Ricavision kicks out VAVE100 universal MCE / SideShow remote

Following up on the RICA 100 that Ricavision unveiled in May is the VAVE100, which doesn't deviate too far from its past siblings in the design department, but does offer up a 2.4-inch QVGA LCD, a shiny green MCE button and SideShow functionality. As we'd expect, this thing is a Class 1 (~50 meters promised) Bluetooth device with A2DP support, and it comes with its own docking station, a BT transceiver and a power charger. The remote enables users to control over 20 different components from up to 50-feet away via IR, and the buttons are backlit to keep you from fumbling around in the dark while trying to switch tracks. Unfortunately, you won't be using one of these to control your new gear (you are asking for new gear this year, right?) until next February, but you will save $25 by pre-ordering now for $274.

[Thanks, Ronald]

[Erwos @ Dec 1st 2007 10:01PM]

$300 sounds expensive, until you figure that a regular color remote, like a Harmony, isn't going to run you much less. If you're a heavy MC user, this thing appears to be awesome, and a pretty good deal.

[Big Sam @ Dec 1st 2007 10:04PM]

Can it control the PS3 too?

[John McKenna @ Dec 1st 2007 10:05PM]

is it really necessary? I mean...hello!

PS (First 5 comments)

[Electromodo @ Dec 2nd 2007 12:00AM]

I also do not see any point in such an expensive remote control for myself, but for people with 60 inch plasmas/LCDs with 900W Bose audio this might be a great deal.

[Kalen @ Dec 1st 2007 10:14PM]

It looks prett ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing at the same time, which is more than I can say for the Logitech Harmony 1000 - that thing is a nightmare to hold. Hopefully this remote will also work with my PS3 as the remote Sony decided to offer is not backlit, and therefore is useless in a movie environment.

[why not the LS2LS7? @ Dec 1st 2007 10:16PM]

Yeah. My question is the same as above. Can it run a PS3?

[iii @ Dec 1st 2007 10:20PM]

mmm... a remote that cost more than my own TV

thats really tempting

[SteveMB @ Dec 1st 2007 11:08PM]

If this costs more than your TV, I feel sorry for you.

[John @ Dec 1st 2007 11:53PM]

@SteveMB...why are you sorry?
My 27" LCD cost $350 why would I want to spend $300 on a remote for it?

[Christian Martin @ Dec 2nd 2007 2:33AM]

@ John

In what parallel dimension is $300 > $350?

[thomas @ Dec 2nd 2007 2:24PM]

@ C Martin

the point is, would you buy a custom design wheel for about the same cost as your car ?

if you don't get this its okay, cause this has nothing to do with your IQ.

[SteveMB @ Dec 2nd 2007 6:43PM]

Well considering that the price of it is $274, well nevermind...

[kuade @ Dec 1st 2007 10:23PM]

I third that question about the PS3, I want a remote that will control everything I have for $300. That means my HD DVR, LCD TV, Kenwood reciever, and PS3... Is that so complicated? NO! I think there is some sort of conspiracy going on here... Bloggers unite!

[Smilesaurus @ Dec 1st 2007 11:56PM]

What's up with the "SideShow functionalityt- what does that offer?

[crow610 @ Dec 2nd 2007 4:08AM]

Basically Vista Sidebar

[darkstar @ Dec 2nd 2007 12:18AM]

i've always wanted their remotes. where can i get one????

[darkstar @ Dec 2nd 2007 12:23AM]

nevermind. its only available on their website now. not buy.com nor amazon.com
http://www.ricavisionplix.com

[Rupesh Varghese @ Dec 2nd 2007 2:36AM]

There's always ebay my friend....

[darkstar @ Dec 2nd 2007 12:22AM]

their rica 100 is nowhere to be found!

[PH @ Dec 2nd 2007 1:44AM]

This remote does Bluetooth and Sideshow, which is exactly what I am looking for and I don't know of anybody else offering that. I can't even find ones with just BT or just Sideshow.
If only they could actually ship something (the previous model has not yet) ...

[Ben Hobbs @ Dec 2nd 2007 2:55AM]

Its a sideshow remote, unless you are running Vista on your PS3 it's pretty much a given that it wont work on it.

[djs @ Dec 2nd 2007 3:29AM]

I didn't realize universal meant vista only

[Ben Hobbs @ Dec 2nd 2007 3:32AM]

It doesn't, however Universal MCE means something entirely different. WHat might give it away are the huge Media Centre buttons and the sideshow part, Sideshow is part of Vista.

