06.17.2008 — Universal Remote Control (URC) is shipping the KP-900 Wireless Keypad.

The keypad, first introduced at EHX Spring, has three center keys and three sets of keycaps: one for volume control, one for transport control, and one blank set.

The KP-900, detailed in April, is iPod-compatible and operates using IR signals with a range of 30 to 50 feet, or RF signals with a range of 50 to 100 feet. It has four megabits of memory to store 400 pages of commands.

The KP-900 (MSRP $499) is available in white, black or light almond.

URC also is introducing its Complete Control Partner Program (CCPP), which will try to ensure smoother integration of partner manufacturers' products in URC automation devices.

The program, URC says, will make it easier for dealers to set up entertainment and automation systems that control multiple products.

CCPP members have to reveal their codes and control applications to URC in order for URC to be available for advice, direction, feedback and testing.

CCPP products will work with all current and future URC control devices.

"Through CCPP, we will assure dealers that products from their preferred vendors will perform as promised, consistently and in a predictable manner," says Mitchell Klein, URC's director of research and market development and coordinator of the CCPP campaign.

The CCPP program currently has 18 members: Anchor Bay Technologies, AudioControl, Audio Design Associates, Classé Audio, CentraLite Systems, Denon, Hitachi, Integra, Key Digital, Lutron, Marantz, NuVision, Onkyo, Sharp, Sony, Sooloos, Sunfire and VUDU.