Remote Technologies Inc. announced its new RK3 In-Wall Touchpanel, a universal controller that allows users to control entertainment and convenience systems throughout the home. The RK3, which mounts flush in a wall, features a 3.5″ color LCD touchpanel that is small enough to subtly integrate with any room’s décor, yet is detailed enough to display text, graphics, and animations with crisp clarity. The controller will be available exclusively to custom installers in the first quarter of 2006 with an MSRP of $999.
“The RK3 provides a high-value option for homeowners who want a simple and stylish way to control their home’s electronic systems,” said Pete Baker, director of worldwide sales for RTI. “The RK3 balances form and function perfectly, since it is powerful enough to manage any size system while subtly integrating within a homes interior. And, because the user interface is so intuitive, it is easy for anyone to enjoy precise control over their entire home systems, even if they’ve never used an in-wall touchpanel before.”
The RK3 was developed to provide a flexible interface that can control entertainment systems such as distributed music systems as well as adjust environmental/lifestyle functions such as lighting, HVAC, and motorized window curtains. Users can even operate pools and fountains with the RK3. The in-wall controller’s 10/100Base-T Ethernet port enables use with IP-based components, whose expansive benefits are appearing within virtually every aspect of home life.
In addition to its bright, high-contrast color touchscreen, the RK3 features nine hard buttons, which can be programmed for any command, or assigned macro command strings for exceptionally precise control over any component or system. A 200MHz, 32-bit Xscale processor ensures each command is delivered instantly, even when the controller is performing several operations at once. Flash memory keeps all settings in tact even when power is lost.
RTI engineers designed the RK3 not only to satisfy its end users, but to be a smart solution for installers, who are required to seamlessly integrate control products with the rest of their systems. The RK3 has two built-in power-sense inputs, which allows the controller to monitor the power status of linked components and implement intelligent energy management plans. The controller’s front panel features an IR receiver to provide IR pass-through control over connected equipment via remote control.
When combined with RTI’s accessory devices, the RK3 is infinitely flexible, capable of infrared routing, relay control, RS-232 communications for automation system control, and execution of macro command strings for control with exceptional precision.
When it comes to setting up the remote, RTI provides the industry’s best system for total customization in its TheaterTouch™ Designer software. This benchmark application brings drag-and-drop simplicity to programming the remote, allowing ultra-fast customization and upgrade any time.
