RicaVision, best known for their Microsoft Windows Vista SideShow Remote Control revealed at CES 2007, have recently introduced a brand new remote that will be demonstrated at this coming CES in January 2008. Once again it’s a Bluetooth-enabled SideShow remote designed for use with Media Center PCs, however they’ve added a significant and most practical twist: it’s also a full-featured universal remote control for the rest of your infrared devices.

The new VAVE100 sports a colorful 2.4” 240x320 color LCD display, a lithium polymer battery, 45 hard buttons, LED key backlighting, a 3-way scroll key, plus a mini USB port for firmware upgrades. The bundled docking cradle includes Bluetooth and infrared receivers, and can also recharge the remote’s battery.

On the universal remote control side the VAVE100 can operate up to 20 different home theater devices, features full macros, code learning capabilities, plus a preprogrammed database of over 1500 component brands. On the Vista side you get full SideShow compatibility for navigation of your MCE’s media library, as well as “gadget” support for news, weather, email and so forth directly on the handheld remote.

The VAVE100 will be available at the end of February 2008 for a list price of $299 USD.

Update January 7, 2008: RicaVision has recently revised the price of the VAVE100 to $349, stating the earlier price of $299 was an pre-order special. However the current $349 price is also claimed as a pre-order special, so the actual list price may still be higher.