New remote announced: Yes, that's right -- there's a new touchscreen LCD remote coming soon to a home theater near you. The Denon Aktis RC-8000 is an IR learning remote that features RF communications to a central RC-8001ST basestation which doubles as a recharging station for the remote. The modern design is complemented by rubber side grips, hard buttons for channel +/-, volume +/-, mute, light, and what appears to be a joystick menu control for the remote's interface. The remote will be fully configurable from a PC using a USB interface and downloadable software editing package. Features include:

• Backlit 240x320 LCD touch panel display
• Controls up to 23 components
• Up to 20 "System Calls" (macros)
• Buttons can be rearranged, added, deleted or renamed
• RF transmission for multi-room operation
• Includes two RF bands and multiple ID codes to distinguish between multiple charger basestations
• Preset codes plus learning function
• Customizable auto-power-off time
• USB port for backup or editing on a PC
• Batteries: NiCad (Included)
• Battery Life: 3 months (alkaline)
• Smart battery technology prevents overcharging
• Remote Dimensions (WxHxD): 3.8 x 6.6 x 1.3
• Remote Weight: 8.5oz without batteries
• Basestation Dimensions (WxHxD): 5.2 x 6.3 x 1.6
• Basestation features a wired data output port for connection to the AVR-5800 or optional IR emitters

Availability is scheduled for July 2000 at a to-be-announced price. Although very little is known about it so far, it would appear to be a serious candidate in the touchscreen remote field. It has the latest USB interface, a pleasant design, good screen resolution and a good name behind it. What is yet to be seen is how good the PC programming software is, what sort of macro capabilities it has, how customizable the LCD screen/interface is, and (of course) how friendly it is to use. I'll post new information as soon as possible.
[Talk about the Denon Aktis RC-8000...]

UCommand discount: As an exclusive for Remote Central visitors, Crisp Solutions is offering a special discount on the UCommand LCD touchscreen remote. Place the remote in your shopping cart and "Check Out". On the screen after you enter your address, look for the field titled "Enter Billing Info". Type in Remotecentral-Special and you'll receive a discount, adjusting the price down to $109. I'm currently working on a review of the UCommand remote and hope to have it up soon. Until then, if you have any questions please visit the Universal Remote Control message forum.

Contest: Our new contest for the month of June is up and running! Sponsored by the great folks at AVsmarts.com, you could win a brand new RTI TheaterTouch T2 LCD touchscreen remote control valued at $649! Don't delay -- get your entries in today! Interested in knowing who won the Philips Pronto, Wavecom Jr. or IR light switch last month? Click here for complete contest results including the correct answers to our skill testing questions.