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...Continued from Page 9.
In only one case has level one posed even the semblance of a challenge – coincidentally for another UEI-branded remote control, the PDA-based Nevo. But never fear, for the 15-2133 proved that it has the makings of a champion by barrelling through the obstruction without even breaking a sweat. Level two, where things get a little bit thicker in the land of polyester fluff, also posed little difficulty for the Kameleon – in fact it continued to operate reliably when pointed a full 90 degrees away from the amplifier!
Level three is where the competition seriously starts dropping off. A different UEI remote, the Mosaic, faltered completely at this stage, but the 15-2133 pressed on by offering utterly reliable control even when angled 45 degrees off! Dare I actually say level four, the level that all remote controls dream about passing while waiting expectantly in their shipping boxes? Yes! Even though the 15-2133 had to be pointed directly at the amplifier, it still offered consistent control.
Next we come to level five – “the annihilator”. Only one remote has ever earned the right to call itself a full-fledged MTFB level five champion and, for today, that record is safe. The 15-2133 was unable to transmit any commands at our standard distance, so the final MTFB score comes out an excellent 4.0. The Kameleon should offer above-average transmission distance and “bounce effect”.
Final thoughts.
Since the Kameleon technology is still in its infancy, I can envision many different ways for UEI to implement it. How about under an inexpensive iconic LCD touchscreen or a traditional hard buttoned remote, where only active buttons illuminate? Or, advance the Kameleon segmentation design so that it can incorporate alphanumeric dot-matrix segments and more detailed multi-purpose buttons. I look forward to seeing how Universal Electronics will develop their novel invention.
Although a leading remote control manufacturer, Universal Electronics needs to raise the bar for their corporate standard feature set. Limited learning memory, minimal macro features, lack of screen customization, and a setup procedure fraught with confusing code numbers and inadequate feedback on what’s happening are all aspects that need to be addressed. If you don’t need the absolute latest and greatest in eye-catching technology, similar capabilities can be found in traditional hard buttoned universal remotes for less, while more useful functionality can be found in other remote controls priced at only a few dollars more.
With that said, there’s also the other side of the coin. First, the technology: as a first-generation product the 15-2133 is undeniably cool. The backlight is really, really bright, the “screen” is particularly easy to read, and the remote is quick to respond to commands... a guaranteed conversation starter just sitting on the coffee table. Second, the cost: at a retail price of only $59.99, Radio Shack’s 15-2133 is an uncontested good value – features like a metal exterior, pickup sensor and “interactive” backlighting have never been offered before in this price range. Because of this I’ve caught myself comparing it to products valued at two or three times as much.
What it all boils down to is this: the Radio Shack 15-2133 is a well-priced mid-range remote control with enough power to confidently control a basic home theater system in style.
- Daniel Tonks (Remote Central)
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