know if this would work on our PAL PS3s?

Is there another similar type of PS3 remote with the usb dongle that could be used in the same way (and that is compatible with PAL)?

Thanks.

ccspack · Post by **ccspack** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 16:27

I can't see why this would not work on the PAL PS3 as all other accessories are region free. With this you would be able to then program your Universal remote to use the USB bitd only. You will probably have to buy it from some where else as Amazon states that they will not post this item out of US.

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 18:26

arthurbach4 wrote:I would love someone to have a look at the Blu-Wave Remote here at Amazon:

USB IR dongles are very common. The only question is whether the PS3 is hackable enough to allow users to add support for any USB dongle. All you need is software on the PS3 that recognises the IR codes.

I've got about 1/2 dozen USB IR receivers and HTPC Remotes and a few different Windows and Linux Remote Control Applications and a couple of IR Blasters. But my HTPC also has a built-in RF receiver and an RF remote. But I digress..

The easiest solution for you would be to buy the PS3 IR remote and USB dongle and then teach the remote's codes to the AP-U1. Then put the PS3 remote in the draw with all the other remotes that won't get used anymore. Having seen how cheap the PS3 Remote and USB Dongle is this is the way I'd go. Don't think of it as buying another remote. Think of it as buying the dongle and IR codes.

DOH! Scratch everything I said above. I just had another look at the PS3 remote and it appears to be Bluetooth (which makes sense considering the previous mention of bluetooth).

craigh · Post by **craigh** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 20:57

I have been down this track with a PS3.

The Sony PS3 remote is bluetooth so forget that for a start.

There are many "how to" articles on the internet re using a PS2 dongle and IR remote to control the DVD functions of the PS3.

The dongles and remote are available form many sources and are generaly cheap.

So what you realy need is just the dongle as you then would use your universal remote to send ir signals to it.

The only issue will be that you will probably have to learn all the codes as it wont likely be in any code setup of the remote.

As with most universals macros, learned codes etc all share the available storage space so as long as you dont have too many learned codes it should be cool.

If your after the ability to control the DVD etc from a single remote thats the route to take.

Stang65 · Post by **Stang65** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 08:49

I've been looking at getting a universal remote and had pretty much decided on the Harmony 785 before I saw the Beyonwiz remote. If there is any one out there that has used both I would be very keen to get your feedback given they are a similar price (although I am yet to actually see a Beyonwiz remote in the shops).

I would also like to add my vote to the concept of a reduced price for early adopters of the Beyonwiz. I figure some gentle prodding can't hurt............

Thanks

Jammer · Post by **Jammer** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 10:42

Stang65 wrote:I've been looking at getting a universal remote and had pretty much decided on the Harmony 785 before I saw the Beyonwiz remote. If there is any one out there that has used both I would be very keen to get your feedback given they are a similar price (although I am yet to actually see a Beyonwiz remote in the shops).

I have both the Harmony 785 and the BW remote. IMHO, the 785 is definitely a far superior remote BUT the BW remote will do the job well if you don't need all the bells and whistles of the Harmony. Of course, the BW remote has a distinct advantage when used with a BW. My 785 is not working at the moment (long story!) and I'm quite happy using the BW remote with my Home Theatre devices for now. I was pretty surprised to see that the BW remote can also be used with air conditioners. The Harmony can also do this but this inclusion on the BW remote is pretty good for what it is.

The 785 has a considerable advantage with being rechargeable, having the backlit keypad and the very considerable number of user-defined soft keys, in addition to a truckload of hard keys also.

All in all, the average user should be pretty happy with the BW remote unless - like me - you're a techno head who can never have enough gadgets to play with......in which case you'd be happier with the 785 although there's a considerable learning curve to get the most out of it - which is a lot. The BW remote is exceptionally easy to set up, very user-friendly and the "significant other" shouldn't have any problems using it (unlike the Harmony!)

sctsprin · Post by **sctsprin** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 10:27

Hi, does anyone know how to stop the beeping on the ap-u1 remote, it's very annoying.

Vortical · Post by **Vortical** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 10:40

1. Press SET for about 5 seconds

2. Press < or > until SOUND is showing on the LCD

3. Press OK once then press the Up directional key until you see S_OFF

4. Press OK and this will cancel the sound then press the Exit Key.

It's all in the manual at Item 3 on page 9 Key Sound On/Off Settings.

sctsprin · Post by **sctsprin** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 11:07

thanks, found it 5 secs after i posted...doh

has anyone got the remote working with an amp?
theres no amp setting, and no mention of codes for amps, so i'm slowly searching the codes to see if one works on my sony 1200es

Vortical · Post by **Vortical** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 11:50

I used the CD setting and had to get it to learn all the functions I needed for my Marantz Receiver

I wonder if we can edit the SAT, TV VCR titles ect to whatever we want?

sctsprin · Post by **sctsprin** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:10

thanks michael, bit of a bugger it doesn't have an amp setting, doesn't look like you can rename the titles either unfortunately.

