Ivory Egg Blog Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Home Audio’

The last country house

March 12th, 2010

This stunning country house situated in 40 acres could well be the last of the UK’s stately piles.

Project Type

A modernist country home built in 40 acres of private parkland in Suffolk. And it’s likely to become famous, not necessarily for its architectural qualities, but because it may become the last sizeable country home to be built on a greenfield site in Britain under the Labour government. It joins an eclectic mix of houses which have been built in recent years, including Grafton Hall in Cheshire and Nyn Park in Hertfordshire. Suffolk Coastal District Council eventually gave planning permission after a complicated process of submission and resubmission, just as the Government prepared to block any further building of private country piles on greenfield sites.

Customer Expectations

The owner wanted the best in terms of design and functionality and compromise was not an option. This country house is kitted out with a six zone multiroom audio/video system. In the main TV lounge they used an iDyl DVD and audio server with this library serving DVDs to all the TV’s in the house. SkyHD and a Topfield PVR provide additional video sources for all zones. The lighting control system chosen was from Siemens KNX and makes the most of the stunning lighting scheme.

Customer Comment

This was a difficult project from the start, we hit so much red tape. However, the finished result is simply stunning. The home automation products that were integrated are such an integral part of what is a truly stunning home.

Top Features

  1. Basalte Tacto Switches in Brushed Aluminium that are both innovative and highly developed. Using touch-sensitive technology, Basalte offers the most sober and user friendly interface you can imagine: one touch controls it all. The basalte switches provide home control experiences that are a pleasure to use and never as easy to turn on or off.
  2. Siemens KNX Lighting Control that h create mood lighting for entertaining, home cinema, relaxation and additional security
  3. Siemens KNX Temperature Control for maintaining ideal heating controls throughout the year, automate energy saving functionally to reduce cost and CO emissions
  4. Siemens KNX Shading Control for remote control curtain and blinds to aid interior cooling and additional security
  5. WHD KNX Multiroom Audio System – One of Europes leading international suppliers of high-quality speakers, audio electronics and multi-room systems.
  6. SkyHD and a Topfield PVR that allows ShoutCast Radio, plays back video files of DivX, displays image files of JPEG, provides a network game named BATTLE TANK, plays back media contents of Youtube, can search and view a image file in the Flickr, enables you to use the receiver as a web server and a FTP server and features a 500GB Built in Hard Disk
  7. iDyl Multimedia Server that can deliver up to 17 simultaneous audio streams to different zones, internet radio, control from a PC, PDA or powerful and simple remote

 

Empure recently presented the brand new Pronto 2 Crestron Adagio® Script, which allows you to easily integrate an unlimited number of Philips Pronto Touchpanels and Crestron Multi-Zone Amplifiers out of the Adagio family (AES and/or AAE and their International models AESI and/or AAEI).

Their fully bi-directional script allows easy control of each individual zones or dynamic group control with up to five user programmable group scenarios. Each zone has individual sound control (Bass/Treble, Loudness On/Off, Start/Max. Volume and Balance) which is stored within the Adagio® system and remains stored even after a loss of power. Furthermore, iPhone/iPod touch integration is also already built in and works with the free Crestron App available in the Apple App-Store.

There’s no need to program the Crestron system in any way since a pre-programmed macro is installed on the Crestron Adagio® system and ALL of the programming can be done in real-time on any Pronto. Estimated set-up time for a standard 6-zone system is less than 1 hour, which is quite remarkable! A 36 zone system can be programmed within 2-3 hours! That’s why they call it Easy and Fast then! All of their communication is solely via Ethernet and allows multiple users to access the Adagio® system simultaneously, with full bi-directional feed-back on ALL devices (even the iPhone/iPod touch!).

Full KNX/EIB integration is also included (although additional hardware is needed)… All you need is the empure KNiX-Port or iKNiX-Port and you can control each zone bi-directionally with any KNX/EIB switch. Supported controls are: Zone On/Off, Volume Up/Down, Source Selection. If the KNX/EIB switch has a display, real-time messages can also be displayed.

