bit-tech Shopping: Sony Blu-Ray Remote Control for PlayStation 3

Rating: 2

Time with product: 2

Strengths: It's a remote.

Weaknesses: No backlight, confusing design.

Summary: I have a PS3 I use in my home theater, which is dark the way it's supposed to be. It's almost impossible to use this remote. Not only did Sony restrict me from using my nicely designed, control everything, harmony remote. But they restrict you to only use their own terrible design with tons of button and no backlight. It's almost impossible to use without being having the lights on. It really looks like this remote was made in the 80's.

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: It's easy to use, unlike ps3 controller

Weaknesses: price

Summary: This should have been included with the PS3 or allow the PS3 to accept IR so any remote could control it. Since it doesn't, this does the trick, works very well, each command is recognized instantly just like a remote control. It's easy to use and it's a lot better than the actual ps3 controller. This is easy to navigate and you don't need to point in the direction. Definetly worth the $25 to bring out the ease of your bluray player.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 15 Days

Strengths: high quality remote, good button layout

Weaknesses: no on/off power button

Summary: This is a very good remote from sony. It has a very good design, feels good in your hand and easy to use. I just wish it had an on/off power button and it would be perfect for me. I am glad I decided to purchase this item.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Much easier controls for DVD\\\'s than the controller, Bluetooth doesn\\\'t require line-of-sight for use

Weaknesses: No light for remote for use in the dark

Summary: The Blu-Ray Remote control is a Bluetooth-based remote control for the PS3. Using Bluetooth instead of IR for controls means there\\\'s no need for line-of-sight for use of the remote, as well as the ability to control the PS3 from another room. The button layout is good and controls all aspects of the PS3 from the remote, though the remote doesn\\\'t light up for use in the dark. It\\\'s a minor issue on a very good remote.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 60

Strengths: Works well, inexpensive, works through walls.

Weaknesses: Virtually impossible to use in a dark room, lots of buttons, No back-lighting or glow-in-the-dark. Having two menu buttons can be confusing.

Summary: The Playstation 3 Bluetooth Remote works really well for its intended purpose. Bluetooth here is much more more reliable than a typical IR remote. Even when pointed away from the device or when the device is in a closet it works.I actually prefer the remote to the PS3 controller when navigating through menus or the playstation online store.My first gripe is that it is impossible to read the buttons in the dark. I have a theater room which allows all of the lights to be turned off, but trying to use the remote in that environment is tough. Once you learn where the major play and pause buttons are, you can use those and then turn a light on. I wish there was a way to read it in the dark.My second gripe is that it is difficult to know whether to press the "Top Menu" or "Pop Up/Menu" button on the remote to get to the menu on a standard DVD. Blu-ray movies have two different menu types, which is why there are two buttons. Both should work to get to the menu on a DVD.My final comment relates more to the PS3 than the controller, but I do with there was a way to integrate with a universal remote. As good as this remote is, it would be better for non-technical users to have only one remote.