ELAN Home Systems' HR2 Awarded 2011 Resi Award for Best Remote Control

ELAN Home Systems last week was awarded the 2011 Resi Award by Residential Systems magazine in the category of Remote Control for the ELAN HR2 Remote. The award was presented to ELAN at the 2011 Resi Awards CEDIA Expo Reception in Indianapolis, Indiana.

"With ELAN g! we set out to create the best whole house system, making sure that the whole family could enjoy it," said Paul Starkey, president of ELAN Home Systems. "The HR2 is the most logical extension of that system because everyone has and uses a remote control. We aimed to break the mold of whole house control - and together, the ELAN g! Series and the HR2 remote do just that.”

Each year, Residential Systems magazine presents the prestigious Resi Awards to honor the best products exhibited at CEDIA EXPO, based on their industrial design.

“This year’s Resi Awards finalists demonstrate, once again, that innovation and elegant design need not be sacrificed during challenging economic times,” stated Residential Systems editorial director Jeremy Glowacki.

The sleek ELAN HR2, the company’s first ever remote, features the ELAN "g!" engine and hybrid use of backlit buttons with a 2.4" OLED touch display. This provides all the function of hard buttons and a touch screen packaged in a stylish remote that weighs a mere 8 ounces. Nearly a year of development went into the remote's shape and button layout, and that plays out in a very pleasing and easy-to-use button configuration, with a crisp clear touch display of the g! icon controls. This delivers quick-touch access to media, climate, lighting and security subsystems. Its ergonomic design is easy on the hands and eyes, and is ready on pickup thanks to a noiseless accelerometer and instant-on electronics. Integrated Wi-Fi and IR ensure rich metadata content as well as speedy local control of sources and TVs.

Beyond function, a major part of the remote's appeal is the gentle and artistic sculpting of the bottom and back so that depth quickly goes from one inch in the palm to a half inch midway up for an easy and balanced grip. Its Lithium Polymer battery provides superior battery life with the display on or on standby. A stylish charging base is included and keeps the HR2 in a handy upright position - ready to grab-and-go with a minimal footprint.

The industry's most intuitive new control solution - "g!" - is what powers the HR2, and it is a welcome advance over the complexity of its predecessors. "g!" features uniform, icon-based control from favorite devices including TVs, touch screens, touchpads - even PCs and iPhones. The standardized GUI interface works across more than 11 platforms, so that the trendy g!Mobile app users love on the iPhone appears and works similarly on ELAN's HR2 and all other g! touch controllers as well as users' televisions and mobile devices. Individual "apps" for each subsystem allow the user to control security, climate, lighting, media, irrigation, pool/spa, messaging, video and photos with the flick of a finger. Access through the system's IP backbone is fast and secure through any ELAN home interface or globally with mobile Internet enabled devices like the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Netbooks and PC Tablets.

ELAN HR2 Handheld Remote Control:

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• All the speed, response & graphics of a touch screen
• All the ease-of-use, simplicity-of-programming & affordability of a remote control
• 43 backlit Hard buttons 3 additional programmable buttons
• 2.4" OLED display
• Noiseless accelerometer for activating LCD and backlight
• 802.11g communication provides robust metadata feedback
• IR blaster for line-of-sight control
• Quick & easy programming using the ELAN Configurator
• Compatible with all g! System Controllers
• Ships standard with battery and charging base
• Controls all AV sources with metadata feedback for supported devices
• Controls security, lighting, and climate with metadata feedback
• Supports all drivers that run on other g! interfaces

Xantech's New Red/95, Green/85 and Blue/25 Series IR Kits Awarded 2011 EXC!TE Award by CustomRetailer Magazine

Xantech, the company that invented the concept of extended IR control for audio/video systems, today was awarded a 2011 EXC!TE Award by CustomRetailer Magazine for its new Red/95, Green/85 and Blue/25 Series IR kits. The award will be presented to Xantech on Sept. 8 at the 2011 EXC!TE Awards Party at CEDIA Expo 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“Change is the one constant in both the audio/video industry and our lives,” commented Xantech President Graham Hallett. “Changes in entertainment systems range from flatscreen panels to all-digital TV content delivery, and now 3D is part of the mix. Changes in how we live include sweeping progress in energy efficiency and greater demands on living spaces. All this, in turn, places greater demands than ever on IR control systems. As the pioneer and leader in that field, Xantech has the special responsibility of continuously advancing the state-of-the-art.  Our new series does exactly that for IR control, and sets the new standard for the rest of the industry.”

