Nyko Blu-Wave Infrared Remote (PS3)
Manufacturer: Nyko Technologies Part number: 83040
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Nyko Blu-Wave Infrared Remote is a cheap and easy way to add IR remote compatibility to your PS3, but the inability to power the console on or off is an annoying limitation.
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Where to buy
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| RadioShack.com | | In stock | as of 11/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Nyko Blu-Wave Infrared Remote (PS3) price range: $13.96 - $19.99
- Reviewed by: Jeff Bakalar
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 09/21/2007
- Released on: 06/21/2007
The good: Infrared remote plus USB dongle for PS3; plug-and-play installation; mimics the PS3 controller in every way; allows other universal remotes to work with the PS3; affordable.
The bad: Can't be used to turn the PS3 on or off; proprietary IR codes mean you'll be teaching your universal remote how to interact with the USB dongle.
The bottom line: The Nyko Blu-Wave Infrared Remote is a cheap and easy way to add IR remote compatibility to your PS3, but the inability to power the console on or off is an annoying limitation.
The PlayStation 3 is arguably one of the most advanced home consumer entertainment products ever, but it's missing one of the most rudimentary features found on every $40 DVD player: an infrared remote sensor. That means that you can't control the PS3 with a traditional universal remote; you're instead forced to use the console's included Sixaxis controller or Sony's Blu-ray DVD Remote, both of which interact with the PS3 via Bluetooth. In the wake of some kludgey workarounds and hacks, however, more bona fide third-party solutions are finally available. One such option is the Nyko Blu-Wave Infrared Remote, which retails for just $20.
The Blu-Wave package includes two components: a USB dongle (which adds the infrared receiver to the PS3) and an infrared remote. The remote is black and outlined in silver chrome, and feels good in your hand. It requires two AAA batteries (included). The clicker is, for all intents and purposes, a Sixaxis controller (minus the gyroscope) morphed into a more traditional DVD remote design. In addition to all of the standard PS3 controller keys (square, triangle, X, and circle buttons, and so forth), Nyko added shortcuts to all of the on-screen movie playback options--fast-forward, rewind, pause, play, chapter advance, display, top menu, and the like.
To get it working, you simply pop the dongle into any one of the console's front USB ports. It should begin working immediately, and there's no software to install. In our testing, the Blu-Wave remote performed well. There were no problems when playing DVD and Blu-ray movies, and it did a decent job with "special features" such as the shooting gallery on The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Blu-ray disc. Our only complaint was when we exited to the PS3's main menu--there was a noticeable lag when navigating the system's Cross Media Bar interface. The remote was simply not as quick as the Sixaxis controller.
While the Nyko remote performs ably enough, it's still yet another remote on the coffee table. We were more interested in just using the dongle with our existing universal remote. Because the Nyko remote uses proprietary codes, we had to take the time to "teach" them to our Philips Prestigo SRU8010. But if you have a learning remote like the Philips, it shouldn't be a problem. After a few minutes, we were finally controlling the PS3 with our one and only remote--the Nyko was tossed away in a drawer for safekeeping.
In the end, there's really only one annoyance that keeps the Nyko Blu-Wave from being a perfect PS3 remote solution--and it's not Nyko's fault. An IR remote can't be used to turn the PS3's power on or off (the USB ports aren't active when the PS3 is off, so the dongle can't accept any commands). That means that you'll still be forced to use the Sixaxis at the beginning and end of every PlayStation 3 session (or use the power switch on the console itself). While some are holding out hope for a firmware update to fix the issue, the idea of Sony investing time and effort into fixing a third-party accessory seems slim at best.
Bottom line: if you can live with that power limitation, the Nyko Blu-Wave Remote is a cheap and easy way to add infrared support to your PlayStation 3, whether you use the included remote, or opt for your own universal model instead.
User reviews
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Makes my Harmony 880 work with my PS3
by themajestic on September 30, 2007
Pros: Gives me one-remote control over EVERYTHING again!
Cons: Can't power the PS3 on or off -- BIG DEAL!
Summary: Highly recommended, simple and elegant fix to the PS3's missing IR capabilities.
The only reason to get the Nyko is for the IR dongle and to use it to ...Summary: Highly recommended, simple and elegant fix to the PS3's missing IR capabilities.
The only reason to get the Nyko is for the IR dongle and to use it to teach your all-in-one remote (mine's a Harmony 880) the PS3 codes. Like the review says, once that's done, the Nyko just sits in the drawer.
