RC: International CES 2000 Report - Universal Electronics Inc.
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`Page 1 of 2
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`The following page was printed from RemoteCentral.com:
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` Universal Electronics 
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`Mosaic
`Universal Electronics, an OEM maker of remote control products, was displaying their very first LCD touchscreen
`model, the Mosaic. Although I am uncertain exactly when or from whom you will be able to purchase the new
`remote, the Mosaic will retail for under $200 – bringing a new level of customization to that price point. The Mosaic
`starts off with physical channel, volume, mute and backlight buttons plus a large 4.6" black & white touchscreen
`LCD with 160x240 resolution that you can use with either your finger or the included stylus. The stylus slips into its
`own groove so it’s not lost.
`
`Case Design
`The case is ergonomically styled, though at 3.6" wide, 7.25"
`high and 1.5" deep it’s a bit large. The Mosaic has four
`broadcasting LEDs for broad dispersion of the infrared signal,
`plus an electroluminescent (EL) backlight for easy visibility of
`the screen in darkness. A contrast dial allows for instant changes
`of the high-contrast LCD’s appearance. The remote also features
`audible beeps and an LED to confirm commands, low battery
`indicator (it runs on 4AA batteries) and non-volatile memory
`that doesn’t loose its programming even without power.
`
`Codes & Customization
`To begin with the Mosaic will not feature computerized
`customization software, though a wealth of features right on the
`remote will aid users in configuring personal setups. Up to 15 devices may be configured, each with up to 38 keys.
`The built-in code database is the same one used with the "One For All" line of remotes – the absolute best out there.
`Devices may also be configured by device code, brand list or via device search. Also available is a "Home Theater"
`mode that allows you to select various volume, transport keypad and menu functions and assemble them under one
`device.
`
`Click to enlarge. (81kb)
`
`In addition to the built-in library, the Mosaic allows you to learn any number of
`buttons from a source remote. A total of 21 macro buttons with up to 32 commands
`each may be configured. Use the Keymover function to copy a button from one
`location to another, and then re-label it using traditional letters and numbers plus a
`wide variety of symbols.
`
`Remote Upgrades
`The Mosaic includes a magnetic coupler that allows you to phone a number, punch in
`a few codes, then place the remote up to the handset to download upgrades. UEI is
`taking this even one step further with an Internet upgrade option – visit their web site,
`download a .WAV file and play it through your PC’s speakers to upgrade and
`configure the remote. Neat!
`
`Help when you need it.
`Something included and yet new to the remote world are in-depth help screens. For
`instance, under the configuration screen may be 8 options. If you hit the Help icon
`brief descriptions of what each option does will be displayed. If you enter one of these
`modes, the Help icon will then provide detailed assistance on actually configuring the
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`Click to enlarge. (75kb)
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`option.
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`http://www.remotecentral.com/ces2000/uei.htm
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`9/17/2019
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`Roku EX1024
`U.S. Patent No. 9,716,853
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`

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`RC: International CES 2000 Report - Universal Electronics Inc.
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`Page 2 of 2
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`Convergence remote – control galore!
`The friendly folks at Universal Electronics kept me for a while
`longer, showing more of their products. For instance, they had a
`hand-built prototype of a convergence IR remote that includes about
`everything you could think of – QWERTY keyboard, mouse control
`and what even looks like game pad buttons. I wouldn’t mind getting
`one of those for my own PC! They also demonstrated another method
`they’ve come up with for entering device code numbers – using bar
`codes. Simply run the back of the remote over the proper code, which
`is provided in a special book, and it’s configured. It’ll even step you
`through other brand code variations if the first one isn’t the correct
`one. It’s that simple.
`
`Click to enlarge. (43kb)
`
`The six-pin mystery…
`I got to see exactly what the six pins on the back of their remotes are used for. They had a large black box sitting on
`a table with a few buttons and two cables out each end, one for a source remote and the other for the target.
`Basically, Universal’s OEM customers may configure a single remote exactly how they want it with brand codes, re-
`mapped keys, advanced codes etc. They may then duplicate it to any number of remotes using this box, which writes
`directly to memory.
`
`Design Innovations
`Last but not least, I had the pleasure of meeting one of UEI’s lead engineer/designers. His team designed a number
`of remote controls for Radio Shack, which some of you know as the six-in-one backlit 15-1994 learner ($40) and
`seven-in-one backlit IR/RF 15-1995 ($70). Indeed, the 15-1995 was a 2000 CES Design Innovation award winner
`and was on display in a special section at the Sands convention center. The other models are available as the four-in-
`one backlit 15-1993 learner ($30), four-in-one backlit 15-1992 ($25), four-in-one 15-1991 ($15) and three-in-one
`15-1990 ($10). With smart, clean styling and logical button arrangements, these remotes have proven to be
`remarkably popular.
`
`Return to the CES 2000 Report...
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`9/17/2019
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