If you’ve been keeping an eye on news in the remote control world, you’ll know that tvCompass previewed the latest version of their Wi-Fi based remote technology at this past CES 2008. Now, several months later, they’re ready for the next logical step: a high profile marketing campaign!

With the unusual and rather bold name of “ESPN The Ultimate Remote”, the new $300 clicker is obviously targeted squarely to sports fans. And rather than simply being shaped like a football or tough enough to throw at the television like other sports remotes, the Ultimate Remote is actually practical. The built-in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi technology connects through the internet to the online Click365 service to offer instant, live-updated access to sports news, team statistics, standings, schedules, fantasy leagues and much more... even the weather and TV listings!

On the home theater side the Windows Mobile-based remote offers setup without the aid of a PC, a built-in code database plus learning capabilities, macros and activity support, as well as automatic backups of user configurations over the internet. The hardware specs feature a 2.2” QVGA LCD screen, Lithium Ion battery, light sensor and live software updates.

Did I mention that you can even send and receive text messages? What else could a sports fan want! The full press release is provided below.

ESPN The Ultimate Remote Launches for Fathers Day

NEW YORK, NY and CHICAGO, IL, May 20, 2008 – ESPN Consumer Products, in conjunction with tvCompass, a provider of digital media solutions, announced the release of ESPN The Ultimate Remote, an internet-connected Wi-Fi device that combines advanced home theater control and one-touch real-time access to sports, standings, team information and news.

ESPN The Ultimate Remote manages home theater components, set top boxes and IP equipment with intuitive “location-free” setup and one-handed operation, using a standard wireless connection - unlike other products that require cumbersome programming and a personal computer - in order to set even the simplest home theatres.

"ESPN The Ultimate Remote is a great example of how ESPN continues to extend its brand into innovative products that serve sports fans everywhere," said Steve Cipolla, vice president and general manager, ESPN Consumer Products. "Our Wi-Fi remote control is the ultimate enhancement to our fan's at-home sports experience by providing real-time/simultaneous sports news and information while watching any TV programming.”

With ESPN The Ultimate Remote, fans can get one-touch access to Internet content in the palm of their hand with an electronic program guide (EPG) for TV listings, one-touch access to a weather widget, mobile Internet browsing, email and text messaging, mobile Internet and entertainment search content.

"This ground breaking Wi-Fi device design, based on tvCompass's patented wireless technology, removes coffee table remote clutter with one device,” said Edward J. Zylka, CEO of tvCompass Inc. “The versatility of our design and the second viewing screen opens the door to different ways fans can enjoy sports in real time, using a familiar handheld universal remote.”

ESPN The Ultimate Remote is aimed at simplifying advanced home theater equipment operation, providing fans with one-touch wireless access to their favorite Gamecasts, ESPN.com fantasy leagues, news, stats, scores.

ESPN The Ultimate Remote is available immediately for pre-sale orders at Amazon.com - amazon.com/ESPN-Ultimate-Remote-Universal/dp/B00198LRPE – just in time for Father’s Day. For additional information on ESPN The Ultimate Remote, go to espnremote.com.

ESPN Consumer Products

ESPN Consumer Products serve the fan and reflect the assets and equity of ESPN. ESPN Consumer Products oversees the development of product lines under the company’s vary brands including ESPN, X Games, and BASS. Product lines include apparel & accessories, sporting goods, toys & games, stationary & gift, and home products.

About tvCompass

tvCompass Inc. offers a white label service and technology platform for branding by consumer electronic product companies, satellite, cable and IPTV operators, content distributors and OEMs. Through its click365(SM) interactive wireless content network, users can access an electronic program guides TV listing service, Internet content and other interactive applications.

The company’s second product is a Wi-Fi/internet connected digital media remote control device with QVGA LCD display, wireless content capabilities and TV control function. Based in Chicago, IL, tvCompass is privately held and maintains a strong patent portfolio.