In addition to the new MX-880Z ZigBee remote control recently revealed at InfoComm, Universal Remote Control Inc. has also announced a completely new design dubbed the MX-5000. This stick-style remote features a 2.7" color LCD touchscreen display with tactile feedback at the top, a moderate selection of hard buttons below, and sophisticated 2-way communications via WiFi, RF and IR. Other features include a rechargeable battery with basestation and computer programmability via URC's Complete Control Program (CCP).

Pricing has not yet been announced. (And is anyone else getting a sort of MX-1000 vibe from the design?) The complete original press release is provided below.

UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL DEBUTS MX-5000 TWO-WAY COLOR TOUCH SCREEN REMOTE

Orlando, FL - InfoComm 09 - Booth 3506 - June 17-19, 2009 - Universal Remote Control®, Inc. (URC), the pioneer in control technology, today unveiled the MX-5000, a wand-style two-way color touch screen remote control designed to serve as the primary user interface for a networked commercial or residential A/V installation.

URC, which has provided tens of millions of remote controls to consumers, residential custom installers and subscription cable customers, as well as consumer electronics manufacturers through its substantial OEM business, is officially entering the commercial market at InfoComm 09. Its solution-focused approach will address various installation scenarios in relatively inexpensive and more easily programmable ways than current solutions do.

The MX-5000 particularly excels as a solution for public speakers in boardrooms, auditoriums and other places where the speaker's attention should be focused on the audience as opposed to the A/V equipment. In addition to the keypads commonly found in boardrooms, the MX-5000 enables commercial pros to provide speakers with a fully portable, one-hand remote that can be used from a podium, conference table or other location. As the first remote control to offer haptic technology, the MX-5000 confirms each touch screen button-push with a tactile vibration that the user feels; users can confirm operation without looking at the remote, so they can more easily maintain eye contact with the audience. Every surface, contour and button of the MX-5000, as well as its screen size, has been designed to "feel right" when used with one hand.

The MX-5000, which features a 2.7-inch LCD color touch screen, is equipped with WiFi (B and G), Narrow Band RF and IR. Via any URC base station, the user can enjoy a complete A/V control experience that seamlessly integrates new digital media sources and content with traditional IR and RS-232 components. Dynamically linked via WiFi to a networked A/V system, the MX-5000 serves as a comprehensive and convenient dashboard for everything in the system. Because of its comprehensive two-way database, the MX-5000 can display the current status and browse media from the most popular IP-controlled components, such as PCs, servers, cameras, lighting, HVAC and networked A/V receivers.

URC's integrated universal programming platform, Complete Control Program (CCP), creates one file for all remote controls, keypads, lighting and automation in one installation. CCP offers drag-and-drop programming as well as pre-programmed modules for pop-up volume control for networked A/V receivers; when the user touches a volume button on the MX-5000, a pop-up display shows the current volume in real time. All of the user's media choices, wherever they reside on a network or in a specific room, are available on the MX-5000's screen, right in the user's hand.

The PC-programmable MX-5000 touch screen wand remote is completely based on URC's flagship controller, the MX-6000 two-way touch screen, with the exception of its smaller screen, its GUI (which is optimized for the different screen and button layout) and its chassis, which is optimized for one-handed operation. URC has invested thousands of man-hours to develop the world's first two-way database, which enables commercial pros to integrate two-way IP and RS-232 devices without scripting. For the first time, installers can provide a fully customized two-way handheld remote that does not require the expense of a programmer who is fully versed in a script programming language; any technician who is capable of a final hook-up can program the MX-5000 without requiring weeks of training.

The MSRP of the MX-5000 will be announced when shipments of the product begin in July. The MX-5000 packaging will include a rechargeable battery and charging base.

The MX-5000 will be shown with URC's other new products for the commercial market at Booth 3506 in the Orange County Convention Center during InfoComm 09.

For more information on Universal Remote Control, please visit www.universalremote.com.

Talk about the MX-5000 in the Complete Control forum.