AMX Goes Zigbee Remote

AMX is looking to put a little more ZigBee into their home automation offering by announcing a pair of new remotes and some other ZigBee wireless gear.

At the CEDIA Expo in Denver they announced the Mio Modero R-4 which is the company’s top-of-the-line remote, with a 2.4-inch color LCD touchscreen.

They also announced the 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.