[Big Sam @ Dec 2nd 2007 3:41AM]

"VAVE100 gives you the ability to control over 20 different entertainment devices from a distance of over 50 feet via IR. The learning feature and the User Definable Macro Functions allow you to set-up ONE BUTTON access. With BUILT-IN database of over 1500 wolrdwide brand names and set-up via GUI on the 2.4" QVGA LCD display, VAVE100 gives the maximum control of the entire entertainment system at your fingertips."

So by your thinking, all 20 of those devices have to be running Vista?

[Ben Hobbs @ Dec 2nd 2007 3:47AM]

Jeez..

"VAVE100 gives you the ability to control over 20 different entertainment devices from a distance of over 50 feet via IR"

In other words it works with Vista via Bluetooth for sideshow functionality, it can also control other components VIA IR (Infra-Red).

The PS3 is Bluetooth, no?

[Reader @ Dec 2nd 2007 3:06AM]

Coolest remote ever, I kind of want one just because.

[roach @ Dec 2nd 2007 3:49AM]

This is what I been waiting for. So, while I watch TV using MCE, I can also check my email (and other functions) using remote's screen via sideshow.

[RazorD @ Dec 2nd 2007 6:14AM]

About. Frackin'. Time.

Sideshow remotes were announced before vista launched, and i've wanted one since before vista launched.

It's just a geek thing. Anything with a shiny, sexy screen has to be good.

[ascian @ Dec 2nd 2007 7:30AM]

I think this thing looks cheap as hell. The buttons, materials and overall layout couldn't be more unimpressive. The old design was equally poor IMO. I e-mailed them about possible PS3 support though so hopefully they'll answer. Either way, I'll stick with my harmony 880/Nyko PS3 IR adapter despite it two or three missing functions. Doesn't bother me at all, especially with this as the alternative.

[Dano @ Dec 2nd 2007 11:58AM]

I'd be okay w/ "2 or 3 missing functions" if one of those functions wasn't power. I try to keep the spousal acceptance factor high in my house and a big part of that is ease of use. Activity based remotes that turn the appropriate equipment on go a long way in this department. Of course Sony could help the adaptor crowd out by updating the firmware and leaving the USB ports on while the console is in a soft off state. But they seem to prefer the extra $ they think they get from the BR remote add-on.

[ascian @ Dec 5th 2007 2:40PM]

This currently does NOT support PS3. Of course, my name isn't Kurt either, so the reliability level here is suspect =)

Kurt,

We are currently working with Sony in order to get the code for the PlayStation3, stay tuned to our website for updates.

Happy Holidays,



Dana C.Harris
Global Sales Division

[bob e @ Dec 2nd 2007 9:13AM]

I will buy one if it controls my Xbox 360 as well.

Looks great~

[Ruben @ Dec 2nd 2007 1:47PM]

If its a media center remote, then it will control your XBOX, as pretty much any of the MCE remotes work with xbox (Theres a setting in XBOX to allow it to function with any media center remote or just XBOX's). The only thing that would kill this remote (and it probably will kill it) is battery life, which i cant see being more than a day. If its rechargeable, then thats fine, but i would want something that i dont have to remember to charge daily.

[Ruben @ Dec 2nd 2007 1:47PM]

If its a media center remote, then it will control your XBOX, as pretty much any of the MCE remotes work with xbox (Theres a setting in XBOX to allow it to function with any media center remote or just XBOX's). The only thing that would kill this remote (and it probably will kill it) is battery life, which i cant see being more than a day. If its rechargeable, then thats fine, but i would want something that i dont have to remember to charge daily.

[stellar @ Dec 2nd 2007 11:55AM]

that thing is waay too long, Its too big to fit all the way inside my sportscoat pocket, and too small for anything practial. also, $300? wtf, now I know its junk, my current remote which im tring to replace cost $1,340 and it does everything i need ( let me put it this way, it even controls my lawn mower XD ). and what is with all the buttons, there should be more lcd space and a better ui. Ricavision! you got a long way to go.

[erhan @ Dec 3rd 2007 2:10AM]

Great idea!! I'm glad I thought of it. (lol I'm not a stupid troll so.) This looks sweet but I can't justifying that much money for it. I would Hire some one ( cheap labor ) to change the buttons for me. :)
Looks cool

[phucked @ Jan 10th 2008 8:32PM]

According to this site it costs $349!

http://hdtvscene.com/post/2008/01/VAVE100-Universal-SideShow-Remote-Control.aspx

Did anyone manage to get it for $274 as stated above?