0ur opinion:

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The ESPN Ultimate Remote is the ultimate sports fan's remote--browse team and player stats as you watch the game, get personalized programming guides, text message friends and family, and even shop online all from the remote. A 2.2' QVGA screen automatically adjusts brightness according to ambient light. Control up to 18 devices with no PC required for setup.


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Buyer's feedback: - * For the Media Loving Technophile Sports Fan ...
The information provided says that no computer is required to set up this remote--BUT in order to get the full benefit of this sharp piece of technology, a computer is not only recommended but also a wireless network connected to a broadband internet connection.

To start with, I was using a Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote and loving it. Logitech has a web site set up with just about any remote command set available by manufacturer's name and model number. However, after spending the 45 minutes necessary to program this one I am a convert.

Specifics: I run xp home service pack 3 on a five year old computer, verizon broadband cable with a netgear wireless router, boosted by an additional antenna. I unpacked the Ultimate remote and put it in the charger. There was a definite lack of documentation with this item but it had clear instructions on the easy to read screen. First I connected it to my network-- very easy, it found the network and all I had to do was enter the Key. After that it downloaded some software from a proprietary web site. There was also a firmware upgrade that required connecting the remote to my computer-- no connection cord provided but one I already had worked. It tried to connect over the wireless network but the upgrade was not successful that way.

I just followed the onscreen instructions to set up my JVC tuner. The Sylvania LCD flat screen tv and the Neuros OSD Media Center (6011000)required using the original remote to teach the ESPN Universal Remote, but again the instructions were clear and simple.

Once set up, I found that not did the remote control my television the gadzillion other media things-- ok, 10-- I have including a media server, but it also offered access to a number of web sites--- including Amazon. In addition it downloaded a TV Guide specific to my cable provided but I could also have downloaded a local Guide as well. There was a site to check the weather and the time is displayed at the top.

Sorry Harmony One, there is a new remote in town.

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Buyer's feedback: - Nice combination of features
What makes this remote for me is the web browsing built into the device. For example, on Saturday I was able to have the running statistics displayed via a web page on the remote for a game I was watching. No more wondering about time of possession or yardage totals or needing to have a laptop sitting next to you during the game. It is also very handy for keeping track of your fantasy team on the remote while watching all of the NFL action.

I also like the ability to set up my favorite channels and browse through the TV listings on the remote without annoying my wife by constantly pulling up the on-screen program guide on the TV.

Some of the other functionality is interesting, even if you might not use it on a regular basis. I haven't really had a need to send or receive messages via my remote control, but I did test it out and it does work. You can also email program reminders to yourself or others from the remote's program guide, which is a neat little feature.

If you have wanted the functionality of a mini-web browser build into a small form unit, this remote is a great addition to your setup.

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Buyer's feedback: - * Ultimate? Probably Not ...
I don't know if I'll agree wholeheartedly that this is the ultimate universal remote. It comes close, but there are too many issues with it that I believe I'll stay with my Logitech universal remote.
The setup is easy enough, but not really as easy as with Logitech. The ability to browse the web is nice, but the window size really limits much viewing and the agent technology used is, I believe, the same kind as on a PDA or a telephone which also limits capability.

One part of the setup which was indeed easier than with Logitech is that I didn't need to connect up to a PC for initial setup, but that may mean I will not be able to update the device at a later date. I don't know. What I do know is that I'm quite satisfied with my Logitech Harmony One.

A 3 star effort.

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Buyer's feedback: - ESPN - The Ultimate Remote - Great For Sports Junkies, Not So Much For Home Theatre Junkies

The ESPN "The Ultimate Remote" Universal Remote is a great unit for sports junkies and puts a lot of information at your fingertips. But AV and universal remote junkies are not going to be satisfied with the manual setup process and will be better served getting the Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote or another remote in the harmony lineup. For my needs this is a good unit that will hopefully continue to improve with firmware updates.

Pros:
+ The screen is attractive and functional for basic surfing and TV listings
+ Nice backlight for buttons and remote functions
+ Great content integration for sports fans and information junkies
+ Nice extras like texting and emailing from the remote
+ WiFi performance is good and customizable for secure wireless
+ Great software design allows for frequent updates
+ The nice mix of functions will allow me to use my laptop and cell phone less

Cons:
- Pricing is somewhat high
- The remote buttons are busy and require manually learning some functions
- Hard plastic buttons are less functional than rubber buttons
- The directional pad and second 4-way pad are redundant and should be combined
- Setup is painful and requires a long manual process for most devices
- Remote logic requires some work
- No RF and Blue Tooth capabilities
- Lacks a touch screen which some people prefer
- Battery life seems weak
- Poor product packaging
- The device database seems difficult to navigate and incomplete
- Alternatives like the Harmony lineup offer more maturity for AV remote junkies

Device Setup

Removing the remote from the package is a chore. Normally I wouldn't even mention that, but removing this packaging is literally dangerous and time consuming. Scissors alone will not be the best option.

The instructions imply that you need to fully charge the unit before setup, but my unit was ready to go before charging. Setup starts with wireless networking, which will auto discover broadcasting wireless access points but will allow you to enter your WEP/WPA password for secured networks. After entering your location data, you must register your remote to activate the web features.

