Customer Rating: 
Summary: Excellent and unique remote, especially for an ESPN fan.
Comment: tvCompass, Inc. and Click365 have an interesting concept: brand their "universal interactive remote" with a well known entity, like ESPN, and presumably sell to a niche market. In reality, the ESPN "Ultimate Remote" is a solid device whether or not you like ESPN.
The Ultimate Remote can control up to 18 devices without having to use a PC. I was able to set up a TV, DVD and DVR for basic functionality without difficulty. Setting up specific functions, such as opening the disc drawer on a DVD player or ejecting the disc are more complex, requiring "training" using your current device remote. I haven't quite mastered that one yet. Overall, basic device set up is quick and easy.
The cool part of the Ultimate Remote is supposed to be its interactivity - and I must admit, some of the interactive functions are impressive. You connect the Ultimate Remote to your WiFi network. It supports both WEP and WAP2 security. You enter your security codes through the alpha-numeric keyboard. Pretty simple.
You set the cable guide to your area and carrier and you have a handheld TV listing, which is pretty cool. There's also a specific movie guide which I think is handy.
Click365 operates a portal through which you can access ESPN features, news and weather. The problem is the 2.2 inch screen. While it is clear and crisp, even at the largest size, text is still difficult to read with my aging eyes.
You can also send and receive text messages which, perhaps, may be a very cool feature for people who are into texting.
tvCompass, Inc. and Click365 are, I think, definitely on to a good idea here. Branding with entitites like Discovery Channel or even PBS could attract a niche audiences. Perhaps they can use programmable ROMs to customize the product for specific partners like A&E, HBO and so forth.
Overall, the product has a high "cool" factor, is relatively easy to program and has interactive features that some may find very useful. The only thing I don't like about the product is the packaging. It comes in an "I" shaped plastic clamshell which requires a great deal of time and effort to open.
Jerry
Customer Rating:
Summary: Outstanding product!
Comment: I received this product on Monday and was very excited. We are remote addicts because we have a whole entertainment system set up as well as wireless/WIFI situation going on in our apartment.
At first sight, the ESPN "Ultimate remote" is very sleek and sexy. My husband loves the color red, so this was a wonderful surprise for him as well. The remote also has silver edging. It isn't heavy, but it isn't a tiny remote that you can use while you are trying to go to sleep. Aesthetically... it is gorgeous and the buttons are well thought out. The layout works! There is also a joystick to navigate through the menus which is a welcome change in our household. The screen is rather large and the colors are awesome. It seems like a high end cell phone screen. One part that I rather enjoy is that the screen isn't a touch screen. Our other remote (Sima IR/RF remote) is a touch screen and I am constantly tired of cleaning the scuzzy fingertips off of the surface.
Now onto it's advertised abilities or "claims".... They aren't just claims... this baby does everything it says!!! When you open the package you are surprised to find a one page folded color booklet. I was afraid that it wasn't enough directions. That one page is more than sufficient and takes you step by step to begin setting up your new remote. That is it!! It was easy and effortless. If my 5 year old could fully read, she would have been able to work through it. Everything is on there... from setting up your Plasma/LCD to your old tube television that you would rather no one knows about LOL. You need to have a wireless connection/WIFI set up throughout your home or this remote will not be able to function to its' full capacity. The internet is quick and it does deliver the scores, news, weather, gossip and even a bit of AMAZON shopping! That bought it for me! You can even message.... everything is brought to you from the Click365 network. You do not need a PC to set up your remote. You truly remove it from its box and begin (well you do have to charge it further, per their instructions; even though ours was fully charged).
A function that we fell in love with is the fact that you can channel surf off of your remote without actually turning on your television. You don't actually watch the channels, but you get to see the whole guide and what is currently on. Now that is an amazing feat! Another cool discovery was in the middle of the night, I went into the kitchen and the remote was in it's cradle charging.... all of a sudden the screen lit up. There is motion detection on this bad boy! We can't seem to find a button to turn off the remote though. That isn't an issue because finally we are dealing with a remote that doesn't need standard AA/AAA batteries. It runs off a rechargable Lithium battery which you can charge in its provided dock or from its cord.
