The ProPanel control app for iDevices from Pro Control is available for the ProLink.r control processor, providing users with home environment system control.

Also available for the ProLink.z, the ProPanel app integrates either ProLink processor with iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch to control AV systems, lights, music servers, shades, internet radio, door locks and more.

ProPanel supports local connection through wifi via the ProLink.r, while the ProLink.z offers remote-access via auto-switching wifi and 3G wireless.

App setup comes through an auto-programming feature-- allowing dealers to completely customise the GUI via Pro control software for a personalised control experience. Preprogrammed templates are also available, while all interface graphics are stored on ProLink processor, iDevice and the cloud.

The app is available for free from the iTunes App Store, but dealers need to purchase licenses from either distributors or online with Pro Control Studio software to enable communications with Pro Control systems.

Go Pro Control

Maybe you remember the story?

Now former SpeakerCraft owner and president Jeremy Burkhardt says SpeakerCraft and parent Nortek Inc., are trying to enforce an illegal non-compete—and he says Nortek owes him $1 million.

The $1 million was allegedly promised to him by former Nortek chairman Richard Bready who asked Burkhardt to reinvest in Nortek after SpeakerCraft was acquired. Burkhardt lost that investment when Nortek declared bankruptcy in 2009 but alleges Bready agreed to compensate him for the loss. Nortek, says Burkhardt, “repudiated” that agreement after Bready retired in 2011.

Extron Electronics introduces three new DMP 128 Digital Matrix Processors with Dante network connectivity from Audinate.

The DMP 128 is a 12x8 audio mixer featuring Extron ProDSP, automixing, I/O expansion capabilities and available AEC -- acoustic echo cancellation. The three new DMP 128 AT models provide efficient scalability for creating larger audio matrixes over a local area network using standard Internet Protocols. A built-in four-port Gigabit switch provides direct interconnection of multiple DMP 128 AT units. DMP 128 processors offer a configuration approach to DSP that simplifies mixing, routing, conferencing and room optimization. Quick configuration using the DSP Configurator Software allows the DMP 128 to be installed in very little time, with adjustments that can be heard in real-time.

Hauppauge launches a pair of follow-ups to the HD PVR, its first consumer-priced HD capture device-- the HD PVR 2 model 1512 and the HD PVR 2 GE Plus.

The HD PVR 2 model 1512 is designed for home media enthusiasts. It carries a built-in HD video recorder, an IR blaster and connects to STBs (via component or HDMI) and PC HDDs. Included Hauppauge WinTV v7.2 software handles recordings at preset times.

The recorder is also compatible with Windows 7 and 8 versions of Windows Media Centre.

Meanwhile the HD PVR 2 GE Plus is a more advanced model designed for use with Xbox 360, PS3 and PC game systems. It adds SPDIF and surround sound audio to game recordings (saved in H.264 format) and is bundled with the StreamEez application for live streaming on Twitch or Ustream.

Both models will be available in Europe from February 2013.

Go Hauppauge HD Video Recorders

Microsoft buys Blake Krikorian's id8 Group R2 Studios, developer of Android-based home automation and appoints Krikorian as corporate VP for its Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB).

Blake joins the Xbox team as a proven innovator (Slingox), having created simple, elegant products that have transformed the way people engage with and consume content.

This news probably disappoints Apple and Google who were also in talks about bidding on the company.

R2 Studios develops home-media and automation technology, is secretive about its plans—which would seem to fit well within Microsoft. But it’s no secret R2 Studios released an app that turns Android phones into touch panels for controlling heating and lighting systems wirelessly. R2 Studios also holds some patents related to controlling electronic devices and interfaces that Microsoft also acquired.

Microsoft wants to evolve its Xbox 360 from gaming console to home entertainment hub. As a part of this initiative, it is now offering digital downloads and live TV apart from games.

URC customers now can control their Complete Control home systems through the Control Mobile iOS app (MX-iOS), available for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

The app uses local area IP networks and transforms iDevices into AV, home theatre and lighting controllers. The GUI is customisable, allowing installers to design control screens as per customer requirements and preferences.

Functions include DVR setup, channel switching, music control and URC Lighting, with a code base flexible enough to incorporate most AV components.

Installers can pair the free app with the URC MRX-1 Network Base Station through a setup card, with a one-time setup fee allowing the activation of unlimited iDevices on any home system.

For demonstration purposes dealers can also use the app to create custom programs on their iDevices and show off different functions, without having to connect an MRX-1 unit.

Go URC Complete Control Mobile iOS App Now Available