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Philips' new home entertainment controller offers consumers multiple options to control their home content (23/9/2004)

Whether you are looking to control your songs, favorite movies or images of your latest vacation, Philips Electronics has a simple answer with the new RC9800i touch screen remote control. Showcased today at the 2004 Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) Expo, the RC9800i is an innovative new Wi-Fi(R) controller allowing consumers to access and control information and digital content from multiple types of devices in the home. When accessing content from a PC, on-screen listings of pictures, music and movies are displayed on the screen for easy selection and content control. The RC9800i easily can be upgraded with new features via the Internet, making it a future-proof device.

With an extensive infrared code database and built-in Wi-Fi technology, the Philips RC9800i can recognize more than 600 brands of consumer electronics devices. Simple to set up and use, the RC9800i controls legacy and networked audio and video devices, replacing all existing remotes in the home. The remote also can provide updates for TV guides automatically via the Internet and allows users to access digital content from home PCs.

"The RC9800i provides consumers with complete access to and control over their favorite audio and video content," said Des Power, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Premier, Philips Consumer Electronics, North America. "As the digital revolution continues to grow, consumer technology devices are increasingly interconnected and more digital content is delivered directly into the home. The RC9800i provides consumers full control of their current audio/video devices and digital content regardless of the source. The remote will become the center piece of the home entertainment experience, tying together device and content in an intuitive manner."

A product within Philips' Connected Planet vision, the RC9800i acts as the main control center for the wireless family of products. The RC9800i uses UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) to provide content overview and control of UPnP devices in a network. The remote communicates with Philips' Digital Media Manager PC software, which is designed to organize multimedia content so users can see a list of all movies, music or photos stored on their PC on the RC9800i. Users can then play back content via any UPnP enabled device such as a Philips SL300i or SL400i Streamium Multimedia link.

Quick and easy setup and control

For added convenience, the RC9800i features a quick and easy installation through an intelligent setup wizard, ensuring trouble-free installation. Users simply inform the device of what equipment they want to control and how the equipment is interconnected, and the RC9800i will create its own macros for turning on devices and selecting the right inputs. The RC9800i leverages an advanced control concept called Activity-Based Control. Instead of operating components one by one, Activity-Based Control blends the most frequently used functions into activities, such as watching DVDs or listening to CDs. Subsequently, the RC9800i's touch interface matches the activity with buttons that trigger smart macros so users can watch a DVD at the touch of a button.

Control all your devices: past, present and future

The RC9800i features an extensive infrared code database that can access and learn a vast amount of devices and brands. Featuring integrated connectivity, the remote utilizes Wi-Fi technology to access information from a broadband connection or from other entertainment devices. For additional connectivity, the remote utilizes UPnP for further device and content access and control. The device also includes a USB connection. The RC9800i easily can be upgraded with new features via the Internet, making it virtually future-proof.

Utilizing a Li-polymer battery, the RC9800i features approximately one-day (24 hours) of entertainment control. The device also includes a charging cradle for simple and easy battery recharging. Available in the fourth quarter of 2004, the RC9800i will have a suggested retail price of $499.

www.philips.com