CEDIA 2015

Control leader, URC, launched two new products in its Total Control series that together deliver total housewide automation control for under $1000.

The TRC-820 Wi-Fi universal remote control works with the Total Control platform and will retail for $399. The wand remote will feature full 2-way control, including being able to display live video streams from IP cameras, metadata from Sonos audio systems, as well as two-way control over Nest thermostats, Honeywell security systems, Lutron automated lighting systems, and more. The wand features a 2-inch brilliant color LCD display with up to 8 programmable soft-keys per screen and a rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery. The remote is very light at a svelte 5.6 ounces and had really great hand feel with a nice button layout.

Taking full advantage of the TRC-820 remote requires using the new MRX-8 advanced network compact controller. The $599 MSRP includes unlimited licenses for mobile iOS and Android apps, letting you install the URC control onto your favorite smartphone or tablet for full system control. To operate systems of nearly any size, the MRX8 includes six addressable IR outputs, two RS-232 ports, two sensor ports, and a dry relay configurable to be NO, NC or momentary. Since the MRX8 sits on the network via the included RJ45 Ethernet connection, it can also control an unlimited number of devices by IP.

The system can be expanded by adding URC’s new Z-Wave gateway ($250), letting users have full control over a host of Z-Wave devices like lighting, security, HVAC and more. Further, both devices can function as parts of a larger, whole-home Total Control system.