Remote Technologies Inc. is branching out with a new marketing identify and a completely new series of products targeted to custom installers. As we first reported on Tuesday, RTI is exhibiting at CES 2010 under the new Pro Control name – and we can now bring you the first information on the inaugural new lineup. There are four products to begin: two hybrid touchscreen/hard buttoned remotes, and two sophisticated RF control processors.

First up is a basic version of the remote, called the PRO-24.i. This features infrared-only control of components, a 240x320 resolution 2.4” LCD touchscreen display, 45 hard buttons, a Lithium Ion battery (recharged via the USB plug), nearly unlimited macros and devices, and an integrated tilt motion switch for the backlighting. The programming software incorporates a new wizard-based interface, and the remote’s GUI can be completely customized.

The premium PRO-24.z model offers a significant number of upgrades. First is the option to control components via infrared, 433MHz RF or 2.4GHz ZigBee. The LCD screen has been replaced with a snazzy 2.4” 240x320 resolution OLED display, while the button layout has been increased to 48 with the removal of 2 buttons and the addition of a 5-way customizable joystick. This model also features a docking station for recharging.

Two control processers can be utilized with only the PRO-24.z model. The first is the PROLINK.4, which runs at 433MHz and includes standard features such as Ethernet or USB-based programming, 4 IR emitter ports, 2 12V sensing ports, plus internal system commands and macros. The PROLINK.z version utilizes 2.4GHz RF, supports 2-way feedback including music browsing and cover artwork, has dual RS-232 ports, Ethernet control, and ups the number of IR emitter ports to 6.

No official information is available on pricing or availability, although we’re hearing mid 2010. More information is available at www.procontrols.com, and we’ll keep this article updated with new information.

Update: the following press release has been issued:

Pro Control to Unveil New Standard in Remote Control Technology at CES 2010

LAS VEGAS -- Jan. 7, 2010 -- Pro Control, a newly created division of Remote Technologies Inc. (RTI), today announced that it will unveil a new standard in remote control technology at CES 2010. Making its debut at the show, the new Pro Control line of sleek and intuitive remote controls and robust central processors combines a bold, provocative design with flexibility and power to provide the ultimate control solution for professionally installed electronic systems. With simple wizard-style programming through a Windows®-based software package, along with an attractive price point, Pro Control products are the perfect solution for any media room in which affordable control of today's technologies is needed.

"Today's consumers have high expectations when it comes to control of their A/V environments. They are looking for intuitive, professional-grade solutions that can be tailored to their specific needs," said Mike Everett, general manager of Pro Control. "We are excited to unveil a new line of control solutions that meet these tough demands by providing powerful control over even the most complex systems -- all at a great value!"

"Pro Control allows installers to create custom designs for their projects quickly and easily while affording consumers a powerful solution for complete control of any size system. Consumers can select an IR-based solution for simple yet intuitive control of their media system. For the ultimate in convenience, they may select a more advanced method of control with a Pro Control central processor and compatible remote control. All Pro Control products combine durability and reliability with a stunningly sophisticated, ergonomic design that will perfectly complement the sleek look of today's electronics," added Everett.

The initial Pro Control lineup will include the cutting-edge PRO-24.z remote, which sports a beautiful color OLED touch screen display capable of controlling components via 433-MHz RF or receiving feedback from devices such as A/V receivers, lighting systems, iPods®, and HVAC thermostats utilizing ZigBee® technology. Pro Control will also offer the cost-effective PRO-24.i remote featuring a dazzling color touch screen for simple and reliable one-way IR control of any room at an exceptionally attractive price point.

Complementing Pro Control's new handheld remotes are powerful, professional-grade central processors that allow reliable RF control of electronic components through walls or cabinets. Among the two options, the robust PROLINK.4 will operate via 433-MHz RF communication to operate electronic systems reliably while the powerful PROLINK.z control processor enables two-way ZigBee communication and feedback with A/V receivers, iPods, lights, HVAC systems, and more.

CES 2010 attendees can experience this new standard in remote control technology for themselves at the Pro Control booth (South 2 25213).

About Pro Control by RTI

Pro Control is a new remote control brand, created by Remote Technologies Inc. (RTI), designed to meet the needs of professional integrators. The product line includes handheld remote controls, control processors, and advanced software for programming and integration. The stunningly elegant handheld remotes have color touch screen displays and are completely customizable. They offer solutions that can act as stand-alone universal remotes or interface with central processors using IR, Zigbee®, or RF communication. The central processors provide rock-solid reliability along with advanced features such as feedback from iPods®, A/V receivers, lights, HVAC systems, and more. Fast wizard-based PC programming and cost-effective price points make Pro Control products the perfect solution for any environment where powerful control is needed at a great value.

Talk about Pro Controls in our RTI Forum.