Over the past month RTI has been very busy with the release of four exciting new products – just in time for CEDIA Expo next month.

First is the RTiPanel app for the iPhone and iPad, which boasts full 2-way feedback for cover artwork, weather, dynamic image lists and much more, and can utilize both Wi-Fi and 3G connections for remote access. It also features a customizable user interface with graphics stored both on the control processor and Apple device, plus auto landscape/portrait orientation. As with other RTI products the RTiPanel is programmed entirely using Integration Designer. Dealers can download RTiPanel from the Apple App Store, but will need to purchase licenses online from RTI’s website to enable communications.

Second is the new T2-Cs+ handheld controller. Personally I think it might be time to come up with a new model numbering system! At any rate, the T2-Cs+ features a new dual RF system with both 433MHz RF for one-way control and 2.4GHz ZigBee for bidirectional control with RTI processors, music servers, lighting, online RSS feeds and more. Hardware features include an enhanced 2.4” color LCD touchscreen with improved viewing angle, a faster 533MHz processor and full 128 megabytes of memory. Graphics programming is also said to have been simplified. The T2-Cs+ retails for $699 USD.

The T2-Cs+ is designed for use with the third product, the XP-3 control processor, which also sports a 533MHz processor and 128 megabytes of memory. The XP-3 includes an RF transceiver and ZigBee for bidirectional communications, and retails for $499 USD.

Finally there’s the AD-8, which is an eight-zone distributed audio system. The low-profile AD-8 is designed to integrate with RTI’s control systems and essentially doubles the AD-4’s capabilities, providing a low-cost ($1,799 USD MSRP) way to distribute 8 sources of audio throughout a residential or commercial installation. It can also be paired with the CP-1650 16-channel amplifier for additional speaker outputs.

I’ve included the original press release for the AD-8 below.

RTI Now Shipping Powerful AD-8 Eight-Zone Distributed Audio System

SHAKOPEE, Minn. — Sept. 1, 2011 — Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) today announced that it is now shipping its AD-8 eight-zone distributed audio system, just in time for CEDIA EXPO 2011. For RTI's dealers, the AD-8 acts as an extension to RTI's control systems, providing a cost-effective, highly adaptable solution for whole-house or facility-wide audio distribution.

"The AD-8 is the ultimate multiroom audio solution, providing a simple, low-cost way to distribute music from a number of audio sources throughout any residential or commercial installation," said Pete Baker, vice president of sales and marketing for RTI. "Based on the success of the original AD-4 and the amount of interest the AD-8 has received since its release, we expect it to make a big splash at CEDIA and are very excited to have it shipping in time for the show."

Containing both a matrix switching pre-amp and a built-in Cool Power® class D amplifier, the AD-8 achieves amazing flexibility with eight local audio source inputs that can be further enhanced with remote audio sources. The distributed audio system provides booming sound with 25 watts per channel, and can be paired with RTI's new 16-channel CP-1650 audio amplifier for additional speaker output in large installations.

Featuring a compact, low-profile design, the AD-8 is suitable for rack-mount or free-standing installations. Access to audio and control of remote sources is clean and simple using the RSP1 accessory wall plate and a single Cat-5 cable. Commercial and residential applications will benefit from a mute function that quiets the music when the doorbell or phone system rings. To meet the needs of larger projects, RTI's open architecture enables the control of multiple AD-8 units for additional zones.

The unit provides the audio switching, amplification, and distribution functions, while RTI central processors and user interfaces manage the audio source control, user input, and status feedback. Information such as the selected source, volume level, and tone control settings are available for each zone, with more advanced information such as song playlists, cover art, and tuner RDS data also available through tight integration with RTI's two-way enabled control products.

The AD-8 is available at an MSRP of $1,799. The powerful audio system will be on display at CEDIA EXPO 2011 in booth 3024.

For more about RTI visit our RTI Control Systems Forum.