Universal remote controls it all,
with Wi-Fi
Nevo SL
The product: Universal Electronics' Nevo SL is a sleekly designed remote control that delivers truly universal audio/visual and digital media control for the networked home. Thanks to its built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi, its reach extends to networked PCs and media servers, enabling digital early adopters to shuffle audio, photos, and video from the computer to networked CE devices.

The Nevo SL is built around a 3.5-inch touch-screen LCD that is fully customizable. Its keypad includes 17 programmable buttons; a scrollwheel on the side enables fast one-handed navigation. You first program the device via the PC, employing simple drag-and-drop software. Programming for the Nevo is then downloaded to the remote via the included cable or Wi-Fi. This device also supports automatic discovery of UPnP-enabled players and servers on the home network, enabling you to display and play back digital pictures, music, and videos.

Other features:

• Uses the Windows CE.NET 4.2 OS
• Nevo Link add-on device enables you to control all devices via Wi-Fi, eliminating the line-of-sight limitations of IR
• Because Universal Electronics makes remotes for major CE brands, its code library is immense, covering 40 device types, 19,000 unique device codes, and 2,300 brands of CE products
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts as long as 11 days, although Wi-Fi use greatly depletes battery life

The price: At roughly $800 (pricing was not final at press time), the Nevo SL targets the upper echelon of home electronics enthusiasts. It will be sold via custom installers, not in retail stores.

The prospects: The Nevo SL is a handheld PDA tricked out as a universal remote that can do just about anything. Taking total control of your CE and networked devices will require a hefty financial commitment, however, and the help of a custom installer.

By Rik Fairlie, editor, Computer Shopper