Russound Upgrades E-Series, To Demo Powerline Audio
By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 8/26/2009
CEDIA Expo 2009 Atlanta - Russound plans to go to the CEDIA Expo with its previously announced powerline-based multi-room audio system, upgraded versions of two key E-series multi-room-audio components and the first E-series handheld wireless-RF/IR controller.
The E-series' upgraded $5,650 ACA-E5 multi-room amplifier/controller adds RDS to its built-in AM/FM tuner and remote zone control to manage any room's audio functions from keypads and touchscreens in other rooms. The 12-source/eight-zone ACA-E5 continues to offer the ability to group multiple zones to control them as a single group, a slot for an optional satellite-radio tuner, 16x40-watt amplification, support for up to two doorbells, and IP integration with an included Web server for expanded control. Its price was unavailable.
The upgraded TSV-E5 tabletop/wall-mount touchscreen at $2,999 street price adds RDS data display and ability to control remote zones. It already displays other source's metadata on its 8.4-inch color touchscreen, which also features 10 hard buttons.
The new E-series $899 RFR-E5 handheld wireless RF/IR remote features zone roaming to make it the primary remote for any zone that the user walks in. It also controls remote zones and local IR sources. It features the same touch-ring control and large LCD display used on the in-wall KLK-E5 click wheel keypad.
The company's long-awaited powerline-based multi-room-audio system will be demonstrated for October shipment. The Collage Media and Intercom System is targeted to the retrofit market.
Collage relies on such new media sources as Internet radio, iPods docked in a networked docking/charging station, and digital music stored on a networked PC or network-attached storage (NAS) device, although legacy devices can be attached via a source-bridge component. Networked sources can be placed anywhere in the home. Up to 10 zones are supported.
Collage's main components include an in-wall amplified keypad equipped with RDS FM tuner. A Media Manager device connects to a home's Ethernet network and acts as a bridge between a home's Ethernet network and the powerline network.
The CAK1 amplified keypad will retail for a suggested $849. Up to 10 can be installed in a system, but only one $549 CMM1 Collage Media Manager is needed. An iPod dock and IR source bridge, which connects legacy sources via IR, will ship sometime later.
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