Archive for February, 2010
“How do I…” Add FLAC audio files for use in Control4 systems newer than 1.8.x?
Last Updated on Thursday, 29 April 2010 04:23 Written by Cody Wednesday, 24 February 2010 11:36
There are a lot of different software options that will allow you to rip your CDs in FLAC. So many, and with their frequent updates, it would be difficult to keep this post constantly updated – so our good friend Google can bring you up to speed on all the options
After you’ve picked out your software weapon of choice, go ahead and rip a CD to flac. Remember where you saved the files, since you’ll need to find them again later.
Now, open up composer. Remember, you should have Composer Home Edition or Composer Media Edition software version 1.8 or higher, the same version your Control4 system is running. If you’re not on 1.8 yet, or your version of Composer does not match your system version, give your dealer a call. He can help you get where you need to be. For more information about 1.8, see our blog post on it here:
In composer, you’ll add the FLAC files just like you do .mp3 files. Navigate to the media tab.
In the top right hand corner, you’ll see the button “Add”. Click it. It will pop up a window to browse your computer or network for the files you just ripped. You did write down that location from earlier, didn’t you?
Choose the folder containing the tracks for the album you just ripped. Click OK. Composer will then scan the files, and add them to your system.
If it doesn’t find the cover art automatically, you can add the album information manually.
Now, you should be able to browse the GUI on your touch panels or TV screens, and select the album we just added. Pick your favorite track and crank it up! Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
Tags: 1.8, FLAC, streaming music | Posted under How do I... | No Comments
2.0 is going to blow your socks off – integration with C4 iQ and C4 Certified partners is especially sweet
Last Updated on Thursday, 29 April 2010 04:23 Written by Cody Tuesday, 23 February 2010 11:13
Pioneer:
Their video shows the E-TAP system from CEDIA, now with a target release date of “Fall 2010″.
Pioneer’s EntertainmentTap prototype media server includes embedded Control4 iQ technology, which enables it to function as a Control4® home controller.
· Pioneer’s Elite VSX and SC receivers are pending Control4® Certification.
· Pioneer’s Elite BDP Blu-Ray players are pending Control4® Certification.
Sony:
Not a lot of additional information here, but interesting to note that “Control of the Blu-ray Megachanger over Ethernet is coming soon.
Kwikset, Baldwin, Schlage:
Kwikset® SmartCode™ with Home Connect™ allows homeowners to monitor and control their door locks using a Web enabled cell phone, the Internet, or the Control4® automation system.
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Denon:
Short and to the point: You can control our stuff with RS-232 or IP.
Onkyo:
Same as the Denon video but with a different guy and a different brand name.
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Lutron:
HomeWorks® and RadioRA®2 lighting control systems are new additions to the Control4 Certified products list.Control4 certified drivers for both Lutron systems will be released in the first quarter of 2010.
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MechoShade
Home Systems-a division of MechoShade Systems-is the only single-source designer and manufacturer of solar-shading hardware, shadecloths, motorized drapery track, electronic-control systems, and accessories. The company provides an extensive line of motorized shading systems, which integrate with the Control4 operating system.
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Zatabit
multimedia servers display your entire library of music, videos, and photos on your TV or touch screen. A DVD player is included in each machine or you can play back stored content from the server and deliver up to 10 streams using optional Zatabit clients or any other client supported by Control4.
Nothing was really demonstrated in the video, but it’s an interesting central server.
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AudioShare is the first Control4-integrated intercom. The AudioShare door chime can trigger an announcement agent and each intercom wall station can send a spoken intercom page into the Control4 music zones. Each intercom station can become a Control4 audio end point (great when adding the AudioShare 50w amp to the intercom for excellent stereo output). And at CES AudioShare showed Control4 List Navigator features available at the intercom wall station.
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Card Access‘ neat feature of the floorplan of your home showing motion events is demonstrated here. For now, it’s a service where you send the blueprints to Card Access and they add into the app for you. Also on the floorplan feature, you can see which lights are on, and touch those lights to get a ramp up or down dimming control of that light. “Eco Off” buttons turn off lights where no motion is being detected in a certain period of time. Bird’s eye view of climate control on the floorplan view of your home is integrated as well, and indicators showing windows open, turning of the thermostats so energy isn’t wasted. Hats off to Card Access for their hard work on this level of integration in the app.
Shipping since 2006, the Card Access™ line of Home Automation Products extend control and automation capabilities for any Control4® automated home. Using wireless ZigBee™ mesh-networking technology, the products easily install in locations where running a wire just isn’t practical-or possible. They are suited to new construction and retrofit home automation products.
