Crestron announces the Network Stream Player (CEN-NSP-1)-- a device providing both wired and wireless option for streaming music from iDevices to a Crestron audio distribution system.
In other words, it's a fancy version of an Airport Express-- integrating Apple Airplay (audio-only) into a Crestron control system.
It handles audio from any app, and when integrated with multi-zone whole house audio systems such as Sonnex the iDevice user can direct said music to any room or every room in the house.
Connections come via either AirPlay or USB 2.0 using any Apple dock or cable. According to the company wired connectivity opens a variety of options using Crestron control and Apple services, including include and iTunes Match integration.
A future firmware update will also allow native internet radio streaming.
Audio outputs include stereo and S/PDIF, while ethernet provides both connection to control systems and power (via PoE).
The Network Stream Player is streaming now.