Boxee Box Remote

[pbusardo]

I'm sure this has already been answered here somewhere, but I can't find it.

Does anyone know if the Boxee Box remote, especially the qwerty side is backlit?

I think it's a GREAT idea, but if it doesn't have back lighting, it's going to be a bit on the useless side for me.

Actually, the Xbox add-on keyboard for their controller is a great implementation of a qwerty keyboard that incorporates back lighting.

Lemme know. Thanks!

[NomadDNA]

I don't believe so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjukAUZ1S3w

Someone has suggested a backlit LCD remote, but, as avner notes, that may be a future, more expensive, development...
http://blog.boxee.tv/2010/01/05/by-the-pricking-of-my-thumbs-something-awesome-this-way-comes/

[pbusardo]

Ouch.

Big mistake in my opinion since this remote may be used in home theaters and low light situations.

[NomadDNA]

Ouch.

Big mistake in my opinion since this remote may be used in home theaters and low light situations.

It's true, a back light would be a nice touch, but I imagine it comes with a bunch of engineering issues (increased cost, decreased battery life, and a larger, heavier product to incorporate lighting).

Fortunately, its QWERTY, so most people have memorized the key positions.

[darcilicious]

It's true, a back light would be a nice touch, but I imagine it comes with a bunch of engineering issues (increased cost, decreased battery life, and a larger, heavier product to incorporate lighting).

None of those are show-stoppers. Just look at the popularity of Logitech Harmony series, most (if not all) of which have back-lighting.

[NomadDNA]

None of those are show-stoppers. Just look at the popularity of Logitech Harmony series, most (if not all) of which have back-lighting.

Correct, and they cost as much as the Boxee Box does.

[darcilicious]

Correct, and they cost as much as the Boxee Box does.
Dude, what are you smoking? My Harmony 550 (programmable, back-lit) cost $85 and the Boxee box coming in around at $200 is more than twice that.

It can be done at a reasonable cost, especially if it doesn't have to incorporate universal and custom programming features like the Harmony.

[pbusardo]

The Xbox messaging pad is an excellent example of a well implemented qwerty w/back lighting at around $30.

[NomadDNA]

Dude, what are you smoking? My Harmony 550 (programmable, back-lit) cost $85 and the Boxee box coming in around at $200 is more than twice that.

You may be the exception to the rule (http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-550-Universal-Remote/dp/B000EUGX70/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1263491519&sr=8-1).

I'm not arguing that Boxee should limit it's aspirations for creating an excellent product (The Box, the software, and the remote).

I'm observing that from what I've seen, Boxee is interested in creating an excellent product and a competitive price. Upping the quality of the remote, which has already being touted as a "new industry standard (http://wannabegeek.org/latest-news/259562-move-over-boxeebox-here-comes-popbox)" means increasing the price of the Boxee Box beyond what it's competitors (http://wannabegeek.org/latest-news/259562-move-over-boxeebox-here-comes-popbox) are offering. At $130, the PopBox has an edge over Boxee coming in at around $200.

Once Boxee gets off the ground with it's D-Link product, it's possible it could subsidize costs for a new, and improved remote, and thus still produce a product and a competitive price.

::edit::

The Xbox messaging pad is an excellent example of a well implemented qwerty w/back lighting at around $30.

Lol, ok, there we go. That's a bit more affordable.

If you're really interested in promoting this idea, start a GetSatisfaction suggestion ticket. See "1" in my signature below.