Device setup is the weak point of the device. You have to set-up each component by manufacturer and search through codes for the specific models. This is a terrible process for most devices because getting the exact code will require tons of luck and way too much time. The auto-discover feature is basically useless because it will identify devices based upon the power function alone. You will think you've found the right one when the power button works, only to discover that other functions do not. Some other methods to find the codes exist, but this basic method is a huge con. The option to manually learn the additional functions is also less than ideal.

Setting up activities like "Watch TV" or "Watch a DVD" is also a weakness. Users must manually map out functions and program them. The questionnaire that the remote uses to walk you through this setup is bare-bones and not very helpful, leaving much of the manual configuration to the user. Follow all this up with trial-and-error testing, and you've got a very long process ahead of you. Again, contrasted against the simple PC application that the Harmony uses to intuitively set up its activities, the ESPN Ultimate really falls short in the ease and flexibility departments.

Looks

The LCD display looks good, but is not designed for full web browsing. It's just a very convenient way to get sports scores, weather, etc. True, I normally always have my laptop with me. But having this will allow me to use my laptop less. And being able to get channel listings without stopping a DVD is also an unpredicted convenience I am very happy about.

The buttons are back-lit, but I'm not crazy about the solid plastic feel of the unit. Standard soft remote buttons would have been better in my opinion.

Performance

As a remote, the ESPN Ultimate is good but doesn't include RF and Blue Tooth, which are necessary for certain next gen devices. I know that won't be a deal breaker for everybody, but basic IR requires line-of-sight to work and is a definite weakness.

Having to switch your device to perform basic functions is also annoying. When you're watching cable and go to change the volume, it automatically adjusts the cable volume instead of the TV volume. You have to switch to the TV or AV device and then change the volume. A simple example of something even my stock remote does better out of the box.

Another basic TV function that was annoying was that this remote didn't automatically understand the difference between the info button and guide button for scrolling through TV listings.

However, the excellent feature of TV listings on the remote's screen more than makes up for that. You can see the channel guide and directly select right off the remote.

The web surfing feature is very good. I already am familiar with the differences in mobile web sites versus the regular web, and this is the same web that my old cell phone uses. ESPN is probably one of the few mobile sites that's well designed, and there are also links for Yahoo news, WSJ.com and .

The unit seems to lose battery power much quicker than I would like. Plan on docking this thing in the charger nightly. Only two days without docking will result in a low battery indicator.

Conclusion

The web browsing capabilities are the saving grace of the unit and will probably be in competing devices before long. The remote control functions are not the best in class, but they are adequate once you invest the time in setting everything up. Areas for improvement include adding PC setup capability, improving activity logic, and improving the feel of the remote.

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Buyer's feedback: - * Once you get past the packaging obstacle, a surprisingly good and useful remote. On screen guide knocks it out of the park. ...
Here's a product that would have brought sports fans sobbing to their knees 10-15 years ago. Easy access to relevant game and player stats, an intuitive interface allowing one to find broadcasts quickly and easily. Reasonably quick and easy set-up. Attractive aesthetically, even if Michigan Wolverine fans might disagree (that red and silver may be casually confused for scarlet and gray, by those with the proper eye). This is not, of course, to suggest that the remote is not relevant today, just that an increasing number of homes have laptops or phones with mobile broadband, and much of the same information may be accessed, and often in deeper and more attractive form, through those devices.

So I came into this product thinking: (1) I have to program it the "old" way, giving it product codes and hoping for the best, not doing it through my computer. (2) Why do I care about its connectivity and access to stats and info when my laptop is always handy? (3) Setting those considerations and its unique features aside, can it stand up in terms of convenience and use against other modern universals?

Before I was able to really tackle any of these questions, I had to contact my local heavy equipment rental outlet in order to procure a chainsaw, high temperature torch, and the jaws of life. Once these arrived and I was able to extract the remote, the charging stand, and documents from their sealed plastic tomb, I was well on my way. No initial charge, no wasting a day getting ready to go, the remote was on before I intended, and I started playing right away. The programming process took longer than I would have liked, having (as many other reviewers here have) programmed the Logitech Harmony One Advanced Universal Remote I did feel like I was taking a technological step backwards by going the old "match the hardware to the code" route, but it went smoothly and I was controlling my components without any problems before long. Over the next few weeks, I used this exclusively, putting the Harmony One out of casual and easy reach, and it really grew on me. It's comfortable, attractive, intuitive, and (little surprise) easy access to data through the remote is quicker and easier than dragging the old laptop out, turning it on, and loading up a site like ESPiN. The remote does indeed stand up to its peers, like them, it could certainly use a little more polish, but that can come (as it can for most devices these days) through software upgrades.

I will be going back to the Harmony One, but this will certainly be put into use in another room. It's now my second string remote. It seems to me that the ESPN Universal Remote may be a better gift than a buy, one of those things where a sports fan will love to have it, but might be less enthusiastic about laying down the rather high (but comparable with its peers) price -- but when is that not true? This remote really grew on me, and it's on a shortlist of gift ideas for certain family members.