In addition to the URC Control Lighting by Lutron, Universal Remote Control featured a few other top products at CES 2009. The MX-6000 touch screen two-way remote is easy to use and takes home entertainment to a new level with WiFi networking. The device offers a narrow band 418 MHz transmitter for instant control of standard home theater components plus a WiFi transceiver for high-speed transfer of cover art, artist album, and title metadata.

When the remote is connected to the Web, pre-programmed modules allow instant access to customized news, sports, weather, and stocks. Instead of buying a media PC, know that any PC with iTunes and Windows Media Player can be connected to your audio system and act as a high-powered music server. The remote has a 4.3-inch color and animated screen and stays lit from up to 99 seconds. The MX-6000 costs $1,500.

The next product is the PSX-2. The device works with the MX-6000 and acts as a personal server. Known as an iPod accessory, the device is compatible with any universal remote and allows users to navigate anywhere on an iPod with one press of a button.

Included in the package is a docking station that connects directly to the TV, which enables users to browse songs and videos without an iPod-friendly controller. The PSX-2 will be available in March and the expected price is $400.

The MX-980 is another URC product that is so flexible that it can control almost everything. It is recommended that it be paired with URC’s MSC-400 base in order to enable macro capability, relay controls, and video and voltage sensors. The open programming design of the remote allows users to easily modify and customize the device. Important features include a brightly colored LCD display, loudspeaker, and Narrow Band RF capability.

The MX-980 is programmable with any Windows-compatible laptop or desktop PC with a USB port. The device includes a rechargeable lithium ion battery that typically runs for 3 days on a charge. The cost of the MX-980 is $600.

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