Digital Trends

Universal Electronics' new Xsight remotes use a Web application to load and modify device profiles and tweak personal settings, making them easier for novices to set up out of the box.

When it comes to universal remotes, setup is often the biggest headache. Between looking up TV codes in a tiny directory and entering arcane button combinations into the thing, a seemingly simple task can become quite the test of technical prowess. Universal Electronics’ new Xsight remotes circumvent that setup hell with one of our favorite methods – a Web client.

The Xsight Colour and Xsight Touch both interface with the proprietary EZ-RC Web app, which makes adding, editing and deleting different device profiles from the remotes a simple point-and-click affair. The company claims it only takes a few minutes, and if using the Web just sounds more complex to you, you can also use an onboard setup through the 2.2-inch touch screen.

Besides a simplified setup process, both remotes also include full-color screens, touch-slide navigation, control for up to 18 devices, and personalization with profiles, favorites and macros.

The remotes will debut in mid-October, but in Europe only. The Xsight Touch will run for 199€, while the Xsight Color will be priced at 149€.