Remote Control

Back in September, Zero1.tv unveiled the VooMote Zapper, an "all-in-one remote solution for your home entertainment needs." The company announced this week that it is now available for pre-order, with free shipping included.

The VooMote Zapper converts your iOS device into a smart universal remote that controls your A/V gear and allows you to find your favorite TV shows. As small as a paperclip, it simply plugs into the 30-pin connector on your iOS device. Once you download the free companion VooMote app, you'll have full control over thousands of electronic devices. Thanks to its intuitive set up, no manuals, websites, cords or are necessary...you don't even need a computer!

The dongle is set to be available online and in a variety of U.S. retailers in December, but you can take advantage of the free shipping opportunity, as well as guarantee that you are one of the first to experience the VooMote Zapper, by pre-ordering now. At this time, it is available in either black or white for $69.99.

Earlier this year we told you about the Beacon Universal Remote Control System for iOS devices. Today, Griffin Technology and Dijit announced a new Android version of Beacon, allowing smartphone and tablet owners to use their Android device as a remote to control TVs, DVRs, stereos and other home entertainment devices.

It works like this: The wireless AV controller (Beacon) pairs with Android devices via Bluetooth. The Bluetooth signals from smartphones/tablets are then converted by Beacon into infrared signals required to control consumer electronics devices. Beacon works with Dijit's free Universal Remote App for complete, touchscreen control over the entire home entertainment system directly from the Android interface.

Beacon is powered by 4 AA batteries. Set-up is easy too, with no cases or dongles, no wires or cables. Just pair via Bluetooth and download the free Dijit app for Android, which is compatible with tablets and smartphones running Android OS 2.3.3 or greater.Read more

Great news! Zero1.tv has lowered the price of its VooMote One to $69.99 – that's 30% less than its original MSRP. Why the price reduction? The company's second remote control device/app – the new VooMote Zapper – will be available this Fall.

For a quick recap, here are some features of the VooMote One:

• Transforms your iPhone/iPod touch into a universal remote control
• Provides full control of household devices including TV’s, DVD players and stereo systems
• Simple setup: Download free app, no PC necessary
• Can be used with thousands of electronic devices
• Open casting design allows access to all iPhone/iPod touch buttons
• One View feature allows you to view all important controls on one touch screen
• Room Control feature groups all of your devices by location such as kitchen, living room, etc.

You can pick up the VooMote One now for $69.99 at www.zero1.tv and at a number of retailers including BestBuy.com, Buy.com and BrandsMart.

Griffin Technology and Dijit have teamed up to create the Beacon Universal Remote Control System – a wireless AV controller that turns your iOS or smartphone device into a universal remote.

Beacon pairs your iOS device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch) or smartphone with Dijit's Universal Remote App, to give you control over every component in your home entertainment system. The touch screen display of your mobile device becomes the remote control, allowing you to change channels, volume, input, program a DVR, and more. It works by converting Bluetooth signals from your smartphone device into the infrared signals required to control AV components.

Additional features:

• Dijit App uses a constantly updated device code library to make setting up controls for TV, set-top box, sound system, media player and more, simple and intuitive
• For components not yet included in Dijit's library, the App also includes an integrated learning feature
• Powered by 4 AA batteries, eliminating messy wires and power cables

ELAN Home Systems just announced what it calls a "killer combo" home control solution, consisting of the HR2 multimedia-and-home-control remote and the new HC4 four sub-system Home Controller. The package, which the company says can start as a single-room system and expand to control the entire house – from the lights to the heating to the TV – retails for $1,860.

The HC4 Home Controller comes standard with MP3 and Internet Radio Streaming capability, iTunes library integration, 720p video for a g! On Screen Display control interface, climate control, lighting, security, IP cameras, phone integration/messaging, email, Text-To-Speech and screen-saver photo albums. As an IP-based system, it also supports iPod, iPhone and iPad control through the g!Mobile app, which allows full system control from anywhere.Read more

Netflix announced this week at CES that later this year streaming from Netflix on TVs will easier than ever. Many consumer electronics companies will be placing Netflix-branded one-click buttons on remotes that operate Internet connected TVs, Blu-ray disc players and other devices that connect the Internet to the TV.

Beginning this Spring, buttons that specify "Netflix" are planned to be on remote controls that operate select new Blu-ray disc players from a variety of companies including Best Buy's Dynex brand, Haier, Memorex, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba. Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba also will place the Netflix one-click button on remote controls for select new Internet-connected TVs. Remote controls for the Boxee, Iomega and Roku set-top boxes also will feature the Netflix one-click remote.

"For members who want even more convenience when instantly watching TV shows and movies streaming from Netflix, the answer is about to be right in their hands," said Netflix Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt. "No more turning on the TV, going to a home screen and searching for the Netflix icon. With the Netflix one-click remote, it's simply a matter of pushing the Netflix button to instantly watch any of the vast selection of TV shows and movies available to stream from Netflix."

Onkyo announced this week that they will launch a free iPhone/iPod touch-compatible Remote Control App for its Networked A/V receivers at the end of January 2011.

The Onkyo Remote Control App will turn any iPhone or iPod touch into a fully-functional remote control that will integrate seamlessly with Onkyo's upcoming next generation Networked A/V receivers (launching in 2011). The App will also control current 8 series A/V receivers (TX-NR708, 808, 1008, 3008, 5008, and PR-SC5508) and some older networked models.

The App will allow your iPhone or iPod touch to control the volume/balance/mute/input selection/listening modes etc. Gesture control will also be incorporated, and owners will be able to browse Internet Radio station lists as well as content held on NAS (Network Attached Storage). Owners of 7 series and older A/V receivers will be able to use the App to control basic receiver functions such as volume up/down, changing inputs etc.Read more

I have praised Logitech's universal Harmony remotes in the past, and now I give the company even more accolades for introducing a remote for the budget-minded consumer. Priced at under $50, the new Logitech Harmony 300 is first remote in the Harmony line offered at such an affordable price.

The Harmony 300 replaces up to four devices, making it perfect for those who have only a few devices to control. The remote includes a "Watch TV" button that turns on your TV and cable or satellite box with just one press. It also has a set of programmable buttons that you can use to go directly to your favorite channels. Read more

Logitech's Harmony Remote Controls are some of the best in the business when it comes to affordability and ease of use. The company recently added two new remotes to its lineup, the Harmony 600 and Harmony 650. Both new remotes give you one-click control over your favorite activities, and can replace up to five other remotes.

Setting up a Harmony remote is easy. Connect the remote to your computer, go to www.logitech.com/MyHarmony, and download the software. You'll then be prompted to enter the make and model number of your TV, DVD player etc.— the software does the rest.

After completing the online setup, you just click what you want to do — such as "Watch a DVD" — and the remote automatically turns on the right devices and selects the right inputs.Read more

Last week at CES, Samsung unveiled a TV remote control that has its own television screen. Yes, you read that right, this remote actually has it's own TV screen on it! Scheduled to come out later this year with Samsung's new 9000 Series HDTVs (but sold separately), the touchscreen "All-in-One Premium Remote" looks somewhat like an iPhone and allows you to watch a different TV channel than the TV that it controls.

Why would you want to do this? Say you're watching football while your spouse wants to watch their favorite TV show. With this remote, one of you can watch on the remote control, the other on the TV. (Hmm...do you see arguments over who gets the "big TV"? You're on your own there...) Headphones can be used for the person watching TV on the remote. The All-in-One Premium Remote can even be taken into the other room and still work (how far away, we don't know yet).

Pricing has not been announced, but the All-in-One Premium Remote is due to come out later this year. Stay tuned!