Review: Controlling Media On The Go

To simplify the process, Hewlett-Packard created the iPaq rx3715 Mobile Media Companion, a Pocket PC beefed up with an improved infrared port and software to control home devices.

The rx3715 includes all of the PDA capabilities one would expect in a $449.99 HP iPaq: 1.2-megapixel camera, 802.11b, Bluetooth, SD media card slot, Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC, microphone, speaker and a headphone jack (the iPaq rx3115 Mobile Media Companion, which costs $349.99, has a similar feature set but lacks a camera). Digital Connect Lab engineers reviewed the Mobile Media Companion and found it to be a rich home remote control.

Most Pocket PCs include IR ports that transmit data over short distances and at low power, but HP redesigned the port in the Mobile Media Companion for a greater transmission range. HP added the Nevo Universal Remote Control software from ISV Universal Electronics, which allows the iPaq to control nearly any CE device, ranging from TVs and high-end audio components to Media Center PCs and DVRs. Integrators can also configure the device for wireless control of home-control and automation systems. An easy-to-use interface lets users add devices based on brand or device code, and device data can be downloaded from the Nevo Web site if it cannot be found on the iPaq. Once a device is programmed, users simply tap on the screen with the stylus (or a finger) to change channels or volume, select pre-set stations and more options.

A wizard in the Universal Remote Control software makes it easy to create macros to control several devices and actions in a sequence. Integrators also can designate devices and macros for use in particular rooms, and configure the device for multi-user identities and preferences.

The iPaq also is able to stream content between devices in a home. A CD included with the iPaq contains the Nevo Media Server software, which should be installed on home computers that contain video, music or photos. The iPaq's Nevo Media Player software then allows users to play any media stored on the connected PCs, transfer files wirelessly to the iPaq or stream media to other devices on the network. The Nevo Media Server basically mimics the My Documents, My Music, etc., folders on the PC, but better integration with the folders would make the software even easier to use.

While the Mobile Media Companion is not as robust as some dedicated remote controls, its small size, ease of use and multitude of capabilities make it a terrific device to have in the home. Plus, its price puts it in the middle of the range of comparable dedicated remote controls.

Integrators can definitely include the Mobile Media Companion as a key element in a new home installation, bundling it with Media Center PCs, wireless gear and other devices, or as a valuable add-on to an existing installation. Although the device is available to integrators through D&H Distributing, HP is focusing most of its efforts to sell the product through retail stories, says David Risdal, HP iPaq software marketing manager. This is unfortunate for both integrators and HP. Retail stores are limited in their ability to explain the deeper control capabilities of the Mobile Media Companion, while integrators can leverage their own networking and integration expertise and access to consumers in their homes to optimize the full features of the rx3715. But as the integrator channel continues to mature, HP should realize that the road to the home flows through integrators and beef up its support to help them sell the Mobile Media Companion and related products.