Channel Vision Demos Wireless Audio, Touchscreen GUI

Channel Vision has dropped its plans create a HomePlug powerline-based audio system, and instead is going with wireless.

At CES 2009, the company is demonstrating 2.4-Ghz transceivers with eight selectable channels. Channel Vision claims the products transmit "crystal clear" sound over 300 feet.

Two models will be offered: one for stereo sound, and another for whole-house audio.

The company claims that multizone synchronization is not an issue. "Latency is ridiculously low, under 2 milliseconds," says Channel Vision's Jack Urrutia.

The products include both line level and speaker level ports.

"The reason is that a lot of times people didn't run wire for rear surround," Urrutia says.

Channel Vision says the wireless solution pairs nicely with its on-wall, 40-watt amp, the A0240.

CEO Darrel Hauk says the company dropped its powerline project because of challenges creating great sound.

New Touchscreen GUIs

Finally ... Channel Vision is bringing out some audio controllers that go beyond the company's simple keypads.

First, there's a small in-wall touchscreen that provides basic keypad functionality but in a nice form factor.

But the more interesting solution is Windows-based software demonstrated at CES using an Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC). The system enables control of A/V gear, as well as two-way communications with an iPod.

Perfect for use with Channel Vision's redesigned on-wall iPod dock.

Currently, Channel Vision has plans to use software based on NetRemote from Promixis. Hauk says the company searched far and wide for a software solution. "It had to be easy and affordable."

Channel Vision created wizards to enable installers to configure a system quickly.