Continued Hallett, “What that means for installers putting in A/V systems is this: everything they need to stay at the leading edge of IR control technology comes in a single box from Xantech. And if they ever encounter an IR problem that Xantech can’t solve, nobody can. It’s that simple”

Xantech’s new IR systems are designed for this challenging new environment. Explains Graham Hallett, “We now differentiate the kits by range and sensitivity instead of by type of television, and we simplified the selection process through our three-tier color-coded packaging system. Our Red/95 series has our highest level of interference-rejection circuitry, working with all types of TV’s and lighting at ranges up to 120 feet. Our Green/85 series is our most versatile kit, and works with all TV’s and lighting up to 80 feet. And our Blue/25 series is an outstanding value in IR control when the need is simply to control a traditional TV display under traditional lighting conditions.”

For the 95 and 85 series, Xantech delved into five technology elements to perfect IR for the next generation of entertainment systems: Error Correction circuitry ensures the most faithful reproduction of the original IR signal that present technology allows. Automatic Gain Control (AGC) circuitry allows a Xantech IR receiver to constantly study the ambient light level and automatically re-calibrate its own sensitivity to more accurately discriminate the correct signal and reject unwanted noise. Sophisticated Adaptive Filtering circuitry enabling the receiver to more electively “look” at an IR source while rejecting unwanted frequencies. Native Carrier Frequency Transmission circuitry (95, 85 & 25 series) to accurately process the original “pure” carrier frequency, eliminating noise and interference, and transmitting the original IR signal in its correct form to the rest of the system; 

In addition, the 95 series packs an IR element with even higher sensitivity and reception angle, giving it a wider operating window, better off-axis response and longer range — perfect for larger living environments, or in conditions with unusual amounts of light interference. Finally, the overall build quality (95, 85 & 25 series), as Xantech using the highest quality components and precision manufacturing separates Xantech from competitive IR products.

The three new lines of IR kits are available with four receiver styles to fit practically any control application. The DL/DinkyLink^™ surface-mount is the industry's best-selling design for easy, unobtrusive mounting on any TV set frame or other component, and is now available with color-change sleeves for unobtrusive mounting on black, white or silver units. The HL/Hidden Link Designer-style receiver is a tabletop design for placement on entertainment equipment racks or components and is also available in black, white or silver. The ML/Micro Link peephole or bullet design is intended for in-wall or in-ceiling installations, and in speakers with a suitable knockout feature, and ships with brass, white and black bezels for easy concealment. Lastly, the Decora^®-style receiver is intended for low-voltage mounting bracket or J-Box installations for in-wall retrofit or other applications.

For more information on Xantech’s full range of products, please visit www.xantech.com.

Xantech Continues to Expand IR Line with Three New Products

Xantech, the company that invented the concept of extended IR control for audio/video systems, today expanded its line of IR products with the introduction of the new CIRP (Projector IR Control), CIRS (Conference Room/Classroom Control) and CIRV (Large Venue IR Control) kits. The announcement was made by Rick Seegull, Xantech Director of Business Development, and further enhances Xantech’s position as the leader in audio/video remote control and distribution.

Developed with direct input from leading contractors and system integrators, Xantech’s new IR systems are specifically designed to address typical challenges facing installers today, including IR operation with plasma or LCD TV’s; interference from CFL (compact fluorescent lighting) and sunlight; and distance limitations within a single kit. These kits are specifically geared for use in classrooms, conference rooms, houses of worship etc., and engineered for the utmost in reliability.

Two of the systems come with an amplified connecting block, which allows the connection of Xantech IR receivers and 10 emitter ports, thus interfacing IR control with the audio/video equipment. Having the amplified connecting block is key for reliable transmission of IR signals over great distances, making sure IR signals are delivered un-obscured to the intended devices. Additionally, each system includes the WallLink™ (WL) in-wall version of Xantech's Universal IR receiver, which is designed to reject interference from Plasma, LCD, LED Displays and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) from entering the IR signal line. The WL85 or WL95 mounts easily into a single-gang electrical J-Box, is supplied with mounting screws and comes with a Decorator-style insert, allowing the installer to use a Decorator-style wall cover plate. This provides an integrated look for control of A/V equipment behind closed doors or any IR Repeater System that is in close proximity to light sources described above.

The CIRP Projector IR Control kit allows control-accurate IR control of a single projector while giving the operator the flexibility to point the IR remote towards viewing area, rather than directly towards the projector. The WL85 version of the WallLink IR receiver easily installs into a single-gang electrical box, so it can be installed by any electrical contractor and allows for reliable projector control of the user up to 80 feet away from the IR target.

