Who knew remote controls in 1961 could do so much? This public domain advertisement for RCA Victor’s new (well, new 50+ years ago) color console television with 7-function (14-button) “Wireless Wizard Remote Control”, comes from the Library of Congress’ Prelinger Archives and is entitled “Early technology to enable the channel-surfer”. It’s a fascinating snapshot into both the marvellous electro-mechanical technology of the age, and rather lengthy product marketing. 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 coverage of three different iPhone, iPad and/or Android-dedicated control solutions is wrapped up today with the release of part 11 to our video report series featuring ThinkFlood, the makers of RedEye.

Company president Matt Eagar presents the RedEye network-based control system designed for use with iPad, iPhone, Android and PCs, along with a quick demonstration of 2-way status synchronization between multiple control devices. Read more...

Our exclusive CEDIA 2011 video report series continues with today’s release of Part 9 dedicated to Control4.

Paul Williams introduces viewers to the world of Control4 and presents the latest automation products. You’ll see the new 7” Portable WiFi Touch Screen and its unique video conferencing capabilities, new solutions for Andriod phones and tablets, new integration options for weather monitoring, video walls and conference rooms, and finally new 16 and 32-circuit centralized panels for IP-based control over whole-home lighting. Read more...

There’s just something about Fridays that makes me want to... release another video!

Our CEDIA 2011 series continues today with Part 8, featuring Joe Lautner from ELAN Home Systems. Joe offers a quick overview of ELAN's g! home control solution, including available control devices, programming and templates, plus a demonstration of the interface’s capabilities. 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...

It’s Friday and that means it’s time for another new CEDIA 2011 video report! Today in the sixth episode we feature Jeff Singer from Crestron Electronics, who takes us through four different sections of the Crestron booth.

First he introduces the company’s iPad docking solutions and describes how the Core 3 UI interface is available on numerous third-party devices ranging from iPhones and Android tablets to Macs and PCs. Next he talks about the new Sonnex 48-channel multiroom audio distribution system, and then demonstrates how older Crestron systems can be quickly and inexpensively converted from analog to digital video. Finally, you’ll get a look at the tiny TPMC-3SMD 2.8" in-wall touchscreen control. Read more...

If you’ve got a case of the Monday blues, take a couple of minutes to unwind and watch our latest video report from CEDIA Expo.

Today we have iRule company president Itai Ben-Gal, who introduces their control system for iPhone, iPad and (soon) Android devices, including a quick demonstration of the cloud-based programming environment with drag-and-drop 2-way feedback capabilities. Read more...

It’s Friday and we have another new video for you! Today you’ll learn about the latest products from RTI, as Pete Baker demonstrates the RTiPanel application on iPad and Android tablets, unveils the SURFiR hard buttoned companion remote, and introduces the new high-resolution KX7 in-wall universal controller. Read more...

Today I’m pleased to present the third part of our CEDIA Expo 2011 video report, where Savant Systems’ Bob Madonna shows off the innovative Savant Select, a combination iPod Touch and hard buttoned remote control designed for use with their Apple-based control platform. Read more...