Universal Remote Control TSP-2000 Network AV Receiver Preview

This may be a short preview, largely because not too much is known, but Universal Remote Control debuted its upcoming TSP-2000 9.2-channel surround receiver . The receiver feature 125 watts per channel for each of its 7 channels of amplification and is slated to be THX certified according to literature displayed with the receiver. The receiver has a Decidedly "Denon-eque" look on the back in terms of its layout, but URC stated that while they explored various partners, this final design is their own development, directed to meet the specific needs of integration with the Universal Total Control line of products. 

For starters, the receiver features an Ethernet port - not so that you can stream media through it (for that URC has the SNP-1 Streaming Network Player) - but so that this Network Home Theater Processor can be integrated flawlessly into URC's network of Total Control solutions. It's a brilliant move. Instead of relying on their growing database of control codes for everyone else's products, now custom installers can use a complete solution in-house that is built to work flawlessly as a whole system. They aren't withdrawing support of third party products, but this represents a new move that should serve their commercial clients very well.

The Receiver (or Network Home Theater Processor, as it's called) has 5 HDMI inputs and one output. It also has two component video ins and one out as well as 4 composite inputs (which are upconverted to either component or HDMI). Video processing is handled by the venerable Anchor Bay Technologies ABT2015. All of the inputs are numbered, and so setup is a simply process of routing within the Total Control software. The new TSP-2000 will be available at the end of this year or early next year and pricing is still being determined.

For more information please visit www.universalremote.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.