ESPN Branded Remote? Better than Harmony?

[jcrandall]

Here is something that caught my eye at CES. It's a high end remote that features on screen guide (on remote screen) using wifi. Otherwise, functions much like a harmony.

The neat thing is that they are working to co-brand the remote with partners. The demo they showed is ESPN branded

Take a look at the pics:

#1 is the remote with a general screen.
#2 is the remote with the EPG on (note it has an EPG button (on remote) and an Guide button (on TV)

#3&4 Are pics of their brochure. Sorry - no scanner with me, hopefully you can read it ok.

The guy I spoke with is the VP of software development for the remote developer. Claimed the retail would be between $200-$299 depending on parternership, etc.

 

[jwfgeol]

From a marketing standpoint, I think it's an excellent idea for a television company to have a branded remote. I'm sure they could offer specific features tailored to the ESPN sports fan.

 

[jpn]

From a marketing standpoint, I think it's an excellent idea for a television company to have a branded remote. I'm sure they could offer specific features tailored to the ESPN sports fan.

Sure, it's a great idea. I just wonder how much of the espn-crazed market segment would be willing to cough-up $200+ for any remote. I know a bunch of real sports nuts, they watch nothing but sports regardless of the channel. Most of them lack HD service, they're not interested in any remote beyond what cable/satellite provide with the equipment.

 

[jpn]

Nice website... unfortunately lacking some important tech specs. For instance it clearly states that it's got auto wifi detection, but fails to say whether it supports any security or encryption. I've been known to buy remotes in the $200 price range, but I'm not going to do it if it means opening my wireless to the neighbors.

 

[mojosat]

it looks like my harmony 550 raped a football and spit this thing out....ugly

 

[jcrandall]

ha! I love that comparison!

I thought the wifi was the intersting part.

 

[mojosat]

that is kinda cool.. As often as I make changes to my setup though I like the harmony software, how would the remote know if I swapped dvd players or moved the 360 to the bedroom and replaced it with the ps3?.... Did not read anywhere if this had a usb port or not.

 

[mojosat]

the sd card with the wifi transmitter is one of the coolest gizmos this year I think..

 

[jcrandall]

Yes, it has a usb port as well. Very close to a harmony with a seperate guide done via wifi.

 

[Andrewwski]

Another piece of junk from Logitech.

 

[jcrandall]

Another piece of junk from Logitech.

No, this has nothing to do with Logitech, could become a competitor to them though.

 

[Andrewwski]

Sorry - thought you said it was a rebranded Harmony.

My bad.

Personally I'd never touch one of the Harmony remotes in the first place. Probably not this one either.

 

[Lord Darth Vader]

If ESPN is behind this, look for a charge for every feature you want to use, kinda like their BS ESPN "Insider" costs on their web site. Want to change a channel? That'll be one dollar. Want to mute Jay Mariotti? Five dollars. Want to tune to a FOX Sports Channel? Twenty dollars.

 

[FIREBIRD81]

Sorry - thought you said it was a rebranded Harmony.

My bad.

Personally I'd never touch one of the Harmony remotes in the first place. Probably not this one either.

Why? MY Harmony is the best purchase I've made for my tv. I no longer have my wife waking meup to turn on all the components so she can watch country music videos.

 

[Pakbackr]

Looks like poor ergonomics to me, esp compared to my Harmony.

 

[riffjim4069]

it looks like my harmony 550 raped a football and spit this thing out....ugly

I agree. I would be inclined to punt this thing if I found one sitting on the sofa...

 

[imthedevil]

Kind of ugly but would be nice if you could have one button dedicated to each of the ESPN stations, like quick keys

Bill

 

[BFG]

looks like a cell phone

 

[Andrewwski]

Why? MY Harmony is the best purchase I've made for my tv. I no longer have my wife waking meup to turn on all the components so she can watch country music videos.

I guess you don't realize how awful Harmony is until you use something else.

 

[haertig]

... but fails to say whether it supports any security or encryption ...

And wouldn't it be a great bundle of fun entering a 63 character WPA key into that thing using it's abbreviated keypad interface with the bad ergonomics?!

I'd call a WiFi remote a solution in search of a problem. And a bad solution at that.