Accessing iTunes Beyond the Keyboard

One of the biggest challanges in the home automation media market is controling devices already in the home that customers use everyday.  Accessing and controling media has become a mainstay of daily life for just about everyone, but most methods are not known or seem too complicated for the average consumer.  Sure media server devices are everywhere, but they may be costly and purchasing new equipment can drive everyone bonkers.  Additionally, these devices may not be a fit for automation.

AppleTVs for instance, while a great way to access your library can only be controlled via IR unless you have some sort of control system in place and in most cases even then a display is needed.  With a remote or keypad that displays the content and controls content is a much more elegent way to access the content and much more understandable and appeling to the consumer.

URC now offers control of iTunes from their Network enabled devices, this allows for control of iTunes directly eliminating the need for additional media players.  Now we have another means to allow for the enjoyment of our contnent in the media room or throughout the home.  With the ability to access the content from iTunes and see album art and playlists, the remote is the only interface that is needed allowing for simple systems to be a PC and the remote.  Add the ability to control other devices such as Home Theater, Lighting, and Security and the ability to create a great home automation system exists.

This ability opens the door for new ways to access content that are more cost effective and create a more entertaining media experience.  And isn't entertainment what it is all about???

(Source: CEPro Article URC Network Series Offers iTunes Control)