Savant Systems introduced this week the Wi-Fi-based Savant Universal Remote. This remote is designed to control an entire AV system, including distributed audio, lighting, climate control and other features within a residential or commercial setting. Similar to Savant’s existing user interface options, the Savant Universal Remote is self-configuring once connected to the network, eliminating the complex programming associated with competitive products.

The Savant Universal Remote supports a menu of screens for controlling services throughout the home or workplace, and because it utilizes Wi-Fi connectivity, users can control devices without pointing or aiming — no direct line of sight is required like with regular IR remotes (though of course, problems with your wireless system means problems with the remote).

Features include:

• Full color 1.7-inch display accommodates custom buttons, text and graphics
• Bright, backlit keypad buttons
• Thirty-five assignable/programmable buttons with common navigation and transport buttons
• Two-way feedback from compatible devices using Wi-Fi and Savant Solutions
• Customizable and programmable
• Wide Wi-Fi transmission frequency range
• Field upgradeable firmware
• Customization via RacePoint Blueprint design tool

The Savant Universal Remote will become available next month. List price is $499, including charging dock.

More information on Savant’s user interfaces can be found here.