In Conversation with James Trumper, VP, International Sales, AVPro Global

Could you give us an overview of RTI’s product portfolio and where the brand is positioned in the global control and automation ecosystem?

RTI is a control and automation systems manufacturer specialising in professionally installed solutions for residential and commercial environments.  Our portfolio encompasses a wide range of control interfaces, including handheld remote controls, in-wall touch panels, keypads and mobile apps.  With the core functionality of a range of powerful and reliable control processors and combined with AV distribution from the AVPro portfolio, it creates a winning proposition. 

RTI is widely known for its control processors, such as the XP series. Could you walk us through your core controller lineup, for example, XP-3, XP-6s, XP-8v, and any newer processors, and how each is positioned for different project scales?

The RTI XP-3 is a compact, entry-level control processor designed for small to medium-sized automation projects. It’s positioned as our affordable processor option for single-room or focused applications while maintaining professional-grade capabilities.  The RTI XP-6S is our mid-to-high-tier control solution designed for complex residential and commercial automation projects requiring substantial processing power and expanded connectivity. The RTI XP-8V is our flagship, most powerful control processor designed for the most complex and demanding residential, commercial, and hospitality automation projects requiring maximum processing power and connectivity.  We are currently developing our next-generation controllers, the Intelligent Control Processor range, which will expand on the current XP’s reliability and adaptability by providing more processing power, memory, and capabilities.

On the user interface side, RTI has an extensive range of in-wall and tabletop touch panels. Can you elaborate on the range you have on offer? And how do you recommend them for various applications like residential, corporate, hospitality, etc.?

RTI offers a comprehensive touch panel lineup spanning entry-level to premium solutions for residential and commercial applications. Our current Generation, IST Series (Intelligent Surface Touch panels) features 5″ and 10″ offerings in both white and black surrounds, and a tabletop stand for the IST-10, providing a premium solution for both residential and commercial installations.  Our KX4 is a 4″ touch panel with hard keys and the unique ability of a built-in control processor in one conveniently wall-mountable package.  This makes it ideal for single-room commercial applications (conference rooms, classrooms) where an all-in-one solution is cost-effective.  Additionally, if a cost-effective solution is all you need for basic room control, then the KX2 (when paired with a control processor) provides all you need to complete a budget-friendly entry point with hard buttons for frequently-used controls.

Handheld control has always been a strong category for RTI. How do your remotes fit into today’s projects, where mobile apps and touch panels are also common? What are the key use-cases where remotes still excel?

RTI has 30+ years of experience in professional control, can handle large-scale, multi-room systems reliably, and our remote controls are used in luxury homes, yachts, corporate boardrooms and high-end commercial spaces worldwide.  

With custom graphics, button layouts, and screen designs tailored exactly to your needs and no generic interfaces, your remote looks and works exactly how you want.  We give the ability to create activity-based control: “Watch Movie,” “Listen to Music,” “Goodnight” buttons that execute complex sequences, all with the beautiful aesthetics such as edge-to-edge glass in a premium aluminium frame, contemporary looks that complement high-end interiors and a smartphone-like interface that feels familiar.

In the residential segment, what would you consider a “typical” RTI solution stack for a premium home, in terms of processors, touch panels, remotes, and any specific accessories for covering whole-home AV, lighting, shading, climate, and security?

A typical premium home RTI solution I would suggest would be 1 Central processor (XP-6s or XP-8v), 3-6 Handheld remotes (mix of ISR-4, ISR-2, depending on room importance), 3-5 Wall touchpanels (KX2, KX4, IST-5, IST-10 at strategic locations), RTiPanel app on family smartphones/tablets, Complete integration with lighting, shades, HVAC, security, A/V and Activity-based programming that makes complex systems simple.

The system is invisible when working correctly—residents just press “Watch Movie,” and everything happens automatically. That’s the hallmark of a well-designed RTI system: sophisticated technology delivering effortless control.

For luxury homes and villas, what is your product offering?

A luxury home RTI solution is a comprehensive, property-wide automation system I propose Multiple Processors (XP-8v + XP-6s units) for distributed control, 20-40+ Control points (remotes, touch panels, keypads), Complete Integration of all property systems, Advanced Automation based on time, occupancy, weather, and seasons, Remote Monitoring and management capabilities, Staff and Service integration, Independent Zone Operation (guest house, pool house) and Professional programming creates seamless, intuitive control.

