Touch Screen Universal Remote

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Want the Best Touch Screen Universal Remote?

Bookmark and ShareTelevision remote controls have come a long way. A universal remote offers the attraction of being able to reduce the number of remotes you have in the household by consolidating control of all your AV devices to one remote.

A touch screen universal remote is one of the newer versions. They offer a vibrant display that helps to consolidate the number of buttons you have to push to perform any action and in some instances, can offer two way communication with your AV equipment. Learn more about these devices below and see some of the best touch screen universal remote models currently on the market.

Things You Need To Know 

If you're just beginning to shop for a new remote there are a few terms you want to know that can make the process easier. Here are a few that you will probably see when looking for a touch screen universal remote.

  • IR and RF
    Any TV remote control will operate or transmit signals one of two ways. IR is infrared. Infrared is common and works very well within 30 feet or so of your AV equipment. You must also be within line-of-sight as the signal will not transmit through doors or walls. RF on the other hand is radio frequency. RF will operate at greater distances from your AV equipment; around 100 feet or so. It can transmit those signals through doors and walls as well. The good news for IR remotes is that their range can be extended if necessary by purchasing an RF extender.

  • Universal remote/learning remote
    A universal remote is one which is able to operate multiple AV devices; not just your TV. This is it's advantage, it allows you to consolidate and use a single device to control all of your equipment. A "learning remote" is generally a universal remote that doesn't require you to program in the codes for each piece of equipment. Instead, it's able to read the signals transmitted by your other remotes, and can "learn" them, and then transmit them without user having to program those codes specifically.

  • Macro commands.
    When you have a variety of AV devices, such as a home theater, there can be numerous pieces of equipment to turn on or off for a given action. For instance to watch a movie you may want to turn on the TV, the speakers, the DVR, play the movie, and so forth. A macro command allows all of these things to occur with the push of a single button. This can save a lot of time and make the system more user friendly for all members of the household.

  • Two Way Communication.
    Some touch screen universal remote models will have what's called two way communication capabilities. This simply means that you would be able to view information on the remote display from the equipment it controls. For instance, you might be able to see the title of the music tracks on the CD that's playing or to get programming information on other channels while watching your TV.
  • Logitech Harmony 1100 Touch Screen Universal Remote 

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    Logitech Harmony 1100 Advanced Universal Remote Control

    Amazon Price: $326.59 (as of 12/26/2009)Buy Now

    The Logitech Harmony 1100 is among the best touch screen universal remote devices on the market. This beautiful brushed metal, piano black control is backlit so that it's easy to operate even in the dark. It features a bright 3.5" color touch screen for easy control. Users can customize commands, icons and screens so that they can easily get to the functions they use most frequently. It's single buttom control of multiple devices makes it easy for any family member to operate.

    Set up is a breeze with the included installation CD guiding you through the process. This touch screen universal remote is compatible with Windows Vista and XP as well as Mac OS X version 8.3 and higher. It will control over 5,000 different brands of equipment and 225,000 different devices. If you want RF wireless capability to control devices that are hidden in cabinets you can also get the RF extender for more control. (Check for special deals offering this when purchasing the Harmony 1100)

    This device comes with Li-ion battery, charging stand, USB cable, AC adapter, and installation guide and CD.

    Harmony 1100 Review 

    Logitech Harmony 1100 Advanced Universal Remote

    Logitech Harmony 1100 is the perfect complement to your sophisticated living room. Put a brilliant, 3.5-inch, full-color touch screen in your hands. Youll be able to turn on everything you need with just one touch. And you can customize the controls to get the commands you want, when you want. Its like no remote youve ever used before.

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    Logitech Harmony 1000 Advanced Universal Remote (Silver)

    Amazon Price: $299.88 (as of 12/26/2009) Buy Now

    Philips Pronto TSU9600 

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    Color Pronto Remote Control - TSU9600

    Amazon Price: $1,085.45 (as of 12/26/2009)Buy Now

    The Pronto TSU9600 is an advanced touch screen universal remote. It gives users control of AV equipment, lighting, and music in their home and has an operating distance of 36 feet. It has a backlit display for easy operation even in the dark and a vibrant 3.7" VGA TFT LCD touch panel screen with 640x480 resolution. It comes with a built-in stylus for accurate control as well as built-in loudspeaker.

    Programming is a bit complex but the included user guide and CD ROM should help with the task. This touch screen universal remote can reduce most commands to the simplicity of pushing a single button. With optional software you can even incorporate Windows Media Center Edition PC functionality for access to the digital files on your PC. This device supports English, Spanish, French, German and Dutch languages.

    It comes complete with AC/DC adaptor, CD-ROM, docking station, user guide and USB cable.

    Philips Pronto Demonstration 

    Philips-Pronto

    Philips Pronto (April 2007) Customize and design the new Philips Pronto touch panel interface. Pronto provides intuitive control Philips Pronto (April 2007) Customize and design the new Philips Pronto touch panel interface. Pronto provides intuitive control of the electricity and the home enttertainment systems at the intelligent home. Designed for Top Audio. Philips-Pronto Awards For Best Configuratuion File Europe 2006-2007

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    Other Touch Screen Universal Remote Models 

    Coming Soon: A New Type of Touch Screen Universal Remote 

    This Panasonic EZ Touch Remote has a touch screen that allows you to visualize things on the screen of your television rather than on the remote. See it demonstrated below.

    Panasonic EZ Touch Remote Control : DigInfo

    DigInfo - http://www.diginfo.tv Related Links: http://www.research.panasonic.com/ http://ex-blog.panasonic.co.jp/exhibition/en/ceatec2008/ At CEATEC 2008, Panasonic displayed their latest revision of the television Remote Control, in anticipation of the opening up of IPTV delivered broadcasting and internet based services such as IPTV and various web based applications.

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    Touch Screen Universal Remotes in the News 

    Silver PAC Evolution 5500 Remote Revealed [Universal Remote Features 4.3" LCD ...
    The Evolution 5500 will be the king of universal remotes, featuring WiFi, an accelerometer and a touchscreen. The Evolution 5500 is packaged with features. ...
    ThinkFlood RedEye turns your iPhone into a universal remote
    As you'd expect from a touchscreen-based remote system each screen only offers the controls related to the gizmo you're using, but ThinkFlood have thrown in ...
    Best high-tech gizmos are both innovative, fun
    Logitech's Harmony 900 Universal Remote ($400) can replace remote controls from 5000 brands and 225000 devices, with one-button multi-function touch-screen ...
    Silver PAC evolution 5500 universal remote & SideShow display
    Last we heard of Silver PAC they were pushing their eye-catching digital photo frame; now the company is promising an equally distinctive touchscreen remote ...

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