Fobis Technologies, the company behind the innovative Weemote (which we haven't heard too much about for a while now) has just announced the latest enhancement to their Weemote Sr mode, which is an easy-to-use remote intended for the senior and special needs market - or simply anyone who wants an easy-to-use remote. The version 7.5 model, which retails for $24.99 USD, is designed specifically to seamlessly handle the new digital television channel-subchannel format (10-2, 29-3 and so forth).

If you'd like to know more about the Weemote or Weemote Sr, check out our full review. The original press release is included below.

Fobis Technologies Enhances weemote Sr® to Simplify Digital TV Transition

Fobis TechnologiesMIAMI, FL - Fobis Technologies has upgraded its weemote Sr remote control to support the Digital TV Transition (DTV) and ease confusion consumers experience with the change in channel numbering. The weemote Sr is available on Amazon.com, FreeDTVShop.com and www.weemote.com for $24.99.

In February 2009, television stations will complete the transition to an all-digital system, ending analog broadcast television. People with TV sets relying on an antenna (set-top or rooftop) will need to purchase a digital-to-analog converter box in order to receive network television stations*. The converter box uses a sub-channel concept (when it goes digital, Channel 10 becomes 10-1 or 10-2) which may cause confusion among viewers. The latest upgrade to weemote Sr simplifies the remote control process for the digital-to-analog converter by programming favorite channel buttons that can be set to go directly to specific channels, regardless of the numbers as high as 9,999.

"Consumers, especially senior citizens, are confused, frustrated and concerned about how the transition will impact their TV viewing," said John Buchmann of FreeDTVShop.com. "Weemote Sr is a cost-effective and seamless solution to keep entertainment systems simple following the transition. We've already begun pre-selling the product to adult children who are buying them for their parents."

First introduced in 2003, weemote Sr was created specifically for users with memory problems or vision impairments and allows users to set up to 10 pre-set channels with six dedicated channel buttons in different shapes. The product supports TVs and various multi-component devices, and this new class of DTV converter boxes. The weemote Sr is available on Amazon.com and www.shop.weemote.com for $24.99.

* Owners of TV sets that rely on an antenna will need either a digital-to-analog converter box, subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider or purchase a new digital-ready television.