Is it time to ditch your AV receiver remote in favor of using your smartphones? This is becoming a reality as Onkyo, Denon, Sony and many others offer Apple and Android apps that allow you to use your tablet or smartphone as a remote control. The reality, although not apparent to many, is that smartphone apps are generally better at things like navigating digital music sources and controlling multi-zone playback. The only time you really need your receiver’s remote is during the initial setup phase, or all you ever do is watching a movie from start to finish and adjust volume levels.
If, on the other hand, you wanted to listen to Spotify or Pandora, remote apps offer more intuitive and much quicker navigation. Using the hard-button remote is laborious in comparison when you need to scroll through lists of artists, albums, genres, etc. With the app you can simply tap the content you want to listen to. For example the Denon remote app has 8 short-cut buttons that are fully customizable to allow you to choose the look and function to suit your taste and needs. How it works is that once the app is installed on your smartphone, it sends remote control signals via WiFi in your home network.
Denon Remote App
Owners of 2009, 2010, 2011, or later Onkyo network home theater receivers can use the Onkyo Remote Control App to access a variety of functions, including volume, radio tuning, input selection, and other functions.
Onkyo Remote App
The latest Sony ES Remote App is compatible with their latest receivers such as STR-DA5800ES, STR-DA2800ES, STR-DA1800ES, STR-DA5700ES and STR-DA3700ES. It can even control your lights with the purchase of compatible switches or dimmers!
Sony ES Remote App
And best of all these apps are free for owners of their receivers. Most of the apps are available for download on Google Play.