Audioaccess W.H.E.N. Multiroom System

At CEDIA 2004, Audioaccess, a division of JBL, announced its W.H.E.N. (Whole-House Entertainment Network) system. W.H.E.N. is the company's first integrated home theater and multiroom audio/video system designed exclusively for custom residential installation. The W.H.E.N. system incorporates digital audio and video signal management technologies to deliver sound and picture throughout simple to complex multiroom installations. The system is intended to be extremely versatile in its capabilities, while offering total ease of operation.

The expandable, modular W.H.E.N. system components include the W.H.E.N. AVR/Controller, the Multiroom Hub, the KPS-600 Keypad/Amplifier Module, a compact Door Keypad/Camera Module and three available in-wall and in-ceiling speaker models.

The W.H.E.N. system offers three operating modes: Entertainment, Video Security and Paging. In the Entertainment mode, it distributes audio and video from home theater and stereo audio components to the main home entertainment room and to the remote locations. In Video Security mode, the system routes signals from video cameras stationed throughout the home to connected video display devices. Paging mode enables the W.H.E.N. system to function as a sophisticated multiroom paging system, with two-way audio communication between all zones.

AVR/Controller Unit
The system is based around the W.H.E.N. AVR/Controller, a 7.1-channel A/V receiver and multiroom controller that offers a wide range of features and connectivity options, making it the heart of the whole-house control system. The system controls outboard A/V sources via dedicated IR outputs, a proprietary digital signal transfer bus and three RS-232 ports which enable two-way control of specific high-capacity DVD/CD changers. An additional bi-directional RS-232 port is provided for software and firmware upgrades, such as support for future surround sound formats and additional control capabilities when they become available. The AVR/Controller provides features, such as five wide-bandwidth, HDTV-compatible component video inputs, an HDMI-compatible digital-video output, and seven source trigger inputs and IR outputs for control of multiple connected source components. The AVR/Controller also provides a comprehensive array of front-panel connections including component video inputs and three digital audio inputs (two optical and one coaxial), and two high-quality FM/AM tuners.

The W.H.E.N. AVR/Controller features 7 x 100 watts of power output via a high-efficiency digital-amplifier section. The AVR/Controller utilizes 24-bit/192kHz audio D/A converters and offers a wide range of surround modes, including Logic 7 surround sound processing.

Multiroom Hub 
The W.H.E.N. Multiroom Hub is a versatile signal distribution component that manages the distribution of audio, video and control signals throughout the home. The Multiroom Hub connects to the AVR/Controller via a single, proprietary digital signal/control cable, which transmits and receives all signals between the two units. The Multiroom Hub distributes video to the home's remote locations via coaxial cable; it sends audio and control signals using Cat 5 cable. The Multiroom Hub can accommodate up to eight audio/[C1] video remote locations, and has video routing capability for up to six video entertainment sources, plus six video security cameras. Additional hubs and power supplies can be added to expand signal distribution for up to 23 rooms, facilitating comprehensive multizone installations. In addition, video cameras can be connected to the Multiroom Hub, enabling the W.H.E.N. system to function as a complete whole-house security system.

LCD Keypad Unit
The Multiroom Hub links to a W.H.E.N. KPS-600 Display Keypad/Amplifier Module located in each remote zone. The KPS-600 provides comprehensive functionality and control of up to six audio/video sources throughout the home. Compact and designed for easy installation, the KPS-600 features a large LCD, and it has "hard" buttons for frequently used functions. The KPS-600 also interfaces with popular DVD and CD changers to display program information and provide full two-way integrated operation. The keypad includes a 50-watt-per-channel digital stereo amplifier to power a pair of speakers in the remote location, as well as a local source input and preamp outputs for use with a subwoofer or external amplifier. Moreover, the keypad includes an IR sensor, enabling control from a handheld remote, and a built-in microphone and speaker, enabling it to function as part of a multizone paging system. In addition to the KPS-600, the Door Keypad/Camera Module, which can be used in conjunction with a video security system, is available as an option.

Loudspeakers 
Three loudspeakers used in the W.H.E.N. system are derived from JBL's high-performance HTi Series: the Audioaccess AAS6C round in-ceiling speaker (6-1/2-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter), AAS6 in-wall speaker (6-1/2-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter) and AAS8 in-wall speaker (8-inch woofer, 1-inch tweeter). All three speakers employ pure-titanium tweeters operating in conjunction with high-output, polymer-coated aluminum woofers and premium crossover components.

The W.H.E.N. loudspeakers are designed for ready, unobtrusive installation in both new-construction homes and existing rooms. Each features integrated dog-ear brackets for retrofit installations where existing speakers are being replaced, and all models are available with optional snap-together rough-in frames to facilitate preconstruction installation. The AAS6C, AAS6 and AAS8 are available in white with matching grilles, and the speakers' baffles and grilles can be painted to blend with any room and décor.

The Audioaccess W.H.E.N. system is highly scalable for use in both smaller residences and more expansive homes. Suggested retail pricing ranges from approximately $4,000 for a base system to more than $20,000 for a large-scale system comprising a main home theater and 23 remote room locations. Details of availability for the W.H.E.N. system are yet to be announced.