Fresh Ideas For The Clicker

By Todd Spangler -- Multichannel News, 6/27/2011 12:01:00 AM

CHICAGO — Even as operators rush to turn iPads into remotes, the humble old remote control is seeing flickers of innovation.

At the Cable Show this month, Philips Electronics showed off uWand, a remote-control pointing technology it is licensing to TV providers.


The uWand components add about $5 to the cost of the remote, according to Natoewal. That would result in more than double the price MSOs are typically willing to spend on a remote.

But that additional cost is paid back quickly because the pointing capabilities increase VOD and game buy-rates, according to a consumer survey conducted by Philips: Video-on-demand and interactive games consumption among uWand users increased 17% and 20% respectively, compared with those using traditional- TV remotes.

Meanwhile, Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) announced that Cox Communications has selected it to supply its next-generation universal remote control.

The customized remote control includes many new features tailored for Cox’s Trio HD interactive program guide, such as a “user” button that provides one-click access to the Trio personalized profiles.

In addition, UEI announced a new remote, “Champ,” whose key features include a simplified layout with fewer keys and an easier universal TV setup. For example, the Champ has contoured keys that are supposed to make it comfortable to hold and use. It’s expected to begin shipping in late summer 2011.

UEI, trying to bolster its innovation cred, noted that the Champ was developed based on usability research conducted for the company by California State University at Northridge psychology professor Dr. Robert Youmans.