CasaTools Launches Hardware for PC-based Multiroom Audio Software

CasaTools is a quiet little company with an enthusiastic following for its CasaTunes software, which brings an elegant PC and TV (Media Center) interface to Russound and NuVo multiroom audio systems.

At the Electronic House Expo in March, the company announced that it's breaking the software-only mold, and delivering hardware that bypasses the need for a third-party multiroom audio system.

"Up until this point, we've sort of been married to NuVo and Russound," says CasaTools CEO David Krinker, "but we felt that the integration [of multiroom audio and the PC/Media Center] could be done better and more cost effectively."

To that end, the company introduced two hardware products at EHX -- the XLi PC card and the XLe card that works in conjunction with an outboard expansion box.

CasaTunes Software

For the uninitiated, CasaTunes software enables users to operate their NuVo or Russound audio systems from a PC or through a TV via Windows Media Center. The software is rich with graphics, and intuitive to use, and very affordable -- just $249 retail.

Virtually any music stored somewhere on the home network can be sent to any room of the house, from the comfort of the couch or home office. This includes XM and Sirius radio (if you have a tuner on your Russound or NuVo system) and iTunes music if an iPod is docked to the PC.

CasaTunes goes two ways, meaning the metadata shows up on NuVo and Russound keypads throughout the house. It makes for a simple and cost-effective solution for accessing and controlling digital content through two of the industry's most popular multiroom audio systems.

To me, it seems like a no-brainer at only $249. Load it onto a $500 PC with Media Center, and you've got an inexpensive, extra-compelling story for your customers.

Introducing CasaTools Hardware

Having honed its software, CasaTools went to work creating hardware that bypasses third-party multiroom audio systems.

First there's the XLi PC card. "It's an internal card. Just add amps and speakers," says Krinker.

The device features four virtual stereo sound cards (with volume, balance, bass and treble control) that accommodates four PC-based music sources simultaneously--Windows Media, Internet Radio, iTunes (in a later release), and an iPod if it's connected to the PC.

In addition, the unit has an auxiliary input to for connecting an external music source. A built-in IR output enables control of this external source.

The XLi distributes audio to six stereo zones simultaneously via six mini jacks. Run these to a 12-channel amp, and you can have six zones of stereo playing up to five different sources.