If laptops are your main control piece, you would do well with the new Fireballs from Escient. They allow you to use up to four computers,(laptops, webtablets, desktops, whatever), wirelessly accessing the music on the fireball hard drive, each computer streaming different choices at the same time, as well as playing something different from the hard drive on your main home system. It is very easy to switch between client mode and control mode. The interface makes sense. Transfer of music files is quick and easy. A very reliable computer product.

We aren't looking to play music on our laptops if thats what you were meaning, doesnt the ReQuest also do that?

Request has had streaming to PCs as well as full IP control for a LOOOOOONG time...

Also, you can share your files, and playlists from any other Request in vacation home(s), opposite coast condos, yachts, etc.
Anywhere that you have broadband access and access to the network
configuration.

A client that buys a stack of CDs while they are on vacation can rip them directly to the vacation system with the tray on the front, but also remotely place the new files on their ARQ's in all other homes and/or yachts.

Escient clients still work from the master unit's HD, so they cannot do this outside of the clients in the same residence as the master.

I believe that you would need a new master in each home that could only then communicate with it's own clients.

Ok, So which one should I get! Ive heard good and bad things about each

PennyG,

As was pointed out, you can use any computer, laptop, tablet touchscreen, Ipaq, cell phone, or any other device on the network to control the digilinx system with full meta-data two way real time communications with the system and with the Request. While sometimes I wish I could sell my clients a $5-$15k touchpad controller including a few thousand doallars of programming, I don't have time. And I am Pleased to be able to sell my clients a $1500 wireless tablet that offers full control of every aspect of the system. Or they can use their existing computers. Of course with a wireless network, they can walk around the house with full system control.

I hope they pointed this out to you during the trainings.

I dont criticize you for not selling it. I am a small shop who can't afford the time to program the big name systems. I hope to be there someday, but for now, DigilinX is the future and my clients love it.

Oh, and you know what will be really cool? When RTI releases the cool K4 I will have the ultimate solution (imo). [Link: rticorp.com] It is a larger touchscreen controller with network interface, as well as audio and video, and control of the theater room as well. Can't wait for that.

A side benefit of the Request and DigilinX is that the multiple streams from the music server to the audio system have no effect on the local source aspect of the Request. So put one in a theater or family room and connect it to the DigilinX network for multiple streams. Then connect it with standard RCA audio/video to the local system and you can control with the remote as a second local music source on a high end system.

I seem to be touting the DigilinX/Request combo a lot around here. It is probably annoying you guys so I'll tone it down.

Whatever anyone chooses, the bottom line is that using a CI firm puts them at the top of the heap to begin with. Then whatever professionally designed system they choose will be excellent.

ejfii,
You offer an enthusiastic pitch for the request/digilinx combo, and you are well versed in the features/benefits. How many of these systems have you installed?

You are right that not everyone can afford the better systems that are available. You are also right that control via IP is the future. I appreciate the time we spend sharing the experiences we have with the plethora of products that have hit the market. As much time as I spend in research and testing, I still cannot cover it all.

bronco991,
The bottom line is that whatever system you have installed, choose a professional who is intimate with the products you have chosen, who has a working relationship with the manufacturer, and who you feel comfortable is looking out for your best interests. Follow that formula and you will be happy with your system.

The more you ask these types of questions, the harder this choice will become. Every "expert" that answers your question will have a slightly different opinion based on there own biases, leading you to more and more confusion.

Find a competent dealer you trust, and take his advise.

Thank You for all of your advice, My guys can install any server, Im feeling more comftorble with the ReQuest seeing how it works very well with the DigiLinx and also works with Ipods...Thank you

PennyG, I've got two mobile demo kits (both two room with ARQ), one in my house (three rooms, 1 touchscreen) and 2 in the field (6 room, 5 room).

Biggest gripe is the digilinx is set up from the factory on a 10.15 network. I also install the computer networks in my client's homes and it takes me some extra time to get the digilinx systems switched over to a 192.168 network.

There are lots of good reasons for keeping them separate, but for me its easier to manage both under a single network.

I think DigiLinx is totally cool...the expandability is awesome and super easy...the thing looks fantastic...and for the price/cool factor it can't be beat. We install it in our highest end installations. Not everybody wants Audio/Video at every spot...I think having devices that do what they do and do it well is where it's at.

P.S. We have a bunch of DigiLinx system extra parts like MediaLinx/Audio Ports/ Switchlinx/and even TouchLinx that we're blowing out!! E-Mail me if you need any parts to complete your system!

Touchlinx have come out already? I heard they have not

TouchlinX is the touchscreen and has been out for a while. KeylinX is the keypad which is not out yet.

If you are working with a dealer it would seem like some of these questions should be addressed to them? If you are not working with a dealer and found some way to get product on your own, well...... that sucks.

I am working with a dealer...he told me that it was going to take awhile to get the Touchlinx....I did not know the keylinx was not out yet...this means until we get those we cant even play music using our computers..correct?