Power on/off is not a big deal for me -- when I play a game, the SIXAXIS is in my hand, and it controls the PS3's power. When I'm watching a DVD, I have to get up and physically put it in the PS3, which powers it on. When I'm done, I have to eject it...after which I simply press the power button to shut it off.
If you have a PS3 and an all-in-one remote, it's the best twenty bucks you'll spend.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very effective, significantly less expensive
by griz_fan on December 2, 2008
Pros: Very cost effective
Gets the job done
Recognized by Harmony remote softwareCons: Takes up a USB port
sticks out of the USB port on front of PS3 (sort of ugly)
Won't turn PS3 on/off
Won't eject disk
Included remote a throw-awaySummary: You would have to spend a LOT more to do only slightly better than the Blu-wave. Works seamlessly with my Harmony remote. I don't miss the lack of power ...
Summary: You would have to spend a LOT more to do only slightly better than the Blu-wave. Works seamlessly with my Harmony remote. I don't miss the lack of power on/off, I'm still able to use all my activities with the Harmony, no issues. I also purchased a 10-foot USB cable and a hub, and now have the receiving unit near my TV for optimal reception and a less cluttered look.
This unit is easy to find online and in retail, it is dirt-cheap, so give it a shot.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Can't Power On--- Who Cares?
Pros: Unless you have a DVD remote that is going to walk your DVD disc over to the PS3 and insert it for you this criticism is just dumb.
Cons: none works as advertised
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Only partly right - can't turn PS3 on, CAN turn it off
by E B on February 20, 2009
Pros: Basically everything they said in the review -- this simply works.
The review is wrong in one area, however -- you CAN use this remote to turn off your PS3. You must navigate through the PS3's menu to get to the option to turn it off, but it works.Cons: It won't power on the PS3, as described in the review.
You have to be careful that there are no obstructions in front of the PS3 -- or at least the dongle. If your PS3 is standing vertically, that's no problem, but it might be if you have it flat.Summary: Works well for what it's marketed as, both with the included remote and with a universal remote. I gave in and bought a Harmony universal remote for other reasons, ...
Summary: Works well for what it's marketed as, both with the included remote and with a universal remote. I gave in and bought a Harmony universal remote for other reasons, and it handled this well.
This is almost exclusively useful as a DVD/Blu-Ray remote -- you won't be playing games with it for the most part. -
Useful andCheap solution given limited alternatives.
by eksflash on January 15, 2009
Pros: Cost me $15 bucks and I can control the PS3 browser and DVD withmy uni. remote.
Cons: A power toggle option for the unit would be nice.
Summary: Cheapest solution given all the pricey and work intensive alternatives (IR2BT, IR4PS3). Big deal... no power botton.... but don't you have to get up to change games or DVD'...
Summary: Cheapest solution given all the pricey and work intensive alternatives (IR2BT, IR4PS3). Big deal... no power botton.... but don't you have to get up to change games or DVD's? I can live with that and the extra cash in my pocket.
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Okay, but better options exist
by lstockett on June 1, 2008
Pros: Inexpensive, and it works.
Cons: you only need the USB dongle part. remote is useless
Summary: I got the USBIRX3 from schmartz.com instead. It works just as well. The Nyko product comes with a cheap remote that you'll probably never use if you have ...
Summary: I got the USBIRX3 from schmartz.com instead. It works just as well. The Nyko product comes with a cheap remote that you'll probably never use if you have a universal remote. The USBIRX3 looks better too. It sits flush with the PS3 instead of sticking out.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Nyko Technologies
- Part number: 83040
- Description: Easily control the next generation of home entertainment with the Blue-Wave Remote from Nyko. The Blu Wave allows you to easily control the playback of Blu-Ray movies, DVDs and CDs on the PlayStation 3 console. Utilizing infrared technology, the Blue Wave can navigate system and movie menus, skip chapters or tracks, pause and play a movie or music and replicate other PlayStation 3 controller functionality from up to 25 feet away. The compact USB IR receiver plugs into any open USB port for easy set up requiring no complicate software, pairing or programming.
General
- Weight 6 oz
- Compatible game consoles Sony PlayStation 3
- Height 9.8 in
- Depth 1.3 in
- Width 4.1 in
Accessories
- Packaged quantity 1
Manufacturer info
- Nyko Technologies
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Nyko Technologies products on Shopper.com
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- Website: www.nyko.com
- Phone: 310-446-6602
- Email: customersupport@nyko.com
- Fax: 310-446-6617
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