Remote Controls
October 13, 2009
GlideTV Navigator remote control for HTPC
GlideTV today announced the Navigator, a palm-sized, bowl-shaped peripheral designed to act as a remote control for your HTPC. The device, which connects to your PC or Mac via a wireless USB receiver, enables control of PC-based media from the HDTV. It is compatible with Windows Media Center, Playstation 3, Apple iTunes, Boxee, SageTV, and has integrated search menu links to Amazon On Demand, Netflix, Hulu and other web-based media sites. The GlideTV Navigator is now shipping in the United States and Europe for US$149.
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September 20, 2009
Coolest. Remote. Ever. The Kymera Wand
Of all the fantastic remote controls we've seen over the years, the Kymera Wand is definitely the most interesting in appearance, application, and even in the method by which it is marketed. Looking to be straight out of a Harry Potter fantasy world, the Kymera Wand can be assigned specific motions--specifically 13 pre-defined gestures--to perform different actions whether they be changing the channel or adjusting the volume. To be perfectly honest, the Kymera Wand won't integrate with all of your high-end home theater equipment simultaneously and the range of features it can control is fairly basic. But no other infrared-detecting, universal remote control on the market that I know of comes in a "faux dragonhide" presentation box, either. For all of you animal rights activists out there, you'll be comforted to know that no dragons were harmed in the making of these cases--mainly because they don't exist, but still. The first batch of Kymera Wands is shipping out on October 1st, so order quickly before they sell out.
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September 3, 2009
Logitech Harmony 700 debuts for $150
Now that the Harmony 900 is available, it stands to reason that Logitech should pump out another universal remote control. This morning, the company did, announcing the Logitech Harmony 700. Its features are similar to the Harmony 900 and the original One with a rechargeable battery, endless product compatibility, software-based setup and a color display. But unlike the previous two Harmony model, the touch display is missing. The buttons also appear smaller which should be a boon to sausage-fingered folks or those lacking fine motor control and manual dexterity. On sale now, the Harmony 700 will retail for $150.
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September 2, 2009
IBM patents tweeting, blogging TV remote
The day may soon come when you come blog or tweet directly from your TV remote. A patent filed by IBM appears to display a remote that does just this. The network-enabled remote lets users tweet, update Facebook or blog what they're watching with either a pre-installed text message or a customized message. The remote will also be able to attach a screenshot of the show being watched to the message. Finally, the remote would have a display that would show the replies from friends and followers on the social networks. Check out the full patent application here.
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August 11, 2009
Harmony 900 remote adds RF control
Logitech announced today its new Harmony 900 remote control, adding an RF to IR bridge system to complement similar high-end features to those of the company's previous remotes like the Harmony One. The Harmony 900 communicates with an RF hub, which in turn creates an IR signal to communicate with one of two receivers. What does this mean for you? You'll have the benefits of out-of-range RF home theater or media PC control while still retaining IR compatibility. Other features of the Harmony 900 are similar to previous models including a color touchscreen, activity-based menu system, and the ability to control numerous devices simultaneously. In fact you'll be able to control up to 15 different devices with the Harmony 900. Software updates are uploaded through a USB connection to your Mac or PC. Shipping in September, the Harmony 900 will cost roughly $400.
Logitech Harmony 900-->At Amazon
July 20, 2009
URC MX-5000 remote features haptic feedback and a $1500 price tag
I've never had my fingers on a universal remote control with haptic feedback before, but if I ever do I wouldn't mind experiencing the MX-5000. The high-end universal from URC guides your fingers around its touchscreen with its haptic technology, and includes two-way communication via RF and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. With this compatibility, the MX-5000 is able to display information such as volume controls, media details and more.
The MX-5000 is aimed at the general retail market, but rather A/V professionals and installers. But URC claims it's simple to program and work with when setting it up with IP or RS-232. As for pricing, expect something in the vicinity of $1500.
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June 5, 2009
Never a miss a phone call again with the TV Silencer
We've all missed a phone call because the TV's been too loud at one time or another. Some of us more than others depending on the quality of our hearing or aptitude for constantly misplacing the remote. The TV Silencer is a handy little gadget that eliminates the chance of TV-responsible missed calls altogether. Basically a programmable remote, the TV Silencer hooks to your landline and automatically mutes your TV and/or pauses your DVD player when it detects an incoming call. It also doesn't require a separate plug-in, batteries or recharging, because it pulls power straight from the phone line. Nice. You can grab a TV Silencer now for $44.95.
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May 15, 2009
Logitech Harmony Adapter for Playstation 3 now available, Guitar Hero Wireless Controller on its way
I'm a huge Logitech Harmony fan. There isn't another remote control brand available that I've come across that is as easy-to-use, while still offering remarkably comprehensive features. If the Harmony has one downside though, it's that so far it hasn't been able to turn on the Playstation 3. Why? The PS3 doesn't understand infrared signals. But it does offer Bluetooth.
