URC, a global residential and commercial automation provider, has announced that its MRX-12 and MRX-5 premium system controllers can now be used to control Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD. 

These additions allow system installers and users to access the certified integrations across all of URC’s primary system controllers.

Since July 2022, URC’s Total Control platform has used its certified Apple TV integration available in the MRX-30 and MRX-15 system controllers. Through this native integration, owners can natively control Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD across URC’s portfolio of interfaces including:

• Tabletop Controllers with 7” to 10” touchscreens: TDC-9100, TDC-7100 and soon-to-be-released TDC-5100
• In-Wall Controllers with 8” to 10” touchscreens: TKP-9600 and TKP-8600
• Ergonomic Handheld Remote with 2.4” capacitive touchscreen: TRC-1480

With a press of a touchscreen or mic button on the TKP-8600 and TRC-1480, for instance, users can ask Siri to control what is playing, search for shows and movies, and check the score of a game, URC explains. Also, users can ask Siri to control Apple HomeKit-enabled accessories, such as lights, door locks, and thermostats, the company notes.

“This next generation of voice-enabled, Apple TV integration ensures that our dealers can easily install smart home systems with premium streaming entertainment quality across hardware and streaming sources,” states Lars Granoe, URC’s VP product development.  

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“This is the first true integration among custom electronics installation brands. Now our dealers and end-users can access this integration across all of our primary system controllers.”

URC Navigates Access to Slew of Apple TV Content & Streaming Apps

With the integration, customers can navigate favorite shows and movies across popular streaming video apps, use the Apple TV app to watch Apple TV+ originals, and buy or rent thousands of newly released movies, classic favorites, and TV shows, URC says. Customers can also tap into Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and thousands of other apps, including games, fitness, and education — all through one device built for the biggest screen in the home.

URC is the first residential and commercial brand in the industry to launch premier integrations across all of its premier system controllers. Combining the power of URC’s Total Control MRX series controllers and Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD creates unified, smart home control for homeowners.  Key benefits of the Apple TV integration include:

• Unified Operation – Use the Total Control system to ask Siri to answer personal requests on your Apple TV, minimizing the number of controllers
• Voice/Hands-Free Control – URC’s voice commands allow two-way communication with simple homeowner operation across URC user interfaces
• Simplified Integration Programming – Fast, easy, professional programming through URC’s home automation dealer community
• Fast User Response – URC’s secure data base enables quick response to voice commands and provides a superior user experience when searching or launching apps.

URC reports that its dealer community is highly anticipating this launch.

“I’m truly excited for URC’s integration with Apple TV as it is a simple, straightforward solution for our clients, notes Ryan Yeackley, of iconic Schaefer’s TV. “Adding the capability to use Siri with the TRC-1480 and TKP-8600 expands the ability to not just navigate to the Favorites app faster, but can be used as an alternative audio source. The module is lightning fast and has a clean UI. I believe showing this in our showroom will add more comfort during the buying process. Seamlessly connecting all of their streaming devices is a big benefit.

“Kudos to the URC team on publishing another solid module expanding the integration capabilities of an already robust library of device integrations.” 

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