Blu-Link universal remote controls PS3, other gear

Ever since we realized the PS3 didn't have an IR receiver, we've expected Logitech to release a Harmony remote with built-in Bluetooth support. Somewhat surprisingly, that day still hasn't come, with the company opting to release the Logitech Harmony Adapter for PlayStation 3 instead.

The recently released SMK Blu-Link universal remote offers what we've been waiting for since 2006: a single remote that controls all your gear, without a dongle. It's capable of controlling six devices and it uses a library of IR codes, similar to the cheap universal remotes you might pick up in a drug store. If the code isn't in the book, the Blu-Link can also "learn" it by pointing the device's original remote at the Blu-Link. We can't say how well the remote will work in practice, but from the image, it looks as if Blu-Link took some smart design cues from the TiVo "peanut" remote, with convenient DVR controls and a large directional pad up top.

The Blu-Link lacks many of the niceties of the Harmony line of products, such as online programming and activity-based controls. However, the low $50 price may make it a good option if you're on a tight budget and just want basic control of all your gear in a single remote.

(Sources: Blu-Link via Engadget)

[kalel33]

$50 is still too high. You can find Logitech Harmony remotes on Amazon for under $60 that surpass that pitiful remote by leaps and bounds.

[Josh BSN]

I don't think you read the article very thoroughly. You won't find any Logitech Harmony remote that can control your PS3, without a dongle that costs more than this remote does. The whole point of the article is that this remote is affordable and can control your PS3 for home theater use.

[Renegade Knight]

As long as you don't have a PS3 you would be right. Without PS3 support though, it's just a Harmony paperweight.

[ComeToTerms]

Don't you find it funny when misinformed people jump on Cnet to write blogs and all they can say is "it cost too much". Shame... But in any case, we've waited 3yrs and i can wait a year more for Logitech to get it right but its damn close with the Logitech Harmony 900. Yes you have to buy the additional LH Adapter for $60 for it to be able to control your PS3 but i'm sure next year they will get it right. Either way, if your looking at Logitech, you were going to be paying a pretty penny to begin with. But are we getting lazy or what! Bluetooth this, wi-fi this, universal remotes to control every thing that has a power switch, lol. The age of Cancer is coming. But hey, i'm not getting up to turn the damn PS3 off either, lmao!!!