Fusion Expands A/V Server Line

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 5/9/2007

Danville, Calif. – Fusion Research is dropping the prices of its Ethernet-networked A/V server line with the $7,995-suggested 1TB Genesis music/video server and its 2TB counterpart at $9,495.

The two servers, which can be expanded to distribute three separate streams of music and video simultaneously around the house, join the flagship Cinema Server, which starts at around $14,500 and streams up to 20 music and video programs simultaneously. All systems can also be integrated into other-brand multiroom audio-video systems.

The servers rip CDs and DVDs for hard-disk storage. The two Genesis models store up to 150 and 300 DVDs, respectively, and the stored content can be selected for playback from an on-screen graphical user interface. In a multiroom installation, DVD movies can be streamed in encrypted form over a gigabit-Ethernet network throughout the house to separately sold $2,295-suggested clients called Cinema Players. Playback in remote zones can be controlled from an IR remote aimed at the player.

Alternately, all of the clients can be stacked in the central A/V rack along with the server. Traditional A/V cable would run from the client to A/V systems in remote rooms, and the clients would be controlled via the in-wall controllers of other-brand multiroom-A/V systems.

The Genesis models incorporate CD/DVD slot. Storage capacity is expandable.

“We are now bringing a smaller, more entry-level piece into the market,” said sales VP Ingo Schmoldt.