After some downtime this weekend, I'm posting news again. I'll hopefully get a chance to put up a Product of the Week this morning; if not, expect to see it tonight.

And unless someone specifically requests I go back and do Saturday Statistics, don't expect to see it for this past weekend. I'll hopefully get a chance to resume normal service this coming week.

But to kick things off this week, here's a universal remote control from AudioTechnica that claims to be waterproof. I'm not entirely sure why anyone would want such a device, except for perhaps how they're too lazy to dry their hands before deciding to change the channel.

AudioTechnica Corporation will release the waterproof "ATV-554" TV & Video remote control, and "ATV-553" TV remote control o­n December 1st. The price of the 554 is 3,360 yen, and the 553 is 2,940 yen.

Both models are certified to be waterproof up to JIS Grade 6, so they will operate even if they get wet. They are intended for use with portable TVs, likely carried between the kitchen and living room, so that even if the remote is operated with wet hands, it can be used without having to worry about the consequences. However, it is not intended for use in the bathtub. Translator's note: Here in America, we call something that is able to be completely submerged and still operate "waterproof." "Water resistant," however, is something that can just get wet and still operate. I'm thinking this remote is the latter -- but as the Japanese version uses "waterproof," that's what I'll go with.

TVs from 17 different companies can be operated, and the 554 can operate video decks from 14 different companies. The remotes support basic operations such as volume adjustment, channel up/down, and direct channel selection. The 554 also supports power o­n/off, play, stop, pause, fast forward, and rewind operations for a video deck. Also, the remote feature a backup memory, so that even when the batteries are changed, the maker settings won't revert to their defaults.

On the reverse of the remote is a magnet. It has a signal range of about 7m. Power comes from an included CR2032 coin-type battery, and this will power the remote for about a year. The external dimensions of the 554 are 170 x 60 x 15.5mm (L x W x D), and it weighs about 70g without the battery. The 553 is 140 x 60 x 15.5mm (same), at about 60g.



Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20041122/autech2.htm

Press Release (ATV-554):
http://www.audio-technica.co.jp/products/remocon/atv-554.html

Press Release (ATV-553):
http://www.audio-technica.co.jp/products/remocon/atv-553.html