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I4U News posted their review on the new Logitech Harmony 900 which just started shipping this week and they've had some great things to say. They even awarded the Harmony 900 9.5 out of 10 stars and an Editor's Choice award!
Today I am going to look at the Logitech Harmony 900 universal remote control. The Logitech Harmony 900 is the follow up to the fantastic Harmony One Remote that I reviewed previously. The Logitech Harmony 900 adds a few very welcome features to what was already a fantastic remote. Read on for all the Harmony 900 details.
WOW! RTI has been making a lot of noise about their exciting new 2-way Zigbee RF Technology but this is the first glance at a new controller and it sure does look nice. According to CEPro the RTI ST-7 is a seven-inch widescreen capacitive LCD touchscreen controller that combines multitouch capacitive touchscreen and an integrated trackball and is compatible with other RTI Zigbee products.
The Next Generation Remote Control Extender is an easy way to turn any remote control that uses standard AA or AAA batteries into an RF remote that may no longer require line-of-sight for reliable operation. Electronic House magazine took a hands-on review of the wireless extender and had this to say:
I turned my back to the A/V to point the remote in the opposite direction. Worked again—so far, so good. I moved into the dining room, where I ordinarily would not be able to turn things on and off. With the Remote Extender, however, I heard the click as I pressed the cable on, and heard and saw the TV respond when I pressed that on. So the device passed my home’s application test.
The Philips Pronto Professional TSU9300 is the most recent addition to the Philips line of professional control solutions, and is the entry-level model to the line which also includes the TSU9400, 9600 and 9800 controllers. HomeTheaterReview.com has posted a comprehensive review of the TSU9300 and their opionion is that:
A well-programmed Philips Pronto remote can honestly compete with the big boys at a fraction of the cost, while being easier to modify as well. This is a breakthrough product and one I think you will hear plenty more about in the future as it hits the street.
If you've been thinking about upgrading your home with a control solution that would allow you to control Z-Wave devices from anywhere with an internet connect, the HomeRemote Pro Starter Kit from Hawking may good a good place to start. Digital Trends did their full-review of this kit and awarded it a 7.5 rating with this summary:
Highs: Enables you to monitor your home from anywhere you have Internet access; no software needed to install; can be expanded using standard Z-Wave devices
Lows: Subscription required for full functionality; IP cameras not included in starter kit; pricey add-on modules
Only One Remote just released an important new release of their IR database for the Philips Pronto Edit Professional 2 software that now includes an excel file showing all of the newly added components along with updates to existing code sets. Highlights in this release are a complete set of discrete Vizio codes and all of the new Yamaha receiver codes. There are also updates to all of the major AV Receiver vendors.
If you are using an earlier release of the database O1R recommends you discard and replace it with this update. Many changes are added on a continuous basis as they discover improvements while using the database to build their own Pronto configurations.
Audio Authority's BlueBeam IR to Bluetooth Converter (Model C-1071) is the industry's leading solution for controlling Sony's PlayStation 3 with traditional IR control products. BlueBeam includes all PS3 control codes, such as power on and off, support for programmable macros, and a firmware update feature. Backed by our 33 years of electronics industry experience, you can trust Audio Authority will be there to provide support long into the future.
In this interesting introduction from a pre-CEDIA newsletter We learn that the new Nevo Custom Series Remotes will be programmable either on the remote itself or with a PC.
The new Nevo Custom Series Controllers: a perfect blend of easy setup, personalization, and elegant design. These universal IR and RF remotes can control up to 18 devices and cover virtually every brand of home theater equipment available. Set up the remote using a rich color screen or connect to a PC for customization and advanced features.
Remote Central has just posted their extremely thorough review of the Sony RM-VL610 Universal Remote Control and they "recommend" it for a budget controller perfect for DVR users - or anyone that just loves having a ton of buttons! Their conclusion:
Obviously the perfect universal remote control doesn’t exist, and despite all its strengths the Sony RM-VL610 isn’t going to be the first. There really are a lot of tiny, identically shaped buttons, it lacks backlighting, has a small database, and has an unusual physical design that may leave some users scratching their heads on just how to put it down. But let’s not forget everything that it does right: with 8 devices and 50 ideal buttons it can control even complex A/V systems, it has enough memory to allow for complete customization, there are plenty of macros, it’s surprisingly well built... and did I mention that there are a whole lot of buttons to play with?
Best of all, with a price tag of just $29.99 and even less online, it’s one of the best values around. Recommended.
Home Theater Review published their list of some of the best up-and-coming companies in Audio & Video and Control 4 was the only control manufacturer to make their list:
Control 4 is positioned with a product line that is a lot cheaper than Crestron, and a lot more powerful than a Philips Pronto or a Harmony remote from Logitech. When the real estate market boomed, Crestron and to a lesser extent AMX were the go-to home automation products and they were anything but cheap. Today, you can get much of the "Crestron experience" for a fraction of the price with Control 4. Every dealer has to do value engineering and Control 4 allows them to land the job when the AV and automation budget needs a $20,000 diet.
It's arguably the best consumer remote with pro aspirations that we've tested to date.
