Ask Engadget HD: Best remote with WiFi & EPG?
By Richard Lawler 
posted March 31st 2010 2:25PM
posted March 31st 2010 2:25PM
"My Philips WiFi RC9800i remote's screen EPG service was terminated on 03/01/2010. I can't find the tvCompass remote for sale anywhere, which in theory has the same feature, so I was wondering, is there any other remote control, current or recently discontinued, that includes an EPG feature? Is there a remote with an EPG updated from TitanTV?"
We spotted the tvCompass ESPN branded remote in stock at Target for a smooth $299, but is that really the best alternative? We guess there's always an app or two available for your mobile device of choice, but universal remote functionality would likely still be missing. So, outside of buying a high end Samsung TV or waiting for Sling's Touch Control 100, what's the best option?
I think your best bet would be finding a nice coupon for Target and get the ESPN one, otherwise, the Question answers itself, Get an iPhone with necessary add-ons or heck someone should come out with a netbook with IR that could be used as a controller to the TV set....Hummmm! patent idea anyone?????
The only thing I can think of that normal people might be able to buy is that interactive Dish remote that may or may not ever come out.
obviously neither one of us read the entire post
If only apple had been smart enough to put an IR out/transmitter, or even an RF, it could have made a killing with the new Ipad. I would have paid a good bit for a great app that had touchscreen guide and other features. And I know about the doggle plug thing out for the Iphone, but I don't want to deal with that. I want it built in.
Hopefully something like the Slate from HP or other tablet will come through.
You can get that dohickey that talks wifi or Bluetooth to your iPhone/iPad and then drives IR from there. Expensive but no dongle.
I haven't used a harmony in a while but even my low end one had a multiday guide on it. Only updated when you connected it via USB to your computer. So I might look at the various Harmony remotes.
Harmony remotes have not had the EPG function since shortly after Logitech took over the Canadian company.
The ESPN and Acoustic Research remotes that had EPG relied on the click365.tv service which was discontinued in October of last year so those will not work either.
A remote with a program guide feature? I thought I heard of everything.
I love the iTV app for my iPhone. It's quite customizable and I can set alerts too. Best of all it was free.
Sounds like you know what ya want and hav some money to burn. Good luck with the hunt.
iPad (with an ipod touch to use as an air mouse) or just alone + Media PC + Air Mouse/Remote application, includes full on screen keyboard, media remote, touchpad mouse etc,
I have a feeling there will be an RF-IR adapter kit available for the iPad soon and the Home Entertainment system will be improved upon 10x with its introduction, ... A Full capacitive touch 9" 1ghz media remote? Recording scheduling, air mouse, keyboard, search, it could even show thumbnails as you rewind by dragging the seek bar........
It will be epic
@ivealwaysgotmail
I like remotes that I can hold and operate with the same hand, thank you.
And an iPad + iPod touch would cost as much as or more than the average TV. And then you don't even have the IR adapter, or the remote app ('cause that's gonna cost ya, too).
Since he has WiFi in the thing, Jorge could write his own program guide and never have to worry about this sort of thing again. The 9800 is completely capable of accessing any internet page.
Or perhaps someone on www.remotecentral.com has already written a program guide widget that does not use an apparently paid service like the one cited in the article.