Universal Electronics has announced the release of a new universal remote control, The Delta universal remote, said to be designed specially to simplify the process of digital analog conversion for the millions of Americans making the switch in early 2009.

 

Universal states that the remote will be made available in the market in the fall of 2008 in anticipation of the upcoming digital broadcast switch.

 

Universal Electronics Inc. (UEI) designs, develops, and delivers innovative solutions that enable consumers to control entertainment devices, digital media, and home systems.

 

UEI sells and licenses wireless control products through distributors and retailers under the One For All brand name. They also deliver home control solutions in the professional custom installation market under the brand name Nevo, as well as software solutions for digital media control and enjoyment in the consumer and OEM markets under the brand SimpleCenter.

 

“The digital transition in cable broadcasting is poised to accelerate as the mandatory cutover time nears. Many viewers need a device to keep their analog TV’s from going obsolete,” said Paul Arling, chairman and chief executive officer of UEI. “The major cable systems are all looking at DTA converters to solve this problem and they need a reliable and highly compatible remote to control the converter. Delta provides a cost effective and reliable way to address their needs.”

 

The Universal remote can be preprogrammed into a digital to analog (DTA) converter and then programmed by the users to their TV and comprehensive infrared (IR) coverage has been added for the TV brands sold in North America providing the maximum compatibility in the home.

 

Delta features UEI’s XMP protocol which is claimed to be an efficient and reliable IR communication protocol with a unique code registry that avoids conflict with other devices in the home.

 

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has estimated that there are 69 million analog television sets that will be potentially impacted by the digital transition. These sets will need some type of converter box to receive digital television signals after February 17, 2009.