Aurora Multimedia integrates a control system processor with multiple ports into a web-based touch screen controller with the NXT-1330 touch panel in-wall controller.

It carries a 13.3" 1280x800 touch panel (with 500nits of brightness), front-panel speaker and microphone, IR receiver, USB and MicroSD ports and Bluetooth connectivity. Powering everything is the 32 bit 900-MIPS WACI engine.

Ports include x2 RS-232/422/485, x2 C-Type relays, x2 I/Os and x2 LAN (port 1 POE capable).

If your customers demand video, Aurora also offers the NXT-1330V-- with an additional built-in scaler for previews from HDMI, RGBHV, YPbPR, S-Video and composite sources, handling resolutions of up to 1080p. It even has special effects, such as translucent picture-in-picture and side-by-side previews.

Go Aurora Multimedia NXT-1330

Extron Electronics announces immediate availability of the Half Rack Shelf System, a new concept in mounting hardware for applications using one-half rack width and smaller products.

The compact, 1U half-rack width size allows the mounting of half-, quarter-, and eighth-rack products in space-constrained furniture such as lecterns and cabinets that are not wide enough to support the mounting of full width, 19” rack shelves or electronics.

"This uniquely sized system of rack shelves and related accessories provides architects, AV system designers, and integrators with options for incorporating AV into designs and locations not previously available," says Casey Hall, VP Sales and Marketing for Extron. "With the Half Rack Shelf System, key AV equipment can now be more easily integrated into lecterns, columns and other small architectural elements without sacrificing the overall aesthetic or room design."

The Half Rack System comprises the HRB 109 Basic Rack Shelf; the HRU 109 Universal Rack Shelf Kit, which includes eighth-rack and quarter-rack false faceplates; and the HRP 100 Blank Panel. Half Rack System products are finished in a durable gray powder coat finish to match other Extron products.

Go Extron’s Half Rack System

Convergence Technologies has plans for what it claims is "the first, truly universal household remote"-- the Bridge, compatible with not only standard TVs and STBs, but also PCs and game consoles.

Looking like a games controller, the Bridge combines a QWERTY keyboard, an analog stick handling mouse control and x4 shoulder buttons.

Control signals come via IR and RF4CE protocol, meaning it is compatible with around 95% of TVs from the last 3 years, as well as the Playstation 3 console (Wii and XBox 360 compatibility is still pending further review).

Convergence are currently looking for development funding on Kickstarter-- and hope to raise $59000 in 45 days' time. Should funding be complete, the company will sell the Bridge for under $100.

Go The Bridge (Kickstarter.com)

In reaction to recent rumours of Apple developing a voice-controlled (via Siri) TV set, remote control maker ruwido insists "the remote control device is here to stay."

Referring to company-conducted research, ruwido says "our studies do not support the concept of voice control as an accurate, reliable or even preferred option among users."

However the company also says the industry needs to look into making control moree intuitive. ruwido offers an "aura" input concept-- combining a physical device and a GUI where the user physically pushes the movement slide on an input device, with tactile feedback providing interaction with the user.

Of course, ruwido speaks in defence of its interests in a remote control industry landscape currently dominated by smartphone apps (let's not forget Philips bowing out of the remote control business, killing off the Pronto line). We also have to see how effective a voice-controlled TV will actually be-- and if the Apple TV rumours are actually factual to begin with...

Go ruwido

The remote control industry will start making more use of the standards behind RF remote controls according to ABI Research-- finally moving from relying on the old warhorse, infrared technology.

The analyst predicts the RF remote market will "exceed 217M devicees in 2016," with the main standards in use being RF4CE (better known as part of ZigBee)and Bluetooth.

RF4CE sees most use in the STBs, as service providers (including Comcast DISH Network and France Telecom) start either trialing or deploying remote controls employing the technology.

Meanwhile CE space sees most Bluetooth-based activity-- particularly in video game consoles (all 3 current-generation platforms use wireless controllers) and high-end TV models from Panasonic, Samsung and Vizio.

3DTV might also drive Bluetooth adoption as the RF technology of choice to support a new 3D glasses standard, ABI concludes. Suppliers and retailers, take note.

Go ABI Research Digital Home Remote Controls Report

Seagate launches the GoFlex Cinema multimedia drive-- a HDD series designed to connect to home entertainment systems.

Available in 1, 2 or 3TB sizes, the GoFlex Cinema drives handle nearly every media file format and carry HDMI and composite video connections as well as stereo and optical S/PDIF audio connections.

The drive inside is easily removable, allowing simple upgrading to a higher capacity GoFlex drive.

An additional USB port allows the connection of a second storage device while a simple UI and an included remote control provide user navigation.

Go GoFlex Cinema Multimeda Drive