09.02.2008 — The Philips Pronto TSU9600 universal remote and home controller can now be an in-wall touchscreen thanks to the new PB-PWD9600 docking station from Polar Bear Solutions.

Slide the controller into the dock and press it gently into the wall for a flush-mount look. When docked, the remote charges via a 12 VDC power supply.

But the dock isn't just a pretty place to store and charge your Pronto. When you eject your control via a smooth release mechanism, you can still use the dock to control your home.

The station includes four buttons linked to hardwired I/Os for integration. The buttons can be used, for example to trigger macros on a home automation system, or control the local lights.

"The base provides the best of both worlds -- an attractive in-wall solution that becomes a handy portable unit," says Tom Morgan, chief technology officer of Worthington Distribution.

Worthington (CEDIA booth #564) is the first distributor of the PB-PWD9600, and will demonstrate the product for the first time in the U.S.

The device is expected to retail for about $800.

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