There is so much that this thing does that I could go on for days... It can control up to 18 devices in multiple rooms. It found most our devices quickly, we did have an issue with a Sony receiver ( we always do); but eventually found it. IT is a learning remote that can never become obsolete. It can always learn your new devices in the future so you don't have to worry about the cost of this remote because it will pay for itself in the future. You will not have to upgrade.
Now onto the bad... so far it has frozen up 3 times and it had to be rebooted. Maybe it is just my device because I haven't read anyone else complaining of the same issue.
Finally, the reason it isn't a five-star is a major one in our household; this remote isn't IR/RF. What that means is that it cannot control your devices through the walls or floors. We have our system set up in a closet, so that we didn't need to have a hundred things laying around our living room. WE always go for IR/RF remotes so that our devices can be controlled throughout the home without having to actually point at the actual device that we are trying to control. This remote doesn't do that! With everything great on this thing... why couldn't they have implemented that great little function??? WE REALLY LOVE this remote but don't know how we will use it since everything in the living room is stashed away. Hopefully, we will be able to find some sort of extenders that will enable us to use the remote the same as our SIMA remote that I had previously reviewed.
Any suggestions??? WONDERFUL product that you should buy today... I don't know how we lived without it before.... just wish it had IR/RF capability.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Universal Remote Does All
Comment: It looks like a big 3G+ handphone, with colourful LCD screen (320x240) and nice buttons. You can recharge it with the included lithium ion battery and charger. It can replace all my remote. For those not in the code, I can manually point my old remote to it and include the commands. The most attracting portion is the wifi web access. You can access sports/news/stocks/weather information for free as long as you have wifi access at home or in shopping malls (but I guess few would bring this along). It can also do instant messaging and sms (I have yet to try out this). But I think the costs of ownership is pretty high that sales is slow. But it's good to see such innovative products spur the industry for sustained competition.
Will update you after I do a thorough use on Internet access and messaging features.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Color, Jazz but where the real integration? And where's RF?
Comment: I do not want to predict that this product is going to be one of the many no one takes any serious notice of because that's where its headed.
These are the reasons I feel the way I do: This device attempts to integrate some 'selected' features of iPhone with a remote so here's what it seriously lacks. Where's bluetooth?, with bluetooth, it could integrate with cell phones. These days there are even bluetooth enabled expandable cordless land phones available too so that gap could have been easily filled up too!
Beyond this, what's the idea behind NOT providing RF connectivity? I fail to understand. In a manufacturing line it costs less than $3 to add this feature so why is it skipped here??
I fail to understand how much do these manufacturers have to bleed the consumer before a really integrated product hits the market.
Customer Rating:
Summary: All I Can Say is Wow....
Comment: I just received the ESPN Ultimate Remote today and all I can say is Wow! This thing has the most gorgeous color LCD - hands down, no contest beats the LCD screen on our Harmony 880. You don't have to connect to your PC to setup (unlike the Harmony), as this thing has built-in WiFi (802.11 b/g). Here are my first impressions - I will be updating once we've had a little longer to give this thing a test spin.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
First of all, hope you have a good pair of scissors or the "Open It" tool because this packaging was brutal! Well worth the effort though. Once inside, it includes:
-Quick Startup Guide
-Warranty Information (1 year)
-Charging Dock
-Cable
-Remote
Note: This charges via mini-USB. You can charge by inserting the remote into dock and plugging the mini-USB charger into the back of the dock, or you can connect to the remote directly, as it has a mini USB port on the side.
SETUP STEPS
1) Fully charge device for 4 hours prior to use
2) Connect via WiFi to set up your remote
3) Setup TV Listings - enter zip code and find your provider
4) Setup Remote Control - set up your devices such as TV, receiver, etc.
5) Register your remote online for full user manual and to register for the messaging feature
One nice feature here is you can set up the remote in the same room as all your stuff. No more list making or running back and forth to the computer room to configure the remote. A nice little bonus. And, it makes the SPORTSCENTER noise!!
DEVICE KEY
Gives you the ability to choose any of your devices that you've set up (up to 15 types). Very similar setup to the Harmony 880, as it will give you a list of device commands.
