You'll be excused if you experience some déjà vu if you read this release after our previous RTI one. Pro Control has just announced the iPro.8 Companion Controller, which is a simple low-cost hard buttoned remote designed to complement company's iPad, iPhone & iPod Touch control solutions.

Pro Control to Debut New iPro.8 Low-Cost Companion Controller for Smartphones and Tablets at CEDIA EXPO 2011

CEDIA EXPO — Sept. 8, 2011 — Pro Control, a newly created division of Remote Technologies Inc., today introduced its innovative new iPro.8 companion controller. Making its debut at CEDIA EXPO 2011, the low-cost iPro.8 enables users to add the convenience of a dedicated remote when combined with a tablet, smartphone, or PC for A/V control.

Many consumers love using their tablet or smartphone as the primary controller for their A/V systems. However, the use of such devices comes with a few limitations, including the lack of hard buttons for tactile control, connectivity issues, and the numerous screen swipes it takes to accomplish simple adjustments, such as turning down the volume on the TV. Pro Control developed the iPro.8 specifically to address these issues.

A truly unique solution, the patent-pending iPro.8 remote works as an extension of the ProPanel App running on a smartphone, tablet, or PC. It gives users the hard buttons and tactile control to which they are accustomed, and it provides immediate access to common functions such as changing channels, controlling the volume, and DVD transport. This stylish remote overcomes network-connectivity issues by using proven and reliable RF technology for instantaneous communication, and it has been designed for use with any Pro Control processor with an activated ProPanel App.

"As consumers seek to streamline their lives, using their smartphones and tablets for control of electronics and entertainment systems is a natural fit. To take the control experience with these devices to the next level, we are very excited to introduce our iPro.8 companion remote," said Mike Everett, general manager at Pro Control. "In addition to offering a low-cost dedicated controller, the iPro.8 provides quick and efficient control for system operation without the limitations associated with smartphones and tablets, such as numerous page swipes and the need to change between several apps."

The iPro.8 is targeted for release in Q4 2011 at an MSRP of $149. Visitors to booth 3136 at CEDIA EXPO 2011 will be among the first to experience the new companion remote.