Zone 2 and Zone 3 control by phone app

[ecologydoc]

I have a wired system with speakers on the patio, Zone 3, and speakers and television in the bedroom, Zone 2. What is the best option (manufacturer) for an A/V receiver to control the Zones with a phone app? What are the alternatives to (remotely) control the Zones if not a phone app?
Thanks.

 

[everettT]

Wanna share your equipment?

 

[ecologydoc]

eh, chose not to so it doesn't turn into a [brand]-bashing thread. I posted details in a June 18 post in Lifestyles and Portables, but since there were no replies to it......:

I've had an Onkyo TX-NR929 since 2014 and have few complaints; I like it. I have become dependent on the Onkyo Remote app for Android (Galaxy S-3, S-5, now S-8),specifically to control Zones 2 and 3 but it recently started either crashing when searching for the receiver or not finding the receiver, which is connected by LAN cable. I can get it to work so far, by different random actions. Force stopping the app, resetting the receiver, turning the phone off and on, usually by uninstalling and re-installing. It has become somewhat maddening.
Looking around on the forums, not to mention the google play ratings for most of these kind of apps that probably most manufacturers have, and they all suck, do they not?
Onkyo hasn't updated this one since 2016. They released a newer one called Controller for 2016 and newer models ( and I just confirmed it won't find mine). I guess they're assuming you wouldn't have a working Onkyo receiver older than 2 years old?

I am would considering getting rid of Onkyo and buying a different receiver based on this single feature: a phone-based app that reliably controls the receiver in Zone 2 and Zone 3. Any recommendations?

 

[everettT]

Well hard to help without knowing the full info...

 

[everettT]

3 zones, usually two could be powered but hard to say. Powered 3 zones requires at least a 9ch avr, running 5.x in main zone. If you want app control with an avr and zones get what you need for the main zone, and make sure preouts for the other 2. But all is moot untill your willing to share

 

[ecologydoc]

the 3 zones work, they're powered. The Onkyo TX NR-929 is running 5.1 in the main zone. the Onkyo Remote app controls all 3 zones, sometimes for weeks, occasionally for a couple months, until it doesn't. Will not see the receiver, will crash. Fixes vary, sometimes uninstalling reinstalling the app alone, sometimes rebooting router alone, sometimes resetting the receiver and going through setup.....
Actually starting to think it's a home network/router issue issue, but was hoping for others' experiences with phone app-control of A/V receivers with 2 or 3 zones.
'full info'? 'willing to share'? Specifically?

 

[lovinthehd]

Universal remote with RF control might be an option, otherwise depends how friendly your avr is for IP control or app control. Most are pretty good with the latter now. Really need to look at a specific model and see if it suits your needs. Not always does the manufacturer's app work best either, Denon for example I use a non-Denon app.

 

[everettT]

I'm sure the harmony hub would accomplish the control part.