Looking for a way to talk to your home theater instead of merely cursing at it? URC may just have the answer with the latest addition to their network-based Total Control system. The TRC-1480 handheld remote features a push-to-talk button to control Amazon Alexa and Apple TV via Siri that alleviates privacy concerns by not always listening to your conversions.

Other remote features include a 2.4" touchscreen LCD, 2-way metadata support, full slate of hard buttons, docking station and rechargeable battery, pickup sensor, power-saving quick connect WiFi, plus a modern new industrial design the company describes as " the most comfortable and intuitive remote control in its line up yet". Read more...

URC underscores ongoing support for RF-based Complete Control (MX-Series) systems by introducing the most advanced CCP remote to date. Emphasis is strongly on creative customization - this remote allows programmers greatest flexibility in graphic design and layout. Plus, graphics are stored on remote and archived in PC. Read more...

With my house buried under a thick blanket of snow and the warmth of summer but a distant memory, my thoughts turn to the joys of home automation... and our ongoing series of CEDIA 2013 videos! Today I’m very pleased to present three new reports covering DemoPad, Crestron, and Savant Systems!

First, Mike Cain presents viewers with a run-through of the DemoPad iOS-based home control software, and then introduces their first hardware product: the brand new CENTRO 8 Control Processor. Next, come with Jeff Singer as he shows off Crestron’s new wireless home automation capabilities, a home control app made for Samsung Smart TVs, plus the TSW series of in-wall touchscreen controls ranging in size from 5" through 10". Finally, go on a detailed booth tour with Savant co-founder Jim Carroll as he discusses their economical “Big Boy Automation” platform, the SUR-0500 handheld remote, SmartLighting Wi-Fi, advanced climate control, power management and monitoring, plus the SmartLink HDMI to HDBaseT matrix switch. Read more...

I hope everyone had (or is still having) a great Thanksgiving/Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend! Since we didn’t have a CEDIA 2013 video update last week, today we’re bringing you reports for three major control companies: Control4, RTI and URC!

To begin, Paul Williams from Control4 presents what’s new on the company’s 10th anniversary, including advanced lighting solutions, Nest thermostat integration, and the Wireless Music Bridge. Then, spend a few minutes with RTI’s Pete Baker as he shows off the economical SURFiR Remote and RTiPanel solution, the brand new T2i, T2x and T3x Handheld Controllers, along with the KX3 in-wall touchscreen. Finally, finish up with Cat Toomey on a quick tour of URC’s booth, where you’ll learn about the Complete Control Android App, Sonos & Z-Wave integration, new Z-Wave & sensor solutions, along with the Total Control TRC-1080 Wi-Fi Remote Control. Read more...

RTI has officially announced the immediate availability of their brand new T2x Wireless Controller. This fifth-generation advanced remote control features a slew of advanced features, including a flush edge-to-edge 2.8” QVGA color LCD touchscreen, 47 blue/white LED backlit buttons, sleek ergonomic design, and quadruple communication interfaces (802.11b/g WiFi networking, 2.4GHz 2-way ZigBee RF, 1-way 433MHz RF, plus built-in infrared).

Also featured are grip sensors to keep the remote active while being held and deactivate it immediately upon setting down, accelerometer for control by hand movements (such as pickup, shaking, rotate left or right), plus improved power management and lithium ion battery charging with a redesigned dock that uses a new connector similar to a smartphone. Read more...

Logitech may have revealed earlier this year that they’re looking to sell off the Harmony line, but that apparently doesn’t mean they’re content to rest on their laurels in the meanwhile. Some users have noted a recent unavailability of all but the newest Harmony remotes in retail stores, and attributed that to Logitech winding down production. Nope! Turns out they were merely waiting for their brand new models to become available! Read more...

Those of you who remember my original CEDIA 2011 video release back in September, will recall that I mentioned there would be a grand total of 11 videos this year... and of course today’s announcement make number 12! Initial counting issues aside, this is indeed the final episode in this year’s series – and it’s a doozey!

Hank Eisengrein, booth tour guide extraordinaire, serves up a feast of information on URC’s latest and upcoming products including handheld remotes, in-wall controls, media players, security and commercial applications, a networked thermostat and a brand new 9.2-channel A/V processor. Read more...

Our CEDIA 2011 Video Report series continues today with the release of Part 7, featuring Mike Everett from PRO Control – the new spin-off company from RTI.

Mike will tell you everything you need to know about PRO Control’s new and economical product lineup, including the PRO24.z and PRO24.r hybrid remote controls, the ProLink.z and ProLink.r smart processors, the ProPanel iPad/iPhone and (soon) Android software solution, along with the handy iPro.8 Companion Remote. Read more...

URC has announced two additions to their Total Control lineup of remote controls, including the TRC-1280 hybrid touchscreen/hard buttoned remote, plus the TKP-2000 in-wall touchscreen.

Also introduced is off-site programming, which will allow dealers to program, update or service Total Control systems from nearly anywhere. Read more...

URC has officially announced three new remotes in their Complete Control linup. First is the MX-1200 hybrid hard button & touchscreen remote, second is the MX-780 hard button and OLED screen combination, and third is the MXW-920 water resistant model. Read more...