For Harmony fans, the most interesting part of the review is the new RF system mentioned in the review which does not have to be programmed on the computer. All of the programming may be done on the remote itself and once it is paired to the extender the RF set-up is completed.
In a newsletter sent out today UEI tells us that they will be introducing TWO new controllers at the upcoming CEDIA Expo as well as a new RF Extender. The products will all be included in a new family dubbed the Nevo Custom Series (as opposed to the Nevo Pro Series which includes the current S70, Q50 and NC50). The two new remotes are the C2 and C3 (already found some details on that one) and the new RF Extender will be known as the REX-433.
RTI's T1-B Is a Powerful Alternative to Touch Screen Controllers, Providing Customizable Control for Virtually Any Residential or Commercial Environment
Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI), a leading manufacturer of professional-grade, integrator-friendly control solutions, is now shipping its T1-B universal controller, a sleek remote that offers intuitive, customizable control in a sexy design worthy of any home or office environment. The T1-B, which represents the second generation of RTI's popular T1 universal system controller, is available at a low MSRP of just $349, giving installers the sophisticated functionality of more expensive touch screen controllers at a much lower price point.
"Installations today are under tighter budget constraints than ever before, and we are pleased to offer installers an elegant and cost-effective control solution for their projects," said Pete Baker, vice president of sales and marketing for RTI. "The T1-B boasts uncompromising functionality and a very sleek and sexy industrial design. It also has the power to control any media system, no matter how complex. The T1-B provides the dealer and the consumer with an unmatched value, given the features and powerful capabilities it offers."
Crestron is preparing the launch of a low-cost (relative to other luxury Crestron systems) Home Automation system known as Prodigy. This new system is a first for Crestron and is targeted to compete with Control 4, RTI, Universal Remote Control and others that have found a niche filling the gap between consumer DIY remote controls and high-end automation installations.
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Prodigy™ is a new line of home control products from Crestron, the market leader in home entertainment and automation systems. Prodigy is a simple to install, easy to use, and exceptionally affordable solution that does not require any special wiring, programming or expensive custom installation. Prodigy home automation solutions include home theater, audio distribution, lighting and climate control. Backed by Crestron quality, expertise and support, Prodigy is inexpensive control without compromise.
I4U News posted their review on the new Logitech Harmony 900 which just started shipping this week and they've had some great things to say. They even awarded the Harmony 900 9.5 out of 10 stars and an Editor's Choice award!
WOW! RTI has been making a lot of noise about their exciting new 2-way Zigbee RF Technology but this is the first glance at a new controller and it sure does look nice. According to 
The Next Generation Remote Control Extender is an easy way to turn any remote control that uses standard AA or AAA batteries into an RF remote that may no longer require line-of-sight for reliable operation. Electronic House magazine took a hands-on review of the wireless extender and had this to say:
The Philips Pronto Professional TSU9300 is the most recent addition to the Philips line of professional control solutions, and is the entry-level model to the line which also includes the TSU9400, 9600 and 9800 controllers. HomeTheaterReview.com has posted a comprehensive review of the TSU9300 and their opionion is that:
If you've been thinking about upgrading your home with a control solution that would allow you to control Z-Wave devices from anywhere with an internet connect, the HomeRemote Pro Starter Kit from Hawking may good a good place to start. Digital Trends did their full-review of this kit and awarded it a 7.5 rating with this summary:
Only One Remote just released an important new release of their IR database for the Philips Pronto Edit Professional 2 software that now includes an excel file showing all of the newly added components along with updates to existing code sets. Highlights in this release are a complete set of discrete Vizio codes and all of the new Yamaha receiver codes. There are also updates to all of the major AV Receiver vendors.
We are pleased to announce a 
In this interesting introduction from a pre-CEDIA newsletter We learn that the new Nevo Custom Series Remotes will be programmable either on the remote itself or with a PC.
Remote Central has just posted their extremely thorough review of the Sony RM-VL610 Universal Remote Control and they "recommend" it for a budget controller perfect for DVR users - or anyone that just loves having a ton of buttons! Their conclusion:
Home Theater Review published their list of some of the best up-and-coming companies in Audio & Video and Control 4 was the only control manufacturer to make their list:
In a newsletter sent out today UEI tells us that they will be introducing TWO new controllers at the upcoming CEDIA Expo as well as a new RF Extender. The products will all be included in a new family dubbed the Nevo Custom Series (as opposed to the Nevo Pro Series which includes the current S70, Q50 and NC50). The two new remotes are the C2 and C3 
Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI), a leading manufacturer of professional-grade, integrator-friendly control solutions, is now shipping its T1-B universal controller, a sleek remote that offers intuitive, customizable control in a sexy design worthy of any home or office environment. The T1-B, which represents the second generation of RTI's popular T1 universal system controller, is available at a low MSRP of just $349, giving installers the sophisticated functionality of more expensive touch screen controllers at a much lower price point.
Crestron is preparing the launch of a low-cost (relative to other luxury Crestron systems) Home Automation system known as Prodigy. This new system is a first for Crestron and is targeted to compete with Control 4, RTI, Universal Remote Control and others that have found a niche filling the gap between consumer DIY remote controls and high-end automation installations.
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