LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SMK Europe, a division of SMK Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of OEM remote controls and consumer electronics accessories, today announced availability of two new advanced consumer remote controls. Enabling ‘Motion Pointing’ and ‘Voice Command’ interface options, SMK’s new off-the-shelf remotes will provide next-generation user interaction with Pay TV and Set-top Box applications. Powered by Bluetooth® Smart RF, SMK’s new remote controls, which feature low power consumption, reduced costs and a quick time to market, will be unveiled this week at TV Connect 2015 (booth #55, Excel London).
“We are excited to extend our portfolio of advanced remote control solutions with two new Bluetooth® smart-enabled models that offer keyboard, voice command and 6-axis motion-sensing interfaces,” said Patrick Delanoeije, Vice President, SMK Europe. “As rich content, Internet and advanced gaming applications continue to gain traction in Pay Television and Connected TV markets, the user’s interface to this content, the consumer’s remote control, has become an essential element of subscriber satisfaction and retention.”
“Utilizing Bluetooth® Smart RF technology from Dialog Semiconductor in tandem with optional MotionEngine™ software from Hillcrest Labs, SMK’s new remote controls deliver high-performance in reduced consumption solutions,” added Mr. Delanoeije. “With their reduced cost and quick time to market, SMK’s remote controls are an ideal choice for OEMs looking to deploy next-generation Smart TVs, set-top boxes, media players, PCs and other consumer entertainment devices. The emerging Pay TV market has created the need for a robust, standards-based RF technology, and Bluetooth® Smart is positioned to fulfill this need.”
New from SMK for TV Connect 2015
SMK’s new remote control solutions utilize Dialog Semiconductor’s DA14580 Bluetooth® Smart System-on-Chip (SoC) to significantly reduce power consumption and costs while enhancing subscriber usability. “Dialog strives to bring connectivity solutions such as the highly efficient, low power DA14580 SmartBond to a wider market,” said Sean McGrath, Senior Vice President, Dialog Semiconductor. “With the continuing success of the SmartBond DA14580, we are ideally positioned to take advantage of the tremendous growth of Bluetooth Smart applications for the HID market.”
Additionally, SMK will introduce a 6-axis motion-sensing in-air pointing remote control powered by Hillcrest Labs’ Freespace® MotionEngine™ Smart TV software. “We’re again proud to partner with SMK to create a high performance, cost effective motion-sensing remote control solution,” said Chad Lucien, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Hillcrest Labs. “Driven by increased industry focus on user experience, motion-sensing remote controls are emerging as essential elements of today’s Smart TV and set-top box product offerings.”
About SMK Electronics
SMK Europe is the European division of SMK Corporation, a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of OEM remote controls. Celebrating its 90th anniversary, SMK Corporation reports a global production of more than 60 million units annually. With local Research & Development operations in Newton Aycliffe, UK, its manufacturing facility in Bekesczaba, Hungary, SMK Europe is uniquely positioned to provide the Consumer Electronics industry with remote control solutions that support rich media, interactive content and advanced television features. For more information, visit www.smkeurope.com.
Hillcrest Labs, Freespace, and MotionEngine are trademarks of Hillcrest Laboratories, Inc. Bluetooth and Bluetooth Smart are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
