URC Intros New Control Hub, Full Multiroom Audio, IP Cams

There’s a new multiroom audio company in the CE pro channel, but you probably already have an account with them: URC.

At CEDIA 2010, the popular manufacturer of universal remotes will introduce a full slate of audio products including multi- and single-zone amplifiers, a streaming media player and a hard-button in-wall keypad.

The company also will debut a new networked control hub, two new universal remotes, three new IP surveillance cameras, and two network switches with and without power over Ethernet (PoE).

All of the products fall into the new Total Control line, as in “Total Control: my house, my way,” says URC marketing director Jon Sienkiewicz.

Multiroom Audio

Because our industry was in dire need of a new multiroom audio system, URC has come to the party with the eight-zone DMS-1200 Digital Multi-zone Amplifier, delivering 50 watts of audio to up to six zones, along with pre-amp outputs for two additional zones that require more power, like the patio.

Via four analog-to-digital inputs, the unit can be expanded to 32 zones.

In addition to the eight-zone amplifier, URC is introducing the DMS-100 single-zone unit, known affectionately as the “add-a-room” amp. It too delivers 50 watts per channel to local speakers and includes a pre-amp output for connection to a local amp or receiver. An audio input allows the unit to stream to other DMS-1200 or DMS-100 amps.

The system was built with scalability in mind, according to Sienkiewicz. “You can start with the DMS-100 in one room, and then later move up to the DMS-1200,” he says, noting that the original single-zone amp wouldn’t be a throw-away. It could always be attached to the multiroom system.

Similarly, if a client starts out with a DMS-1200, additional zones can be added one at a time via the DMS-100.

In addition to the amps, URC is introducing a streaming media player, which we teased back in August.

The rack-mountable SNP-1 Streaming Network Player streams online audio from services such as Pandora and Rhapsody. Plus, it aggregates and streams content – including photos and music -- stored on other devices on the home network.

When asked if the device is DLNA-compatible, Sienkiewicz replied, “I cannot say that” because SNP-1 has not been officially sanctioned by the DLNA powers. He assures us, however, that the product will easily stream content from DLNA-compatible servers.

Like URC’s popular PSX2 iPod server, the SNP-1 enables two-way control and feedback via URC touchscreens and the TV on-screen display (using any IR remote).

Pricing for the media player has not be finalized, but “we’re trying to keep it as low as possible,” says Sienkiewicz.

He confirms that the unit will cost more than Logitech’s Squeezebox music streamers, which retail for $300 to $400, “because it is more sophisticated than Squeezebox.”

Sienkiewicz imagines that one SNP-1 will be purchased for each user in the house.

“Each person would then have complete control of their own music,” he says.

To prevent multiple audio streams from consuming excessive amounts of network bandwidth, URC is also delivering two network switches that provide MAC filtering: the MFS-8 and PoE-enabled version called the MFSPOE-8.

Finally, URC fills a big gap in its multiroom line with the addition of an affordable KP-100 in-wall keypad. The hard-button controller fits in a single-gang box and accepts standard Decora-style wall plates (not included). The keypad is connected and powered (PoE) via single Cat 5 cable and features seven interchangeable, customizable, backlit hard buttons.

The KP-100 ships with two sets of keypad buttons – one for lighting and one for music – but custom buttons also are available, according to Sienkiewicz.

URC continues to offer its own native RF lighting controls.

Universal Remotes and MRX-10 Controller

It wouldn’t be a URC product roll-out without a new controller and a few URCs thrown in.

Sure enough, the company has a new IP-enabled control hub, the MRX-10, which stores and issues all macros and commands for IP, IR, RS-232, relay and sensor-controlled devices. The unit provides two-way communications with Total Control remotes and keypads, and is expandable via LAN and MRX series sub-base stations.

In addition, URC is launching two “aggressively priced” (don’t ask; we don’t know) Total Control WiFi and IR remotes, both of which complement the MRX-10 controller.

The MS-1200 features a large color touchscreen that can display cover art and other graphical feedback. The MS-780 is a step-down remote which nevertheless boasts a sleek color OLED screen.

IP Surveillance Cameras

Finally, URC is launching a complete CCTV line, featuring three IP-enabled surveillance cameras can be monitored via URC Total Control remotes, keypads and touchscreens, as well as from remote locations via Web browsers.

All three indoor and outdoor cameras feature H.264/MJPEG dual encoding and transmission, simultaneous dual streaming, two-way audio communication, and optional WiFi dongles.

Why is URC Doing This?

Why is URC straying so far from its roots as an A/V control solution? And, in particular, why would URC offer its own IP cameras when there are so many good, cheap units in the marketplace?

“We’re offering cameras because we’re offering a complete solution,” says Sienkiewicz. “We want to be a one-stop shop. … We’re not going to stop until we can control everything in the home. Cameras are a logical extension.”

Furthermore, he says, “From the tech-support side, it’s a lot easier to troubleshoot a camera system if the tech has the exact camera on his desk.”