The World of Universal Remotes — and How ARC Changed Everything

Universal remotes were a huge leap forward when they first appeared. Brands like Logitech’s Harmony line promised:

• One-button control for TV, sound, and streaming

• Customizable activities (“Watch Netflix,” “Listen to Music”)

• Fewer remotes cluttering the coffee table

But they had drawbacks:

• Complicated programming

• Reliability issues (one button worked yesterday, not today)

• Extra layers of technology between the user and the TV

For many homeowners, they solved some problems while creating new ones.

How ARC Changed the Conversation

ARC (and now eARC) simplified things dramatically. Instead of relying on IR blasters or complicated programming, ARC lets your TV and audio system communicate directly over a single HDMI connection.

That means:

• Your TV remote can adjust the volume on your sound system

• Devices “handshake” with each other more reliably

• Fewer remotes are needed to control daily use

In many modern setups, the TV remote becomes the only remote you really need.

What This Means for Ameritechs’ System Design

At Ameritechs, ARC has reshaped the way we design AV systems:

• Simplicity First – Instead of building around complex remote programming, we build around ARC-enabled devices that talk to each other naturally.

• Cleaner Installs – Fewer cables, fewer converters, fewer troubleshooting calls.

• Future-Proofing – With eARC supporting uncompressed Dolby Atmos and other formats, clients get high-end performance without extra complexity.

• Client Experience – The #1 request we hear is “make it simple.” With ARC, that’s no longer a dream — it’s standard.

When a Universal Remote Still Makes Sense

There are still situations where a universal remote is useful:

• Advanced Home Theaters – Multi-zone systems, projectors, and lighting often benefit from consolidated control.

• Whole-Home AV – When you want music, TV, and lighting synced in multiple rooms, a dedicated control system still shines.

• Custom Preferences – Some clients like one button to dim lights, lower shades, and start a movie — something ARC alone can’t do.

But for most living rooms and family spaces, ARC has made it possible to keep things simple — and still deliver great performance.

Closing Thought The universal remote promised to make life easier, but ARC has finally delivered on that vision in a different way. At Ameritechs, our design philosophy has shifted: we now prioritize systems that feel invisible, intuitive, and frustration-free. Technology should never get in the way of enjoying a movie, streaming music, or sharing time with family — and with ARC, it doesn’t have to