Providing secure local or remote access to an RTI system from any Internet connection, the Virtual Panel allows for LAN control and WAN control off-site. Fully configurable using the latest version of RTI’s Integration Designer programming software, version 8.0, the Virtual Panel control interface can be customised to accommodate any size laptop or monitor display and provides full two-way feedback from any RTI XP series control processor.

“There is a strong demand by consumers to have access to the electronic elements of their environment on other interfaces, such as desktops, laptops, and tablet devices,” says RTI vice president of sales and marketing Pete Baker.

“Our Virtual Panel meets this need and empowers users with the convenience of off-site control. Whether at work, on vacation, or anywhere in between, users can adjust thermostats, monitor security systems, turn off lights, and control much more, from any internet-connected PC.”

Once the Virtual Panel application has been designed in the Integration Designer 8.0 software, it can be exported as an executable file for use on other PCs. RTI’s XP series processors will each include the ability to operate one LAN-based Virtual Panel per system at no cost.

RTI will also be bringing the power of its control solutions to the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad with the new RTiPanel app, which will be available at the beginning of 2011. With the app installed on any of these popular Apple products, users will have complete control of their RTI systems from anywhere in the world when used with an RTI XP series control processor.

In addition to the Virtual Panel, RTI’s just released Integration Designer 8.0 software update has been bolstered with support for the new T2-C+ and T3-V+ universal hand held controllers and the RK10 in-wall controller. For installers, the software also features powerful new tools, such as zoom when editing most colour remotes and the ability to copy and paste between different device types. The Oasis GUI offered with Integration Designer has also been updated, as well as the bitmap, RS-232, and IR libraries.