Since CE Pro broke the news on Crestron Prodigy, we've had an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the new low-cost control system from the company best known for pricey products.

During a recent tour of Crestron, led by CEO and founder George Feldstein, I got to see all of the little goodies that will comprise a Prodigy home automation system.

First of all, Crestron wants to make it perfectly clear that the company did not launch Prodigy to "go after" Control4 or any other low-cost home automation provider, according to executive VP Randy Klein.

"We developed a line that is consistent with what we've been doing," he says. "Prodigy broadens the market."

Klein acknowledges that some Crestron dealers also offer lower-cost lines. "We would love to have them use us," he says.

Klein believes Crestron can beat out other players in the world of affordable automation because of the company's heritage.

SpeakerCraft still won't divulge everything about it's forthcoming Nirv IP-based multiroom A/V system. The product delivers audio, video, data, intercom and control signals simultaneously over a single Cat 5 cable.

Even so, SpeakerCraft director of engineering Jason Craze was kind enough to answer a few questions from Derek Flickinger, our friendly geek who was intrigued by the system.

Nirv will be shown at CEDIA Expo 2009 in Atlanta.

Craze's answers are vague but that's the best we could get from him ... for now.

Q. Did they develop their own IP-based audio technology or do they license someone else's?
A. Licensed, but with proprietary tweaks for our implementation. All partnerships will be revealed as we approach the show.

Q. There is no mention of multiroom (or multi-speaker) synchronization or if it supports 5.1. Can you dynamically change the source to multi-point mappings from their…

AudioControl is unveiling at CEDIA 2008 a new high definition theater platform.

The Concert AVR-1, developed on the new generation platform, is a surround sound receiver/controller designed for premium performance.

Don't just admire it for its high gloss front panel, blue LED display, and custom designed bezel. The unit has gold plated, high current 5-way binding posts and 120 individual I/Os for video and audio connections.

The Concert AVR-1 supports the latest surround codecs -- Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master -- along with traditional formats of Dolby Digital and DTS High Resolution.

The receiver accepts signals from up to five discrete full HDMI 1080p inputs. The dual HDMI outputs are assignable by the integrator to allow for priority switching via the display device.

Component, composite and S-Video signals are also automatically upconverted and scaled to their maximum potential resolutions.

The AVR-1 employs AudioControl’s Class H amplifier topology…

Wisdom Audio will offer product training for the Sage Series architectural and in-room audio systems at CEDIA Expo 2008.

Installers who work with these systems can learn more about them by visiting Room 606 at the Colorado Convention Center on September 6 between from 8-9:30 a.m.

Wisdom will conduct a brief overview of the system and cover installation details on both the on-wall and in-wall versions of the Sage Series speakers.

They will also go through setup and calibration of the system, including Audyssey Laboratories MultEQ XT room correction and software.

Those interested in attending can register during CEDIA or sign up online.

Sage Series Training

Date: Saturday, Sept. 6
Time: 8:00–9:30 a.m.
Where: Room 606 at the Colorado Convention Center
Registration: During show or online