Hi,
i stumbled across this forum while searching for ways to control my MCA-C3 without keypads (specifically the thread I'm not allowed to post links to, but its name is "whole house audio"). I browsed a bit through the forums and found lots of interesting (and way to sophisticated) stuff, so I hope someone can help me with this.
I'm currently figuring how to implement multizone A/V in a flat I'm renovating. A few starting points were:
- I hate keypads / cluttered walls
- I do not like any devices in plain sight that don't have to be
- I only need volume, source selection and on/off control in the different zones. Media can be controlled via Android or IOs.
- I do want to work with IR remotes. Can't be bothered to unlock my phone's screen, start up some app, then choose the zone I'm currently in just to turn down the volume a bit.
So I right now, I'm thinking a PC with 2 HDMI out and 6 channels (7.1 Soundcard, not HTPC, a real pc to work with) in a rack in a closet next to a Russound MCA-C3 and a Playstation 3. 2 HDMI outs from the PC and 1 from the Playstation are distributed to 8 locations in the flat (all within 45 feet) with a 3x8 Switcher/Splitter which is connected to RNET via Myrobridge.
Now, I thought I had it all figured out, until Russound quashed my dreams: I wanted to run tiny IR receivers to each zone, plug em in the suspended ceiling and directly into the russound. So that when I'm in Zone A and select audio source 5, then audio source 5 starts playing. I could then just take the remote with me, go into the next zone, press the exact same button and now in that zone audio source 5 will start.
I asked Russound tech support (and sorry if they are reading this, I know it's not good style to publish emails) who answered almost immediately:
- Unfortunately, I find your keypads hideous (and unnecessary in this setup). Is it possible to directly connect your SaphIR directly to the Amp? If not, what part do I need in between? I'm considering just putting them in the suspended ceiling.
answer (crucial bit):
There is no way for an Saphir IR repeater to control the MCA-C3.
I do realize, that the particular piece of hardware I chose could not possibly work. But I somehow disagree about the general possibility of using room-specific IR receivers to run that system. Why? Because I could just buy the hideous keypads, which have Aux IR inputs, leave all of them in the rack and run some IR extenders to the rooms. at about 100$ a piece, that would be a little expensive for keypads that are just lying around in a rack.
Do you have any solution for me, that is less wasteful? I'm open to pretty much anything that meets my requirements of "invisible" but incomplicated choice of volume and source in the different zones.
thanks,
g
i stumbled across this forum while searching for ways to control my MCA-C3 without keypads (specifically the thread I'm not allowed to post links to, but its name is "whole house audio"). I browsed a bit through the forums and found lots of interesting (and way to sophisticated) stuff, so I hope someone can help me with this.
I'm currently figuring how to implement multizone A/V in a flat I'm renovating. A few starting points were:
- I hate keypads / cluttered walls
- I do not like any devices in plain sight that don't have to be
- I only need volume, source selection and on/off control in the different zones. Media can be controlled via Android or IOs.
- I do want to work with IR remotes. Can't be bothered to unlock my phone's screen, start up some app, then choose the zone I'm currently in just to turn down the volume a bit.
So I right now, I'm thinking a PC with 2 HDMI out and 6 channels (7.1 Soundcard, not HTPC, a real pc to work with) in a rack in a closet next to a Russound MCA-C3 and a Playstation 3. 2 HDMI outs from the PC and 1 from the Playstation are distributed to 8 locations in the flat (all within 45 feet) with a 3x8 Switcher/Splitter which is connected to RNET via Myrobridge.
Now, I thought I had it all figured out, until Russound quashed my dreams: I wanted to run tiny IR receivers to each zone, plug em in the suspended ceiling and directly into the russound. So that when I'm in Zone A and select audio source 5, then audio source 5 starts playing. I could then just take the remote with me, go into the next zone, press the exact same button and now in that zone audio source 5 will start.
I asked Russound tech support (and sorry if they are reading this, I know it's not good style to publish emails) who answered almost immediately:
- Unfortunately, I find your keypads hideous (and unnecessary in this setup). Is it possible to directly connect your SaphIR directly to the Amp? If not, what part do I need in between? I'm considering just putting them in the suspended ceiling.
answer (crucial bit):
There is no way for an Saphir IR repeater to control the MCA-C3.
I do realize, that the particular piece of hardware I chose could not possibly work. But I somehow disagree about the general possibility of using room-specific IR receivers to run that system. Why? Because I could just buy the hideous keypads, which have Aux IR inputs, leave all of them in the rack and run some IR extenders to the rooms. at about 100$ a piece, that would be a little expensive for keypads that are just lying around in a rack.
Do you have any solution for me, that is less wasteful? I'm open to pretty much anything that meets my requirements of "invisible" but incomplicated choice of volume and source in the different zones.
thanks,
g