Over the last year we’ve looked at a couple of good media server options that make integration from your computer to your TV seamless. We’re starting to see some of these devices make the switch to new controls that allow the user to control their devices over a wireless network instead of needing to be in the line of sight for a remote to work. So, it’s no surprise to us that ThinkFlood took the initiative to eliminate the piles of remote controls that are amassed with multiple electronic devices around the TV, and instead use the iPhone or iPod Touch to control everything. The Redeye iPhone Universal Remote turns your iPhone or iPod Touch into a universal remote that will allow you to control your TV, stereo, DVD or BluRay player, and even game console(s)- basically all home entertainment devices with infrared capabilities, from anywhere in the house. It works using your wireless router- there are detailed instructions on how to set this up and we were impressed that it was really quite simple. Probably the coolest part is that each iPod Touch or iPhone device in the house can be used independently and even simultaneously on the same devices. The system is modular, which means that not only can you have any number of iDevices controlling entertainment media, but you can also have any number of RedEye bases in the house, giving you multiple entertainment system options. The RedEye is available directly from Thinkflood for $188.
You do have to be sitting in range of your TV to use the GlideTV Navigator remote, but it doesn’t stop us from liking it anyhow. This little guy eliminates the need for a keyboard and mouse when using a computer as a media server, and fits nicely into the palm of your hand. Basically, it’s set up so that the touchpad will control your menu searches, and even provide your keyboard. The buttons around the touchpad serve as your escape, enter, back, and function keys to control applications, and the media buttons control the playback of the files- play, pause, rewind, fast forward, etc. The Navigator also offers easy allow access to Google, Amazon Video on Demand, Hulu, Youtube, and Netflix, and even works with the PS3. We liked everything about this device, with the singular exception of the onscreen keyboard. We’re fairly used to small touchscreen keyboards, but even with hours of practice on our iPhones we still found it a bit frustrating to use. However, that’s not really a deterrent either, given how well the rest of the device functions. Videos were easy to find, and the range of the remote is impressive. The battery life is decent, and the charger is not intrusive, so it’s easy to just keep it docked when it’s not in use. Overall, this is a far better option than having a keyboard and mouse stashed near your media server, and it’s plug-and-play thanks to the USB dongle. It’s shiny, fun to use, and functional- what more could we ask, really. $150 may seem pricey for a remote, and it is, but this is quite a bit more than just a remote. Well worth the money if you’re invested in your entertainment and media center.
The last of the TV/PC gadgetry in our lineup is The Loop. The Loop is more like a traditional air mouse, with a click-wheel and four buttons. It’s outstanding for giving presentations, being much more manageable than most wireless air mice. The trend for entertainment is in computers and media centers, so of course it would have been foolish to create a mouse like this that didn’t work with a media center. The Loop connects to your computer over your wireless network, and can access all of the places that we use to kill time- YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, etc. Because it connects to your computer you can also use it to control WMC and iTunes. Aesthetically it’s interesting- a large ring, which even our largest hands here fit into. It’s easy to manipulate, and the buttons and scroll wheel are in a very comfortable spot. There was discussion among staff here that this might be a useful device for our more tech-savvy grandparents, given the size, shape and ergonomic placement of the controls. Of the three controllers we looked at, this one is the most economically priced, at $99.
All three of these devices can serve a purpose in the home theater toolkit, whether you’re looking to get rid of the remotes or need a new and more convenient way to interact with your TV. We did see a wide array of other hardware in the category at CES- various vendors are looking at included Wii-like controls in their remotes, and a few other companies are exploring iPhone universal remote controls. But all three of the devices have the advantage of being available and pretty well-rounded today.
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