That's what the new Logitech Harmony Adapter for Playstation 3 is for. The Harmony Adapter, which work with any Harmony remote, converts those strange IR signals into readable Bluetooth signals which can be used to manipulate all 51 PS3 controls. The best part is the low price. Right now the Logitech Harmony Adapter for Playstation 3 is only $59.99 from Amazon, or combined with the Logitech Harmony One Advanced remote, an even better $241.
Meanwhile, PS3 and PS2 Guitar Hero-playing gamers might also be thrilled to hear the Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller for Guitar Hero is expected to be available later this month. Featuring a wood neck and body, guitar frets and a rosewood fingerboard, the Wireless Guitar Controller for Guitar Hero is built to work as a typical high-end guitar. It works up to 30 feet away from the PS3 and has hundreds of hours of battery life. The controller will be available this month in the US for $199.99 and will ship to Europe in June.
Read--Logitech Harmony Adapter for Playstation 3
Read--Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller for Guitar Hero
February 27, 2009
A square remote with a built-in speaker?
While the RC-25SP Universal Speaker Remote may through design convention out the window, it will make your TV louder. The square remote includes a built-in speaker in its flip-top lid that integrates with your TV's receiver, bringing the beautiful sounds of TV right to you. It may be unusual looking but you can bet your last dollars none of your friends will have one of these. The RC-25SP is available from Japan's ELPA for roughly $40.
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February 20, 2009
Logitech Harmony 1100 remote gets reviewed
The folks at CNET have put the new Logitech Harmony 1100 remote through the ringer this time around and true to the Harmony name it's a winner. The successor to the Harmony 1000, the new guy on the block is quicker, more responsive, and capable of controlling up to 15 devices via its high resolution 3.5-inch touch screen. The docking station for charging is a big plus as is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers for software setup. Which is, of course, also a breeze. While it's a great remote overall, the Harmony 1100 does have its niggles. Among them its price tag--between $400 and $500 depending where you get it--and its lack of functionality in more than one room without a separately purchase RF module. But if you have the cash to put together a 6-figure home theater, the Harmony 1100 could be for you.
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February 6, 2009
Logitech's Harmony 1100 now shipping
I'm absolutely sure that anyone who has used a Logitech Harmony remote in the past will likely put up the $500 for the now-shipping Harmony 1100. Why? Because if you have a home theater that uses five remotes or any other part of your home automated, everything--and I mean everything--can be synced to the Harmony 1100. Sporting a 3.5-inch color touchscreen display, the Harmony 1100 can take the place of up to 15 remotes, whether it be for TV, Blu-ray, or DVD player. It's compatible with something like 225000 devices so it's unlikely you'll get your hands on anything it doesn't work with. Additionally, it comes with a charger stand which you slip the remote in to recharge its battery and for an extra $100, you can get an RF extender that'll allow you to use the remote through walls, doors and so on.
via obsessable
January 6, 2009
Logitech's Harmony 1100 Remote Control Coming In February
Logitech's Harmony 1100 remote control looks more like a portable navigation device than a remote. It has a 3.5-inch touchscreen with QVGA resolution, comes with redesigned Harmony software and features a wizard-led, internet setup that lets you customize the remote to your home theater. And there isn't really any device the Harmony 1100 can't work with--it can learn the codes and command over 225, 000 different devices. The rechargeable Logitech Harmony 1100 will be available in both the United States and United Kingdom in February for $500 or its equivalent.
Via Pocketlint
December 18, 2008
Philips Prestigo SRT9320: Attractive But Pricey
Philips Prestigo SRT9320 universal remote control is nothing short of beautiful. At the top end is a 2.8-inch color touchscreen with all your channels, logos and all. On the bottom end is a variety of hard keys that control every function. The SRT9320 is fully programmable without connecting to a PC--it comes with a USB connect for firmware updates--though CNET reports its much easier to use the PC for "multidevice macros". The Prestigo can control up to 20 different devices so I can see how a computer connection might simplify things here. Available in the first quarter of 2009, Philips Prestigo SRT9320 will set you back $249.
Via Crave
July 6, 2008
Niles iRemote TS: Whole Home A/V Control At Price
The Niles iRemote TS is an attractive looking wireless remote from Niles Audio, designed to control super-featured home theater systems and whole home distributed A/V systems. Featuring large buttons and a color touchscreen, the iRemote TS uses Zigbee 2-way wireless technology to "provide users with the metadata to scan, select and play program material from menu-based digital sources". Non-Zigbee equipped devices can be controlled by the remote using the usual infrared means and it even comes with its own charging station. The only problem with the iRemote TS is its price: $1300.
Via Slippery Brick
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