European Custom Installer

System Integration for the Connected Home

Control and Home Media Systems

Kaleidescape Serves the Entire Family

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Kaleidescape has an exciting ISE 2011 as it demonstrates its blu-ray server solution for the first time at at the show. Product Marketing Director Linus Wong speaks to ECI and rAVe Europe WebTV on the company's offerings.

KaleidescapeThe company's blu-ray server is an industry first; storing blu-ray disc copies on its HDD, it provides users with the "Kaleidescape experience". This means taking viewers straight to the action in blu-ray quality-- skipping previews, letting users select songs or scenes, while providing Kaleidescape's Movie Guide UI and media library system.

Also on show is the Modular Disc Vault-- automating the import process while storing 100 blu-ray discs on its HDD. Any Kaleidescape system can also be upgraded to blu-ray by adding an M-Class player and a Modular Disc Vault.

Also on show for very the first time is the Cinema 1 DVD server. Coming at a lower price point, it aims at families with young children. It includes the special child remote, which triggers a simplified visual UI when used-- while parents have complete control of what their child can access on the server.

Watch Kaleidescape Interview at ISE 2011

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ADMS Adds Even More Disc-Free Content

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crestron ADMSCrestron adds more web-based services to its latest ADMS intermedia delivery system-- after removing the blu-ray player.

New web connectivity includes sites like ESPN, CNN and MSn, joining the likes of Netflix, Hulu, iTunes and Youtube.

The new ADMS also seamlessly integrates with Sony's 400 disc blu-Ray/DVD ES MegaChanger (replacing Crestron's own ADC-200BR). The ADMS connects with the MegaChanger over network, allowing users to browse their disc library over any Crestron touch panel, remote or iDevice/Android control app.

Existing ADMS owners can also upgrade their system for Sony MegaChanger support by clicking the "update available" message on their ADMS display.

Go Crestron ADMS Delivers More Content

Speak to Control Sonos

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Sonos AndroidSonos announces Sonos Controller for Android, a smartphone remote control app for its Multi-Room Music system-- with an exclusive voice-search feature.

The app allows users to select music from their music libraries from any part of their home where the Sonos system is set up, using an Android handset. It also allows access to web-based radio stations and music-on-demand services.

What makes the app stand out is voice search-- one can simply call out bands or song titles into the handset, for the app to find it.

The controller app requires an Android 2.1 handset, alongside a system running a Sonos ZonePlayer (like Sonos S5) and should be available in March.

Go Sonos Controller for Android

RedEye Goes Pro

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RedEyeControl solution developer Thinkflood introduces a Pro version of its RedEye iDevice remote control system, in a professional, rack-mountable form factor.

The RedEye Pro comes with x8 dual-purpose 3.5mm emitter/contact closure sensor ports and x4 contact closure relays, alongside x2 RS-232 ports. It also carries ethernet connection (via RJ45), x4 USB ports and wifi support.

The only other control requirement is an iPad/iPhone with the free RedEye app, which includes an extensive device code library. A single Pro unit can handle multiple iDevice controllers, as installers can divide ports to control multiple rooms. One can also combine more Pro units together if more connectivity is required.

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Creation Premieres at ISE

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See and Touch Marbella reveals its Creation controller range-- including wall pads and an armchair-mounted joystick.

Creation WallpadThe Creation wall pad not only switches on lights through a wave of a user's hand, but also includes button controls (controlling anything from curtains to tvs and media systems) relaying signals via IP to any control system. It can also forward Beo4 remote IR signals.

Similar to the wall pad is the armrest-mounted joy stick on Creation's TV and Cinema chairs. Users can use it to access all the controls found on the wall pad, as well controlling the chair's motorised back and leg rests.

Tying the controllers together is the Creation menu, which users can summon on their screens (supplied with the Creation graphic, internet and cinema graphic clients). The menu system is not only compatible with the Creation range, but also with an iDevices and all major remote control and touch panel brands (including Crestron and RTI).

Creation also announces a client and server range, powering the Creation menu, internet connections (through internet client) and 3DTV capability (through the Cinema Graphic Client). Meanwhile the Creation Server & Storage delivers video and audio on demand to up to 30 rooms.

Go See and Touch Marbella

Setting the Nevo Record Straight

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Nevo RemoteIt appears the reports on Nevo's demise were a little premature-- especially regarding the company's European situation.

That is to say, Universal Electronics will continue supporting the Nevo line through its international distribution partner program. This covers its current Nevo Pro and Custom series-- including the NevoQ50 remote.

The "retirement" reports only effects our friends on the other side of the pond-- UEI will streamline its U.S. activities (through select regional distributors), as part of a business re-assessment excercise.

More for us over here, then.

Go Universal Electronics

Go Nevo

Go Nevo Next in Remote Line Retirement

Lightware HDMI Optical Extenders at ISE

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HDMI Optical Extenders

Lightware Visual Engineering introduces HDMI-OPT-TX100, -TX100R, -TX200R and HDMI-OPT-RX100, -RX100R, -RX200R single fiber HDMI1.3 extenders.

Lightware HDMI-OPT-series devices extend HDMI1.3, DVI1.0, HDCP and bidirectional RS-232 signals over one multimode fiber, and transmit the video signal with embedded audio to up to 2600 meters distance.

All transmitters feature Lightware’s Advanced EDID Management with a memory of 100 EDIDs, 50 of which are user programmable. Using the factory, custom or transparent EDID emulation the user can fix and lock EDID data on the transmitter’s input connector.

SingleFiberTechnology makes these units fully HDMI1.3 and HDCP1.1 compliant without need of a second fiber cable or copper connections. To simplify cabling, the bi-directional communication – which is necessary for HDCP handshaking – is performed on the same fiber core that transmits the video signal.

Cross compatibility between every device in Lightware’s fiber optical product portfolio is ensured thanks to our attentive design. In a standalone application the HDMI-OPT series transmitter and receiver can work together simply, but with Lightware’s hybrid modular matrix concept, it is even possible to connect these extender boxes directly to the matrix router using an MX-HDMI-OPT series input or output optical boards. This integrated solution simplifies installation and helps reducing system costs as well.

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