To qualify as innovative, each product tested must either bring something new to a traditional sector of consumer electronics or wow with ideas and aspirations otherwise untouched. The three nominees here are of the former, but boy did Logitech, Sky and Nintendo spring a few surprises...
The Winner
Sky HD
£300 (approx)
08705 800874
Reviewed: HCC #132
Perhaps the most eagerly-awaited technology release since the DVD player, this Thomson-manufactured box heralded a new era in broadcast technology when it launched last Summer.
The Sky HD box is also the latest iteration of the Sky+ hard drive recorder, which is
We might even have described this product as a ‘minger’, but looks aren’t the main appeal of this revolutionary item – it will change the way you watch TV forever.
Sky's Tara Hicks collects the Starman
Also nominated
Nintendo Wii
£180 (approx)
www.nintendo.co.uk
0870 6060 247
Nintendo’s response to Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox games consoles is aimed at a broader demographic, and is certainly not the processor powerhouse the others claim to be. Instead, Wii offers a new way of playing games thanks to its wireless motion-sensing controller. Conclusive proof the technology can be fun for all the family! And as it helps burn off the calories too you can even save on your gym membership!
Logitech Harmony 1000
£280 (approx)
020 7309 0127
Reviewed: HCC #142
If you think £280 is a bit much to pay for a universal remote control, you haven’t met the Logitech Harmony 1000.
Featuring a three-and-a-half inch, touch-screen, full-colour display, glowing side buttons and a recharge dock, the handset can control up to 15 devices including DVD players, amplifiers, cable boxes, Sky receivers, hi-fi, and many more, including rare and unusual brands. PC/Mac compatible software makes it easy to set up multi-function macros – dubbed ‘Activities’ by Logitech – and the enormous database of control codes (175,000 plus and rising) can be updated by USB. You’ll never want to use another remote control again.
