Is ESPN's new Wi-Fi universal remote the ultimate?

ESPN brings its venerable brand to consumer electronics.

(Credit: espnremote.com)

We got an e-mail Tuesday announcing that ESPN's Wi-Fi remote was going on sale just in time for Father's Day. The remote is simply called ESPN The Ultimate Remote, which shouldn't be confused with another heady remote, Logitech's The One.

While The Ultimate Remote did make an appearance at CES in January, we really hadn't heard anything about it. It looks somewhat like one of Logitech's last-generation Harmony remotes, but it's apparently made by tvCompass, "a provider of digital media solutions."

On paper anyway, ESPN The Ultimate Remote looks like a serious contender. The release notes that the remote not only "manages your home-theater components, set-top boxes, and IP equipment with intuitive 'location-free' setup using a standard wireless connection," but you also get one-touch access to Internet content with an electronic program guide (EPG) for TV listings, a weather widget, mobile Internet browsing, and e-mail and text messaging. The only thing missing seems to be an RF option for accessing components hidden in a cabinet or a closet.

The remote is available for pre-order at Amazon for $300. What do you guys think: does it have Logitech's remotes beat?

[rocky_hennigan]

It sounds unfreakingly believable! I'd love to have it! But $300??!! Not only is that NOT in my price range, but if it were, it wouldn't be going to a remote control.

[sinerasis]

On paper, yeah, it looks pretty amazing. $50 more for some wireless connectivity, which could come in handy if you had something you wanted to control that way, I don't think I do unless you can get software for Media Center, which I bet you can do.

However, Logitech knows what they are doing and their products are proven to be pretty good (I don't actually have one myself yet, maybe for my birthday which is coming up though). Isn't this what CNet is for? You guys should have one laying around on the couch next to a Harmony One and do a good fair honest review comparing the two for us couch potatoes out there looking for all in one remotes.