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        WiFi remote runs Windows CE

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Jun 23, 2009 | Comments: 1


        Crestron has announced a remote control that runs Windows CE 6.0 and is designed to work with the company's home automation systems. The "TMPC-3X" includes 27 programmable buttons, a 2.8-inch QVGA display, 802.11a/b/g wireless networking, and can play video from security cameras, the company...

        says.

        (Click here for a larger view of Crestron's TMPC-3X)

        Crestron says its multitalented remote includes 27 pushbuttons in all, including a five-way navigation pad, three context-assignable "hard keys" below the screen, a thumb-operated "more" button, and a system power button. Every button is "fully programmable to allow precisely the control desired," the company claims.

        Meantime, the TMPC-3X has a 2.8-inch touchscreen display with QVGA (320 x 240) resolution, a 350-nit brightness rating, and a 500:1 contrast ratio, the company says. While the underlying technology is similar to that on a cellphone, the TMPC-3X uses Crestron's own custom graphical user interface. The company says its custom "DNav" and "Synapse" technologies allow programmers to create "all kinds of useful data and alluring eye candy."

        Crestron says the TMPC-3X delivers support for motion-JPEG and MPEG4 streaming formats, allowing it to preview DVDs or TV channels on its internal display, or to display live video from a variety of webcams and streaming video servers. In addition, the device supports Microsoft's SideShow technology, allowing it to display output from "gadgets" running on a connected Windows Vista PC.

        Claiming that the TMPC-3X can operate for five hours continuously on a battery charge, even when its display is set to full brightness, Crestron adds that actual operating times are measured in days. According to the company, the remote sleeps within seconds of being put down, while still maintaining a network connection, and, thanks to a tilt sensor, wakes up almost instantly whenever it is picked up.

        The tabletop docking station pictured at the top of our story is included with the device, and is said to incorporate a magnetic catch, for an "effortless transition between docked and handheld use." Meanwhile, an optional wall-mount docking station is also available, Crestron says.

        According to Crestron, the TMPC-3X includes 802.11a/b/g wireless networking with a range of approximately 50 feet, plus two-way, 2.4GHz RF support. Other features include a USB 1.1 port and a built-in speaker, the company says. The device is equipped with a TI OMAP2430 processor, 128MB of RAM, and 256MB of flash storage.

        Features and specifications listed by Crestron for the TMPC-3X include the following:
        • Processor -- TI OMAP2430 (clock speed n/s)
        • Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 256MB of flash storage
        • Display -- 2.8-inch touchscreen with QVGA (320 x 240) resolution and 500:1 contrast ratio
        • Keys -- 27 pushbuttons, including a five-way navigation pad, three context-assignable "hard keys" below screen, thumb-operated "more" button, and system power button
        • Networking -- 802.11a/b/g and two-way, 2.4GHz RF
        • Other I/O:
          • USB 1.1 port
        • Battery:
          • 1000mAh lithium-polymer battery
          • 5 hours continuous operation at full brightness
        • Operating range -- 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C)
        • Dimensions -- 7.94 x 2.55 x 1.04 inches (201 x 65 x 26mm)
        • Weight, including battery -- 6.5 ounces (182g)
        Further information

        Crestron did not release pricing information for the TMPC-3X, but the device appears to be available now. More information may be found on the company's website, here.


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