DailyTech - New SideShow Remotes for Windows Vista Media Center on Display

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Hardware New SideShow Remotes for Windows Vista Media Center on Display
Brandon Hill (Blog) - December 21, 2006 10:10 AM

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12 comment(s) - last by glennpratt.. on Dec 21 at 10:24 PM

Interlink SideLink Remote

Ricavision Remote

Windows Vista Media Center just got a whole lot better

When we last touched on the topic of Windows SideShow, Asustek was showing off its W5Fe "dual-screen" notebook. In addition to the traditional 12.1" screen for typical everyday use, the notebook also features a second LCD display on the LCD cover to access information like calendar data, emails, music and pictures. All of this can be done without actually booting up the laptop which saves battery power.

It looks as though more companies are jumping onto the SideShow bandwagon and two new Windows Vista Media Center remotes have been announced which take advantage of the technology.

Interlink has announced its RF-based SideLink remote which enables user to navigate through music albums, video clips, photographs as well as schedule recording and access EPG data directly from the remote. All of this can be done without booting up your PC to the Windows desktop.

Over at Engadget is yet another new SideShow remote. Ricavision's SideShow remote is both infrared and Bluetooth Class 1 capable device with a range of 100 meters. The remote features a 2.5" QVGA display and comes with a USB RC6 (IR) and Bluetooth Class 1 receiver. The Ricavision remote will set you back $200 when it hits the market in April of next year.

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First off: those look awesome. Second:

By therealnickdanger on 12/21/2006 12:29:32 PM , Rating: 2

Are they "universal" in that they can be programmed to operate all my devices similar to the Harmony? TV, receiver, Xbox, etc...

This could just be the "ultimate remote" if done right.

RE: First off: those look awesome. Second:

By PitViper007 on 12/21/2006 1:48:39 PM , Rating: 2

Agreed. These look like they'd be awesome Universal Remotes. Personally, I like the Ricavision remote better, but that just my personal preference. It has a "snazzier" look to me.

Even if these new remotes only work on a Vista Media Center PC, there's enough that they can do/access that they still might be worth it. I agree with a commenter earlier though that I'd like to see the price-point closer to $100.

Oh, and Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukkah, Happy Quanza, or whatever other holiday you may be celebrating at this time. And have a happy new year!

PitViper

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RE: First off: those look awesome. Second:

By therealnickdanger on 12/21/2006 1:57:51 PM , Rating: 2

Merry Christmas, back at ya!

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RE: First off: those look awesome. Second:

By h0kiez on 12/21/2006 3:32:00 PM , Rating: 2

The remotes look nice, but I'm not sure why I couldn't just use my Harmoney to control a HTPC...

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RE: First off: those look awesome. Second:

By glennpratt on 12/21/2006 10:24:52 PM , Rating: 2

I don't think anyone is saying you couldn't.

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EPG Data without booting?

By ninjit on 12/21/2006 2:41:03 PM , Rating: 2

I thought the notebook with a 2nd LCD on the outside was silly and couldn't really see it taking off at all.

This however seems like a much better use of the SideShow technology, but I don't understand how the remote can possibly access EPG data without booting the computer - no network/internet connectivity.

Seems more like this would be used while the computer is still fully functional, with the SideShow system being used to run the 2nd display for a more intuitive/interactive interface.

RE: EPG Data without booting?

By Lazarus Dark on 12/21/2006 5:34:24 PM , Rating: 2

more displays! As a power user I just cant get enough display space. I have a 37"1080p lcd and a 15" lcd. planning on adding a 17" touchscreen soon and probably two 4.5" lcds. plus a umpc with 7" screen in a few months for remote desktop and couch surfing. I'd add this too when it comes out. but I'm probably the exception.

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RE: EPG Data without booting?

By afkrotch on 12/21/2006 7:40:14 PM , Rating: 2

You do know how Sideshow works right? Sideshow keeps cached data. Every so often, sideshow will boot the comp and retrieve new data, then turn it back off. Whether you are there or not. What gets updated I'm guessing depends on what you set in the software.

From there, the remote should be able to able to access the data via RF.

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Nice

By christianspoer on 12/21/2006 11:40:25 AM , Rating: 2

They look rather nice. But what about size - they look large too :(
And battery-life? Large color-screens tend to drain battery.

RE: Nice

By ksherman on 12/21/2006 11:59:15 AM , Rating: 2

I could imagine a charging station that doubles as a wireless receiver... I agree these look really nice. If only they were closer to $100... all in time I suppose.

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customization

By Visual on 12/21/2006 12:14:07 PM , Rating: 2

i wonder how customizable they are...
if they really can function with the pc turned off, then they have a relatively advanced cpu and memory inside them. combined with a qvga screen... mmm, yummy.
funny as it is, these things might actually have more power in them than my gaming pc from back in the early nineties... the screen sure is better than the CGA and monochrome ones we had back then, atleast.
would be a complete waste if you can't run custom (java or even native compiled) programs or games on them. they even have the keys to work like a not-too-bad gamepad.
i wonder if someone can port dosbox to these...