re: Universal Remote - Hub + IR/RF/BT

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This should work unless his remote doesn't have IR which doesn't make sense they make these to control your tv.

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Again, the most basic companion remote is Bluetooth only. The idea was to make a remote that didn't require LOS to your devices, allowed cellphone/tablet control, and be inexpensive with a battery that lasts about a year. To do all this and remain thin/light, they sacrificed IR on the cheapest model, making it a relatively poor solution for media closets that have a TV far away if HDMI-CEC isn't going to work as above.
The blaster will reach across a standard room without difficulty if you have anywhere to place it. If you don't. You're basically forced to go up to their more expensive remote.

There are a handful of new products from other companies just coming out, but until the last two years or so, to get IR + RF was available only from Logitech without having to go through a dealer. And getting a URC remote and programming it through the dealer is going to start around $300. The hub + upgraded remote is still way cheaper and reliable (with a ton more flexibility) than any other consumer-oriented option.