08.31.2007 — Remote Technologies Inc. (RTI) is set to introduce probably the hottest waterproof remote control there ever was. The new RTI U2 isn't like those other wimpy rubber remotes with all buttons and little programmability.

This one sports a sleek form factor and -- get this -- a bright LCD screen with all of the uber-programmability of RTI's other LCD remotes. You can even drag and drop icons into the program, and scroll through multiple screens. You aren't limited to simple on/off and volume controls, but you can trigger advanced commands such as SPA TIME, where the lights dim and your satellite radio turns on and tunes to the Barry White channel.



The product is much like RTI's popular M2 programmable remote released earlier this year, except the RTI U2 floats.

"I don't know of any other programmable remote on the market where you can have that much information on the display, and that much programmability," says RTI VP of sales and marketing Pete Baker, who has never seen a waterproof remote with an LCD screen (correct us if he's wrong)."We've been working on this one for the past year. We always knew we wanted to provide the [home systems] integrator with a way to customize the functions on a waterproof controller. It's something that was highly requested."

Like all of RTI's remotes, this one features RF communications, so you don't need a line of site to your A/V gear.

The product, which sells only through custom installers, will retail for about $499 -- a fraction of the cost of the swimming pool you're bound to use it in.

Here's what RTI has to say about the RTI U2

Ingenious, a waterproof universal controller. The U2 is designed for reliable wireless control of audio/video systems from environments which are too harsh for normal remote controls. It is completely sealed, making it both waterproof and floating. The U2 combines the convenience of eight programmable “soft” buttons with an LCD display and the ideal selection of commonly used keypad buttons. The high contrast display can be customized with any combination of text and graphics desired. This provides a simple and flexible interface for operating today’s sophisticated electronic systems, regardless of the location. The U2 is a perfect companion for hot tubs, pools, bathrooms, and decks.