Key Features

  • Unlimited Crestron Adagio® Zones
  • Unlimited Philips Pronto Panels (TSU9600 and/or TSU9800)
  • Unlimited iPhone/iPod touch integration
  • Fully bi-directional
  • KNX/EIB integration – Zone Control
  • Full featured Zone control
  • Dynamic Group control for up to 5 Groups (user defined presets)
  • NO CRESTRON PORGRAMMING NEEDED, everything programmed on any Pronto
  • EASY and FAST integration guaranteed!

About Crestron Adagio®

Adagio® is a simple to use, easy to install and affordable home entertainment system. Imagine the entire family’s media – CDs, MP3s, satellite radio, DVDs – all brought together in a single system. Adagio is a stand-alone Crestron solution that can be set up in just minutes. Simply take Adagio out of the box, plug it in, and turn your living room into a state-of-the-art home theater-or listen to music throughout the house. Adagio is priced to fit every budget and can easily grow with any family. Need more rooms? Easy. Adagio automatically adds the new rooms for you. Remember when listening to music and watching TV was simple? It can be with Adagio. To find out more, please visit Crestron.com.

 

ReVox Re:system M100

Every once in a while a manufacturer will launch a new product that actually exceeds the hype.  A new ReVox modular AV system has been discussed in hushed tones all the way through the concept stage, but with their new soon-to-be-launched Re:system, I definitely think we’ve got a product that could deliver audiophile perfection and far exceed expectations.

Named the Re:system M100, this modular AV system starts with a base unit that comprises 2 x High End 200 Watt Amplifier, FM Tuner and a DVD player that is scalable to full HD.  However, the key to the design is that like its predecessor the M51, you can build the system up to match your AV system requirements.  You begin with the starter version and then simply build new modules into the system as your requirements change.  You just choose those modules that you actually need for your home and develop your system from a simple audio system right up to a multiroom control unit.  Anything from a hard disk based media server, a memory card reader, to a BluRay player can be added as demand arises.

Each of the additional modules can attach to the base unit either vertically or horizontally, to create a fantastically stylish looking system.  All controls on the base unit are touch sensitive, and when the device is switched off, there’s no indication that any controls even exist at all.  ReVox has covered all connection/technology bases, with multiple digital bit stream audio outputs, HDMI port, Ethernet ports, telephone line connection and a USB port, there’s no shortage of connection options to choose from.

ReVox says that the M100 will be available from Winter 2009 and you can visit the ReVox website and launch the M100 microsite for further info.

About Revox

Revox has developed from being just a purveyor of audio equipment to being a provider of state-of-the-art, complete audio solutions. Revox can look back over many years’ experience of studio sound technology as it develops high quality technology for use in the home. The perfection embodied in the professional systems is enhanced by the touches of originality, which Revox includes in its domestic product range.

Today, the company covers not only the audio market but it also provides products for video, multimedia and Multiroom usage. The choice of the right technology, combined with the legendary Revox customer service means that customers can be sure of enjoying their Revox products long into the future. Exceptional quality and exquisite design, gift all demanding music fans an unforgettable experience with their Revox Home Entertainment System. Very importantly, with its highly developed Multiroom System, Revox products allow you to enjoy this top quality throughout your house. The outstanding audio and video quality is further enhanced with intuitive handling and an innovative use of technology, which will meet or exceed all your requirements in terms of comfort and performance. Whatever the future brings… Revox is already there.

For further information please visit revox.com.

The Joy of ReVox M-51

September 16th, 2009
ReVox M51 Home Audio System

While most home audio systems only ever offer the last state-of-the-art technology, in other words home technology that is already out of date as soon as you’ve handed over the cash, the ReVox M-51 is a five-channel AV system that has the future built in and was designed to grow with your audio requirements.  New functionalities can be continuously integrated through simple ‘plug and play’ modules.  This can be done tomorrow or several years down the road, and ensures that you can always incorporate the latest audio technology into your home.

