AMX intros ZigBee remotes, wireless gear

AMX is looking to put a little more ZigBee into your life (and, really, couldn't we all use a little?), announcing a pair of new remotes and some other ZigBee wireless gear at the just-concluded CEDIA Expo in Denver. The Mio Modero R-4 (seen above) is the company's top-of-the-line remote, with a 2.4-inch color LCD touchscreen , AMX's "G4 graphics engine" (which won't let you play Halo, but will give you animated icons), and 28 old-fashioned push buttons. Also announced was the Mio Modero R-3, with which you'll have to settle for a smaller monochrome LCD, though you'll get a bountiful 45 backlit laser-engraved buttons. Both remotes will give you some two-way ZigBee action, letting you view everything from song information to the current room temperature from the comfort of your couch -- if you're living in one of those houses of the future, that is. To go along with 'em, AMX has dropped some additional ZigBee wireless gear to complete your setup, including a ZigBee wireless gateway, and a repeater to extend wireless coverage to the farthest reaches of your mansion. No word on pricing -- hint: you probably won't find this stuff in the Insignia aisle -- but it should all be available in the next few months.

[Via Talk About CEDIA]

[mastershake916 @ Sep 18th 2006 11:23PM]

OMG new layout.

[neonez @ Sep 18th 2006 11:48PM]

looks pretty sweet. a remote would come in handy when watching a movie from your couch.

and yeah it rawks. man does it rawk

this has got to be like the best blog friggen ever.

[neonez @ Sep 18th 2006 11:53PM]

the password system is a little confusing though. but it works. and the site looks awesome on my 24 in 1920 by 1200 screen.

[kevin @ Sep 19th 2006 12:02AM]

Damn not too shabby... I wouldn't mind replacing my harmony 880 with that sexy piece of remote if it turns out to be just as user friendly.

[Kevin @ Sep 19th 2006 12:02AM]

Niiice. I like

[Justin Wong @ Sep 19th 2006 12:08AM]

I think I prefer the Logitech one. The Harmony 1000 I believe? The phillips one isn't that great either, but depends how expensive this is. The Logitech one is approx. $500 and the Phillips is $1k

[joshj @ Sep 19th 2006 12:17AM]

I program AMX, and when it was announced last week, I think everyone in our company said "It's about AMX released a proper channel surfer..." You are effectivly limited to 2 Mio R2 remotes that each control 6 items in a house. With the R3 and R4, you can have as many remotes controlling as many "devices" as you want.

cost? $1200 for the remote, about $500 for zigbe gateway, at least $700 for a controller and at least 8-20 hours in programming at 125-145/hr.

cheers :)

[that kid from the Simpsons. @ Sep 19th 2006 12:42AM]

Yeah, I've refreshed engadget tonight 10 times, only to see this same post. Give me something more to read!