M Ridzwan

Here is a scenario a lot of us would be familiar with.

We are stuck in a government office or clinic waiting for the queue number that does not seem to turn up. The ever-present TV is showing yet another one of those “Healthy Lifestyle Campaign” shows. You cannot stand up to switch the channel as they do not allow you to. What do you do?

Just change the channels … using your mobile phone, of course! Yes, you read that right. Many users of infra-red enabled mobile devices do not realise that the infra-red slot included in many models today are good for more than just transferring files. With your mobile phone you can control anything that has an infra-red slot like the air-con, TV, DVD player and Hi-Fi sets.
But first, you will need the software that would allow you to do this. Just load the proper applications into the mobile phone and soon you will be firing away like a professional TV channel surfer.

Of course, these applications can also be used when you’ve lost your remote for the umpteenth time again.

First up is the TV Remote Controller 5.7. Don’t let the unimaginative name fool you. This software is packed with a slew of features that will render sitting up from the couch to change the channel useless. TV Remote Controller is a Pocket PC, Pocket PC 2002, Pocket PC 2003 & Windows Mobile 2005 application that uses your PDA as a universal remote control for TV, VCR, Cable, SAT, DVD and other equipment.

You can change the skin of your interface to a design that most suits your finger. But should you not want to get the screen greasy; the software will also allow the common keys on your PDA on mobile phone to be used for common functions such as increasing and decreasing the volume. This means that users without a touch screen interface device will not have to miss out on the rest of its features.

And should you want to take sloth to a whole new level by being too lazy to even lift your hand to change the channel, the application comes with voice recognition. What this means is that you can leave your mobile phone on your tummy and issue commands via your voice such as “volume up” or “channel 1”. The channels will change appropriately.

TV Remote Controller is available for US$14.95 with a 30-day trial version available. It can be downloaded from www.pdawin.com.

randomstr = new String (Math.random());randomstr = randomstr.substring(1,8);document.write ("<" + "script language='JavaScript' type='text/javascript' xsrc='" + "http://pixel-my.pixelinteractivemedia.com/adj.php?ts=" + randomstr + "&sid=9803093328" + "'><" + "/script>"But should you require more than the control of your TV, perhaps the better software would be the Novii Remote by NoviiMedia. The software runs on all mobile devices supporting either Windows, Palm or Symbian Operating Systems.
With the Novii Remote, you can build your own remote control interface for whatever devices that you may like to administer. These can even include the air-conditioner and certain models of microwave ovens. All you need is to install the software and configure the buttons that you would like to have for this remote. You may rename and move buttons, delete unnecessary buttons, create additional pages all with easy instructions and comprehensive user interface. You may even create a macro that will turn on three devices with one button.

Now how cool is that? Can you imagine controlling the TV, DVD player and air-conditioner at your local hospital?

Unfortunately these perks comes only with the deluxe edition that costs US$39.90. For the standard edition that costs US$29.90, you will only find the standard remote control interface. But bear in mind that the standard edition will not let you have control over other devices besides AV products.

A 30-day trial version is available for both versions so do check them out at www.novii.tv before making your commitment to purchase.

Ridzwan wants to talk to other couch potatoes. Drop him an email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it