16/10/2025
Once upon a time we used to use the Logitech Harmony remote controls in many of our projects. We liked this remote because it was simple, affordable and got the job done with minimal fuss. There were of course some shortcomings, however these were usually circumventable. Logitech dropped the Harmony remotes in 2021, and we’ve struggled to come up with replacements that are as nice to use, and as good value for money.
Over the years we’ve used a number of remotes and looked at lots of others, but none have come close to the Logitech Harmony for value for money.
The closest that we’ve found so far has been the AVA cinema remote. This is a smart, modern looking remote with an uncluttered look, neat touch-screen and a programmable function pad.
Programming is relatively straight forward, and being an Android based device, it means that you can install manufacturer Apps for devices that need an App to control them, where a control driver is not native in the AVA world. AVA are busy growing the native control drivers for a wide variety of devices, and this library is expanding rapidly. A Bundle consisting of the Cinema Remote, charging dock and “Brain” is available at £1875 (inc VAT but not including programming), so this is not as low priced as the Logitech, but still a nice remote.
AVA have just launched iOS and Android versions of an App, so you use your Tablet or Phone as the control point, and these talk directly to the IR “Brain” to control your equipment, significantly bringing down the cost of control to that of the Brain on its own (£439- inc VAT but not including programming).
The concept of a Macro where one button press does a number of things is called a Flow in the AVA world, so a button can be programmed to do a whole variety of things to make your life simpler.
Come and visit our showroom to see it in action:
https://www.hificinema.co.uk/contact-us/
