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‘Virtual Matrix’ Controls 15 Video Zones, 23 Audio Zones
In addition to having the flexibility to add audio and video components to their whole-house entertainment system, the owners have the option of wireless touchpanels or hardwired keypads to control their music, video, lights and other equipment.
In a home this large, it’s natural to feel the need to put in a slew of TVs and speakers. Just how many, and where, is the question. The owners started out with 15 zones of video and 23 zones of audio, but it’s conceivable they might eventually add a few more, says Nevins.
The NetStreams DigiLinX system was chosen because it won’t lock these tech-cautious homeowners into a set number of inputs and outputs, as do systems comprised of traditional matrix switches, Nevins explains.
A matrix switch might come pre-configured with eight inputs for source components such as Blu-ray players and media servers, and eight outputs to feed eight entertainment zones. It’s a great setup for homeowners who can accurately predict the types of source content they’ll ever want available to them, says Nevins.
For homeowners who are unsure, a system like DigiLinX can provide a sense of relief. “We can add source components one at a time, at different times, by just adding a “module” to the system. The owners can step into their system module by module, TV by TV, source by source,” says Nevins.
The owners of this home are content with their current lineup of two Vudu receivers, three Dish Network satellite receivers, two Netgear media players and one Samsung Blu-ray player. Content from this assortment of gear can be streamed to any and all video and audio zones.
As with most whole-house audio and video systems, touchpanels provide the owners control over their entertainment components. Instead of requiring them to select a specific source component, Nevins configured the system so all they have to do is touch a button that describes what they want to do in a particular area, like watch TV, rent a movie, or listen to music. The DigiLinX system makes the connection automatically.
Photos: ‘Virtual Matrix’ Controls 15 Audio Zones, 23 Audio Zones
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2 Comments (displayed in order by date/time)
WhizKid….<sigh!> where to begin?
First off, Netstreams isnt going anywhere anytime soon.
Second, they have the MOST experience with A/V over TCP/IP, PERIOD.
Third, I had a demo going with a Blu-Ray player and two 65” displays, one display hooked up to HDMI with 1080p and the 2nd display using Netstreams video over IP, with the VideoLinx hooked up to the 1080i component video output from the Blu-Ray player. Everyone who looked at the system was told that one was running component over IP and the other was running HDMI directly. They were then asked which was which. The result….100% of installers surveyed chose the Netstreams feed as looking better. Not 50%, not 75%, but ONE HUNDRED PERCENT could not tell the difference between HDMI and component over IP on a 65” screen! How many will be able to tell on the bedroom 42” or the kitchen’s 22” set?
Add to this the fact that the majority of distributed video installations will be for cable boxes and satellite (which only output 1080i ANYWAY), and you will realize that HDMI adds nothing to the experience except additional headaches for installers.
The fact that you posted such an ignorant post makes me question just how much of a “whizkid” you really are. You apparently have MUCH to learn about this industry!
Oh, and just for the record (pun intended), vinyl is making a comeback, and the WISE integrator will be selling turntables! They have great margin and sound MUCH better than CDs and especially MP3! They may be using archaic technology, but just because the technology is old, doesnt mean its obsolete! In the end, ANYTHING that gets your customer excited about MUSIC is a good thing!
Wow, so you just sold a customer who has a 14K sqft house an antique that only does 1080i max? Why not sell them a “record player”, too. Netstreams will be gone in a year and you shoul dhave sold them a technology that will still be around, with HDMI switching…