Audiovox Intros RCA URC, Updates DTV Codes

By Lisa Johnston On Aug 3 2009 - 6:00am

Audiovox began shipping last month the RCA-branded RCRP05B, a five-device cable-replacement universal remote control.

Engineered for cable systems, the remote clusters DVR, guide and interactive functions into easily accessible groups. It features specialized red, blue, yellow and green keys that unlock advanced features on cable and satellite systems and Blu-ray Disc players. The master power feature can reportedly turn up to five devices on and off.

Audiovox also said it has been busy building into remotes the codes necessary for the digital TV transition that occurred earlier this year. TWICE spoke with Sandy Whicker, PR and Web content manager for Audiovox, who said many people who brought home converter boxes found they couldn't include them into their universal remote controls.

Whicker said the manufacturer had spent the past year working an initiative to update the remote control code library to support all of the new digital converter boxes in the market.

“We believe this is extremely critical for all of the consumers that have purchased converter boxes and the need to have a universal remote to control all of your components. We have made great strides to get models in the RCA and One For All brands updated with the converter-box codes, “Whicker said, noting that there are a lot of remotes on the market that do not have the appropriate codes for the converter boxes.

“The biggest thing is the whole transition,” she added. “Even though everyone planned for [the DTV transition], I don't think there was enough planning in the industry for this.”

The RCRP05B features the latest codes for digital TV converter boxes, Audiovox said, and it has support for HDTV sub-channels. Suggested retail is $19.99.