Hey guys, I ordered the Harmony One yesterday, so now I need a workaround for the PS3. I see that there are several options. Just wondering what people are using and what they think of it. I'm leaning towards the Nyko remote/dongle solution, but I am wondering how well this solution works. I don't mind the lack of power on/off, since I have to put the BD in and that auto powers on the PS3. I can also turn it off when I take the disk out. And since I can also set it up to play automatically when the disk is inserted, the wife/kids never have to see the PS3 main menu.

So I really just need to know which solution works well, meaning it is responsive, and has all the main features needed when watching movies. Easy to setup would be nice too!

Thanks for the help.

I have the Nyko and it works great. It's really the only option - there are other devices but they all use the same IR codes which are the same as the original PS2 DVD remote codes.

schmartz.com has one that also controls the power but the Nyko is cheaper if you don't need the power control.

...

No disrespect, but this is not correct. For example: http://www.ir2bt.com/

The ir2bt does not emulate the PS2 controller, but rather uses ALL of the buttons found on the PS3 DVD/BD Remote - including colored keys, etc.

I stand corrected although it appears there are firmware issues related to the bluetooth interface.

How long has this product been out? That's the first I've heard of it.

It's been out a while. There are no "firmware issues" with this unit. As a result of PS3 firmware update 2.40 some number of BT controllers and keyboards are having problems. Sony canceled 2.40, at least for a while. (I am not sure if 2.40 is back up.)

Some products such as the PS3IR+PWR are doing fine as I understand it. The ir2bt is having problems if it is used to turn on the PS3 - [Link: ir2bt.com]

I currently am using an earlier schmartz.com PS3 USB dongle. It works fine as a PS2 IR Controller Emulator. I want more!


I am in the process of ordering the $40 IR4PS3. It is discussed at: [Link: remotecentral.com]

In answer to your question as to how long it's been out - the IR4PS3, remote central apparently received a pre-production model in January of '08.

I understand that it was a change in the PS3 bluetooth interface, but isn't the fix for current owners to send their ir2bt back for reprogramming?

The confusion is entirely mine. I edited my above post to reflect "IR4PS3" as not having any problems.... except being swamped with orders due to the issues that PS3 firmware update 2.40 is causing with others.

The IR2BT is/was having problems as a result of update 2.40 and I believe you are correct that the ir2bt's in the field will need to eventually be mailed back. This will not begin, apparently, until Sony "fixes" their problematic update 2.40.

A new PS3 update, 2.41, is scheuled for Wednesday 7/9/08 - [Link: computerandvideogames.com]

I again apologize for my error.

What I happen to hear/read was the lastest PS3 firmware update changed how the USB connections operated. Originally they always has power and as of the update they no longer did during a powered down state. That through a wrench into how the one option (the one that claimed discrete power control) functioned I believe.

As far as how these devices work. All of them that use IR in one form or another are using the PS2 IR code sets. The developers could have used anything in regard to what IR code emulated whatever function. Seeing as you need to use some form of programmable universal with their devices. They picked the codes for the functions...the PS2 code set was the easiest route. To be clear, there is no such thing as a PS3 IR code set.

There are a couple of extensive threads in the CI Lounge about these devices. Long read to find the useful posts but if you really want to know...that's the spot to check.

Try a "PS3 control solution" in the search...that should get you everything.

Except the device having problems in this case (ir2bt) doesn't use IR to the PS3 - it takes it's own IR commands and converts them to PS3 remote button presses which generate bluetooth PS3 commands. It was the bluetooth interface that changed, not the IR interface. You are correct that the only IR accepted directly by the PS3 is the PS2 IR command set.

Sorry if I implied something other than what I meant. The PS3 DOES NOT ACCEPT IR CODES of any manner. Not yelling...only mean to be clear.

I think if you check the hex on those ir2bt codes, you find it's the PS2 code set. Unless of course it's changed over the past while.

I didn't realize that the actual bluetooth interface had been changed... ...That must mean that everyone that bought the Sony OEM bluetooth remote for the PS3, is sh*t out of luck with that firmware. That's quite the mistake by them...almost as bad as making it bluetooth in the first place...lol

First of all, it was not the recent 2.40 firmware update that removed power from the PS3 USB ports when this feature had earlier been enabled by a PSP. It was an earlier update. 2.20 IIRC. This has absolutely nothing to do with the problems caused by the most recent update 2.40.

The OEM PS3 DVD/BD Remote is not effected by 2.40 and remains fully functional. The IR4PS3 that I have coming uses the BT Board from an OEM Sony PS3 DVD/BD Remote and of course is not affected.

It is actually great that Sony uses BT for the PS3 & Wii as far as gaming goes. (No need to keep the game controller pointed at the console.) The problem is in the use of IR Universal A/V Remotes to control the PS3 as a DVD/BD player. I agree it would have been great if Sony had ALSO permitted IR to be utilized when watching a movie.

Thanks... I was just trying to offer some help. My mistake....


Totally agree.... but not really what we're talking about yes/no?


That's what I meant. Foolish move on their part. Although I will add, if they were smart enough to use IR in the first place. They should have used it across the board, and had used BT for only the gaming controllers. Luckily there are intelligent and inventive people in this world that developed the add ons we have to today.

If you're going to shout you could at least be correct.

The PS3 accepts PS2 IR codes through a USB receiver. So while there are no PS3 specific IR codes, the PS3 does accept PS2 codes.

lol.... ok, tell you what. Go out and buy yourself any version of the PS3 and try controlling it with any universal remote. If you can pull that off without adding some form of aftermarket device. I'll buy myself a Harmony.

Does everyone in this forum just like to argue....?

And since when do USB ports have IR receivers built into them....some new spec?