Sofabaton X1S Setup & Review | Is Sofabaton our last hope for a universal remote solution?

I setup and review the Sofabaton X1S and compare it against the Sofabaton X1, the Logitech Harmony Elite and a Control4 Halo. I think Sofabaton makes a compelling universal remote solution that could potential solve the remote clutter problem for lots of folks out there.
For 20% off your purchase of a Sofabaton X1S, use the promo code "Upscaled20" in the link (amzn.to/3vZg7Hb) below. My promo code stacks on top of any promotion already applied from Amazon, so you're getting a really good deal.
Sofabaton X1S:
Amazon link: amzn.to/3vZg7Hb
20% discount code: Upscaled20
Official website: www.sofabaton.com/products/x1s/
20% discount code: Upscaled
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RUIPRO HDMI Cables
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AC Infinity Fans
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Speaker Cables:
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Subwoofer Cable:
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Center Speaker Wall Mount:
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Speaker Brackets:
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Equipment list:
Speakers (Some models shown are updated equivalents)
1. Definitive Technology BP-8080ST Front/Main (2)
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2. Definitive Technology CS9080 (Replaced the CS8040HD) Center (1)
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3. Definitive Technology SR-9080 Surrounds (4)
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4. Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 55 Front Wide (2)
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5. Definitive Technology SR-9080 Rear Surrounds (2)
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6. Definitive Technology DI 5.5LCR In-ceiling height (6)
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7. SVS PB-3000 Subwoofers (2)
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8. SVS SB-2000 Subwoofers (2)
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Processor
Anthem AVM 70 8K
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Amplifiers
Emotiva XPA Gen3 7 Channel
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Emotiva XPA Gen3 10 Channel
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Screen
Elite Screens ER165WH2 (New Theater)
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Elite Screens ER120WH1 (Old Theater)
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Projector
Epson 6050UB
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Acoustic Panels
GIK Acoustics
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Seats
Seatcraft Sienna
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Carpet
Modern Contours Phenix Bespoke Collection MC115 in Color Noble 989
Theater Seat Risers (Old theater)
SoundRight 7" Black Home Theater Riser Platform (4Seating Website)
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AC Infinity Fans
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AC Infinity Controller 1, Thermal Trigger (For Xbox Series Consoles)
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GoldenEar Technology Triton 2 Front/Main
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
02:00 What's in the box?
04:17 X1 vs X1S
05:49 Setup
06:57 Tip Hub pairing issue
07:33 Adding an IR Device
09:26 Adding a Bluetooth Device
10:32 Creating an Activity
12:54 Final thoughts

[@willmahoney2452]

I have an X1 tgat I supported through their Kickstarter and have been very happy with it. Works all my devices including my lights. If I could change anything it’s for the to control lights other than Philips Hue.

[@Anytyme06]

I got this for $152 with the discount code you provided! Not a bad deal.

[@SoCalVipers]

I just got mine set up today. It's potentially replacing a URC MX-780 that I've been using for 10 years. So far, I'm really liking it. Controlling Apple TV via IR wasn't the best, the X1S using Bluetooth is so much better. After about an hour of googling, I finally figured out how to use the hub with an IR repeater. The hub's 2 outputs aren't enough for me. FYI. I just need to figure out how to create a generic device to control my IR lighting system. I'll also need to run a long IR flasher to my projector.

[@AIIZreviews]

Ordered one this morning because one of my Harmony Ones is going out. Saw your video and cancelled the order so I could use your discount code. So thanks for that! I may order another one after I see how the first one goes. Hopefully the code will still be active

[@housbinpharteen7445]

My only universal remote i ever had was the Phillips Pronto , that was amazing.. until the charger went and i could not find a replacement unit.. now i just use all the original remotes ... back to the basics

[@SuperCalligaro]

Great devices and controls my Apple TV, the tv, my amp, my receiver and my shield well 🎉

[@larrymeyer6006]

How do you use Direct TV remote instead of the Apple TV?

[@davejones1959]

I just returned to Amazon. All devices were easy to set up, however, I could get it paired with FireTV. This the reason I purchased in the first place. It would hang on the final screen before loading the Fire TV onto remote. I have several URC MX990 in my home and the programming software. The URC do not do Bluetooth. I liked the X1S but no FireTV is a showstopper.

[@curt248]

Will it work with Lutron lights?

