BraveSirRobbin
Moderator
Please read THIS General CES 2006 Update Disclaimer FIRST:
Logitech had a booth at the ZWave display where they were showcasing their ZWave enabled remote.
I spoke with Nathan Papadopulos, Marketing Communications Manager for Logitech (Harmony Remote Controls). (Logitech acquired Harmony Remotes).
Nathan demoed the 890 pro ZWave enabled remote shown below. It can control ZWave devices such as the Intermatic blinds, any ZWave lighting, etc... It can also perform functions for other more common audio video devices.
To setup this remote you establish an online user account. They have a database of 100,000 devices from 3,000 different manufacturers. You are asked how you want to use this device and what components you want to control. You then download these setup/database component scenarios to your remote via the USB dongle (which establishes the interface to your PC).
The remote then automaticlly has activities set up for you (listening to music, watching a DVD) by pushing one button on the remote.
Now with this home automation capability, you can lower the lighting, set the thermostat and other HA tasks to a one button scenario . Presently only ZWave devices are supported.
Here is the unique way this device works. You first go online to setup your audio/video and ZWave enabled home automation components. You then download this information into the remote. Now you are asked to download certain information into an RF to IR bridge unit (shown below) which is stored behind your audio/video cabinet doors. This bridge unit then has IR transmitters which blasts the proper IR commands to your audio/video components.
The commands (from the bridge) are triggered by the remote via RF signals. Therefore you don't need to "aim" the remote at your audio/video cabinet as it does not transmit IR, rather it transmits RF to the bridge (and the bridge sends the IR to the components). You can also have multiple bridges in different rooms controlled by one remote control!
Pricing was not disclosed.
Harmony ZWave Enabled Remote:

(Click on Picture for Full Sized Image)
IR to RF Bridge:

(Click on Picture for Full Sized Image)
The CES press release is HERE.
More information can be found at Logitech's site.
Logitech had a booth at the ZWave display where they were showcasing their ZWave enabled remote.
I spoke with Nathan Papadopulos, Marketing Communications Manager for Logitech (Harmony Remote Controls). (Logitech acquired Harmony Remotes).
Nathan demoed the 890 pro ZWave enabled remote shown below. It can control ZWave devices such as the Intermatic blinds, any ZWave lighting, etc... It can also perform functions for other more common audio video devices.
To setup this remote you establish an online user account. They have a database of 100,000 devices from 3,000 different manufacturers. You are asked how you want to use this device and what components you want to control. You then download these setup/database component scenarios to your remote via the USB dongle (which establishes the interface to your PC).
The remote then automaticlly has activities set up for you (listening to music, watching a DVD) by pushing one button on the remote.
Now with this home automation capability, you can lower the lighting, set the thermostat and other HA tasks to a one button scenario . Presently only ZWave devices are supported.
Here is the unique way this device works. You first go online to setup your audio/video and ZWave enabled home automation components. You then download this information into the remote. Now you are asked to download certain information into an RF to IR bridge unit (shown below) which is stored behind your audio/video cabinet doors. This bridge unit then has IR transmitters which blasts the proper IR commands to your audio/video components.
The commands (from the bridge) are triggered by the remote via RF signals. Therefore you don't need to "aim" the remote at your audio/video cabinet as it does not transmit IR, rather it transmits RF to the bridge (and the bridge sends the IR to the components). You can also have multiple bridges in different rooms controlled by one remote control!
Pricing was not disclosed.
Harmony ZWave Enabled Remote:

(Click on Picture for Full Sized Image)
IR to RF Bridge:

(Click on Picture for Full Sized Image)
The CES press release is HERE.
More information can be found at Logitech's site.