Sony RMN-U1

Sony RMN-U1 Review

Check out our overview of the Sony HomeShare system for more information, and links to reviews of other HomeShare components.The RMN-U1 was introduced as part of the HomeShare family, but its functionality makes it seem more like Sony’s version of a universal touchscreen remote control. While it can’t do everything that more advanced universal remotes can, it is capable of controlling most home entertainment components as well as coordinating multiple HomeShare devices.The remote has a 5-inch color touchscreen with a four-direction cursor on the right and a “home” button on the left. At the top edge, we found volume up and down buttons along with a mute button.The device comes with a charging cradle that props the remote up so that it can be used while tethered to its base. When not in use, the remote goes into a sort of “sleep” mode and can be woken up with a touch to the screen.The display takes an icon-based approach to representing the various products it controls, and then segments them into groups (living room, bedroom, kitchen, etc.). Setting up the RMN-U1 to control non-Sony components is made fairly easy.