I've also noticed a few important buttons like the sound settings button, zoom and a few others are missing, which makes the remote less useful in some ways than the old remote.

tonymy01 · Post by **tonymy01** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:16

It is a smidgin primitive compared to my MX500 remote, that is for sure. I spent about 30mins searching for the best remote code to drive my TV (about 6 or 7 of the Samsung codes work, but various features work better on some than the others) and I found one that is 99.9% perfect, but the volume- does mute, and the mute does volume-, so I thought "no problems, I will just learn the volume- and mute keys" and it essentially wipes the pre-stored code as soon as you learn just one key for your remote, so you effectively have to learn all the keys... bugger that, I have my TV on internal mute anyway so don't use the volume control really.
And macros are a bit restrictive also, only 4 of them on the coloured buttons.
And look at the air conditioner list, no Japanese air cons (no Fujitsu, no Panasonic). I tried all the codes and nothing did the trick for my Panasonic A/C...
It is a pretty good remote in terms of the number of buttons though (shame it doesn't have the |< and >| buttons, this would be good for both DVD and Wiz alike).
Regards

Vortical · Post by **Vortical** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 12:41

tonymy01 wrote: And look at the air conditioner list, no Japanese air cons (no Fujitsu, no Panasonic). I tried all the codes and nothing did the trick for my Panasonic A/C...

Tony, make it learn the functions from your remotes.

I've found it much easier doing it that way and doesn't take too much effort.

I tried using the codes for the Sony TV but it was missing too many things I needed.
Learning Mode is the Key

peteru · Post by **peteru** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 11:45

tonymy01 wrote:I thought "no problems, I will just learn the volume- and mute keys" and it essentially wipes the pre-stored code as soon as you learn just one key for your remote, so you effectively have to learn all the keys...

I believe that you need to use the copy function to copy all the pre-configured codes into the learned code bank, then you can redefine individual buttons.

EDIT Above sentence highlighted by moderator, due to it's importance to all AP-U1 users.

It's a neat looking remote and built reasonably well, but the firmware is not very user friendly. The capabilities seem to target the low to mid end consumer, with lack of support for higher end devices like AVRs. So far I could not get the presets to work with the air conditioner, the amp, the TV or the Xbox. I may need to learn each individual button for each device.

One annoying thing I found is how slowly the remote responded to fast key presses. I use the original BWiz remote right arrow key to skip forward by rapidly pressing the key several times. The AP-U1 just doesn't respond fast enough to the presses.

DaveR · Post by **DaveR** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 12:10

peteru wrote:One annoying thing I found is how slowly the remote responded to fast key presses. I use the original BWiz remote right arrow key to skip forward by rapidly pressing the key several times. The AP-U1 just doesn't respond fast enough to the presses.

I have found that skipping on the BW seems to be hit and miss. It seems to require a firm press on the button. And it does not like being too close to the S1. Skipping seems to work better if the remote is more than 2ft away (not normally an issue).

Anderz · Post by **Anderz** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 14:52

I purchased my P1 on Nov 30.

How unlucky .

prl · Post by **prl** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 14:59

I've just finished programing my AP-U1 for our setup (TV/BW setup as below + old Akai VCR + very old Yamaha radio receiver/amp).

The table of built-in code sets for TVs in the AP-U1 is much bigger than the set of codes for the BR-01 TV codes (eg. 41 vs 13 for Sony). This is a good thing, but it does make finding the best code set a longer and more tedious process.

It was OK to set up, but there was no exact match in the code table for any of the devices, so I used Key Transfer/Learn to set up exactly what I wanted for the TV & VCR, and Learn for the receiver, putting it on the CD selection.

There were a number of other shortcomings of varying levels of annoyance:

There are several buttons on the BR-01 that aren't on the AP-U1: Radio/TV, LIVE, wizTV, |>, |<<, >>|, Subtitle and Teletext.
Macros can only be tied to the coloured buttons.
You can't use macros without sacrificing the normal functions of the coloured buttons.
Enabling/disabling the macro buttons to switch them between their normal function and their macro function is clumsy and slow: press SET for 5 seconds, then >, >, >, OK (then ^ to turn macros off rather than on), OK, EXIT.
As a result of the above three points, I won't be using the macro function.
There are inconsistencies on whether you use <, > or ^, v to scroll through setup menu items
There's no selection for an amp/receiver, and you can't rename the existing selections.
You can only learn/transfer codes to a very limited set of buttons in the A/C selection.
You can't set up selections to be skipped when you press SELECT - we don't use A/C or DVD, but we still have to SELECT through them.
The manual could do with some editing by a good English speaker (eg. "loosen the button" for "release the button"; "press X for once/twice" rather than "press X once/twice" are used consistently through the manual).
The manual could do with feedback from test users of the device about the clarity of the instructions.
The manual tells you not to reprogram any of the BW buttons on the SAT function on page 1, but in the following paragraph tells you how to undo it if you do change them. I changed the volume control on the SAT selection anyway (and on all the others, too) to operate the volume control on the receiver/amp.
There's no explanation of the icons on the LCD panel in the manual.

All up, I'd give it about 8/10 for how well it works for me.

Anyway, all the other remotes have been moved from the coffee table to the top of the bookcase

We'll see how it goes.

arthurbach4 · Post by **arthurbach4** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 18:54

Hey there.

I find myself in possession of both a wiz universal remote and a Harmony 785 and before I open either of them I had a question about the Harmony.

A guy in a JBs store today made a throwaway comment about the 785 either having some sort of lag or a slow processor (or something like that.)

Can anyone confirm this?

What do you think the 785 is like in the speed department?

Thanks heaps.

Pete.

arthurbach4 · Post by **arthurbach4** » Sun Jan 06, 2008 08:44

It's OK I got my response to this. Apparently there is no lag.

Thanks.