Harmony Remote Simplifies Complex Programming

Staff On Jan 26 2004 - 8:00am

Intelligent remote control technology-company Intrigue Technologies unveiled its latest handheld device, the Harmony SST-688, at CES here earlier this month. The universal remote control offers a "sleek and intuitive" design, with additional activity buttons and navigation keys, and simplifies complex programming by using Internet-powered Smart State Technology

The Harmony SST-668 offers a fully back-lighted keypad, interactive display and dedicated navigation controls that include extra keys for use with any personal video recorder (PVR). The activity buttons — such as Play DVD, Play Music and Watch TV — can be used by anyone without instruction, once the unit has been programmed.

With Smart State Technology, the SST-688 is custom configured on a personal home page accessible by both PCs and Macs. The simplified approach eliminates the need to perform the complicated programming required of other universal remotes, as well as inputting multiple command instruction sets called Macros, said Intrigue.

As for updating the remote for new or rearranged components, users simply log on to their home page and make the necessary changes, according to the Mississauga, Ontario-based company.

Users simply answer a series of online prompts about their A/V systems. The remote is configured by downloading all instructions for each user's unique mix of components, as well as personalized TV listings, via the supplied USB cable. Users operate the SST-688 by selecting one of the activity buttons and the remote then sends all the commands needed to perfectly set up users' entertainment components for that specific activity.

The unit is set for second-quarter delivery at a suggested $229 retail.