Continuing with the CEDIA 2013 news releases, URC has revealed the new TRF-ZW1, a small device that adds Z-Wave control capabilities to Total Control systems. Read more...

Today at the first day of the CEDIA 2013 show held in Denver, URC revealed a new wand-style remote control with a 2" color LCD screen, built-in Wi-Fi and pickup sensor. The new TRC-1080 control includes a desktop charging cradle, and has an MSRP of $599 USD. Read more...

URC has announced the immediate availability of their new CC Control Mobile App for Android devices. The app installs on Android phones or tablets and connects over the network to MRX series base stations, allowing full IR, RS-232, IP and relay-based operation of devices. Read more...

After the surprising news earlier this year that Logitech was planning to divest themselves of the popular Harmony lineup of universal remote controls, ever since then the company seems to have taken a renewed interest in the product. First, there was April’s unexpected news of two brand new Harmony models. Now, the latest revelation to cross my desk is that after not having exhibited at CEDIA for several years, Logitech Harmony will in fact have a booth at the show later this month in Denver. Read more...

RTI has officially announced the immediate availability of their brand new T2x Wireless Controller. This fifth-generation advanced remote control features a slew of advanced features, including a flush edge-to-edge 2.8” QVGA color LCD touchscreen, 47 blue/white LED backlit buttons, sleek ergonomic design, and quadruple communication interfaces (802.11b/g WiFi networking, 2.4GHz 2-way ZigBee RF, 1-way 433MHz RF, plus built-in infrared).

Also featured are grip sensors to keep the remote active while being held and deactivate it immediately upon setting down, accelerometer for control by hand movements (such as pickup, shaking, rotate left or right), plus improved power management and lithium ion battery charging with a redesigned dock that uses a new connector similar to a smartphone. Read more...

Who knew remote controls in 1961 could do so much? This public domain advertisement for RCA Victor’s new (well, new 50+ years ago) color console television with 7-function (14-button) “Wireless Wizard Remote Control”, comes from the Library of Congress’ Prelinger Archives and is entitled “Early technology to enable the channel-surfer”. It’s a fascinating snapshot into both the marvellous electro-mechanical technology of the age, and rather lengthy product marketing. Read more...

URC has just announced a new wireless sensor relay for use with their Total Control lineup, along with a half dozen sensors. Dubbed the MRX-4SEN, the compact device takes input from up to four connected sensors and relays this over 2.4GHz WiFi to an MRX-10 or -20 advanced network controller. Read more...

I've just completed an update of our Toronto & Buffalo Area OTA HDTV Channel Map. It's been a few months since the last update, so there are new channels, subchannels added and removed, and information brought up to current. If you spot any corrections please let me know - they're all very much appreciated.

Also, although I didn't mention it, earlier this month I also updated our Rogers Digital Cable Clear QAM list. Alas, the number of channels available keeps dwindling, and the latest to get the Rogers axe are premium music channels - leaving barely more than a few radio stations.

If you'd like to talk more, visit our HDTV Forum!

Pro Control has officially released their software control app for iPad, iPhome and iPod Touch devices. The new apps allow full two-way control over any Pro Control system based on the ProLink.z processor. Read more...

Logitech may have revealed earlier this year that they’re looking to sell off the Harmony line, but that apparently doesn’t mean they’re content to rest on their laurels in the meanwhile. Some users have noted a recent unavailability of all but the newest Harmony remotes in retail stores, and attributed that to Logitech winding down production. Nope! Turns out they were merely waiting for their brand new models to become available! Read more...