Touch panel

[jijo_robert]

I am planning to use Homeseer software with custome built server for entire home automation.
I will have six zones. Would like to have flexiblity to play different music /video in each zone.

I have few questions, any help will be greatly appreciated.
1. Audio Distribution : Do I need to get any audio distribution controller such as Russ sound? or can I just use a cost effective audion matrix switcher?
2. Video Distribution : Do I need to get any specailized video distribution (will be having 6 cable lines coming in so that each zone can play different channels) + CCTV + Video from the home server.
3. Touch screen : I am looking at philips tocuh screen, and windows MCE editon. Is there touch screen that works well with Homeseer?

Thanks
Jijo

 

[DavidL]

I am planning to use Homeseer software with custome built server for entire home automation.
I will have six zones. Would like to have flexiblity to play different music /video in each zone.

I have few questions, any help will be greatly appreciated.
1. Audio Distribution : Do I need to get any audio distribution controller such as Russ sound? or can I just use a cost effective audion matrix switcher?
2. Video Distribution : Do I need to get any specailized video distribution (will be having 6 cable lines coming in so that each zone can play different channels) + CCTV + Video from the home server.
3. Touch screen : I am looking at philips tocuh screen, and windows MCE editon. Is there touch screen that works well with Homeseer?

Thanks
Jijo

You can do audio / video distribution via the more conventional matrix switcher route where your inputs are then routed by the switcher to your presentation areas. You can also do a "HTPC" distribution where each distribution area has a PC that renders your A/V. You can also blend these two with a couple HTPCs as Input sources to a switcher (that also has other sources).

Russound makes very nice hardware for audio distribution.

Homeseer's most popular plugin is for integration with MainLobby for a refined touchscreen solution that Homeseer currently is lacking (but they advise is in process). MainLobby is also a full automation system in it's own right with the best support of A/V distribution. Blending HS and MainLobby and there isn't much you can't do.

You likely will not want to go down a MCE route, once you discover more on the MainLobby path or the blended ML / HS path.

From a hardware perspective re: touchscreens, there are tons of choices. You should figure out whether you want to RDP from the touchscreen to the PC, to just run a Homeseer browser view (not very pleasing UI), put a PC at each touchscreen, use a Panel PC (like a Nobu), run a Cat5 wire from central PC to remote touchscreen using VGA baluns and RS232 for the touch, use UTMA (TouchTronix) LAN based touchscreens, mount a tablet to the wall for on wall and in hand touchscreen, etc.

 

[jijo_robert]

Thanks for your explanation.
1. Is there any recommendation for a good audio video matrix switch company?

2. As for as touch screen I would like to control by three different ways. I will greatly appreciate if you can provide some options in each category
a. PC - Touch screen - I think this is easy if I get a touch screen monitor - I am assuming MainLobby provides the UI
b. Portable remote touch screen - with ablity to cutomize the UI
b. Wall touch screen - with ability to customize the UI.

Thanks
Jijo

 

[macromark]

I am planning to use Homeseer software with custome built server for entire home automation.
I will have six zones. Would like to have flexiblity to play different music /video in each zone.

I have few questions, any help will be greatly appreciated.
1. Audio Distribution : Do I need to get any audio distribution controller such as Russ sound? or can I just use a cost effective audion matrix switcher?
2. Video Distribution : Do I need to get any specailized video distribution (will be having 6 cable lines coming in so that each zone can play different channels) + CCTV + Video from the home server.
3. Touch screen : I am looking at philips tocuh screen, and windows MCE editon. Is there touch screen that works well with Homeseer?

Thanks
Jijo

Jijo - We integrate very tightly with the Russound RNET based systems (like the popular CAV 6.6) as well as the CAA 66 and CAS 44 systems. The Russound plug-in integrates with our music API too so you'll be able to browse your iTunes® or Windows® Media Player libraries directly from the Russound keypads (very cool!). If your budget allows for a system like this, go for it!

Touchscreen options are plentiful. There are two commercial 3rd party packages already available for HomeSeer integration; MainLobby (very customizable) and Maestro (very easy to set up). Our own touchscreen design software (HSTouch™) is currently under development and we hope to have a beta version out in Jan '08. We'll also be introducing our own 7" in-wall touchscreen unit at that time too.

Our Vista MCE plug-in is also under development and should beta in Jan too.

