RCU1000B: Click to enlarge.

This weekend a RemoteCentral.com reader pointed out a brand new universal remote control from RCA - the RCU1000B. Although details are sketchy, it's an LCD touchscreen model that is capable of controlling up to 10 devices. Features include a preprogrammed database of codes, infrared signal learning, a total of 9 macros with 15 steps each, 4 timers for unattended system automation, blue electroluminescent (EL) backlit touchscreen, on-screen setup menu, semi-customizable LCD key labels and a platinum silver finish.

The design incorporates 11 hard buttons, 9 of which are customizable, a dot-matrix screen section for device name and the current time, plus a total of 40 LCD screen squares - of which 30 seem to be user configurable. For now, RCU1000B appears to be a totally unique design that doesn't match up with any other known remote. It's also competitively priced, with a suggested retail price of $99 USD.

Stay tuned for a continuation of our CEDIA 2001 report this week.

[Talk about the RCA RCU1000B...]