PS3 Blu-Link Universal Remote Control

by InterWorks Unlimited, Inc.

Product Features

• Built-In Bluetooth radio for controlling Sony PlayStation 3
• Blu-Ray and DVD Control - Specific buttons to control top menu, popup menu, angle, audio channel and subtitle features of movies
• Advanced PS3 Buttons - Dedicated buttons such as triangle, circle, square, X, Select, Home and Start for maximum control of PlayStation3
• Non-Volatile Memory -Settings are stored in non-volatile memory so they aren’t lost when batteries are changed.
• DVR Friendly Layout - Frequently used buttons are centrally located

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002LARYGA
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 2 x 1.1 inches ; 8 ounces
• Media: Accessory
• Release Date: November 10, 2009
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (190 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,647 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #3 in Video Games > PlayStation 3 > Hardware > Controllers > Remotes
  • #29 in Video Games > Sony PSP > Hardware

Product Description

The first remote control to use both Bluetooth to control the PS3 and Infrared to control the other devices in your entertainment center. Built-In Bluetooth radio for controlling Sony PlayStation3. Built-In IR for controlling numerous models of TVs, VCRs, DVDs, DVRs, surround sound systems, cable, satellite and set top boxes. Replace up to six different remote controls. Pre-programmed to support numerous models of TVs, VCRs, DVDs, DVRs, surround sound systems, cable, satellite and set top boxes. Learn codes from other remote controls

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't be happier, September 10, 2009

By 

Michael VanDyke (Garden City, KS) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: PS3 Blu-Link Universal Remote Control (Accessory)

Before I get into my thoughts on the Blu-Link remote, I'll start by saying that I've purchased and returned two Logitech Harmony universal remotes. The Harmony Xbox 360 remote and the almighty Harmony One to be precise. These are the only products I've ever returned on Amazon.com. They were nice enough remotes to look at, and the computerized setup was convenient. I just couldn't get past the delay in button presses. No matter how you set the inter-device or inter-key delay for the remote, there is a noticeable delay between pressing a button and seeing the result. (For example: Holding down the volume button for an A/V receiver for a few seconds would result in about 3-4 extra commands after you let go of the button. Annoying) I am far from the only user to be bothered by this, as a quick Google search can yield innumerable results on the topic.

The Blu-Link remote doesn't have a computerized setup, a display, or a charging station. I give it 5 stars nonetheless. It does what it's supposed to do, and does it at a reasonable price. Using the supplied codes, I had my PS3, Samsung TV, Onkyo A/V receiver, and DirecTV HD-DVR up and running MOST of the way within a couple of minutes. I then spent 5, count 'em, 5 minutes using the remote's "learning" feature to fill in the remaining functionality. Notably, I ran into the same problem that another reviewer had with my A/V receiver, in that it would power it on, but not off. Teaching the Blu-Link the Onkyo remote's power code directly alleviated this problem. Various other commands were learned from my old Onkyo remote, but the DVR and TV were good to go using only the supplied codes. The volume master feature works as it should, sending all volume commands to the AUX input, the Onkyo receiver. The manual also explains how to set up a master volume device, but to also be able to control the TV's volume when you're on the TV input. (I mention this after seeing another reviewer's frustration with trying to do that)

Now, for the reason I was so excited about this remote in the first place: The ability to control the PS3. I can tell you that it works flawlessly. Power on, power off, video/music playback, menu navigation, just about everything you can do with the PS3 controller can be done with the Blu-Link remote. To power on, you simply hit the PS3 input selector. To power off, you hold the "Home" button, just like you would on a PS3 controller, and select "Power off device". Simple! The only ommission I've seen is the lack of "L" and "R" buttons. The only use I would have for them is webpage back/forward keys, (which is still easily done by hitting "triangle" and selecting it from the menu) but since I don't do much web browsing on the PS3 it's not a big deal.

The finish of the remote is very attractive, and I find the button layout to be very comfortable. Be aware that the buttons are quite small, namely the number keys and transport buttons. (FF, RW, etc.) Those with large hands may have problems.

I spent less than 10 minutes setting up this remote to control all of my components, and have been loving it in the time since. Yes, I have to manually adjust inputs when watching a movie instead of hitting a singular "Activity" key, but I also don't have to deal with the delays present in Logitech remotes. The PS3 control is fantastic, and you can get the Blu-Link remote for $10 less than the price of the Logitech PS3 adapter alone!

If you're unhappy with Harmony remotes, and you're a PS3 owner, this is a no-brainer. Buy it now!

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Great Start (Edited: 4/15/2011), February 19, 2010

By 

J. Rehm (Phoenix, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: PS3 Blu-Link Universal Remote Control (Accessory)

Edit (4/15/2011):
I bought this remote a year ago, but it didn't do its job well for more than six months. It continued to function as a universal remote, but the bluetooth became so spotty to the point of worthlessness. It wouldn't remain connected to the PS3 for more than 10 seconds, so it would connect and I'd have to quickly scroll through menus before it'd disconnect. Then I'd wait another 10 seconds for it to reconnect and I'd start the mad shuffle again. Not a fun way to live life. I tried calling and emailing customer support on many occasions, but they've gone dark. So, I got a Harmony remote with their bluetooth adapter and haven't looked back. It's a far more expensive option, but I've had no difficulties with it, and I'm pretty sure Logitech will answer my calls. I don't like saying it, but I recommend looking elsewhere for your PS3 controlling needs.


Original:
I really want to love this remote, and I almost do. There's just a few kinks that I'm really having a hard time living with. Let me break down my loves and hates:

Love:
- Almost eliminates 6 remotes/controllers (the "almost" is explained below)
- "Teaching" commands is a breeze
- Has a wide variety of buttons so I can logically assign buttons
- Feels good in my hand (I don't think the buttons are too small, and I have normal sized guy hands)

Hate:
- Only 50 programmable commands, globally. This means you can only "teach" the remote 50 new things across all devices. I ran out before I even got to my receiver's remote, so I've had to go back and pick and choose which commands I'll actually need regularly.
- If you leave the remote in PS3 mode for a long time (60 minutes?) it will stop controlling the PS3 until you turn the PS3 off/back on. I re-paired, too, but I don't know if that's a necessary step all of the time.

As to my first complaint, I called the company's support number and talked to the fella there (very nice guy) and he confirmed that there are only 50 programmable commands. I asked him if I could request a feature and that it be more memory for the next model. Perhaps if enough people request it we'll get our wish. The company's site [...].

For my second complaint, I recommend doing what you have to in PS3 (Bluetooth) mode and then change to some other mode. The Bluetooth probably just goes to sleep to conserve battery power, but it's very frustrating. So switch modes and I think everything will be okay.

Overall, I really do like this remote because it's one-of-a-kind. Why hasn't anyone else thought of making a IR/Bluetooth remote? Who knows. But they haven't, so this is the best there is for now. It's definitely first-gen, but a great attempt. Hopefully they'll iron out the bugs and the next version will completely rock. I know I'm game to get an update.

24 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Version Amazon Sells Not Working With PS3 Slim, November 11, 2009

By 

Scott Martin (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:2.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: PS3 Blu-Link Universal Remote Control (Accessory)

The version that Amazon is selling as of 11/9/09 is not the latest version and does not work with the PS3 Slim. After contacting Blu-link tech support, you can get your remote firmware upgraded however you will have to pick up the tab on the shipping back to them.

Other then that it's a cool remote, easy to program and learns other commands from other remotes. The price is right when compared to something like the Logitech Harmony series (which I ultimately ended up buying).

Once Amazon gets the new version I would recommend this remote.