[@scotttild]

I pray that my Logitechs never die. I have everything programmed exactly the way I want. I even bought a spare a long time ago. Said that they never updated or improved their model.

[@Upscaled_Reviews]

If the day ever comes, it’s not that bad to move over to SofaBaton. There is a learning curve but it can pretty much do everything the Harmony can.

[@canyonh9]

Harmonies will be dead soon,,no money in supporting canceled products. I have 2, both getting increasingly buggy.

[@djmeltdown65]

Did you find you need to use the IR blaster for your AVR? I have the AVR and other equipment in a built in shelf cubby and the X1S will be installed on a lower shelf. also my JVC projector will be in the back of the room.

[@Upscaled_Reviews]

I did have to play with the position of the puck, but I didn’t have to use the IR blasters.

[@twocornell]

The performance of this device is subpar, and I am currently using my second unit after exchanging the first one with Amazon. I initially suspected a connection issue because my first device frequently lost its connection to the hub and required updates. Even after updating to version 2, it still prompted for updates. The remote control only responded when I was within two inches of the hub or a receiver. Although the second device arrived with the latest update and successfully connected to the hub, it suffers from the same reception issues. The customer service department, that suggested I upgrade from the X1 to the X1s, do not have a "fix" to my subsequent inquiries. It is perplexing that the supposedly improved X1s remote has significantly worse reception and responsiveness compared to the older X1 model.

[@francocastilloAR]

Is there a way to make it "homemade", personalized and cheaper.

[@arnovanwingerde8589]

Hm, what does the screen actually do here? It shows the activities through which you can scroll, my Harrnony Companion has 3 buttons for 3 activities - it does not show which activity is active and can only use 6 activities (using long press for activities 4-6) but otherwise the X1S screen seems pretty useless. Maybe useful during set-up only?

[@michaelsmith7753]

Anyone know if it supports any android boxes like superbox or Vseebox

[@losinfinite]

Anyone using this with a media closet? I have some questions about your set up.

[@AIIZreviews]

What happens if one of the devices fails to turn on? Is there a help feature like on the harmony?

[@Upscaled_Reviews]

Not really. You just need to troubleshoot manually and figure out why. Most of the time it’s related to the device not receiving the ir signal.

[@AIIZreviews]

@@Upscaled_Reviews what I mean is do you have to manually power everything down or does the remote have a device list that you can control each one independently of needed?

[@canyonh9]

Can you rename the hubs? I need 2 separate remotes.

[@Upscaled_Reviews]

Pretty sure you can rename them.

[@freshgresh]

Upscaled discount expired on website

[@donforman4326]

why Bluetooth for apple tv?

[@Upscaled_Reviews]

Because you don’t need line of sight to it that way.

[@canyonh9]

You could use the ir repeaters inside a cabinet with the apple tv. However apple tv is much more responsive via Bluetooth.

[@stevewright1539]

Watching your review after I gave up on mine. Please stress that there is no onboard IR on the remote itself.

[@Upscaled_Reviews]

Should be something they consider adding one day.

[@canyonh9]

No ir on the remote is why it has such great battery life. Use the ir repeaters..

[@Upscaled_Reviews]

@@canyonh9 makes sense now that I think about it.

[@stevewright1539]

To control my projector which is in a different room than my rack?

[@ljrand3]

Amazon not working with code

[@Upscaled_Reviews]

It worked for me. Upscaled20

[@AeroDude73]

@@Upscaled_Reviewssame. I used the Amazon 10% off, then tried your Upscaled20 on top of that and nothing happened. So I tried the company website with Upscaled and it only took off the 20% ($38). But you said that they could be stacked (?) somewhere, but I’m not sure where. 🤷‍♂️

[@garagehobbies]

The back button location is a deal breaker.

[@Upscaled_Reviews]

It’s a reach for sure.

[@Yorkie-9668]

Pile of manure, I will stick with my Harmony Elite until it dies

[@Upscaled_Reviews]

I hate manure. Lots of folks don’t have that option unfortunately.

[@Yorkie-9668]

@@Upscaled_Reviews You are agreeing for people to ruin their lives attempting to get this so called wonder remote to actually function, you are allowing the manufacturers lies to continue, yes it is hard to get a harmony remote, but also I cannot agree with people being lied to and wasting nearly £200 for something not fit for purpose, and all these reviews saying it is a great remote are obviously "PAID" reviews, Sofabaton offered to pay me to remove my review on Amazon, make of that what you will!