URC, the pioneer in control technology, this week introduces its network keypad solution, consisting of the KP-4000 2-Way network keypad and the MRX-1 network base solution, to the pro-AV community.

The KP-4000 is an in-wall keypad whose control interface communicates natively with other IP-connected devices in classrooms, boardrooms and hospitality installations. It features a simple, tasteful design, built around a 3.5-inch, capacitive touch color screen. The MRX-1 base station enables the KP-4000 to issue commands to IR, RS-232 and relay components.

“Other brands require ‘black boxes’ that allow their devices to join an IP network; we are taking a simpler approach by making products that are native to the IP network,” said Eric Johnson, URC’s vice president of technology. “These products by nature are live on the network. They speak IP, are quicker and more reliable, and easily communicate in a 2-way fashion with any other networked device via hundreds of free preprogrammed modules from URC and from our installers-only URC Toolbox, which features modules from URC installers and partners.”

The KP-4000 can control virtually anything on an IP network—including A/V components like multi-zone A/V receivers (AVRs), energy management devices, PCs, iPods and lighting—via preprogrammed, drag-and-drop 2-way modules, as well as traditional components like video projectors and audio systems.

Like all URC controllers, the KP-4000 is programmed using URC’s powerful and easy-to-use Complete Control Program (CCP). With CCP, installers are not forced to use any buttons, text or images that the customer may find confusing. Buttons can be programmed to be any size, color or shape; they can even be images. Text can be as simple as “Zone 2” or as descriptive as “Turn on Projector in Boardroom,” and one-touch macros of up to 255 steps can be programmed. No scripting is required, so installers and their clients can save time and money.

The KP-4000 fits in any standard dual gang box or P-Ring; mounting screws and cover plate are included. It can be powered by the same Cat5 cable it uses to communicate with the network using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. Installers can employ a third-party PoE switch when installing several KP-4000s, or purchase a PoE injector ($40 MSRP) from URC when installing a single KP-4000. Installers do not need a USB cable to install and configure the KP-4000; these tasks are all performed via the network. MAC addressing enables installation of multiple KP-4000s and MRX-1s for control of as many components as needed throughout the job site.