Control Suppliers Roll Out Apple Integration

By John Laposky On Sep 8 2011 - 4:01am

INDIANAPOLIS — Attendees at CEDIA Expo here will see a host of solutions for Apple handheld device integration into installed home control and A/V systems.

Among them, VidaBox has added Apple device control capability to its multi-room audio and automation platform.

The company’s LiivController LC-200 uses VidaBox’s new vAutomation 2.0 control platform to enable any iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch to access system equipment via Wi-Fi, turning them into touchscreen controllers for any component via IR, TCP/IP and RS-232 commands sent from the LiivController unit. The vAutomation 2.0 platform can also be used to control any VidaBox media center, allowing users to browse through their media in the cover-flow style familiar to Apple users.

The LC-200 also controls four zones of synchronized multi-room audio, without the need for additional matrix switchers. Audio can be streamed from stored music collections from any device across the network.

The LiivController unit features seven 3.5mm ports that can be used as IR, video sensor, contact closure sensor or voltage sensor ports. The systems feature built-in IR learners and are expandable using Global Cache devices.

In another nod to Apple, VidaBox is showing its iPad2 on-wall mounts with integrated iPower charging station for iPad integration into installed home systems.

The mounts feature slim 19mm aluminum frames in seven colors and finishes, and optional accessories include the iPCX charger extender kit for charging via a single CAT-5 cable, and extra iPower charging stations to continually charge up to four iPads from a centralized location over distances up to 100 feet using a single CAT-5 cable.

VidaBox also teamed with Extra Vegetables to jointly introduce a Control4 driver, providing direct IP control of any VidaBox system from any Control4 device. This adds to the system’s existing capabilities with Crestron, AMX, RTI, URC and other top-tier control systems. Using Extra Vegetable’s new C4 driver, VidaBox systems can be fully via Ethernet without the use of any IR beads. Full two-way communications for browsing of cover art for movies, music and other rich metadata are also in the works, the company said.

VidaBox will demonstrate the iPad-powered multiroom audio and automation platform in booth 4835.

Remote Technologies (RTI) is introducing it RTiPanel app, which extends RTI’s control solutions to the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. With the app installed, users will have complete control over any RTI XP remote processor, and all connected electronic systems, from any broadband connection.

Features include full two-way feedback, dynamic scrolling lists and a completely customizable user interface.

As part of RTI’s new audio solutions, its iPod/iPhone RTiDock come with rack-mount or desktop options, and allows the ability to sync with iTunes over the network through Virtual Sync technology. The device offers a full onscreen graphical user interface and video output for navigation through a video display device. A sliding tray provides easy access and discreet storage of the iPod/ iPhone.

RTI is also showing its ProControl brand iPro.8 companion controller that runs the company’s ProPanel app.

The iPro.8 remote works as an extension of the Pro- Panel App running on a smartphone, tablet or PC. It gives users the hard buttons and tactile control to which they are accustomed in a traditional remote, and immediate access to common functions such as changing channels, volume control and DVR setting. It uses RF technology to overcome common network-connectivity issues and is designed for use with any Pro Control processor with an activated ProPanel App.

LiteTouch, a supplier of lighting control systems, is showing in booth 3337 its LiteTouch Keypad Studio app for iPhone, a new tool that allows designers, dealers and consumers to create virtual representations of the myriad keypad combinations available with a Lite- Touch control system.

LiteTouch keypads are available in 32 finishes, ranging from oil-rubbed bronze and satin nickel to bold ocean and simple white. Using the Keypad Studio app, users can pair the faceplate finish with button, engraving, and LED color selections. The app is available now as a free download at the iTunes App Store.