Audio Authority may be a relative newcomer to the PS3 accessory market, but they’re already well established in the professional audio/video accessory segment with a wide range of products such as switchers, audio and video converters, scalers, intercoms, video distribution systems, demo room equipment – the list goes on. A PlayStation 3 remote control converter would seem a perfect match to their design expertise!

The BlueBeam model C-1070 was released early in 2009, and at that point Audio Authority was the largest company to so far tackle the PS3 control problem. With company size comes certain benefits, such as manufacturing capabilities, after-sales support, and worldwide availability through their distributor and dealer network. The BlueBeam is not, however, cheap. Priced at $159 USD MSRP it’s the most expensive product in our roundup, but it’s targeted primarily to Audio Authority’s customer base of custom installers and other industry professionals.

While it’s safe to describe all of the products in this roundup as nearly featureless black boxes, the BlueBeam is an especially compact one and has the most unique shape. Measuring 1.86” wide, 1.39” high and 3.36” deep (4.7cm by 3.5cm by 8.5cm) it’s thicker than others but can be positioned horizontally or vertically, allowing it to fit comfortably in small nooks and crevices. The front of the unit features a tiny, not too bright red status LED for command feedback, while on the back you’ll find a selection of three ports: external IR input, USB and DC power. Two distinctive ridges that run around the plastic case are in fact removable rubber rings that serve double duty as both anti-slip feet and a frustration-free way to keep the battery compartment closed.

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