"'Automation for All,' our recent battle cry, has taken on a whole new meaning when the TRC-820 is bundled with the super-affordable MRX-8 Compact Network System Controller. We've created an attractive (and disruptive) entry level price point of under $1,000 for an MRX-8, unlimited use of iOS and Android™ apps and this new URC remote(excluding labor). There is simply no other custom home automation package that comes close." Read more...

Remember those CEDIAs of years gone by where men were men... and expensive things were thrown clear across the room just for fun?

With CEDIA 2015 coming up next month, take a quick tour down memory lane with the last official AMP TOSS, where – just like the name implies – amps... will be tossed! Read more...

Getting ready to head off to CEDIA EXPO 2014 in Denver, Colorado on September 10-13? Maybe you’re still debating? Well, it’s still not too late to get in for free! Just use code GP14 when registering for free show floor admission.

http://expo.cedia.net/

In an almost simultaneous news release with sister company RTI, Pro Control has announced a slew of new products that they’ll be showing at the upcoming CEDIA Expo 2014 in Denver, Colorado, this coming September.

Again, much like with RTI, these products have been seen before – namely in our Pro Control CEDIA Video. However, as far as I know this is the first time that some of them have been formally announced with product photography! 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...

With the first day of 2014 now safely under our belts, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Remote Central during 2013.

From all the folks who participate in our forums and make this such a lively place to visit each and every day, to everyone who has submitted new content in the file areas – thanks for helping us grow! To our forum moderators, who gently keep the peace when needed – thanks for giving up your time to keep this a friendly place!

And thanks especially to our advertisers, without whom we wouldn’t be able to keep the lights on. Remember, folks: when you choose a company that you’ve seen advertising on Remote Central, you’re doing your part to suppose us too! Be sure to tell them where you saw their ad... and for everyone else, ask why you don’t see one!

Here’s to a successful 2014 for everyone!

Speaker Marketing 101... or is it 420?

As I was finishing up our exhaustive (and exhausting) series of fourteen CEDIA 2013 video reports, I happened upon some interesting footage from a prior Expo, and thought it would be an interesting way to start 2014. Especially if you’re still a little buzzed from partying! 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...

It’s Monday morning, and that means we have another pair of CEDIA Expo 2013 videos for you!

To begin, Will Price, founder of Roomie Remote, presents an in-depth introduction for the sophisticated iOS 7-based Roomie Remote 2.0, discussing setup and control capabilities, interface customization, third-party device integration capabilities, new gesture controls, along with demonstrations of advanced features ranging from the program guide to IP camera support. Next, Joe Lautner from CORE Brands offers up a concise overview of the latest ELAN g! control system innovations, including hardware interfaces, partner integration, and concludes with a quick demo of the system. Read more...