sony ps3 incompatible with universal remotes

October 11th, 2006 post a comment (2) stumble it! by: technabob

Sony Playstation 3 Bluetooth Remote Boy, the reasons to NOT get a PS3 keep piling up. The folks over at Opposable Thumbs have made the astute observation that since the PS3 has no IR receiver port and only a Bluetooth remote control.

Due to this unconventional design, the Playstation 3 cannot be controlled with a conventional universal remote. Typical remote controls use either infrared or analog RF signals to operate devices. In addition, since the PS3’s remote also neglected to include a 50 cent IR output either, so it can’t be used as your universal remote either.

While I like the idea of RF-based remotes (including Bluetooth) since they don’t require line-of-sight, this has got to be one of the worst decisions Sony could make for a device that is supposed to be the central hub of your living room. Hell, I can control a $29 DVD player with a universal remote, but I cannot control a $500 to $600 entertainment device? Sony, what the hell are you thinking?

[via Opposable Thumbs]

October 11th, 2006 post a comment (2) stumble it! by: technabob

2 comments post a comment

1. Marque | October 11th, 2006 at 11:17 pm

The PS2 didnt have a direct IR reciever either, but there was a way around that…so it really doesnt matter
2. technabob | October 12th, 2006 at 6:48 am

Well some PS2s had an IR port, and some required an add-on. However, they never touted the PS2 as “more than a game console”. If Sony expects us to use this device as the “central hub” of our living rooms, they should assume there will be other devices there too.