ACTIVITY KEY
Such as "Watch TV", "Watch Movies" etc. Again, similar to the Harmony 880 which is great. I love being able to hit one button and have the TV Video input (Sony), Receiver (Harmon Kardon) and all other aspects of our home theater system follow suit. You don't have to be an expert to work the TV and there isn't only "one person" in the house that knows how to work the remote.
TV LISTINGS
How amazing is this? You can see the channel lineup for what's on, even has little logos for the stations. You can even browse the listings while the TV is still turned off. Another neat feature here is that you can personalize a "mini guide" for each user and list their favorite channels for easy accessibility. There is also sections for Sports, Movies, and an option to save your favorites under "My Shows". Who would have thought you'd love to see a program guide on your remote? Why block those viewing the TV while you peruse to find something else? Or browse away from the prying eyes of your family or spouse for that "better" thing that's sure to be out there.
INTERNET CONTENT
Access ESPN sports scores, gamecasts, manage your ESPN.com fantasy team. Other internet sites offered through the click365 portal. This includes news headlines, ABC news, amazon.com shopping (I'm officially in heaven!), E! Entertainment News, Yahoo Search, Facebook and even games and a favorites bar to store your own websites. Unbelievable. It's basically like having a remote, PDA and score updating system all in one. This is truly a gadget lover's dream.
Let's say you are watching a movie and you can't remember where you've seen that actor or actress in. It's driving you crazy! Don't even get up, just pull up imdb.com and settle that nagging feeling right away, or win that bet that Dustin Hoffman wasn't in Star Wars ;-)
OTHER FEATURES
This is a programmable learning remote. If you can't find the code for one of your older (or newer) items, the remote will learn the command. We've used this for a standing Soleus fan with success.
Wireless updates of new equipment codes - no more finding the cord, hooking it to the PC to update.
Automatic backup of your user-programmed remote control settings.
Light sensor adjusts LCD to room brightness
Versatile text messaging allows you to text mobile phone or e-mail
SUMMARY
If you are a technology lover and a sports fan, or just a gadget lovin' gal or guy like me, you are going to absolutely love this device. I cannot wait until fantasy football season with this baby! This device does require a broadband connection and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Summary: Excellent and unique remote, especially for an ESPN fan.
Comment: tvCompass, Inc. and Click365 have an interesting concept: brand their "universal interactive remote" with a well known entity, like ESPN, and presumably sell to a niche market. In reality, the ESPN "Ultimate Remote" is a solid device whether or not you like ESPN.
The Ultimate Remote can control up to 18 devices without having to use a PC. I was able to set up a TV, DVD and DVR for basic functionality without difficulty. Setting up specific functions, such as opening the disc drawer on a DVD player or ejecting the disc are more complex, requiring "training" using your current device remote. I haven't quite mastered that one yet. Overall, basic device set up is quick and easy.
The cool part of the Ultimate Remote is supposed to be its interactivity - and I must admit, some of the interactive functions are impressive. You connect the Ultimate Remote to your WiFi network. It supports both WEP and WAP2 security. You enter your security codes through the alpha-numeric keyboard. Pretty simple.
You set the cable guide to your area and carrier and you have a handheld TV listing, which is pretty cool. There's also a specific movie guide which I think is handy.
Click365 operates a portal through which you can access ESPN features, news and weather. The problem is the 2.2 inch screen. While it is clear and crisp, even at the largest size, text is still difficult to read with my aging eyes.
You can also send and receive text messages which, perhaps, may be a very cool feature for people who are into texting.
tvCompass, Inc. and Click365 are, I think, definitely on to a good idea here. Branding with entitites like Discovery Channel or even PBS could attract a niche audiences. Perhaps they can use programmable ROMs to customize the product for specific partners like A&E, HBO and so forth.
Overall, the product has a high "cool" factor, is relatively easy to program and has interactive features that some may find very useful. The only thing I don't like about the product is the packaging. It comes in an "I" shaped plastic clamshell which requires a great deal of time and effort to open.
Jerry
Customer Rating:
Summary: Outstanding product!
Comment: I received this product on Monday and was very excited. We are remote addicts because we have a whole entertainment system set up as well as wireless/WIFI situation going on in our apartment.
