In 1979, a new cable network based in Connecticut hit the airwaves for the first time with a little show called “SportsCenter”. Nearly thirty years later, ESPN is currently available in more than 96 million households and “SportsCenter” averages around 94 million viewers a month. In addition, the ESPN brand has branched out to include additional television networks, radio stations, publications, restaurants, apparel and even new technologies.
One new gadget that bears the ESPN brand name is ESPN The Ultimate Remote. Developed by tvCompass, Inc., ESPN The Ultimate Remote runs on click365 Wireless Interactive Entertainment network, a content service platform for interactive TV, messaging and digital media. The remote connects to an existing home Wi-Fi network and boasts a color LCD display. Described as the “ultimate sports fan's remote”, this device allows users to wirelessly download program guides, play-by-plays, team and player stats, and keep track of multiple games at once – all through the television remote control! Sports fans can have up-to-the-minute scores relayed to them as the games take place and, perhaps most beneficially, keep up to date with fantasy teams without leaving the couch.
And, despite the ESPN logo, the remote is not just for following sports. Individuals can use the remote to get the latest news and weather, shop online, create personalized multi-day program guides, and browse TV listings. The Ultimate Remote can control up to 18 different devices and does not require a computer for setup. Any new equipment codes automatically get beamed to the remote via Wi-Fi, so it never becomes obsolete. The LCD screen also has a light sensor that self-adjusts brightness, keeping TV watchers from being distracted by the glowing glare at night. And ESPN The Ultimate Remote offers text messaging, so loafers can conveniently message friends while vegging out (or talk trash to opposing fans during the big game).
With all the features packed into this small device, it’s probably no surprise that ESPN The Ultimate Remote does not come cheap. Amazon.com currently lists the price of the device as $312.09, which is a lot for a remote control – no matter how much it does. And, with an average rating of 3.5 stars out of five (based on 23 reviews), many customer reviews note that the remote is not without its flaws. One reviewer states: “Sadly the good features of this remote are offset by the bad; making it not worth the pretty hefty price tag.” The major complaint, echoed by a recent review on PCMag.com, seems to be that the remote is difficult to set up and use. Other complaints abound about the appearance of the device, and its non-ergonomic design. But most sports fans seemed enthusiastic about the remote. In separate Amazon reviews, the remote is referred to as “a new best friend for the sports fanatic” and “a bachelor’s dream”. One can assume people said the same thing about ESPN back in '79.
