StreamZap PC Remote

Ever since the invention of the first wireless TV remote in 1955 by Zenith Radio Corporation, they have been used in an increasing number of places. What we will be taking a look at today, is the PC Remote from StreamZap. This product allows you to control your computer via a remote control.

Features:

Some of the multimedia software that is certified to work with this remote is Windows Media Player, iTunes, RealOne, Winamp, MusicMatch Jukebox, and apparently over 100 other applications. On this remote, you can expect to find all audio controls that you would normally find if you were sitting right in front of your computer or on a stereo system. The audio controls include play, pause, stop, skip tracks, change play lists, and volume. No longer are you stuck right in front of your computer while presenting PowerPoint presentations. With this remote, you can present your PowerPoint presentation wherever you desire. The range is approximately 40 feet in a straight line of sight. The remote can also operate the web browser Opera. In addition to having the abilities to control multimedia software, you can also control your mouse cursor from the remote. Stand-By, hibernate, and shutdown modes are accessible too. In addition, you can program your own macro keys so you have the ability to launch a piece of software, launch websites, load play lists, or whatever else you may desire by the click of a button. This remote control uses standard AAA batteries and is USB compatible.

Contents:

Included in this package is a remote control, USB infrared receiver, CD-ROM, and a quick start instruction manual. The remote control is ergonomic and has 33-keys. The USB infrared receiver is a small receiver connected to your computer via a USB port, which receives all of the commands from the remote. Contained on the CD-ROM is the PC Remote Installation Software so you can gain all of the functionality from the remote. The quick start instruction manual is a small pamphlet, which covers the basic installation of the PC Remote, which is quite simple.

Performance:

To test the performance of this remote, I began testing its functionality in Windows Media Player 9, ATI Multimedia Center, Creative Mediasource, Cyberlink PowerDVD, and Microsoft PowerPoint to name a few. In all of the supported programs that I used this remote with; I experience no problems at all. After using the remote for a period of time, I discovered how easy and beneficial it can truly be. If you are presenting a PowerPoint presentation to a group of people, you can now easily remain behind the podium or walk around yet still present your work. The range was found to be of a good length before the signal would weaken as long as the remote was pointed in the direction of the receiver. No problems were experienced with the remote, and all of our expectations were met.

Conclusion:

The StreamZap PC Remote performed exceptionally. It is compatible with a wide variety of multimedia applications currently on the market and it's especially handy if you wish to remain behind a podium, lie on a couch or bed, or are just required to be a distance away from the computer yet still wish to control it. At only $40, I would recommend the StreamZap PC Remote to anyone looking at purchasing a remote control for their computer.

Pros:

· 33-keys
· Supports over 110 applications
· Macro keys
· USB connectivity
· Long range
· Relatively good value ($40)

Cons:

· Remote needs to be in a line of sight with receiver
· Not compatible with Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla browsers