This seems like a no-brainer for a boutique brand like Outlaw.

I have a 950, which is nice enough, but am having lots of issues with it being unresponsive to the remote, especially when my (plasma) TV is on. IR is slow, requires line-of-sight, and is easily interfered with by plasma TVs.

Using something like zigbee, or another IEEE 802.15.4-2003 protocol seems like the way to go. Supposedly it's low cost, and extremely low-power -- you could power a remote control for 10 years off of a watch battery.

It would also be a great component in today's modern homes, as zigbee is becoming a popular communication method for home automation (thermostats, remote-controlled deadbolts, garage door openers, lights, etc).

Would love to see the next flagship Outlaw device lead the way forward in the market. Let's get rid of IR!

I know that you can buy CAT5e to RS-232 adapters...I'm thinking about doing this for my 990. Basically, this requires that a GUI be written (for something like a laptop, tablet, android etc) that drives the RS-232 commands for the CAT5e/RS-232 box.

Personally, I love this idea...but sure, for future product, a wi-fi or wired ethernet port would be a great way to provide control to the unit from any device that happens to be on your home network (and provide the app with the purchase).

Mark