This is incorrect. Adding expansion units does adds to the number of zones controlled not the number of source inputs. You might wish to get cute and take an output from each AES into the input of the other but I'd argue that you'd be better off selling a Bipad8 then using the Adagio this way. Stock, without games or tricks, expansion units add outputs not inputs to the system.


I am still a dealer but I don't do much business with Niles, partly due to their new relationship with AVID and partly do their local rep placing them into distribution ( eg., ADI as well as his own local retail, eh, wholesale store ( until the AVID deal went though ). That and the IPOWER and some of the issues with the RVL replacement ( I forget the number but it was line level out to a 12 channel amp ) left a bad taste so I have not looked closely at the ICS. I'd wager that it, too, will not do 30 individual sources, but I'll let Mr. Stearns comment.



I am no Escient fan. But I will argue about the efficacy of clip out on a CD server. Clip art is nice but information is better. I'd rather Niles did not choose sides and had modules for both Escient and Request but the point I'd make is that, until recently, it was rather difficult, and required an Elan like solution to get clip art onto a Crestron panel. Niles, and in particular, Mr. Stearns is very smart. If all they are missing is clip art they are not missing much. Data of graphics is not missing much. I want to find my music and if I lose a bit of cool graphics that add little but "coolness" it is a trade off that doesn't lose much.

I am available for consultation for the right price. Currently 3 manufacturers have been smart enough to use my free services to the benefit of all. Mr. Stearn's participation can only be seen as a positive.

Alan

Small correction - you can control the whole house from one keypad. I did complain that it is about two button presses too many from the keypad, but it works, and customers can figure it out. The system I referred to in the ICS review has one kp in the kitchen to run the kitchen and the outdoor zone.

I have it on good authority that this feature was not originally included, and was added at the request of the dealers they asked for design help and advice. Thank you for listening, Mr Sterns...

I havent been able to find any pictures or info on the Niles ICS. Has it been released yet? TIA

http://www.intellicontrol.com

Just to clarify these two points...

You are correct, the Niles ICS unit currently handles just auido...but due to its modular nature, in the future it is anticipated that it will have the capability to route component video.

And regarding the control of different zones from the keypads...from the contact and display keypads, a user can control any zone in the system. This is done by changing the zone assignment on the keypad-this is fairly simple to do. This cannot be done from the single keypad.