At first sight, the ESPN "Ultimate remote" is very sleek and sexy. My husband loves the color red, so this was a wonderful surprise for him as well. The remote also has silver edging. It isn't heavy, but it isn't a tiny remote that you can use while you are trying to go to sleep. Aesthetically... it is gorgeous and the buttons are well thought out. The layout works! There is also a joystick to navigate through the menus which is a welcome change in our household. The screen is rather large and the colors are awesome. It seems like a high end cell phone screen. One part that I rather enjoy is that the screen isn't a touch screen. Our other remote (Sima IR/RF remote) is a touch screen and I am constantly tired of cleaning the scuzzy fingertips off of the surface.
Now onto it's advertised abilities or "claims".... They aren't just claims... this baby does everything it says!!! When you open the package you are surprised to find a one page folded color booklet. I was afraid that it wasn't enough directions. That one page is more than sufficient and takes you step by step to begin setting up your new remote. That is it!! It was easy and effortless. If my 5 year old could fully read, she would have been able to work through it. Everything is on there... from setting up your Plasma/LCD to your old tube television that you would rather no one knows about LOL. You need to have a wireless connection/WIFI set up throughout your home or this remote will not be able to function to its' full capacity. The internet is quick and it does deliver the scores, news, weather, gossip and even a bit of AMAZON shopping! That bought it for me! You can even message.... everything is brought to you from the Click365 network. You do not need a PC to set up your remote. You truly remove it from its box and begin (well you do have to charge it further, per their instructions; even though ours was fully charged).
A function that we fell in love with is the fact that you can channel surf off of your remote without actually turning on your television. You don't actually watch the channels, but you get to see the whole guide and what is currently on. Now that is an amazing feat! Another cool discovery was in the middle of the night, I went into the kitchen and the remote was in it's cradle charging.... all of a sudden the screen lit up. There is motion detection on this bad boy! We can't seem to find a button to turn off the remote though. That isn't an issue because finally we are dealing with a remote that doesn't need standard AA/AAA batteries. It runs off a rechargable Lithium battery which you can charge in its provided dock or from its cord.
There is so much that this thing does that I could go on for days... It can control up to 18 devices in multiple rooms. It found most our devices quickly, we did have an issue with a Sony receiver ( we always do); but eventually found it. IT is a learning remote that can never become obsolete. It can always learn your new devices in the future so you don't have to worry about the cost of this remote because it will pay for itself in the future. You will not have to upgrade.
Now onto the bad... so far it has frozen up 3 times and it had to be rebooted. Maybe it is just my device because I haven't read anyone else complaining of the same issue.
Finally, the reason it isn't a five-star is a major one in our household; this remote isn't IR/RF. What that means is that it cannot control your devices through the walls or floors. We have our system set up in a closet, so that we didn't need to have a hundred things laying around our living room. WE always go for IR/RF remotes so that our devices can be controlled throughout the home without having to actually point at the actual device that we are trying to control. This remote doesn't do that! With everything great on this thing... why couldn't they have implemented that great little function??? WE REALLY LOVE this remote but don't know how we will use it since everything in the living room is stashed away. Hopefully, we will be able to find some sort of extenders that will enable us to use the remote the same as our SIMA remote that I had previously reviewed.
Any suggestions??? WONDERFUL product that you should buy today... I don't know how we lived without it before.... just wish it had IR/RF capability.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Universal Remote Does All
Comment: It looks like a big 3G+ handphone, with colourful LCD screen (320x240) and nice buttons. You can recharge it with the included lithium ion battery and charger. It can replace all my remote. For those not in the code, I can manually point my old remote to it and include the commands. The most attracting portion is the wifi web access. You can access sports/news/stocks/weather information for free as long as you have wifi access at home or in shopping malls (but I guess few would bring this along). It can also do instant messaging and sms (I have yet to try out this). But I think the costs of ownership is pretty high that sales is slow. But it's good to see such innovative products spur the industry for sustained competition.
Will update you after I do a thorough use on Internet access and messaging features.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Color, Jazz but where the real integration? And where's RF?
Comment: I do not want to predict that this product is going to be one of the many no one takes any serious notice of because that's where its headed.
