A-BUS partners Release New Products

LeisureTech Electronics, inventors of A-BUS, the popular multi-room audio technology, announced a bevy of new products from A-BUS licensees around the world. The 2005 CEDIA Expo in Indianapolis served as the launching point for new levels of functionality and style in several A-BUS markets and categories.

Among the announcements:

• Bringing iPod entertainment into the Multi-Room lifestyle
• More multi-source capabilities from more brands
• New levels of functionality for A-BUS in structured wiring systems
• Complete new MRAV systems
• Even new receivers with A-BUS/ready on board

LeisureTech Managing Director and co-inventor of A-BUS, Andrew Goldfinch explains the wave of new A-BUS introductions this way, "The level and diversity of A-BUS product development going on around the world is indeed exciting. The acceptance and growth of A-BUS by so many outstanding companies underscores that the simplicity of our approach is the key to its success."

Following are the main points of these new introductions:

Channel Vision Introduces A-BUS to iPod
> Looking to take advantage of the iPod craze and simplify the process of porting the iPod into any A-BUS system, Channel Vision of Costa Mesa CA has introduced the AB-311 iBus® iPod Wall-Dock for A-BUS. "Although iPods are inherently portable audio devices, many individuals like to listen to their favorite tunes while at home, hands free and without headphones," said Darrel Hauk, CEO and president of Channel Vision Technology. "Our new iBus offers music lovers the option of listening to their iPod-based tunes throughout their homes."

The iBus distributes iPod tunes through any standard A-BUS multi-room audio system while also charging the unit. With the integrated Omni connector, the iBus wall mount remains unobtrusive when not in use, yet its support ledge slides out easily, ready to dock an iPod at all times. The iBus also holds the iPod at an angle at light switch level allowing for easy reading of the iPod's LCD display. It is compatible with any A-BUS multi-room audio system and any iPod with a dock connector.

Channel Vision's New A-BUS Hub
> Channel Vision's new P-1014 1 x 4 A-BUS Hub combines punch-down and RJ-45 connection versatility. A single source distribution module, the P-1014 delivers power and audio signals to four amplified keypads, and has four emitter outputs that relay IR signals. The P-1014 easily interfaces with input devices such as CD and MP3 players, AM/FM radios and satellite tuners. Adding Channel Vision's telephone intercom system provides whole-house paging through the system's speakers.

Pairing the P-1014 1x4 A-BUS Distribution Module and the P-0925 Paging Module means designers and installers can provide homeowners with a complete, efficient and affordable multi-room music and communication system. And best of all, it also easy to install.

"This versatile hub is the heart of an A-BUS multi-room audio system," said Hauk. It is a perfect companion for in-ceiling speakers."

Channel Vision's P-0925 Paging Module integrates seamlessly with Channel Vision's P-1014 1 X 4 ABUS Distribution Module to provide efficient and affordable whole-house paging. The unit's form factor allows the paging module to be easily mounted in a structured wiring enclosure, standard 19" rack, or attached to any flat surface.

Jamo Debuts New Transport Keypad
> Last year Jamo launched the AVD4.6 A-BUS keypad to great success. Now they are adding the Source Transport Keypad LKP4.6 and creating an exceptional combination of intelligent flexibility and control. It has a string of learnable command and source transport features, similar to the Jamo LRD4.g learnable remote, and copies all commands and macros from this. It is even possible to clone the stored information to as many A-BUS keypads as you wish. The LKP4.6 recognizes all sources connected to the multi-room system and allows the user to name all sources so the LCD-display automatically shows the source playing. Clock, alarm and timer functions come along as well.

Also introduced at CEDIA was the LM4.6 wall-plate that allows for a local zone source to be connected and played in its own zone and sub-zone. Two LM4.6 can be used in one zone for connecting to two sources.

Cambridge Audio Receivers Feature A-BUS/Direct and Goes Incognito
> UK-licensee Audio Partnership launched an entire new line of A-BUS products under the name Incognito, distributed in the US by Audio Plus of Buffalo, NY. Incognito is a cost-effective modular A-BUS system that is the first in the world to feature A-BUS/direct loudspeakers. A-BUS/direct refers to the A-BUS-amplified speakers that enable the system to forego the wall control if so desired and simply control the A-BUS-powered speakers by remote.

The Incognito hub handles up to 6 audio and video sources and 8 zones, (up to 32 zones by daisy-chaining hubs). The Incognito system allows for three levels of complexity - from simple single-source A-BUS architecture to full on 6 A/V sources, enjoying up to four simultaneously. They may be Incognito, but everyone will know its A-BUS.

Honeywell's New Home Automation System (HAS) Includes A-BUS
> After many months of detailed preparation, Honeywell launched their most ambitious home control project yet - HAS - for Home Automation System. Packaged neatly in the Honeywell structured wiring enclosure is a carefully designed system comprising hardware from Intel, Digital Deck, A-BUS and software from Home Automated Living (HAL).

Honeywell Adds Four-Source Input to A-BUS Range
> Honeywell also added a new four-input interface to their existing single-source A-BUS offerings. As their single-source success with A-BUS has grown, it became clear that desire for multi-source capability was clearly on their customer's minds. The addition of the AUDZ400 four-input interface enables Honeywell customers to seamlessly add the flexibility of any four sources to their A-BUS system.

Phase Technology Goes Multi-Source
> Phase Tech of Jacksonville, FL geared up for serious growth in their A-BUS business with the addition of the Hub-4 Four-Input, Four-Zone Switching Hub and TP-4 Multi-Source Volume Control keypad. With level adjustments for each of the four RCA source inputs and two banks of four zones each (one primary and one secondary), the Hub-4 is a highly flexible solution for a wide variety of A-BUS installations.

Phase Tech is looking forward to adding substantial new business by virtue of their newfound abilities of their A-BUS system to handle up to four sources independently. When coupled with the new remote control (included), with its separate A-BUS bank and learning capability, the new Hub-4 and TP-4 from Phase Tech are set to go.

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