 

[AnthonyZ]

1. Is there any recommendation for a good audio video matrix switch company?

Jijo

If looking for a VERY robust matrix switch with IP, IR and RS232 control, absolute flexibilty of configuration (from 4x4 up to a VERY pricey 64x64, composite,component, VGA, DVI, analog and/or digital audio, balanced or unbalanced) I recommend Convergent Living (www.ConvergentLiving.com).

As for an earlier statement, "Russound makes very nice hardware for audio distribution." I would first state that I am a long time Russound dealer, run a CAV66 in my own home and yet, would state with absolute conviction that the choice of the word "very" in the quote is um, well, incorrect. Russound makes very SOLID gear. The truth, though is that the quality of sound is only good. Not great, good. If looking for "very nice hardware for audio distribution", you will need to look to ADA, B&K or maybe roll your own with great amps and a switch. Sorry to be contrary. Just honest to a fault...

 

[Steve]

As for an earlier statement, "Russound makes very nice hardware for audio distribution." I would first state that I am a long time Russound dealer, run a CAV66 in my own home and yet, would state with absolute conviction that the choice of the word "very" in the quote is um, well, incorrect. Russound makes very SOLID gear. The truth, though is that the quality of sound is only good. Not great, good. If looking for "very nice hardware for audio distribution", you will need to look to ADA, B&K or maybe roll your own with great amps and a switch. Sorry to be contrary. Just honest to a fault...

I for one do always appreciate your honesty. That said, your statement can only be taken as 'opinion' and not 'truth'. It may be 100% true for an avid audiophile but I bet there are many average people out there to whom it does indeed sound great. My Grand Concerto does sound great to me, at least for its intended purpose. I could probably spend 5 times as much for a system and not tell the difference. So I guess 'Great' can mean different things to different people...

 

[MikeB]

I also highly recommend Russound. Couldn't be happier with my wholehouse audio.

 

[jijo_robert]

I also highly recommend Russound. Couldn't be happier with my wholehouse audio.

I looked at Russsound, but they only have 6x6 matrix. I am looking at 8 input with 40 output. Any other suggestions please advice

 

[Sacedog]

I also highly recommend Russound. Couldn't be happier with my wholehouse audio.

I looked at Russsound, but they only have 6x6 matrix. I am looking at 8 input with 40 output. Any other suggestions please advice

You can connect multiple CAVs together to create a MUCH larger system. They connect throught RNET ports on the back of each CAV.

 

[MikeB]

You can connect multiple CAVs together to create a MUCH larger system. They connect throught RNET ports on the back of each CAV.

..but multiple CAVs still leave you with 6 inputs.

 

[AnthonyZ]

As for an earlier statement, "Russound makes very nice hardware for audio distribution." I would first state that I am a long time Russound dealer, run a CAV66 in my own home and yet, would state with absolute conviction that the choice of the word "very" in the quote is um, well, incorrect. Russound makes very SOLID gear. The truth, though is that the quality of sound is only good. Not great, good. If looking for "very nice hardware for audio distribution", you will need to look to ADA, B&K or maybe roll your own with great amps and a switch. Sorry to be contrary. Just honest to a fault...

I for one do always appreciate your honesty. That said, your statement can only be taken as 'opinion' and not 'truth'. It may be 100% true for an avid audiophile but I bet there are many average people out there to whom it does indeed sound great. My Grand Concerto does sound great to me, at least for its intended purpose. I could probably spend 5 times as much for a system and not tell the difference. So I guess 'Great' can mean different things to different people...

Fair enough but, it seems only right to state that, yes there is absolutely a degree of subjective opinion involved but the perception of the listener or their skill at listening doesn't increase or decrease the quality of the components. The components, in this case Russound gear, is what it is. While you may not hear the difference between Russound and say, ADA, that doesn't mean that Russound is as well designed or built as ADA. Does that make sense or am I just being a snob?

 

[CollinR]

I use SageTV and it would work but touchscreens big enough to be worthwhile are mega$.

Me personally, I prefer a remote control but I think touchscreens are cool. I will most certainly have some before long but even then it'll probably be an Ademco and as such pretty limited.

 

[GadgetBoy]

I am running JRiver Media Center with NetRemote. I have a Delta 410 audio card that allows for 5 outputs. For each zone, I have a separate receiver. In my living room, I have a wall-mounted touchscreen LCD connected to a dinosaur laptop located directly on the other side of the wall (in a closet).

It worked financially with me, as I was able to slowly build in and had several amplifiers/receivers laying around the house to poach.