Philips Media Center Control - OEM MCE 2005 Universal Remote

Philips is to introduce a new remote control technology, called Media Center Control, which simplifies the control of Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 PCs.

This Media Center Control technology allows seamless communication between the Media Center PC and a Media Center Control Panel, enabling consumers to browse, select and control all media content stored on their Media Center PC. Philips will introduce the Media Center Control Panel during 2005, as well as making it available to PC OEM manufacturers.

Media Center PCs contain music, pictures and videos, which can be enjoyed on the TV and audio set in the living room. The Philips Media Center Control simplifies use to one remote for TV, audio and browsing media content. The Media Center Control technology is based on a bi-directional, fast two-way infrared protocol that allows seamless communication between the Media Center PC and the Media Center Control Panel. The bi-directional protocol is used to synchronize the multi-media content between the Media Center PC and the Control Panel. This means that, for instance, consumers can browse through their music content on the Control Panel’s LCD screen to easily select a song and enjoy it in the comfort of the living room on powerful sound systems.

“As the digital revolution continues to grow, this Media Center Control Panel is tying together all devices and content in an intuitive manner,” says Xavier Delmeiren, Vice President and General Manager Business Line Home Control from Philips. “Simply press the hard button “My Music” and on the LCD screen of the Control Panel you can see all the music that you have stored, arranged by artist, genre and title. Just select what you want and press play to hear it on your stereo.”

In addition, the Media Center Control Panel also functions as a universal and learnable remote control for your TV and amplifier connected to your Media Center PC, so no need for multiple remotes anymore to enjoy your full Media Center experience.

“Philips’ introduction of the Media Center Control will help bring the Media Center PC into the living room,” said Joe Belfiore, general manager of the Windows eHome division at Microsoft Corp. “The new control delivers innovative functionality that perfectly complements the Media Center PC.”

Philips’ reputation as the world expert in input device technologies resulted in the integration of the patented RC6 protocol in every Media Center PC remote as of 2002. “Taking the next steps on improving the user experience with the Media Center Control Panel is a great opportunity, which will significantly simplify the control of Media Center PCs,” says Xavier Delmeiren, Vice President and General Manager Business Line Home Control from Philips. “We have demonstrated the technology to PC manufacturers and the interest from major PC players in this technology has been overwhelming.”