FUZE Media Systems Launches Revolutionary Whole-Home Media Solution - Cedia Expo 2008

FUZE Media Systems Launches Revolutionary Whole-Home Media Solution

System Designed to Be Used by Any Family Member, Anywhere in the Home

Aug
14

By CE Pro Editors
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08.14.2007 — San Jose, Calif.—FUZE™ Media Systems today emerged from stealth mode by announcing the launch of its next-generation whole-home media management solution. Founded in 2005, the company set out to address the problems associated with home media systems—disparate devices, multiple remotes, complex and confusing interfaces, unreliability, and the lack of true whole-home capability. Following a year of successful beta deployments, FUZE has begun selling systems through home theater installer/dealers.

FUZE is a complete hardware and software solution that enables all media—live or recorded TV, videos, music, pictures, and more—to be instantly enjoyed at the touch of a button, anywhere in the home.

The system delivers whole-home PVR (including HDTV) with multiple CableCARD tuners, offers built-in whole-home audio capability, and enables one-touch digital photo slideshows. The entire system operates with a single preprogrammed remote, leverages a single interface throughout the home, centrally stores all media, and is the first media management solution to offer the reliability that consumers expect from electronic entertainment products.

The Fuze product family includes a media server, media client, handheld remote, in-wall audio controllers, and UPB light switches. View slideshow.

FUZE offers a unique approach to media management that is neither a control-based system nor a Media Center PC. Designed from the ground up as a whole-home media system, FUZE consists of all the necessary components for media storage and distribution—a primary media server, video clients, audio clients, and multiple interface options. FUZE delivers a controlled, managed system that does not falter due to user modifications or when operating system updates are initiated. Additionally, FUZE offers its own high-quality parallel gigabit network, which ensures quality of service (QoS); remote monitoring to ensure continuous operation; DRM-friendly whole-home HD video; Internet-based content; whole-home capability for all media functions; and a simple, easy-to-use interface that even novices can understand.

“From a technology standpoint, we’re delivering the industry’s most robust media management system,” said Michael D’Addio, FUZE Chief Executive Officer. “But, at the end of the day, what we’re really delivering is ease-of-use in an elegant design. We designed our solution with the average consumer in mind—not highly skilled technologists. Within seconds of picking up a FUZE remote, the average person will be able to watch and record shows throughout the home, instantly play music anywhere, or pull up a picture slideshow of their favorite memories. In this way, our system will help to sell itself.”

FUZE Founder, President, and CTO Richard Fenwick (formerly VP of R&D/Engineering at OnCommand Video) expressed his excitement about his company’s product launch: “In addition to designing the industry’s most powerful media management solution, we’ve delivered the simplest system available. This system will revolutionize home entertainment because it is the only system that delivers easy-to-use, true whole-home capability—including HDTV.”

The company noted that it will publicly exhibit its system at CEDIA in September at booth 3605.

About FUZE Media Systems

Founded by former OnCommand Video executives, FUZE Media Systems shatters conventional notions about home entertainment. FUZE is the first media-driven whole-home entertainment solution. Built from the ground-up to manage media (not a control or MCE system), FUZE delivers a complete system that stores, manages, organizes, and distributes all of your digital media—to any part of the home. Live TV, recorded TV, movies, videos, music, digital photos, and more are all stored and managed centrally. Most importantly, media is no longer tied to a particular device or a particular location in the home. Regardless of where a user records a show or video (HD included)—or where music or photos were originally stored—any TV or speaker in the home can easily access any media at the touch of a button. To learn more about FUZE, visit http://www.fuzeav.com, email , or call 408.363.8090.

Product Specs

FuzeBox (Main Media Server)
- Intel Core 2 Quad 6600
- NVIDIA 7600GT/GS Graphics Engine
- Video Outputs: DVI, HDMI, VGA, Component
- ATI OCUR/QAM Tuner
- 4GB RAM, 1.5TB Storage in Raid 1 Array
- 4 Serial Ports, 8 USB 2.0 Ports
- Gigabit LAN
- TOSLINK Audio Output
- 4U Rack Height
- Intel Viiv
- Plays for Sure

FuzeMini (Mini Server/Client)
- Intel Core 2 Duo T7200
- 2GB RAM
- Intel 945 Graphics Processor
- Video Outputs: DVI/HDMI, VGA, Component
- TOSLINK Audio Output
- Gigabit LAN
- Slot-Loaded DVD/CD Drive
- Intel Viv
- Plays for Sure

FuzeTunes Audio Controller
The FuzeTunes in wall audio client is an easy-touse and easy-to-install audio zone client. Housed in a single gang box and powered over CAT-5, this audio client provides rich music that satisfies even the most demanding listeners.

Available in 15 watt/channel or super-highfidelity 45 watt/channel versions, FuzeTunes provides an flexible and aesthetically pleasing audio zone solution. The front panel houses 4 easy to understand buttons that control volume up and down, mute, and allow for autoplay of your favorite music selections.

Additional non-amplified control pads may be daisy-chained for added control in large rooms, as well as adding an auxiliary iPod input for each local audio zone.

FuzeTouch 4” Touch Panel
The 4” FuzeTouch™ control panel (320x240 pixels) is designed to provide control and Meta data for either a FuzeTunes™ multizone audio installation or a conventional home run central amplification installation. Since it is powered over CAT-5, no additional wiring need be run.

FuzeTouch panels are an ideal add-on for audio-only zones where the user is looking for in-depth audio control, such as controlling individual artists, genres, albums or
playlist selection.

FUZE Easy Control UPB
The Easy Control wall and table top controllers provide both an easy and elegant way to add additional control points throughout the home. Leveraging the Universal Powerline Bus architecture, Easy Control can be swapped in for existing lighting switches to add both standard manual lighting control, as well as the same volume up/down, mute, and favorites play function offered on our FuzeTunes controllers.

FUZE IR Remote
Preprogrammed for simplicity, the FUZE remote is designed to function with all FUZE components. Whether controlling live or recorded TV, playing movies, pulling up a picture slideshow, or selecting music, this is the only remote you’ll ever need.

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