RTI Launches Two-Way Communication Platform

Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI) recently announced the release of its two-way communication platform, adding to its family of control solutions including new ZigBee-enabled handheld remote controls and transceivers while enhancing the capabilities of existing in-wall touch screen controllers. Using advanced control processors and the latest version of the company’s Integration Designer programming software, RTI’s professional-grade control solutions offer tight integration with third-party devices for intuitive control. Professional installers will be delighted with the ease and efficiency with which they can program their RTI handheld remotes or in-wall touch screen controllers and integrate them with A/V as well as lighting, thermostats, multi-room audio, media servers, security, and other electronic systems.

“In the past, two-way communication was reserved for very complex integration projects, but our new platform simplifies implementation, allowing integrators to provide their customers with a more sophisticated level of control and automation,” said Pete Baker, vice president of sales and marketing for RTI. “Two-way communication between our control solutions and other manufacturers’ devices provides more seamless integration and greatly enhances the intuitiveness of the user experience.”

Designed with an open architecture, RTI’s remote controls and in-wall touch screens interface seamlessly with a wide variety of integration products. The close relationship of RTI with other leading manufacturers of A/V equipment, fostered through the RTI Integration Partner Program, has enabled the company to supply drivers that simplify control configuration through straightforward drag-and-drop programming. The initial driver database release includes support for popular products such as Escient media servers; Aprilaire thermostats; Lutron Homeworks/ RadioRA and Vantage™ lighting controls; iPort iPod docks; DSC security devices; B&K multi-zone audio solutions; and Yamaha, Marantz, Denon, and Integra receivers, among others. Additional drivers are in the works and will be released by RTI on a regular basis.

RTI’s two-way compatible controllers also feature an attractive new graphical user interface (GUI) specifically designed to support two-way communication and display real-time system information and metadata for the ultimate control experience. The GUI provides visual feedback on current song selection, security status, or environmental services, and Web-based templates provide end users with quick access to current and forecasted weather conditions directly on their controllers.

RTI’s two-way communication platform includes several new additions to the existing family of control solutions, including new two-way-compatible ZigBee versions of the T2-C, T3-V, and T4 handheld system controllers, which connect to compatible RTI processors using the ZM-24 ZigBee transceiver module. Simple firmware updates add two-way functionality to several existing RTI devices, initially including the XP-8 system controller and the RK3 and K4 in-wall touch panels. RTI’s XP-8 processor communicates via two-way RS-232 or IP over Ethernet. Combined with the infrared and relay control capabilities already available, the XP-8 can now control virtually any device in the system and receive feedback via the pre-built drivers. This metadata is transferred wirelessly from the XP-8 to the ZigBee handheld controllers via the ZM-24 transceiver. The XP8 can control and receive feedback from the RK3 and K4 in-wall controllers directly via built-in Ethernet connections.

All RTI products are programmed via the proprietary Integration Designer platform, a simple Windows-based software package. The new 7.0 version offers new enhancements to help integrators easily take advantage of the new two-way functionality.

About Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI)
Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI), headquartered in Shakopee, Minn., is a leading manufacturer of innovative, sophisticated, and user-friendly control devices for professionally installed electronic systems. RTI’s wide array of award-winning control solutions — including handheld and in-wall universal system controllers, central processors, and accessories, programmed via RTI’s Integration Designer software — are marketed exclusively through a worldwide network of professional integrators.

RTI was founded in 1992 with a committed focus on the custom installation market. This unwavering commitment was expanded and formalized in March 2007 with RTI’s Committed to Custom (C2C™) initiative. C2C highlights RTI’s dedication to the custom installation market, making it the leader in creating professional-grade and integrator-friendly control solutions that effectively address the challenges facing electronic systems integrators. C2C is further enhanced by RTI’s dedication to customer service and with a wide variety of educational opportunities available to dealers through RTI’s Advanced Control University (ACU). In addition, through RTI’s Integration Partner Program, the company has reached out to many industry manufacturers (partners) to ensure that the RTI products integrate well with others.