The hallmark of a luxury RTI system: The property anticipates needs and responds invisibly. Residents experience effortless control whether they’re pressing a button, approaching a room, or the system is responding to the time of day. It’s technology at its finest—powerful, sophisticated, and completely invisible to daily life.

In the commercial segment, in boardrooms, collaboration spaces, and training rooms, which RTI products are most commonly deployed?

In Commercial spaces, for the Standard Conference Room (8-12 people) we suggest 1x RTI KX4 (all-in-one solution) OR 1x RTI KX2 + shared XP-6S processor. For the Executive Boardroom (20+ person), we suggest RTI XP-6S or XP-8V processor (equipment room), 2-3x RTI IST-10 touch panels (multiple control points around a large table), 1x RTI IST-5 (entrance-room status/booking) and Optional: 1x RTI ISR-4 remote (backup/roaming control)

For Training Room/Classroom, we suggest 1x RTI KX4 (instructor podium/wall) OR 1x RTI KX2 (simpler deployments). Optional: 1x RTI ISR-2 (wireless instructor control).

For Huddle Room (4-6 person), 1x RTI KX2 (most cost-effective) OR one can opt for 1x RTI KX4 (if standalone/no central processor).

Interoperability is a key strength of RTI. How extensive is your driver library today, and how do your controllers integrate with third-party brands across AV (displays, AVRs, matrices), lighting, HVAC, security, and streaming platforms?

RTI’s driver library is extensive and mature for professional and prosumer equipment. Integration quality is excellent for core home automation systems (A/V, lighting, security) and great for peripheral systems (HVAC, cameras, shading).  For a typical luxury residential or commercial installation with professional-grade equipment, RTI’s integration capabilities can be summarized as:

Size of Library: Thousands of drivers are available in the RTI driver database

Covers virtually all major manufacturers and many niche brands. Both one-way (IR/RS-232 control) and two-way (bidirectional feedback) drivers are constantly updated as new equipment releases.

The Access is available exclusively to authorized RTI dealers through the dealer portal, integrated directly into the Integration Designer software. Searchable by manufacturer, device type, and model number, which includes driver version history and update notes

Regarding the Driver Types: IR Drivers: Infrared control (one-way), RS-232 Drivers: Serial control (typically two-way), IP Drivers: Network-based control (two-way, most modern), Relay Drivers: Contact closure control and MCP Server Integrations: Modern API-based integrations (emerging) are some of the options.

Are there any recent or upcoming product introductions or updates that you would like to highlight for the Indian and APAC markets?

We’re launching the new Intelligent Control Processor (ICP) series in 2026, offering enhanced performance, expanded memory, and broader connectivity for both residential and commercial applications. At the same time, continuous updates to Integration Designer are streamlining programming for integrators and introducing an optional new interface designed to complement Coral, our current UI platform. Make sure you visit the AVPro Global booths at ISE to keep an eye out for some potential new product releases!

Finally, what message would you like to share with system integrators and consultants who are evaluating RTI as the primary control platform for their next residential or commercial project?

The value proposition is particularly compelling in the mid-to-high-end market, enabling integrators to win projects on value without compromising on quality. It allows them to compete confidently with larger integrators,  maintain healthy margins through efficient programming, and build a sustainable, scalable business model.

Integration Designer stands out as both powerful and efficient, offering faster programming for nearly 95% of residential and commercial projects. Its extensive driver library supports all major brands, while intuitive interface design tools make it easy to create refined, custom user interfaces quickly. Remote programming capabilities allow systems to be updated directly from the office, and the learning curve remains practical—measured in weeks rather than months to reach proficiency.

Hardware quality is delivered where it matters most. For luxury residential clients who prioritise aesthetics as much as performance, RTI can be specified with confidence alongside the most design-forward brands. The touch panel portfolio is comprehensive, addressing a wide range of functional and design requirements.

In luxury residential projects, lighting control is almost synonymous with Lutron, and here RTI’s integration is exemplary. Its seamless compatibility with Lutron systems ensures reliability and performance at an industry-leading level.

For commercial environments such as conference rooms, training facilities, and huddle spaces, the KX4 emerges as a true game-changer. Versatile and robust, it delivers an all-in-one solution that simplifies deployment while meeting the demands of professional, high-performance spaces.

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