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March 24, 2008
Wall Mounted Remote Control from Universal
Universal Remote Control recently started to ship a new universal remote control - the KP-900, it can:
- control up to 255 different devices,
- send both IR (infra red) and RF (radio frequency) signals,
-be programmed on a Windows PC,
and it has a host of other features.
OK, nothing new here. Universal has been making great remotes with this type of capability for years. What is new is the form factor. They basically took one of their remotes and flattened it -- it's only 13/16 of an inch deep -- turning it into a wireless keypad.
You can stick it on a metal surface (the back of the remote is magnetic), mount it on a wall (bracket included), or take it out of the wall bracket and use it like a conventional remote control.
The benefit is that on retrofits you can have keypads anywhere you want them without having to cut into the drywall and pull wires. Why didn't somebody make a product like this sooner?
It is available in white, black or light almond and retails for $500. Universal sells RF receivers if you want to control equipment in another room or behind cabinet doors. More information is available at Universal Remote Controls.
I don't think that Universal is going to sell tons of these remotes; it's a special product for a niche market. But for the right job, it could be a big cost and time saver. What do you think? Have you ever had a project where this remote could have been used?
Posted by Bob Gatton at March 24, 2008 9:00 AM
Comments
Looks cool it could be used as a dual purpose remote that controls house as well as local sources. That would keep from having two devices. Yes I have seen instances where this would be beneficial.
Posted by: Frank Stafford at March 26, 2008 9:56 AM
Great functionality.....but missing the "Wow!" factor. For an upscale market it needs to do more than have lots of functionality because there are plenty of other products on the market that would suffice. I still prefer the color Pronto.....functional plus "the cool factor" that makes you want to show off to your friends.
Posted by: Randy at March 26, 2008 10:07 AM
I can see applications where this would work, such as a home theater. Lots of hard buttons that most people find important in a remote. Would be more attractive a larger LCD or customizable fonts. Like the magnetic back.
Posted by: John at March 26, 2008 11:32 AM
I have the Philips Pronto 9600 and it is great!
Posted by: Crystal at March 26, 2008 1:03 PM
I'll stick with my harmony 890, which has similar functionality but sports the more pleasing hour-glass design and is probably easier to use with one hand while kicked back in the La-Z-Boy watching an action flick and drinking a brewskie!
Posted by: Pierre at March 26, 2008 3:07 PM
Real cool design. This is not for everyone, but I can see alot of uses for it, just have to be willing to drop the cash on it. Like the fact that you can remove it. Does the dock charge it?
Bob - Hi Greg, the wall bracket does not charge the remote. The remote uses 4 AA batteries.
Posted by: Greg at March 26, 2008 6:35 PM
How about going back & removing the volume control or other old technology on the wall & replacing it with complete control of your system? No need to run wires. And you could move it from room to room.
Posted by: Jim at March 27, 2008 3:35 PM
Wow! Great idea from URC. Sure makes sense in certain applications. Thanks Bob for bringing this product to light!
Posted by: C L Davis at April 1, 2008 10:28 AM