The CIRS Conference/Classroom IR Control kit is designed for control of several audio/video devices that might not necessarily be in one central location. The CIRS comes with the WL85 IR receiver and adds the 79144 amplified connecting block, allowing the installer to extend the emitters up to 100 feet to various locations, thus letting the user control multiple devices in different areas of the room.

The CIRV Large Venue IR Control kit is designed for the installer who needs IR control of the audio/video system, with the IR remote to be operated a great distance from the components and the IR receiver. The CIRV comes with the WL95 and amplified connecting block, which safely allows use of the remote up to 120 feet from the IR target, plus an extra 600 feet of overall distance from the target to the connecting block and 100 feet thereon after, for a total of 700 feet coverage for all of these components. For control of multiple components that are located throughout a very large room, the CIRV provides flawless IR control of the audio/video components.

“Our new IR systems are designed to cover any type of job the installer may be working on,” stated Rick Seegull. “Additionally, because the new CIR IR Control kits are so easy to install and cost effective, integrators and consultants will have no problem making sure some form of Control System can be specified and installed on any A/V conference/classroom system. And most importantly, like all Xantech audio/video control systems, they perform flawlessly.”

Xantech Virtually Eliminates Programming: Xantech To Introduce QuickConfig Mode Function For Its MX88 Multi-Zone Audio/Video Controller at InfoComm 2011

Underscoring its commitment to developing meaningful innovations that provide simple solutions for installers and end users alike, Xantech, the company that invented the concept of extended IR control for audio/video systems, will introduce its Xantech QuickConfig™ installation/configuration mode for its MX88 IP-enabled multi-zone audio/video controller at INFOCOMM 2011 in Orlando, Florida, at Booth #1255.

QuickConfig eliminates the tedious programming process that can literally take days with other supplier’s products, and reduces it down to as little as 10 minutes. By employing QuickConfig, the installer can instantly configure the MX88 for multiple zones and sources throughout a residence without the need of an external computer to program the system. The MX88 can be used to control every aspect of the home theater including audio/video, lighting and drapes. Additionally, it can be programmed to control the air conditioning/heating system, home security and video surveillance cameras.

Xantech President Graham Hallett stated, “For the past 40 years, Xantech has been and continues to be at the forefront of control technology and how it shapes, and is shaped by, industry trends. We are now seeing increasingly complex A/V and IT systems in a growing number of places, and simpler, more intuitive control solutions and setup protocols are an absolute necessity. As A/V control systems evolve, Xantech continues to give users products that make their lives easier. Whatever your system components, you turn it on; we make it work.”

QuickConfig mode lets installers do all programming of sources and zones directly via the MX88’s keypad or Xantech’s new SmartPanel™ LCD touchpanels. For the home theater, sources can include Xantech audio/video components or those from other manufacturers. QuickConfig also easily configures sources that have metadata, so information such as song title, artist and genre is clearly displayed.

Unlike other installation/configuration software of this caliber, absolutely no separate PC is required. It is extremely intuitive and straightforward, guiding the installer one-by-one through the system components and manufacturer codes, much like programming a universal remote control device. With QuickConfig, the MX88 is usable out of the box, as it requires far less setup and configuration time than other protocols, and no additional time needs to be spent mastering the software. QuickConfig also configures the MX88’s iPad interface, further enhancing the unit’s capability.

About the Xantech MX88 Multi-zone Audio/Video Controller
The MX88 allows a user to control an entire Xantech multi-zone audio/video system using an Apple iPad®. An integrated audio/video distribution and control tour-de-force, the network-ready MX88 combines a 50W x 16-channel/8-zone amplifier and highly efficient auto-sensing universal power supply with advanced automation control capable of up to 16 Serial ports with the use of Xantech’s RS232 1x8 serial routers, and 17 selectable IR ports, as well as IP communication and two-way interface with an iPhone®, iPod® touch or iPad.

Xantech’s iPad integration approach uses an existing WiFi network to interface the MX-series controller to the iPad (or any networked web-browsing device), serving up a web application embedded in the MX88’s architecture. System control and status monitoring can all be accessed within a wired or wireless immediate LAN environment, or remotely over the Internet. Full metadata, menu navigation and even content graphics and album art are all transitioned from media source to the iPad through the Xantech audio/video controller itself. The MX88 is perfect for residential or commercial multi-zone control applications.

