HAI Hi-Fi 2 Multi-Room Audio System Preview

Home Automation, Inc. (HAI) announced that the Hi-Fi 2 Multi-Room audio system is expected to ship in October 2010. HAI's Hi-Fi 2 was created for today's demanding homeowners.  The base system features 8 zones and 8 sources and may be expanded to 16 zones.  Installation remains simple with standard Cat-5 wiring and standard speaker wire.

The powerful but compact Hi-Fi 2 plays music from devices you already own (or new devices you wish to purchase), and is designed to be easy to operate - all family members are welcome. With Hi-Fi 2, you have the ability to listen to different sources at the same time at different volume levels throughout your home. Or set all zones to the same source and volume.

The new OLED Volume Source Control (VSC) displays source name, volume bar chart, bass, treble, balance and more. It features four hard buttons for control of volume, source, and power. VSC's act as infra-red repeaters for source component control. Simply point the source's remote at the VSC and it will route the signal back to the original source component through the RIM. When a VSC is used with an HAI Music Gateway, artist name, album title, and track title may be displayed on the VSC (up to 80 characters).

Audio sources can now be locally inputted at the Hi-Fi 2 amplifier, or located throughout the house using Remote Input Modules (RIM).   Local input examples include items like HAI's Music Gateway and satellite/Internet radio tuners. Remote input examples include a home theater system, kitchen TV, iPod dock, etc. 

The color of the VSC and RIM may be changed to complement the interior décor. They ship white and have color change kits available in almond, light almond, black, ivory, and white. Zone amplification has been increased to 25 watts RMS at 8 ohms per channel (50 Watts per zone) and four zones have outputs for additional amplification. The Hi-Fi 2 has a built-in universal power supply as opposed to the "power brick" of the original Hi-Fi by HAI.

Hi-Fi 2 may be a stand-alone installation or may be integrated with an HAI home control system for enhanced features including control from an iPhone or iPad, and automated functions like turning off all audio zones when exiting the home.

"We built this system on the success of our award-winning Hi-Fi. The new model features double the zones, more than double the power, more sources, local (and remote) inputs, plus an all-new OLED keypad."

- HAI President, Jay McLellan

HAI products are available through a worldwide network of Distributors and installing Dealers in over 80 countries.  For more information, please visit HAI's website, www.homeauto.com.

About HAI
HAI (Home Automation, Inc.) is a privately held manufacturer of integrated automation and security products for residential and commercial use based in New Orleans, LA.  Incorporated in 1985, HAI has developed a full line of award-winning automation products, including home control systems, programmable communicating thermostats, smart light switches, Whole Home Audio systems, video surveillance equipment, Touchscreen interfaces, and software that allows access and control of an automation system over the Internet.  All products are sold through HAI's worldwide network of Distribution Partners and installed by trained dealers in over 80 countries.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.