Daniel J SaitThe HDANYWHERE uControl Remote is to be unveiled for the first time at Integrated Systems Europe 2023.
HDANYWHERE (HDA) is launching the uControl Remote (stand 3Q200, Integrated Systems Europe, Fira Barcelona), a slender hand-held, hard button interface to control all the devices connected to an HDA system. This product brings users a unified whole-home AV experience, with endless entertainment and scene-setting options, that’s more affordable than comparable solutions whilst still being an attractive proposition for installers, says the creator.
The uControl Remote has been created to provide integrators with an easy-to-use, dedicated and customisable hand-held remote that they can specify into any HDA installation. It features an instantly understandable, intuitively placed button layout, ergonomically designed to encourage muscle memory, with an attractive OLED screen giving all the necessary information. When picked up from the charging mat, the uControl Remote’s wireless charging and instant-on capabilities ensure that it is always ready to use.
“We’ve listened to our customers and built the room remote they’ve been asking for in a high-quality design at a competitive price point,” says Chris Pinder, Founder of HDANYWHERE. “Our technology-neatening products are usually found behind the scenes but with the uControl Remote it’s now in the palm of your hand. We’ve spent four years developing it from scratch and have created a game-changing companion remote control that opens up mid-market business opportunities for installers and improves the user experience of every HDANYWHERE system.”
Combining WiFi and infrared technology, the uControl Remote allows integrators to power on and control all the audio-visual technology in a room as well as third-party systems, including Rako, Hue, Lutron, GUDE, BluOS, and Shelly, amongst others. This new device features 44 buttons, including a number pad, navigation wheel, volume and channel up or down, and play/pause – all have an actual button, including guide and information, plus the essential red, green, yellow and blue buttons. Dedicated uControl favourites (macro) buttons mean a single press can trigger a quick action, routine, sequence or scene.
Adding a uControl Remote to an HDA system has been designed to be easy. Setup is a guided step-by-step process within the uControl app, powered by the HDA Cloud. Once assigned to a zone, the uControl Remote can immediately locate and control the technology in that space. Further levels of customisation are possible for a more refined experience. For example, installers can quickly assign sequences to buttons, long press actions, secondary functions and more. The uControl Remote is compatible with all HDA MHUB systems with uControl (2016 onwards).
ISE is the first public outing for the new remote control, where visitors to Barcelona can get hands-on and play with the uControl Remote at HDANYWHERE stand (3Q200) in the Multi-Technology Hall.
Expected shipping Q3 2023. Final pricing and pre-order info to be announced closer to the shipping date.