Rotel  Click to enlarge. New LCD remote control Rotel has a slightly different outlook on the world of remote controls. Instead of heading towards compact handheld units, their new RR-1090 is a larger tabletop model with an "organically sculpted shape" and intuitive layout. The new RR-1090 is an eight device remote control with a surprisingly diminutive number of physical buttons, but more than enough punch for a demanding system. It features a large backlit LCD screen with twelve "menu command buttons". Each device can feature up to 4 screens with 12 commands each. Major functions, such as volume, channel, menu and transport controls, are operated by two multi-axis buttons below the screen. The RR-1090 includes both a pre-programmed code library, plus full learning capabilities. Four macro buttons can hold up to ten commands each, while each device can have custom names programmed or be password protected. The RR-1090 will also come with a serial cable and PC software for computer-aided programming or backup of the remote's configuration. Available in June 2001, the RR-1090 will retail at a suggested price of $299. Unfortunately, Rotel did not have an RR-1090 on display at CES when I was there, so the absolute best photograph I could locate is the crummy one you see here. DVD Audio player Jumping right into the DVD-Audio format, Rotel's new RDV-1080 is a high-end player that supports DVD-A, DVD-V, CD and CD-V discs. It features an airtight disc tray, segmented power supply that feeds completely separated video, servo and audio circuit boards and a 24-bit/192kHz audio D/A converter. Jitter is virtually eliminated by the RDV-1080s advanced D/A converters, shielded reclocking circuitry, and separate power supplies. The new player will handle PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS and MPEG Audio formats and comes complete with S-Video, composite and component video outputs and progressive scan capabilities. The RDV-1080 is available now at a suggested retail price of $1,500. New 10-series components Continuing on with Rotel's new 10-series of components, Rotel introduced a number of new 2-channel amplifiers including the $399 RB-1050, $699 RB-1070 and $999 RB-1080, which offer 60 watts, 140 watts and 200 watts per channel respectively. In other new components, the $499 RT-1080 AM/FM tuner features bi-directional RS-232 computer interface, RDS reception, 30-presets, dual antenna inputs and total remote capability. The $499 RC-1070 preamplifier provides six line-level inputs plus phono, contour control for timbre adjustments, 12-volt trigger jack, plus a power supply based on a custom-made toroid transformer. The $1,199 RC-1090 preamp boasts a refined circuit design with eight inputs, separate "listen" and "record" selectors, RS-232 interface, dual 12-volt trigger outputs and - specifically mentioned - discrete power codes.

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