These are the reasons I feel the way I do: This device attempts to integrate some 'selected' features of iPhone with a remote so here's what it seriously lacks. Where's bluetooth?, with bluetooth, it could integrate with cell phones. These days there are even bluetooth enabled expandable cordless land phones available too so that gap could have been easily filled up too!
Beyond this, what's the idea behind NOT providing RF connectivity? I fail to understand. In a manufacturing line it costs less than $3 to add this feature so why is it skipped here??
I fail to understand how much do these manufacturers have to bleed the consumer before a really integrated product hits the market.
Customer Rating:
Summary: All I Can Say is Wow....
Comment: I just received the ESPN Ultimate Remote today and all I can say is Wow! This thing has the most gorgeous color LCD - hands down, no contest beats the LCD screen on our Harmony 880. You don't have to connect to your PC to setup (unlike the Harmony), as this thing has built-in WiFi (802.11 b/g). Here are my first impressions - I will be updating once we've had a little longer to give this thing a test spin.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
First of all, hope you have a good pair of scissors or the "Open It" tool because this packaging was brutal! Well worth the effort though. Once inside, it includes:
-Quick Startup Guide
-Warranty Information (1 year)
-Charging Dock
-Cable
-Remote
Note: This charges via mini-USB. You can charge by inserting the remote into dock and plugging the mini-USB charger into the back of the dock, or you can connect to the remote directly, as it has a mini USB port on the side.
SETUP STEPS
1) Fully charge device for 4 hours prior to use
2) Connect via WiFi to set up your remote
3) Setup TV Listings - enter zip code and find your provider
4) Setup Remote Control - set up your devices such as TV, receiver, etc.
5) Register your remote online for full user manual and to register for the messaging feature
One nice feature here is you can set up the remote in the same room as all your stuff. No more list making or running back and forth to the computer room to configure the remote. A nice little bonus. And, it makes the SPORTSCENTER noise!!
DEVICE KEY
Gives you the ability to choose any of your devices that you've set up (up to 15 types). Very similar setup to the Harmony 880, as it will give you a list of device commands.
ACTIVITY KEY
Such as "Watch TV", "Watch Movies" etc. Again, similar to the Harmony 880 which is great. I love being able to hit one button and have the TV Video input (Sony), Receiver (Harmon Kardon) and all other aspects of our home theater system follow suit. You don't have to be an expert to work the TV and there isn't only "one person" in the house that knows how to work the remote.
TV LISTINGS
How amazing is this? You can see the channel lineup for what's on, even has little logos for the stations. You can even browse the listings while the TV is still turned off. Another neat feature here is that you can personalize a "mini guide" for each user and list their favorite channels for easy accessibility. There is also sections for Sports, Movies, and an option to save your favorites under "My Shows". Who would have thought you'd love to see a program guide on your remote? Why block those viewing the TV while you peruse to find something else? Or browse away from the prying eyes of your family or spouse for that "better" thing that's sure to be out there.
INTERNET CONTENT
Access ESPN sports scores, gamecasts, manage your ESPN.com fantasy team. Other internet sites offered through the click365 portal. This includes news headlines, ABC news, amazon.com shopping (I'm officially in heaven!), E! Entertainment News, Yahoo Search, Facebook and even games and a favorites bar to store your own websites. Unbelievable. It's basically like having a remote, PDA and score updating system all in one. This is truly a gadget lover's dream.
Let's say you are watching a movie and you can't remember where you've seen that actor or actress in. It's driving you crazy! Don't even get up, just pull up imdb.com and settle that nagging feeling right away, or win that bet that Dustin Hoffman wasn't in Star Wars ;-)
OTHER FEATURES
This is a programmable learning remote. If you can't find the code for one of your older (or newer) items, the remote will learn the command. We've used this for a standing Soleus fan with success.
Wireless updates of new equipment codes - no more finding the cord, hooking it to the PC to update.
Automatic backup of your user-programmed remote control settings.
Light sensor adjusts LCD to room brightness
Versatile text messaging allows you to text mobile phone or e-mail
SUMMARY
If you are a technology lover and a sports fan, or just a gadget lovin' gal or guy like me, you are going to absolutely love this device. I cannot wait until fantasy football season with this baby! This device does require a broadband connection and Wi-Fi connectivity.