Fobis Technologies has enhanced its weemote Sr remote control to support the Digital TV Transition (DTV) and ease confusion consumers experience with the change in channel numbering.

 

Available on Amazon.com (News - Alert), FreeDTVShop.com and www.weemote.com, the weemote Sr retails for $24.99.

 

In February 2009, television stations will finish the transition to an all-digital system, ending analog broadcast television. People with TV sets relying on an antenna (set-top or rooftop) will need to purchase a digital-to-analog converter box in order to receive network television stations.

 

The converter box uses a sub-channel concept (when it goes digital, Channel 10 becomes 10-1 or 10-2) which could confuse viewers. The latest upgrade to weemote Sr streamlines the remote control process for the digital-to-analog converter by programming favorite channel buttons that can be set to go directly to specific channels, regardless of the numbers as high as 9,999.

 

"Consumers, especially senior citizens, are confused, frustrated and concerned about how the transition will impact their TV viewing," said John Buchmann of FreeDTVShop.com. "Weemote Sr is a cost-effective and seamless solution to keep entertainment systems simple following the transition. We've already begun pre-selling the product to adult children who are buying them for their parents."

 

First introduced in 2003, weemote Sr was created specifically for users with memory problems or vision impairments and allows users to set up to 10 pre-set channels with six dedicated channel buttons in different shapes. The product supports TVs and various multi-component devices, and the new class of DTV converter boxes.

 

Those with TVs relying on an antenna will need either a digital-to-analog converter box, subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider or purchase a new digital-ready television.

 

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Fobis Technologies was established in 1998. Fobis Technologies provides a line of simple to use remote control devices that feature a high level of customization called the weemote. weemote has been a registered trademark of Fobis Technologies Inc. since 1998.