Universal Electronics, Radio Shack Offer New Kameleon Remote

Reprinted from a Universal Electronics press release:

Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) (NASDAQ:UEIC) and RadioShack Corp. (NYSE:RSH) today announced that the leading consumer electronics specialty retailer will begin selling a new version of UEI’s innovative Kameleon technology-based universal remote control. The RadioShack Kameleon 8-in-1 remote control is capable of operating up to eight home entertainment devices for the growing digital home of today’s consumer.

Following the highly successful introduction of the Kameleon 6-in-1 remote last year, the RadioShack 8-in-1 Kameleon remote offers expanded capabilities to control additional devices that are quickly populating the home theater systems of households across the country.

Marketing research and consulting firm Parks Associates estimates that more than 40 million households now have a DVD player, and devices such as digital video recorders (DVRs) are now quickly gaining traction into the estimated $150 billion market for digital entertainment content and products. The new RadioShack 8-in-1 Kameleon is not only designed to control more devices, but also is equipped with new features such as a remote finder, which helps the user locate the remote control if it has been misplaced, as well as Commercial Skip, which is a key benefit to those who own commercial-skipping DVR devices such as TiVo or ReplayTV systems.

The 8-in-1 control is based on UEI’s Kameleon technology, which intelligently illuminates only the buttons necessary to operate features for the intended electronic device, including televisions; stereo receivers; satellite or cable TV set-top boxes; and CD, VCR or DVD players. Kameleon technology offers unique backlighting options to improve viewing and animated buttons that clearly indicate which mode is active and which electronic device is being controlled.

RadioShack’s latest Kameleon remote adds to the retailer’s existing line of sleek, ergonomic and advanced UEI remotes, which are capable of controlling four, six and now a remarkable eight devices. These remote controls fit the varying needs and budgets of today’s diverse households.

With the increasing adoption of digital content and devices in today’s households, illustrated by the fact that DVR subscriptions doubled in 2003, many consumers are seeking a single remote control capable of intuitively powering all their home entertainment products. The 8-in-1 design utilizes Kameleon’s menu-driven interface as well as proprietary UEI technologies such as Commercial Skip (patent pending) and Commercial Mute to enhance the user experience.

“UEI’s family of Kameleon-based products produced a significant increase in RadioShack universal remote control sales in 2003,” said Stu Asimus, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer at RadioShack. “The ongoing sales success of our Kameleon 6-in-1 universal remote control also spurred demand for the lower-priced, streamlined four-device Kameleon. However, it also pointed out the need of many of our customers for a single control capable of managing up to eight devices. We now have innovative Kameleon remote control solutions to fit literally any home entertainment configuration.”

“Consumers have more home entertainment devices today than ever before and are demanding a way to simplify the control experience,” said Paul Arling, chairman and chief executive officer at UEI. “The Kameleon 6-in-1 was the first Kameleon product introduced in North America in 2003 and was a tremendous success. We are thrilled to help RadioShack round out its Kameleon product family with the new 8-in-1.”

RadioShack’s nearly 7,000 U.S. retail stores have experienced firsthand the demand for Kameleon devices.

In addition to showcasing patented UEI cornerstone technologies, including learning and macro capabilities, the RadioShack 8-in-1 Kameleon (MSRP $79.99) introduces several innovative and proprietary UEI features including these: