URC has just announced two new products for their Custom Installation-specific Total Control product lineup: the TDC-7100 Tabletop Controller ($600 USD MSRP), and TKP-7600 In-Wall Touchscreen ($800 USD MSRP).

These new interface are targeted to whole home automation purposes, feature 7" LCD touchscreens, and come complete with a built-in camera, microphone, and speakers for video intercom integration. The controls are designed to integrate with entertainment, lighting, thermostat, security systems and more, with full 2-way network feedback and live video support. Read more...

RTI has just announced that their brand new KX10 in-wall touchpanel is now shipping. It offers HD video playback, built-in IR and RS-232 control, WiFi, wired Ethernet, and much more! Read more...

New smaller Wifi-connected gateway; Vivido 5-scane wall-mount lighting keypad, appliance module, RF duplex receptacle, battery operated dimmer highlight new introductions. Read more...

Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) today announced that it is now shipping its water-resistant WK2 in-wall keypad. Designed with an all-glass exterior, the innovative keypad has a sleek, contemporary look, while giving integrators the ability to extend control systems to zones where moisture may be present. Read more...

RTI is prepping for CEDIA 2014 this coming September in Denver, and in anticipation of that have announced a list of new products that they’ll be exhibiting.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult not to notice that this year’s new product lists look substantively the same as last year’s new product list. T3x, KX3, KX1, AD-16x, XP-4 – they were all on the 2013 news release, too. However, those products that were far from available back then, are hopefully now either already shipping, or will soon be. The WK2 water-resistant in-wall keypad hasn’t been officially announced before now, but was discreetly previewed at CEDIA 2013. Read more...

RTI has just announced that their next-generation RK1+ In-Wall Keypad, which is available in 2, 4 or 8 button versions, is now shipping to dealers. Each features customizable LED backlight colors for every button, an option for custom engraved keycaps, and an integrated IR output. Read more...

We all know RTI for their nifty black “stick” controls – and perhaps even their sleek in-wall controls. But how about something bigger... that can stand all on its own? That’s where the new CX7 comes in – a wired user interface with a tiltable 7-inch touchscreen that can be set on a countertop, or mounted under a cabinet. But here’s the really good news: it’s shipping now... not in two weeks! Read more...

As everyone prepares today for the start of the winter holiday season, I’m pleased to present the final two control company reports in our CEDIA 2013 video series... namely, iRule, and AMX!

First up the CEO of iRule, Itai Ben-Gal, provides viewers with a concise introduction to iRule’s IOS and Android-based control platform along with examples of a few of the system’s advanced capabilities. Then, set aside a few minutes for Joe Andrulis as he presents what’s new for AMX... including the Enova DGX digital media switchers, the Alero audio amplifier, the Modero X series of desktop & flush mount in-wall touchpanels, plus the new economical Modero S series. 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...