ReQuest launches Maestro at CEDIA Expo 2011, an iDevice and Android control system for F3 systems (with MediaPlayer).

Maestro allows browsing, control and streaming of ReQuest music and movie collections through either iPad, iPhone or Android device touchscreens.

Users control playback through the built-in gesture based control-- and can quickly sort through their collections via live search bar, with full metadata support (including cover art and song titles).

It also supports portable useage-- streaming music and movie libraries via wifi or 3G support.

Go ReQuest Maestro

Kaleidescape expands its Disc Vault line with the M700, now able to store up to 320 of your customers' discs.

It simplifies installation through unattended automatic import-- copying large numbers of discs onto a Kaleidescape system, with import speeds of 15 CDs/3 DVDs/2 Blu-ray discs per hour.

Once copied, users can either leave their discs inside the player for storage or eject in order to free up space. However Blu-ray discs must remain in the vault to enable instant playback.

The front panel display shows all information on import progress, number of discs stored and available slots.

It integrates with any Kaleidescape system (including additional M700 units) via ethernet cable and includes its own M-Class media player with video outputs including HDMI, Component, S-Video and Composite.

Go Kaleidescape M700 Disc Vault

Pro Control announces its remote control and central control processor ranges at CEDIA Expo 2011, with stylish designs and a variety of features.

The Pro24.r and PRO24.Z carry two inputs (voltage sensing), hi res 2.4" LCD touchscreens and programmable backlit hard buttons, coupled with wizard-based software for efficiant programming and iDevice app support.

The PRO24.r features an ethernet port and x4 adjustable IR routing ports, and pairs with the ProLink.r control processor for macro storage and 433-MHz one-way RF communications.

Meanwhile the PRO24.z pairs with the ProLink.z processor, for 2.4GHz 2-way Zigbee communications and ethernet control, with x6 IR routing ports.

Pro Control's central control processors are the ProLink.r and ProLink.z, each with a variety of control options-- including routable IR ports (with adjustable output strength), x2 voltage-sensing inputs and iDevice integration options (customisable via wizard-based Pro Control software).

The ProLink.z carries an integrated 2.4GHz Zigbee antenna, while the ProLink.r carries a 433-MHz RF antenna.

The company also offers the iPro.8, a companion remote combining with tablets, smartphones and PCs to act as an extention to the ProPanel app. It uses RF technology and works with any Pro Control processor with an activated Pro Panel App.

Go Pro Control

Mozaex ships its ShowStar all-in-one Blu-Ray server, saying it's the most affordable entertainment server currently on the market.

With 3TB worth of storage it can store movies, music files and photo slide shows, while being compatible with over 100 VOD services (including Youtube, Pandora and VUDU).

Using Mozaex's own X7 OS, the company says it's as easy to setup and use as a standard Blu-ray player, with 1080p support and 7.1 HD audio.

It ships without any unlicensed decryption software (ensuring its legality) while Mozaex also offers the optional Cache 100 disc changer.

The package includes a handheld remote control while the system is compatible most one-way remote control systems, including Control 4, Elan and iDevices (via app).

Go Mozaex ShowStar

Crestron releases the PLX3, its latest long range remote control for its Prodigy home automation systems, allowing for push-button control of lights, HVAC, multi-room audio, home theatres and CCTV from anywhere within your customers' homes.

It operates on Crestron's wireless technology (using its 2.4GHz mesh network) which the company says increases the entire wireless network's strength and reliability.

The remote carries a 2" colour display, with an ergonomic design and piano-black exterior finish. The thumb scroll knob and backlit pushbuttons allow for easy selection of control commands while also displaying lighting level status, audio volumes and temperature settings.

A menu-driven setup wizard creates customisable presets, complete with graphical icons.

It uses x4 AA batteries, which Crestron says provide 4 - 6 months of battery life.

Go Crestron Releases New Prodigy Remote Controls

Excito updates its Bubba TWO with the B3-- beefing up its hardware and software to make it more powerful and energy efficient while having it act as a personal cloud.

It carries a 1.2GHz ARM processor together with 512MB of RAM, while Excito says power consumption is as low as 5W. The device can handle up to 4TB of file sharing and storage.

The company also claims installation is a fairly simple 3-step process, thanks to a web-based interface providing access to all of the B3's functions-- whcih include backup and RAID, torrent downloading and email/printer server.

Being Linux-based, the B3 can also act as a general Linux PC.

The wifi model comes with x2 antennae in order to improve connection speeds, while it also carries x2 WLAN ports.

Excito also offers a dynamic DNS service through its servers-- providing users access to all files on their registered B3 unit from any PC in any location.

Go Excito