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CloseBy Network is a subsidiary of Card Access. Inc. and provides technology solutions that allow elderly and disabled loved ones to age in the comfort of their own homes. By using an expandable and flexible foundation, the company enables users to customize the solution for every situation, using both CloseBy and third-party vendors. CloseBy Network utilizes both wired and wireless technology, making its products ideally suited for existing homes.
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Watch CloseBy Overview Video
Showing off the Android Contorl4 My Home app as well as what 2.0’s new GUI will look like on the iPhone.
DSC provides security professionals with products of superior quality and performance in more than 140 countries worldwide. They include alarm control panels, keypads, user interfaces, detection devices, alarm communication products, structured wiring and industry-leading alarm monitoring technology. For more information visit www.dsc.com.
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Eaton’s Electrical Sector is a global leader in power distribution, power quality, control and automation, and monitoring products. When combined with Eaton’s full-scale engineering services, these products provide customer-driven PowerChain Management® solutions to serve the power system needs of the data center, industrial, institutional, public sector, utility, commercial, residential, IT, mission critical, alternative energy and OEM markets worldwide.
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Global Caché is a leading provider of networking connectivity products. The award-winning product line-up includes the iTach family of products, offering instant Wi-Fi and IP connectivity to almost any electrical device, and the popular GC-100 Network Adapters for connecting entire systems to the network. Based on industry standards, Global Caché devices are engineered to be easily integrated into any control and automation environment, extending the functionality and reach of your system of choice. Global Caché products include networked sensors, IR input over a network, IR Blasters, and IR Learners.
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IngeniumCare remote care monitoring works with both facilities and individual homes.
The unique communication portal works with the client/elderly and family members as well as professional or informal caregivers. Caregivers are alerted to incidents, mishaps and when a client is off their pattern of daily living. The client has an optional wearable accessory that has two-way communication and tracking, so the client can stay on their regular pattern and caregivers can be notified when needed.
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Luxul Wireless is in the business of enhancing the performance of wireless networks and is an expert in delivering cost-effective solutions for implementing more clear, stable, and productive wireless networking environments. This is done through the use of patented antenna technologies and signal booster products that improve the signal quality, data throughput and coverage area, while also reducing overall infrastructure, installation and maintenance costs.
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NeoPro manufacturers high quality video and audio matrix switches for the custom integrator market. As a Control4 partner, all NeoPro products feature full support of Control4 controllers for quick and reliable setup. At CES, NeoPro unveiled a new, larger matrix switch design with Control4 dealers in mind.
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Panamax is the expert in power management technology and its products easily integrate with the Control4 platform. At CES 2010, Panamax introduced BlueBOLT™, a new technology providing secure, hosted IP system control over compatible Panamax and Furman products. Offering unprecedented ease of use, BlueBOLT combines a groundbreaking, intuitive interface and simple plug-and-play operation to allow custom electronics installers and integrators to conveniently monitor and control power to home theater equipment – from simple system reboots to comprehensive monitoring of power status – from anywhere in the world. BlueBOLT-compatible products on display will include the MB1500 and new M4315-PRO.
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Blackwire Designs / JustAddPower
JustAddPower is showing off their new rack-mountable three-source encoder pieces, as well as Power over Ethernet capable decoders. And as always, Blackwire Designs offers the finest networking services available to ensure your network and Control4 install is stable for years to come.
Control4 Stage Presentation
Get an overview of Control4 and what is new for CES.
Tags: 2.0, Third Party Hardware | Posted under Control4 Software, Third Party Hardware | No Comments
Coming Soon: Battle of the Media Players – XBMC, Netgear, Niveus, Control4, Dune compete for your hard earned cash – PCH & Fusion too?
Last Updated on Sunday, 28 March 2010 12:02 Written by Cody Friday, 12 February 2010 12:01
In the next couple of weeks, C4Central.com and The SOHO Shop will have all of these players to test. XBMC running on Windows, the Netgear 9100 Express and Elite, Niveus’ N7 Pro, Control4’s Media Player, and Dune’s BD Prime 3.0. Who offers the best integration with Control4? Which players can muster flawless HD playback? Can you tell the difference between component and HDMI in a double-blind test? If you have questions or suggestions for our tests, please leave a comment below. When we’re finished, we’ll have a discussion thread on C4Forums.com
Posted under Announcements, Control4 Gear, Third Party Hardware | No Comments