Universal remote controls have become pretty popular over the years, simply because they offer users access in a fast and easy manner to the various functions provided by their home entertainment systems. Unfortunately, most such universal control products are restricted to IR (infrared) operation, which means that they can't be used in order to control Bluetooth-only devices, such as Sony's PS3 gaming console.

However, since the aforementioned gaming console is becoming increasingly popular as the centerpiece of many users' home entertainment systems, a company called Remote Shoppe has come up with the Schmartz PS3IR-1000 adapter, a device that can provide the same functionality as the PS3 BD remote control with the added ability to accept standard IR commands.

By using this adapter, the commands transmitted by the IR remote are converted to Bluetooth packets that are sent to the PS3. In addition, when connected to a PC via USB, it allows users to control their PS3 straight from the desktop. There are no drivers to install, and the software application is a single executable file compatible with Windows 2000 and later (no info on Mac and Linux support, though).

According to Remote Shoppe, the PS3IR-1000 supports all 51 PS3 remote keys, including the PS key, and an additional key for Power ON/OFF with a single command. The device also offers 12 user macros with up to 16 commands each. Furthermore, it doesn't even have to be connected to the PS3 in order to work, but it will, however, have to remain within the Bluetooth range, of around 10 meters.

The Schmartz PS3IR-1000 sells for somewhere in the vicinity of 80 US dollars, which is a very good price point, especially if you're the kind of user who wants to round-up all the available control options on a single remote.


We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is .