I need two sources for multi-room audio.
I want to use Rhapsody as one source and hard drive music as another.
I would want to use in wall keypads to control the system.  2 way remotes
would be a bonus.

Basically I am looking for an alternative to Control4.

Hi Mistercee,

Although we don’t include in-wall keypads, you may want to check out http://www.sonos.com.  Rhapsody (as well as a bunch of other services - free and paid) plus your music on networked connected hard drive is easily played in any room of the house.

Best of luck on your search.

Thomas from Sonos

My suggestion would be to check out http://www.casatunes.com.  Excellent product priced right.

mistercee - 29 April 2009 06:51 AM

I need two sources for multi-room audio.
I want to use Rhapsody as one source and hard drive music as another.
I would want to use in wall keypads to control the system.  2 way remotes
would be a bonus.

Basically I am looking for an alternative to Control4.

So are you looking to retro fit a system into your home?  A few key ?‘s to help me understand your situation.  If your in a home that has a finished basement then the alternative to getting into a product I have available would be to access wall cavity’s from the top side, so do you have an attic above your living space?  If so I may have a solution for you.  If you want call me at my office today or most days after 8 a.m. cst.

Tom     866.542.4537 or 320.252.1440

You could use the Escient Vision VS100 coupled with RTI inwall and/or hand held controllers to do this. The Vision can stream Rhapsody as well as all the other music you load on to its drive. It automatically downloads cover art and categorizes your music for you. As a plus it can do movies as well. The inwall controllers from RTI that would work are the RK3 or the K4. The handhelds would be the T3V or T4. They would be able to do it through the Escients IP address. Their are new products coming soon from RTI that would also be able to handle two way communication. This is one of many solutions to your problem. Good luck.

Why not just use Control4?  I can’t think of a better solution for Rhapsody. 
Brad Smith
PS I have a used system for sale, what do you need? 
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
970-618-6941

Thanks for all the input guys.  I am looking into the Escient option.
Basically from my experience I have a few too many issues with C4.
As far as the system locking up, and remotes just dying.  They have
a lot going on in that $699 box and I feel it compromises some operational
quality on a little higher percentage of their product than I’m comfy with.

One other option to consider is a Squeezebox-based system. They were actually the first digital music system to include Rhapsody and there’s a range of players for different rooms or audio needs. While Logitech themselves don’t produce touch panels, the open source nature of the software means there’s all sorts of plugins and integrations - I know HomeLogic integrates Squeezebox into their systems.

I don’t have much experience with Control 4, but have used the Sonos a few times.  It’s a really nice product and seems to be the best choice for you.  As far as the Escient… run, don’t walk from their product line.  Just my humble opinion.