Slashdot Mirror
Sony's $700 Linux-based Remote Control
SlashdotMeNow points out a remote control to consider if money is no object: "The NAVITUS from Sony has a 64k colour touch-screen with tactile response, 32MB of RAM and a 200MHz processor. Looking at the photos it looks like a sexy little beast! It uses Linux as an OS and you can customise just about everything about it by linking it up to your PC. Hell, this thing is more powerful than my iPAQ. Useful for replacing your TV, DVD, sound system and other home entertainment system remotes, it can also control your lights and air conditioner. ... Just be careful using the Memory Stick slot - you don't want to get a virus on a device that controls your whole house!" Of course, that would have to be a Linux virus ...
I thought it was a little steep, but after reading this:
"Tactile Response Display
Most touch screens are lifeless and inert. It's often hard to know whether or not your command has even registered. The NAVITUS remote is dramatically different. Imagine an LCD screen that actually presses back against your fingertip to confirm each command. With TouchEngine(TM) Technology, you're operating with confidence."
I realised that turning on the Playboy channel will never be the same again. And it runs Linux... sound like a geeks wet dream to me.
TV1$ Playboy Channel: Access denied
TV1$ man chmod
It's scary to think that this individual remote control has more computer power than the on-board computer of the Apollo spacecraft back in the day.
"There is no spoon." - The Matrix
Yeah, unfortunately, most IrDA transmitters in PDA type hardware isn't strong enough to control AV equipment very well. You end up having to get really close to the TV to use the PDA (or cellphone) based remote, and at that point you can just stick your arm out and use the buttons.
I've tried using various AV remote software on Palm 3, Palm V, and (most recently) my Nokia 3650 phone. The results have always been disappointing.
On the other hand, a Bluetooth based remote would rock.
(Warning: beer-swilling geek trivia/rambling follows)
When I throw a party, I hook my laptop's video out up to my TV, audio to the stereo, and load up a 3-5 hour playlist and some XMMS visualizations. With Bemused and KDE Bluetooth, I can control the media player from my Nokia from anywhere in my apartment. Line-of-sight is not necessary, so I can be in the bathroom vomiting and queue up my favorite vomit music with ease.
It would be great if I could control my regular AV setup with Bluetooth. I could do it from my PC, laptop, cellphone, PDA, or whatever else. Even better would be something like this, but more universal. It would be great if I could stream audio from my PC to my stereo via Bluetooth, controlled by another BT device.
Be even better if BT had enough bandwidth to do video.
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.