The modules for DVD, decoder and amplifier are already included and further functions such as radio tuner, input/output, satellite radio, audio or video server, multi-room and the multi-room slave module can be simply integrated via ‘plug and play’.  Therefore, it is not only possible to combine all functions as you want, but they can be retro-fitted at any time in the future.

The M-51 is one of the most remarkable home audio systems I have encountered in recent years.  Imagine one component serving all your home AV needs.  The M-51 is a DVD/CD player, FM tuner, home theater processor, home theater amplifier, and multi-room control center all rolled into one little compact unit.  The M-51 consolidates and simplifies your life by reducing an entire system to a single unit controlled by a single remote.  As you would expect from ReVox, the quality of picture and sound is what sets the M-51 apart (audiophiles take note), as the M-51 can even provide an outstanding MM/MC switchable phono stage and the input signal remains entirely in the analog domain unless the surround sound mode is engaged.  In other words you can still play your vinyl collection through the system and with five 60W amplifiers it sounds, well to be honest, fantastic!

The ‘M’ in M-51 stands for modular and that word pretty much sums up what this device is all about.  Easily upgraded and expanded, the M-51 provides a multitude of ‘plug and play’ expansion slots.  For example, the M-51 can be outfitted with a second FM tuner board, so you can listen to two different radio stations in two different rooms.  Future upgrades are easily achieved either by swapping or adding boards, so you can ensure the system always meets the latest technology and your AV needs as they change over time.

The M-51 can run an entire household, providing a home theater experience with full surround sound in one room, and music in up to 32 others.  The M-51 features one of the friendliest and most intuitive user interfaces I have stumbled across, and the ReVox keypads provide the same look and feel in every room.  And best of all the M-51 can be controlled wirelessly from a Pocket PC, laptop, or desktop PC.

The Revox Re:System M51 unites innovative functionality with aesthetic perfection.  High-quality materials and extensive processing support the clear and functional design contours.  The housing is made of solid aluminium with a brushed-finish surface. Great attention was paid to the details of the M51. For example, the solid turning knob is positioned in a brass bearing, guaranteeing perfect rotary movement, while the large and clear digital display is functional aesthetics.

To add to the ease of use and impressive features of the M-51 system, I would also strongly recommend the M-57 Music Server.  Built into a matching aluminum housing, and to the same high standards, the M-57 features a CD-R drive and a hard drive plus software for organizing and playing digital music files.  Based on the iMerge platform, the M-57 Music Server can store up to 4000 of your favorite CDs and distribute them to 8 zones throughout your home.

However, if like me you’re all things Apple Mac, then my favorite way to control your Revox Multiroom System is via the Revox Re:control M232, an iPhone and iPod touch application which allows you to control the complete Revox M-Series Multiroom System.  It is a completely wireless remote control for all major features of the Revox System and combines the simply beautiful touch-based interface of the Apple iPhone with the easy to use Revox AV controls.

About ReVox

ReVox has developed from being just a purveyor of audio equipment to being a provider of state-of-the-art, complete audio solutions.  ReVox can look back over many years’ experience of studio sound technology as it develops high quality technology for use in the home. The perfection embodied in the professional systems is enhanced by the touches of originality, which ReVox includes in its domestic product range.

Today, the company covers not only the audio market but it also provides products for video, multimedia and Multi-room usage. The choice of the right technology, combined with the legendary ReVox customer service means that customers can be sure of enjoying their ReVox products long into the future.  Exceptional quality and exquisite design, gift all demanding music fans an unforgettable experience with their ReVox Home Entertainment System.  Very importantly, with its highly developed Multi-room System, ReVox products allow you to enjoy this top quality throughout your home. The outstanding audio and video quality is further enhanced with intuitive handling and an innovative use of technology, which will meet or exceed all your requirements in terms of comfort and performance. Whatever the future brings… ReVox is already there.

For further information please visit ReVox.com.

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