Hi guys

I am putting together a "package" of equipment to sell to clients. The idea is to pick sub-systems that communicate and perform optimally with RTI and to scale the system up and down based on client requirement. So far I am think the following:

Distributed Audio
Nuvo Grand Concerto - Bi directional driver available so no problem. Clients will receive volume and on/off information on each zone.

Lighting and Power Control
C-bus - One-directional control only, do you think that bi-directional control is necessary? I doubt it.

Audio Video Distribution
Kramer HDMI and Composite Switches. One-directional control via IR.

Burglar Alarm
DSC Power Wireless Alarm System

Media Server & iPod Integration
This one worries me. I would like to offer a solution to the client that allows for the display of metadata and cover-art on his touch panels. I was looking at the iPort for iPod integration and at escient as a media server. With Escient being out of business I am not sure what to specify. I have had experience with Request and found it a solid solution but there is no bi-directional driver available for it. Any ideas on how to get around this?

Cheers

You could also look at B&K. More expensive than Nuvo but IMHO better.


2way is only necessary if you will be controlling rooms or areas that are not line of sight. Some clients want to see if the kids left the lights on downstairs and some clients don't care.


Composite?


Works great.


The iports work great for their application and since they hold the patent on the inwall design you are kind of locked in. The Kaleidescape system works flawlessly for both DVD and CD but is limited in that it cannot integrate to itunes.

The NuVo keypads have shown iPod metadata for a couple of years. I don't know if they show any server metadata. It really did knock me out, though, when we plugged an iPod into its dock and "Karen's iPod" was instantly added to the source list on every keypad!