tvCompass, the company best known as the behind-the-scenes designer of the “Wi-Fi Remote”, released most notably by Acoustic Research as the AARU449, have revealed a prototype industrial design for their next innovative product at CES 2008. It’s called the Wi-Fi Digital Media Remote, model SR1500. Check out the rather extensive features list:

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• Home theater control of more than 24 devices
• Learning remote with activities, macros & other programmable features
• Wireless provisioning of home theater equipment and new equipment codes
• Location-free setup of equipment, no PC required
• Simple device, activity and macro setup
• Hot keys access to real-time Internet information services
• EPG application for off-line access to TV listings – create a personalized guide
• xHTML microbrowser with RSS client
• WAP mobile browser
• Cross-platform 3rd party content authoring environment: WAP, Compact Framework, RSS/XML, J2ME (optional), Flash (optional)
• DRM support for applications and content
• PayPal micropayment transaction client
• Ad insertion capability with publishing console
• Wireless update of new features, content, client software and firmware
• Server backup of user programmed device settings via wireless
• Patented TV broadcast sync technology provides “second screen” link
• Vibrant 2.2” QVGA color LCD display
• 802.11 b/g wireless access with WiFi network locator
• Motion sensor
• Light sensor adjusts LCD to room brightness
• Speaker to hear alerts & play back digital audio
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with charging cradle
• USB interface for power
• Advanced Microsoft operating software

At this point the Digital Media Remote is essentially a concept – and as mentioned it won’t be manufactured directly by tvCompass; instead they will locate a partner (or partners) who will eventually release the product under their own brand. So, for now, count this as an early preview of someone’s new remote!

Check out the press releases below:

tvCompass Previews New Industrial Design at CES ‘08

LAS VEGAS, NV - January 7, 2008 – tvCompass Inc., an original design manufacturer of WiFi handheld solutions for home entertainment users today previewed its advanced industrial design and hardware platform solution – the Digital Media Remote (DMR) – at the 2008 International CES. Leveraging technology and solutions offered by mobile smart phones and wireless email solutions, the tvCompass DMR combines a vibrant color LCD display and WiFi Internet connectivity. The new DMR platform has been designed to enable original design manufacturers (OEM) partners to quickly and economically enter the market with a competitive offering.

Developed using patented technology, the Digital Media Remote provides access to wireless content and services, plus control of traditional TV and digital home electronics. “The use of hardware platforming provides a modular approach to industrial design: the display, keyboard/keypad and mother board are completely interchangeable, allowing for the customization of display size, keyboard entry and overall design – from “candybar” to tablet to QWERTY keyboard form factors”, said Jim Grotelueschen, Vice President of Product Strategy at tvCompass Inc.

To accelerate the adoption of wireless interactive entertainment for the broadband home, tvCompass offers a solution enabling partnering companies to create their own complete digital media infrastructure – from content to player - that works without a PC connection. The solution includes a revenue model based on free and premium content, and provides revenue share participation with both content and distribution partners establishing a post-sale annuity revenue stream and new entertainment systems.

“Our goal is to get partners into the market fast and expand their product offerings with new content and services delivered by our click365 network”, commented Jim Grotelueschen. “This ultimately results in new revenue streams and market expansion.”

tvCompass is scheduled to unveil the first in a series of new product designs at the International CES 2008 show in Las Vegas. The upcoming product is a network-connected Digital Media Remote (DMR) for early adopters and those who want news, weather, and sports at their fingertips in the living room.

For additional information about tvCompass and the Digital Media Remote, call +1-866-481-0699 or visit www.tvcompass.com.

tvCompass to Include WinWAP Browser in Digital Media Remote Products

Helsinki, Finland and CHICAGO, IL, USA – January 4th 2008 - Winwap Technologies, specialists in Mobile Internet browsing and MMS Messaging, and tvCompass Inc., creator of the click365sm Interactive Wireless Network, today announced that tvCompass will include the WinWAP browser in their Wi-Fi Digital Media Remote (DMR) products for enhanced browsing capabilities and content access. The combination of the WinWAP browser and the click365 platform lets users browse mobile and Internet websites for information lookup, access to sports, news and information. In addition, tvCompass’ DMR products manage and control digital media devices in the broadband connected home, such as home theater TV, set top box and IP equipment.

"We see this as a great example of how to maximize value and usability of networked devices," says Mikael Krogius, CEO of Winwap Technologies. "We are very excited to expand the range of products using our software from phone and PDA type devices to the tvCompass Digital Media Remote designed for the digital home theater consumer. This breakthrough strategy now enables Winwap to expand into the connected home market in partnership with tvCompass. It shows the enormous benefit of including a browser on any IP connected device with networking capabilities.”

"Adding a mobile browser to our Digital Media Remote platform was a natural way of expanding our click365 wireless content services to include an extensive option of Internet content," says Ravi Mazumdar, Vice President, Engineering of tvCompass Inc. "The Winwap Technologies browser adds significant functionality to our content services and technology platform which already includes support for interactive TV, messaging and digital media.”

tvCompass Announces click365 (sm) WiFi Content Solution

CHICAGO, IL, January 3, 2008 - tvCompass, a provider of digital media remote products, today announced click365(sm), a new content platform for WiFi enabled second screen devices, targeting the broadband “connected home” user. As a content aggregator and distributor of mobile phone type content, tvCompass supports applications and services such as an electronic program guide (EPG) for TV listings, email and text messaging, mobile Internet and search content, casual games, shopping, advertising and interactive TV.

tvCompass has created click365 as a cross-platform content; services and applications solution to enable partnering companies to utilize existing content standards and application formats to quickly move content onto the network. Examples of popular industry formats supported may include Microsoft Compact Framework, WAP mobile (Wireless Application Protocol), RSS, Java, Flash and web services interfaces. click365 supports both free and premium payment models for user content using a micropayment transaction solution.

"The click365 content platform is essentially an eco-system for the delivery and monetization of partner content, and enables digital media and Internet companies to expand their reach into the broadband home. Our unique solution provides a simple billing model to create a revenue generating opportunity for all partners in the value chain,” stated Edward J. Zylka, CEO of tvCompass Inc.

Traditional WiFi enabled, IP connected devices are constrained by a mobile phone LCD screen and keyboard entry system. tvCompass is launching its new service for a category of flexible wireless “smart” advanced home theater remotes, with future opportunities to target other WiFi product categories including dual mode mobile phones, music players and even networked TVs.

“We’re thrilled to bring Veveo into the heart of the living room with tvCompass,” said Mike Koenig, VP Sales, Veveo. “By partnering with tvCompass, we can now give consumers a cool and easy way to connect with the web to find, browse, share and view the content they love -- like Wikipedia’s 9 million+ articles – right from the comfort of their sofa. This is an important step as we fulfill our mission of bringing Veveo to consumers whenever and wherever they want it.” Various partners in the entertainment, media, and content distribution markets such as PayPal, Yellowbrix and Amazon, are also supported with the click365 service.

“The click365 service is an outstanding example of how to create a targeted mobile service offering exactly what people need,” said Mikael Krogius, CEO, Winwap Technologies. “click365 offers information that people want to access when they are not in front of their PC but have a mobile device, like a SmartRemote with WiFi connectivity and WinWAP browser, in their hands.”

For additional information about tvCompass and the click365 WiFi Content Solution, call +1-866- 481-0699 or visit www.tvcompass.com.