I have a client that would probably like to use a music server (HDD) instead of a disc changer. He'll want to access his music in several rooms of the house. There are lots of keypad based systems, but how can he locate the music he wants and be able to choose at the keypad?
I'm not a Crestron dealer and it would be my first system of this complexity, so I'm looking for advice on something that is installer friendly but useful for the client.
Xantech has some new video panels but not too much info on how to integrate them.
Thanks for your advice!
=Tom

The question to ask your client is if he wants to access the playlists through the Computer, television, keypads or a mix of the above. They vary the price by thousands of dollars.
The least expensive is to use any learning keypad/ music system with a Audiotron. The only feedback is the Computer.
Another choice would be to use the Arrakis DC6-1000. The unit has 6 zoned outputs and can be computer and IR controlled, as well as RS-232. Computer or touchscreen feedback is used.
Audio Request, Escient, Imerge, and Lansonic are some other choices to look into.
I am not yet comfortable with placing a Microsoft PC in a clients home, but there are some nice programs and interfaces for Crestron control systems and others available. Be sure to find out how much of a computer geek your client is. After the whole system is worked out, get a detailed contract drawn up with what your company is responsible for.

Tom,
We've done just what your asking about many times with the system your client has in place. We use audio request HDD and can be easily controlled by many differant means. If you want email me at barry@hvhomemdia.com and I'll be happy to discuss your options.
www.hvhomemedia.com

The latest version of Escent firenball software offers a LOT of discrete IR commands that can be learned into most Keypad based systems.

Of course the On screen GUI is the best way to navigate through all your discs, but if you spend a little tiem setting up playlists, you can control a Fireball quite easily though a basic button keypad.

An Elan system might work for you with the Escient as the server. That would give you touch screen, keypad, or simple IR control depending on the the location. Just stay away from the Elan amplifiers. I've only done a few Escient systems but one complaint is the time it takes to jump from one disc to another. So if you go that route do a little research on what changers are changing discs the fastest. The one customer that complained has a single 400disc Sony. the one that doesn't complain and said he never even noticed it has two 300 disc sony's I haven't timed them to see what the actual difference is but it makes some sense that the smaller changer is quicker.

You might want to look at ELAN's VIAdj. This HDD server offers multiple methods of control (remote, touch panels, PC and TV interface). It was designed from the very start to be used in a multiple room installation.

Four independent outputs (three analog and one digital), 160G hard drive, cover art and a simple to use interface are just a few of the VIAdj features.

Checkout www.elanhomesystems.com for more details.

Hector,
Can I get up to speed on the ELAN in a hurry? I've done lots of installs but my programming is mostly in Prontoland...
=Tom

I appreciate all your comments and advice.

I am always interested in getting into technology that I'm not currently familiar with - learning while making the client happy. I don't, however, want to get into a system that I *really* need to go to school on first.

I learned Pronto remotes by doing them, and I don't mind spending some of MY extra time learning in this fashion; I just don't want to jump into something that is so far beyond me that I should have referred it to someone else.

So my request would be to find a system that would give touch screen options that I could learn and do a quality job for my client. That may narrow the brands down a bit.

Plus, I need a brand where I can get the hardware - some of the above mentioned brands are only direct to dealers, I believe. I need a distributed brand (through a local rep/distributor, AVAD, or the like).

Thanks again.
=Tom

One more thing - just got a flyer for NET STREAMS. Any comments on this brand by those who have tried it?

Besides loading CDs on the machine, the VIAdj does not require additional programming. However, the control device you select is another story.

If you control the VIAdj with the remote/TV, no further programming is required. The users should be able to follow the instructions on the screen and press the appropriate on the remote to operate the VIAdj.

Other control methods (i.e. VIA touch panel) do require some programming, especially if other components such as DVD,VCR or TV are also to be controlled from the touch panel. The amount of programming depends on how many features you want to incorporate into the touch panel.

However, in my oninion, if all you want do is to control the VIAdj from a touch panel I don’t think you should have to many programming issues.