Philips launches a handful of Vista MCE-compatible remotes

While we've already seen a few Windows Vista Media Center Edition remotes, Philips has just rolled out a whole host of its own along with assorted USB receivers. These range from a more standard style remote (RC1974501/00) with the huge number of buttons up and down to its slightly upgraded counterpart, the RC1974502/00, which appears to be the same, except with backlighting on the keys. The third version of the family, the RC1974603/00 also has backlighting, but adds "advanced IR learning," although we're not really sure what makes it more advanced than a remote with standard IR learning. However, the top model of the family includes an RF receiver and transmitter, just in case you need that extra range. Beyond that, there's also some PC-card remotes that'll jack in with your laptop, but the best one out of all of them is the TINO SRM7500/xx -- this larger model comes with its own built-in LCD so that you can navigate and control music playback without turning on the screen of your home entertainment center. Plus, its got them learnin' smarts too, so it can show those other remotes who's boss. Philips neglected to mention how much any of this stuff will cost, nor when it will be released; until we find out, we'll just have to settle for our more traditional channel-changing wands.

[Via Zatz Not Funny, image courtesy PVR Wire]

[mastershake916 @ Dec 21st 2006 11:59PM]

It's not vista "media center edition", it's vista "windows media center".
So WMC not MCE.
Also you site its really bloated with all the ads, the links to all the other blogs, and all the other crap.

[bart @ Dec 22nd 2006 12:27AM]

Do any of these remotes work with xp MCE? I might need one, and don't plan on "upgrading" to vista.

[Chris @ Dec 22nd 2006 1:03AM]

I don't like them...not enough buttons!

[Trent Reznor @ Dec 22nd 2006 1:57AM]

Yeah like myspace is the windows equivalent to social websites. Engadget is in route to being BLOATED just like myspace and windows, which means the windows equivalent of blogs will soon be engadget a shame if you ask me. I guess you have to eat 1 way or another.

[RR @ Dec 22nd 2006 3:38AM]

I've had a remote for windows media player for years, they're nothing new.

[karl @ Dec 22nd 2006 7:12AM]

Guys you should look at onevoice technologies remote it's awesome. Website onev.com

[Evan @ Dec 22nd 2006 9:50AM]

When they release this many different units, I get the impression that they don't know what people want or what will actually prove to be useful.

[willieboy @ Dec 22nd 2006 10:54AM]

Just what i need!!!! Another remote, with 100 buttons that do 1000 different things.....Way to keep it simple....And yes, your site does kind of resemble Windows software

[Maverick @ Jul 1st 2007 11:40PM]

Well, it's been 6 months.. and still no sign of the R/F model.. Come on Philips!