While 3D technology was promoted heavily by most TV manufacturers, Samsung and LG also demonstrated innovative new prototype remote controls at CES to help their standard HDTV's stand out from the crowd.
Samsung's all in one touch remote
The Samsung "all in one touch remote" for the C9000 LEC LCD HDTV is a powerhouse of a remote. It has a touchscreen interface that plays video, packs built-in WiFi and is DLNA enabled.
But I know what you're thinking, why would I want video on my remote control? There are actually quite a few practical applications. "Twin" view synchs your remote display with the HDTV content, playing the same video right on the remote control. This allows you to leave the room without missing any of the action. Channel view allows you to browse other channels from the remote control, without interrupting the picture on the TV. Once you find a channel on the remote that you'd like to continue viewing, it's an easy touch control to display that same content on the TV. A nice alternative to picture in picture.
LG's magic motion remote
LG unveiled it's magic wand remote control, which it will be offering alongside many of its HDTV's this year.
The remote control certainly remind you of Harry Potter, as you wave the remote around in front of you to move the cursor around the TV screen, accessing the Magic UI interface. Rotating the remote can control the volume, while flicking it can change channels. I found that it was very easy to use and a welcome innovation in TV control. Wii gamers will be right at home here, as it has a similar feel to a Wii-mote.
While I'm on the subject of remotes, I have to throw in a nod to the Boxee box (made by D-Link) remote control. The remote contains a full qwerty keypad on the backside of the remote, with a standard looking remote on the front. Kudos to Boxee on the execution.
