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NextGen Remote Extender Plus : Review

Posted to Accessories 2010-03-13

NextGen first hit the market with the original Remote Extender in 2004 and have now continued to build upon its success with the NextGen Remote Extender Plus. Consumers who are shopping on budget when setting up their home entertainment centre will be even more pleased, with the price tag for the Plus version identical to that of the original Remote Extender.

The Remote Extender plus features a couple of new things that will make remote operation for any piece of equipment throughout your home easier. Most noted of these new features is the improved chipset that controls the technology, with a speed increase in the ability of the unit giving a more responsive feel to any operation. The Remote Extender receiver has a built in charger for the specially sized batteries and replacements can be obtained through the manufacturer site.

Rating:

3.8 out of 5

Value

Top marks are received for value with this product, particularly because NextGen have chosen to reward consumers with an increase in the features and performance of their product, for no increase in cost. The unit comes with two 2/3 AA rechargeable batteries, specifically designed to work with the NextGen remote extender, giving added value for money should you have more than one Infrared (IR) remote you want to extend. Furthermore, the inclusion in the Remote Extender plus of a Green energy efficient power supply for the receiver unit adds that little extra value.

Features

The simple approach to giving you more flexibility in control of your audio visual equipment, and that is what makes the NextGen Remote Extender stand out. The Remote Extender plus allows you to replace one of the batteries in your current remote with the specially designed battery acting as an RF transmitter to the main unit. It is this conversion of your original Infrared (IR) remote signal to Radio Frequency (RF) that allows you to move about the house with your remote, while still controlling the components that it is designed for. RF frequencies of 433mhz and 418mhz are supported in this version.

Summary

Improving on an already successful product is the key here for NextGen, while still offering value for money. The problem of line of sight and distance that IR remotes have is taken away with conversion to an RF frequency. With rechargeable batteries and multiple frequencies, if you need a solution that gives mobile flexibility to remotes around your household, Remote Extender plus will be perfect.

Pros

Energy Efficient power supply
2 rechargeable batteries included
Supports 433mhz and 418mhz RF
Removes IR tyranny of distance
Value for money

Cons

There are no cons for this product