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Sony's $700 Linux-based Remote Control
SlashdotMeNow points out a remote control to consider if money is no object: "The NAVITUS from Sony has a 64k colour touch-screen with tactile response, 32MB of RAM and a 200MHz processor. Looking at the photos it looks like a sexy little beast! It uses Linux as an OS and you can customise just about everything about it by linking it up to your PC. Hell, this thing is more powerful than my iPAQ. Useful for replacing your TV, DVD, sound system and other home entertainment system remotes, it can also control your lights and air conditioner. ... Just be careful using the Memory Stick slot - you don't want to get a virus on a device that controls your whole house!" Of course, that would have to be a Linux virus ...
I thought it was a little steep, but after reading this:
"Tactile Response Display
Most touch screens are lifeless and inert. It's often hard to know whether or not your command has even registered. The NAVITUS remote is dramatically different. Imagine an LCD screen that actually presses back against your fingertip to confirm each command. With TouchEngine(TM) Technology, you're operating with confidence."
I realised that turning on the Playboy channel will never be the same again. And it runs Linux... sound like a geeks wet dream to me.
I generally agree with you, but . . . this thing seems to control nearly every imaginable device one could have bought for their home entertainment system in the past 15 years.
Tape decks, DAT machines, Laser Disc players, lighting, air conditioners, etc. I could see how this would be interesting for a real enthusiast. The only thing not covered here are reel to reels and turntables, and that's probably only because those don't have remotes. To control all this stuff with a traditional remote you'd need something the size of a keyboard.
Yes, half a dozen or more specific remotes is a hassle. When I need to activate my automatic machine guns to mow down intruders, I don't want to mess around with a pile of remotes, trying to figure out which is the gatling guns, which is the antiaircraft missiles, and which is the toilet. There's nothing more embarrassing than being captures by special forces because you flushed your toilet at them.
Now, if you can't afford an underground lair fortified with a small army, this remote might be a bit expensive. But for those of us bent on world domination, status symbols are a must.
to use my Sharp Zaurus PDA as a remote control for my music/video library. The Zaurus would just run a web browser over a WiFi card in the CF slot. The server with my Vorbis and video files would run a straightforward web application that I'd browse with the Zaurus. I could search for titles, look at artwork and lyrics, and whatever; and there would be an XMMS-like control panel that would let me play stuff through the speakers and on the monitor. No need for a CD player or DVD's or anything; it would all come straight off the hard disc and out the audio and VGA ports.
I'm sure it can be hacked if you're good. Turn it into a nice little PDA and check TV listings from it!!
The Philips iPronto TSi6400 actually does this - has 802.11b built-in and automatically updates a program guide on the remote. Also has a web browser. Linux-based OS too, I believe.
Steve
I just can't figure out what justifies that price tag. There is no way any remote control should cost this much, let alone *this* remote. The feature list is underwhelming. This paperweight-in-training shouldn't cost more than ~$150.
Some people have different budgets. When you're spending 10 to 15 THOUSAND dollars on a home theatre, what's another $700 for a great remote?
Jason.
However, if you're selecting remotes based on how many colors the display has and whether it runs Linux, I think you're beyond my help, though :-) Go ahead and spend your $700.