HDANYWHERE (HDA) is launching its uControl Remote at the Integrated Systems Europe, in Barcelona, Jan.31-Feb.3. The slender, hand-held, hard button interface was designed to control all the devices connected to an HDA system.
This uControl Remote offers users a unified whole-home AV experience, with entertainment and scene-setting options, that’s meant to be more affordable than comparable solutions while still being an attractive proposition for professional installers.
HDANYWHERE is the brand name of HD Connectivity Ltd, whose products offer unified control of media, music and mood (TV, audio, lighting & shading, and more) into a centralized entertainment system that neatens technology within living spaces. Interfaces like apps, keypads, voice assistants and universal remotes can all be used.
The uControl Remote, which will be available in the U.S. from distributor, Apex Technologies US, provides integrators with an easy-to-use, dedicated, and customizable hand-held remote that they can specify into any HDA installation.
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It features an intuitively placed button layout, ergonomically designed to encourage muscle memory, with an OLED screen the provides all necessary information. When picked up from the charging mat, the uControl Remote’s wireless charging and instant-on capabilities ensure that it is always ready to use.
“We’ve listened to our customers and built the room remote they’ve been asking for in a high-quality design at a competitive price point,” said Chris Pinder, founder of HDANYWHERE. “Our technology-neatening products are usually found behind the scenes but with the uControl Remote it’s now in the palm of your hand. We’ve spent four years developing it from scratch and have created a game-changing companion remote control that opens up mid-market business opportunities for installers and improves the user experience of every HDANYWHERE system.”
Combining Wi-Fi and infrared technology, the uControl Remote allows integrators to power on and control all the audio-visual technology in a room as well as third-party systems, including Rako, Hue, Lutron, GUDE, BluOS, and Shelly, among others.
The new device features 44 buttons, including a number pad, navigation wheel, volume and channel up or down, and play/pause — all have an actual button, including guide and information, plus the essential red, green, yellow, and blue buttons. Dedicated uControl favorites (macro) buttons mean a single press can trigger a quick action, routine, sequence, or scene.
Adding a uControl Remote to an HDA system is guided by a step-by-step process within the uControl App, powered by the HDA Cloud. Once assigned to a zone, the uControl Remote can immediately locate and control the technology in that space. Further levels of customization are possible for a more refined experience. For example, installers can quickly assign sequences to buttons, long press actions, and secondary functions. The uControl Remote is compatible with all HDA MHUB systems with uControl (2016 onwards).
ISE is the first public outing for the new remote control, where visitors to Barcelona can get hands-on and play with the uControl Remote at HDANYWHERE Stand 3Q200 in the Multi-Technology Hall.
The uControl Remote is scheduled to ship in Q3 2023, with final pricing and pre-order information to be announced closer to the ship date.