As impressive as the MX88’s audio and video performance is, the controller excels in another performance parameter so vital today: environmental friendliness. The MX88's engineering and design incorporate a wide range of technical improvements to make it a leader in the area of a more eco-friendly, ideal power consumption-versus-output ratio. The unit is built around an exceptionally intelligent and highly-efficient “greener” power supply with 100V-240V automatic voltage selection and advanced low-power consumption mode. On-board Intelligent Power Management circuitry provides positive external device control (through video and current sensing) over all 8 source input components connected to the unit, enabling the MX controller to manage the status of any of them — turning them OFF when not needed, for example. The controller’s all-digital amplifier section is a model of conservation, operating at nearly three times the power and heat efficiency of conventional audiophile amplifier circuits while maintaining full fidelity.

Xantech To Mark 40 Years of Innovation And Two Millionth Installation Milestone at InfoComm 2011

Underscoring its commitment to provide commercial and residential dealers and installers with the broadest array of the critically important ‘hidden electronics’ that make other electronics work, Xantech will mark 40 years of innovation, and its two millionth installation milestone, at INFOCOMM 2011 next month with the introduction of a new generation of AV control system solutions at Booth #1255 in the Orlando Convention Center.

“From IR to IP, no other company even comes close to offering the range and depth of control solutions that we do,” asserted Xantech President Graham Hallett. “For 40 years Xantech has worked closely with custom installers and consultants to develop unique insights into the design, integration, and control of a wide variety of AV systems in every conceivable kind of commercial and residential installation. This is why so many designers and installers begin and end every project with Xantech. Put simply, we make everything they need to make everything else work! That’s why, to date, Xantech solutions are featured in more than two million installations worldwide.”

This relentless commitment to innovation will be evident everywhere at Xantech’s INFOCOMM 2011 booth, where the company will showcase, among other solutions, additions to its WIC1200 Web Intelligent Controller (pictured right) that integrates numerous Xantech technologies into one versatile system with multiple RS232 ports, IR ports, relays, digital I/Os and two discrete LAN ports. “It’s designed from beginning to end to keep any conference room, classroom, or corporate AV system in full control either on its own or through any web-enabled device,” explained Xantech Director of Business Development Rick Seegull. “And now, with our new Xantech Web Designer Software, integrators can easily create web control pages to be served by the WIC1200 onto iPads, tablets, or any web enabled appliance for seamless control.”

When interfaced with Xantech’s CWTC10 10.4” WiFi touchpanel or their new line of SmartPanel LCD Controllers (or Apple’s new iPad), the WIC1200 Web Intelligent Controller can send messages back to the touchpanel allowing for text display, numeric display, volume and indicator bars, ON/OFF indicators and more, for full real-time data display.

Equally innovative is the Xantech ISM4 Intelligent System Manager, which automatically monitors and controls the power states of up to four IR components. “Customers simply have to turn on their display device and the ISM4 does the rest,” Seegull explained. “It powers up each individual component and makes sure they all stay in sync. It features full IR and RS232 for control, monitoring, and sensing audio, video, current, light, voltage, or any heartbeat of any type in a single unit.”

For the residential market, Xantech is also introducing a number of new products. “Xantech has a solution for every level of home control, from the single room home theater, to multi-room flexible control, to whole home automation” Hallett emphasized.

The BDX TT Bluetooth Interface (pictured left) provides a full-fidelity, reliable wireless connection between an A/V system and any handheld Bluetooth A2DP-enabled device such as a smartphone, iPad, PC or tablet — wherever consumers store and manage their music and media.

The DinkyLink DL85K is our most versatile IR control kit and works with all TV’s and lighting up to 80 feet. Unlike other IR repeater systems, it works with plasma, LCD or LED TVs; with compact fluorescent lighting (CFL); with all satellite and digital cable boxes.

The MX88 Multi-Zone Audio/Video Controller (pictured right) is engineered for iPad®, Xantech keypad and Xantech SmartPanel™ LCD touch-screen control. It features a highly efficient 50W x 16-channel/8-zone digital amplifier; a smart auto-sensing universal (100V to 240V) power supply with advanced automation control, and up to 16-Serial ports and 17 selectable IR ports. No dedicated apps needed.

Xantech’s history of innovation is second to none in the industry. Its long list of industry-firsts include the first in-wall infrared receiver module, the first peephole infrared receiver module, the first infrared sender amplifier, the first infrared receiver using surface-mount technology and the first learning in-wall keypad.