Introduction

I would like to thank SoundGraph for supplying the review sample.

SoundGraph is a firm which was spun off from Samsung Electronics in 2000 and has since then specialized in developing various remote controls, VFDs and digital DJing equipment.

Here is what SoundGraph has to say about itself:

The name of our company, 'SoundGraph' is composed of two words 'sound' and 'graph'. As like on the company name, 'Soundgraph' provides the multimedia products and services which is based on the digital media technology.
Recently, there is various products and services appeared on the production, process and distribution of multimedia with the popularization of new digital media. SoundGraph provides new concepts on the viewpoint of users who receive these multimedia contents and produces innovative products based on the new concepts. We developed the technology, controls digital audio file using the analogue turntable, controls PC using a remote controller instead of keyboard and mouse, so users can using their PC like normal home appliance. And we proposed the new multi-channel digital audio file format which presents new environments of listening music.
The new multimedia contents widely spread through the network which is rapidly increased. SoundGraph will provide a creative and innovative way to control this media spreading through the network.

Now let's take a look at the SoundGraph iMON VFD. There are two colors available (black and silver). We got the black one.

Packaging

The packaging is very sturdy and has the traditional hole on top, so it can be hung from a shelf. The front sports a window where the remote can be seen, while the backside lists all the features of the set. The side has a small window as well, to show the VFD and its color.

Contents

Once the cardboard is taken out of the packaging, the whole remote is revealed, protected under a plastic front. The installation CD and a quick start guide reside in the back of the packaging. There is a lot more inside than one would think. I was expecting to see a VFD with a traditional USB interface and Molex connector for power. The installation of the device is very well thought out, but more on that later. It was good to see that SoundGraph included batteries for the remote. They are quality batteries from Toshiba.


The remote control is rather large and has a lot of different buttons. Upon closer inspection I was able to find buttons to move my mouse, start DVDs, open files, programs and even turn off my PC. So if you are like me, who is too lazy to get up and turn off his PC after watching a movie, this may just be for you. The display has a proprietary power connector in the back, a pass through for the case power button and an USB cable that comes attached to the unit. The front has the display hidden behind a piece of smoked transparent plastic, which gives it the look of a home stereo display. The build of the front feels a bit flimsy, as it is made completely out of plastic. An aluminum front would look much better. Next to that there is a big knob. You can turn down the volume by turning it, or mute the PC by pressing down on the knob.