Universal Remote's KP-900 RF keypad / remote makes pit stop in FCC

So do you go out and throw down on a fully-featured RF remote to control your home automation gizmos, or do you get one of those snazzy wall-mounted keypads installed to handle the same duties? Frankly, we'd recommend option C, which would involve picking up a device that operates as both depending on your mood. Universal Remote Control's KP-900 is one such unit, which easily snaps into and out of a wall mount for use in both of the aforementioned scenarios. Furthermore, there's even a built-in LCD which showcases relevant activities depending on what main selection you make first. As with everything else spotted in the FCC, you'll have to wait a tick longer before finding out a price or release date, but it looks like this bugger may actually be worth holding out for.

[hello @ Jan 26th 2008 3:33PM]

O rly...

[Shane @ Jan 26th 2008 9:09PM]

Yes, Rly.

[hello @ Jan 26th 2008 10:54PM]

ok.

[mushrooshi @ Jan 27th 2008 1:22AM]

Well, this kid who brought a knife to school in 7th grade, got kicked out, made a kill list in 8th grade, got kicked out, and made a kill list and brought a knife to school, and got kicked out, he was smoking pot.

Oh, and a shame this has no color screen.

[hello @ Jan 27th 2008 1:55AM]

:D

[dramamoose @ Jan 26th 2008 3:34PM]

I would probably consider getting something like this, but I think it would have to have a lcd touchscreen for me to consider putting it on my wall.
In addition, unless this thing looks a LOT different than this, I have a feeling that its ergonomics are going to suck.

[Suraj @ Jan 26th 2008 4:42PM]

same. something with a touchscreen would look very cool...

[TonyB @ Jan 26th 2008 4:56PM]

No Bluetooth = No Thanks

[Johan S @ Jan 26th 2008 5:12PM]

Yeah a large bright LCD area that incorporates touchscreen would be awesome, and they could used OLED button technology as well.

[LiQuiD_FuSioN @ Jan 26th 2008 4:02PM]

OT:

My eyes were quick to read "Universal Remote's KP-900 RF keypad / remote.. pls, make it stop FCC!!"

[CanCar @ Jan 26th 2008 4:21PM]

The idea of a universal remote control seems to me excellent, and mainly because it is not as large as the universal controls than we are customary to see.

[Reader @ Jan 26th 2008 4:38PM]

Did you use google translator to say that?

[Good_Bytes @ Jan 26th 2008 4:19PM]

The problem with this is that, is if you use it, will put all your remotes somewhere that you will forget. Then the day you will this remote... then you will be screwed.

[Halex @ Jan 26th 2008 4:45PM]

Nice try, physiscally mimicking iPhone's/Vista interface.

[austin @ Jan 26th 2008 5:57PM]

what are you talking about?

[silverblackvoid @ Jan 27th 2008 2:41AM]

Halex, you are hereby officially declared a retard.

[Halex @ Jan 27th 2008 4:18AM]

@silverblackvoid: Thanks for the kind words!

@austin: Attention to the curved buttons and how the light reflects: IMHO practically everything is drawings some inspirantion from this kind of reflection physics, the upper half with at least 25% more brightness than the lower half.

[austin @ Jan 27th 2008 10:40AM]

again, what the hell are you talking about?

[martin @ Jan 26th 2008 5:23PM]

how dangerous is this thing?

Man buys the KP-900, loses it, kills himself from boredem.

although, he would have to be pretty lazy not to get up and turn stuff on by hand.

only in america folks!

[Adam @ Jan 26th 2008 6:41PM]

I guess I don't get it. It's a remote control. There is no mention of home automation anywhere in the user manual at the FCC site. It is essentially a Harmony 890. No mention of lighting control, contact closures, or even a computer interface. How is this anything other than IR distribution?

[namenotused @ Jan 26th 2008 11:47PM]

Programming the remote (USB) is done with the KP-900 Editor software, which I assume is much like the editor software that comes with their other remotes.
For home automation, this also interfaces with the MSC-400 - see http://universalremote.com/product_detail.php?model=108
You could say that it's like a harmony remote, just like you could for their other pro remotes. However, they are generally a lot more programmable (particularly when using the MSC-400) and much better built.

[Nathaniel @ Jan 27th 2008 5:26AM]

If it really does do home automation, there's no need for a Huge Touchscreen. Some people want to be able to buy multifunction remotes that don't cost more that the equipment their controlling...

[MJ @ Jan 27th 2008 8:17AM]

What is it with all these posts with the word 'bugger' in them today lol

[Jeff Couch @ Jan 27th 2008 10:45PM]

It looks janky.

[udontneed2no @ Feb 1st 2008 7:48AM]

As someone who has owned many MX remotes, and currently have an MX-900 controling 4 zones with 6 sources as well as lighting and drapes, I think this would be nice to have on the wall in the kitchen or dining room, or any of my other zones for that matter. I would like it in black tho.

[B @ Feb 11th 2008 1:30AM]

I recently sat in on a URC training on the MX-810/980, and the trainer(no names), mentioned this wonderful product. It's basically a MX-900, forget comparing it to a Harmony 980, that's ludicrous. It's both RF and IR, so just setup MRF-260/350.400 base station in the house and your good to go. The programing will be easy if your a URC supporter.

There's no install! It can go on tile, marble, dry wall, plaster with no frickin' wires!!! It's powered by batteries, probably two AA. The cost will probably be around $500 retail. Hurry up guys and get this one out!

[mike @ Mar 8th 2008 2:54PM]

I agree that comparing this to a Harmony is re-donk-ulous. And as for bluetooth, yea, I want a keypad with a max 30ft. range .