TiVo has introduced a remote control with a slide-out Qwerty keyboard.
Remote control design is clearly being influenced by design innovations in other categories of electronics. Other remote manufacturers, among them Vizio and Philips, 
have previously introduced remotes with the kind of slide-out keyboards popularized in the mobile phone category.
Remote controls are also incorporating the circular navigation pad made popular by Apple with its iPod product line (the remotes from TiVo, Vizio and Philips all use it).
And, of course, the iPhone and other smartphones can now be used instead of remotes.
Although Qwerty keyboards for remotes have been previously available, TiVo is claiming that its remote is the first specifically for a DVR.
“This finger-friendly device strengthens TiVo’s product offerings, giving consumers the best tools to find what they want more quickly,” said Jim Denney, vice president and general manager of product marketing for TiVo.
The TiVo Slide remote control is an all-in-one remote control and uses Bluetooth technology; the company claims a range of up to 30 feet away. It communicates with a USB receiver plugged into a port on the TiVo box.
The TiVo Slide is priced at $89.99. It is available online at TiVo’s website and will also be sold at Best Buy.
