Is a BT remote better than a IR one?

[ronwan]

The BT remote on my Apple TV works flawlessly and gives better user experience than all those many IR remotes I have ever had.
Since I see vendors like Topping switching from IR to BT for their remotes, I am curious about your preference and experiences with either.

Is BT always superior to IR in terms of user experience, battery use, reliability?

 

[Chrispy]

Depends if you can or need to mix or not. One of my Harmony setups can handle both with a single remote with macro commands. I do think my bt remotes go longer than the IR models but that could be other than the background tech in play, don't know.

 

[staticV3]

Is BT always superior to IR in terms of user experience, battery use, reliability?

No. See for example Topping's implementation which lacks power efficiency and so relies on aggressive standby, resulting in sluggish operation as the remote has to wake up before it can transmit.

Done well, Bluetooth remotes are awesome. I love my LG OLED remote.

 

[Sal1950]

I like the Apple BT system as it allows me to use a Apple coded BT keyboard in combination with the remote. I hate trying to type something into the search box with the goofy remotes.

 

[ronwan]

No. See for example Topping's implementation which lacks power efficiency and so relies on aggressive standby, resulting in sluggish operation as the remote has to wake up before it can transmit.

Done well, Bluetooth remotes are awesome. I love my LG OLED remote.

Good to know! With so many feature-rich transparent gear around these days, I would love to see user experience & design to be included in a more (factual) way here on this site. A well responding remote, with a decent battery life and reach, would make me more happy than another DAC with SINAD 141.

I see myself often being annoyed by apps and remotes these days: no connection, incomprehensible design, volume control doesn't work well, etc.

 

[Lambda]

I hate gear that unnecessary needs a remote at all.
My philosophy is there is one source, a computer and it control's everything.

If there is some remote Communication need like with a Video propretor it better is RS232, 485 or Eathernet


If it has a remote for me it depends ho easily i can get rid of it.
Is the BT remote a documented and open standard? if so cool.
If not I take the simple IR thing i can get a cheap universal transmitter for.