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When it comes to remote control, vendors are presenting a diverse array of new, and unusual, features. The following reviews a sampling of the newest devices, many of which were unveiled at 2001 International CES in Las Vegas earlier this month.
For Universal Remote Control Inc., CES set the scene for the company's unveiling of its Home Theater Master, MX-500, learning remote control. Designed and engineered to simplify the home entertainment experience, the Home Theater Master allows users to customize the LCD text of a remote control, the company said
The remote is programmed for more than 1,000 audio and video components - including personal video recorders, DVD, VCR, cable and satellite receivers and audio equipment - and is capable of learning 500 functions from original remote controls via infrared, the company said. It can operate a total of 10 audio and video components, and users can create individual button names on 23 LCD screens.
The Home Theater Master contains three types of macro operations, enabling users to assign multiple commands to particular macro buttons. It can be programmed to "punch through" operations to any of the 10 audio/video components for volume, channel selection and transport control. The LCD screen and all of the buttons provide bright, yet energy-efficient illumination.
The MX-500 is set for first-quarter availability from Harrison, N.Y-based Universal Remote Control at a suggested $189 retail.
The newest version of the Weemote children's TV remote control - called Weemote2 and co-designed by Miami maker Fobis Technologies, with an assist from Littleton, Colo.-based US Electron. ics - was also unveiled at CES earlier this month.
The Weemote enables parents to program specific channels on a brightly colored remotecontrol device that is easy and fun for children to use. New features are said to make the Weemote2 compatible with more entertainment systems, and...