When you speak about a universal remote control, you can clearly consider it “universal” if it can be compatible with a larger array of gadgets. With most devices and gadgets coming out in the market with remote controls of their own, you will agree that having a lot of these remote controls around makes it confusing on which device you really want to operate.

However, the Logitech Harmony 900 should resolve all that as it can pull down the codes of over 225,000 devices. It comes with a rechargeable battery and a base station where you can leave it when not in use and recharging purposes.

This Logitech Harmoy 900 universal remote controller retails for $399.99 and will start shipping later this month.

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Now here is something unfamiliar to us when it comes to finding home theater system brands. Motorola is usually a brand you can associate with mobile phones or communication equipment. But home theater equipment?

Regardless, the Motorola DCP501 All-in-One HT receiver is something that deserves checking out. It houses a DVD/CD/MP3 player, audio/video surround receiver with 100 watts x 5. The DCP501 combines the functions of a digital cable receiver, a DVD/CD/MP3 player, a 100-watts-per-channel surround receiver, and an AM/FM stereo receiver.

For DVD viewing with immersive, high-quality surround sound, just add speakers and a television. The plug-n-play unit supports Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS, and Pro Logic II surround formats.

DCP501 cable-ready home theater system, a universal remote control, remote batteries, a self-install kit, FM/AM antennas, six-foot composite-video/analog audio interconnect, six-foot S-video cable, six-foot coaxial video cable, and a user’s manual.

Price: $223.98

(Source) Amazon

Hannspree North America Inc. may not be among the popular brands that consumers would associate as far as HD LCD TVs are concerned but perhaps now they will be. Today, they have launched a new 25” 1080p full HD LCD TV in the 25-inch ST251MKB.

This new LCD TV kicks off their campaign for mainstream digital TVs under the ST series. It carries an MSRP of $399.99.

Features:

• Viewable Size: 24.6″
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Response Time: 2ms X-Celerate
• Brightness: 300cd/m2
• Contrast Ratio: 10,000:1 X-Contrast
• Viewing Angle: 170 degrees/160 degrees
• Supported TV Formats: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i
• Tuners: ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM
• Inputs: RF, 2x HDMI, Component, S-Video, Composite, VGA, PC Audio
• Audio Out: 10Wx2, Headphone
• Accessories: HDMI Cable, Universal Remote Control w/ Batteries, Cleaning Cloth
• Warranty: 1-Year Limited Parts and Labor

(Source) Press

Universal Remote Concept

Designer Zeynep Altmisoglu has come up with a remote control concept nicknamed “Universal Remote Control ” that addresses our emotional attachment with gadgets not just as simple controls but also as a way to keep us aware of the health of our body. Sporting a transparent LCD display, the remote is able to recognize the user as a living being and modifies its transparent display according to the demands and emotions of the users. The Universal Remote also includes a blood pressure measuring apparatus. When closed, the remote becomes transparent only to reappear after it’s opened again, thanks to the glass LCD technology.

This remote control is capable of adapting its interface, when connected to a PC, to meet the needs of different users. Furthermore, you can remove the blood pressure measuring setup from the remote, turn it back for emotion mode and compress from both sides for wearing it on your ear, as a sort of earring, to evaluate and forward on your emotions. No word yet as to if/when we may see this type of remote used.

Accenda Surfboard Remote

The Accenda Surfboard Voice Interactive Smart Universal Remote Control is a hands-free universal remote that works with your voice commands and responds to any accent or language but also functions as a conventional push button control. It is so easy to use, just press the HELP’ button and a voice walks you through the setup process.

This remote is optimized for channel surfing and even remembers your favorite channels. If you’re tired, the remote will turn the TV off with a simple voice command. Uses 4 AAA batteries (not included). 7″ tall. Smart Source technology lets the remote automatically discern when your command relates to the TV or to a different component. Retails for around $39.99

We are all aware how much consumption home theater setups take but that may all be in the past starting today as the Home Theater Specialists of America have teamed up with vendors to deliver the first-ever solar powered home theater.

The home theater was installed and attached to solar panels, which completely power the home theater. The “Guiltless Green Home Theater,” unveiled at the group’s spring meeting earlier this week, will soon be available to the consumer market.

Components include a Sharp projector, a 100″ Stewart Filmscreen, six SpeakerCraft in-wall speakers, an Integra AV receiver, Monster Cable wiring, Lutron lighting, Universal Remote Control control, and furniture from Salamander. HiFi House designed and installed the theater, with some help from LG Energy solutions

The home theater, HTSA’s first green project, can provide up to 19 hours of off-the-grid usage. The initial installation, using four panels, was conducted at a spec house in Newtown Square, Pa.

(Source) Dealerscope

The remote control in the picture above is the Invisible Touch, a concept meant to help you control the devices in your home. The universal remote will be made out of glass which turns shiny whenever it’s activated. The remote is also said to recognize the users and thus it will revert to user’s settings automatically. Besides allowing you to control your favorite gadgets, the remote will also monitor your health. The back is equipped with blood pressure, heart rate and blood oxygen indicators so you’ll always know if the program you’re watching is not meant for you.

via Yanko Design

In what seems to be more of a mobile device rather than a universal remote, the Acoustic Research ARRU449 universal remote control can be totally deceiving. At first glance, it looks like any standard universal remote controller but if you look a bit closely, you may get curious at what the small LCD screen is for.

Invisible to the eye is the remote’s other distinguishing feature: Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows the remote to access the Internet through your wireless network in order to download Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information along with news and weather highlights. In addition, the ARRU449 can periodically download software updates as they become available.

At $400, the ARRU449 is a little pricey for what it does. During my time with it, though, there were several updates to its software. It’s possible that the performance and features will improve over time.

(Source) Home Theater Mag