Ιστολόγιο

VidaBox announced the debut of the LiivController, a 4U rack-mount system that runs the new vAutomation 2.0 platform. Any iPad can access the LiivController running the vAutomation webapp, which turns its touchscreen interface into a remote control emulator. The iPad can provide total control of any device, ranging from cable or satellite TV boxes to VidaBox media servers & multiroom audio systems.

"The combination of the iPad and the LiivController running our vAutomation 2.0 platform provides the seamless AV equipment control & media browsing experience that dealers and customers are clamouring for," states Steven Cheung, President of VidaBox, LLC. "With a single tap on an iPad, customers can power their TV, receiver, dim the lights, and then see a cable box remote displayed right on the touchscreen & start channel surfing - all from one touch. They can also switch to different device inputs on their TV or receiver - say, a Blu-ray player - and see the remote control for their disc player come up right on the iPad. While they're enjoying the movie, volume and mute buttons are available on the same iPad interface - making it very simple and convenient to use."

Beyond controlling devices via IR, any iPad can also interface with the LiivController to control any VidaBox media center via TCP/IP to access Blu-rays, DVDs, music, photos, videos, IPTV, and more. It also provides the unique ability for a user to browse stored movies and music via cover art, via the fast, efficient scrolling interfaces familiar to all Apple users. Tapping on any cover art will bring up rich, detailed metadata, and allow playback to start. This is natively available when a LiivController is added onto any VidaBox media server setup.

"Not limiting itself to video distribution and controls, the LiivController also provides optional support for up to 20+ zones of synchronized multiroom audio - without any additional matrix switchers," Cheung continues. "Best of all, audio can be streamed from stored CDs or internet radio sources, allowing endless variety. The same iPad interface can be used to control any one of the audio zones."

"As a standalone control system, or in combination with our VidaBox media servers and multiroom audio support options, the LiivController can be assembled together with a myriad of different products to create feature-rich, integrated solutions for virtually any audio, video, or control project - all at an excellent price point," Cheung elaborates. "Combined with the myriad of lighting, HVAC, and security apps available from different manufacturers, the iPad now becomes a truly powerful, yet inexpensive, all-in-one control tablet."

The LiivController is shipping Q3 of 2011, and will be available to qualified VidaBox dealers.