Monster Home Theater and Lighting Controller 300
updated 09:30 am EST, Fri November 10, 2006
Monster Theater Controller
Monster Cable's home automation division Monster Central has just unveiled its Home Theater and Lighting Controller 300, describing it as a "whole-home" remote that can be used to control most complex electronics in a home. The 300 can be configured through online updates to manage not only common home theater equipment, such as DVD players, stereos, and televisions, but also computer music and videos, basic game console functions, iPod docking systems, and Monster-compatible systems. Interference and line-of-sight issues with the remote are avoided through the controller's support for OmniLink bridge, Monster says: a bundled RF-to-IR bridge transmits the remote's commands as long as it stays within range, regardless of walls or other barriers. Built-in memory further ensures that the 300 is always aware of devices' activities, and it can store presets that can trigger several devices at once for movie viewing or other common tasks. Monster ships its premium controller for $600.
