Essential Install | Products
WyreStorm ’ s H2A Series is described as a one-package AV solution
WyreStorm Ups The Audio Ante For Residential Applications
The H2A Series from WyreStorm builds on the success of its H2 matrix platform and its popular 4x4 matrix with 4x PoH receiver kit models . The MX- 0404-HDBT-H2A-KIT has received an audio upgrade in addition to its 4K distribution making it , WyreStorm says , the ideal one-package AV solution for signal management throughout the home .
The four-way HDBaseT matrix switcher transmits 4K HDR 10-bit video with HDCP 2.2 , multichannel audio up to DTS : X and Dolby Atmos , bidirectional IR and RS232 control up to 35m / 115ft or to 70m / 230ft for 1080p / 60Hz .
Uncompressed transmissions are delivered to the included 4x low profile PoH receivers , eliminating the need for local power supplies at display locations for installations that are quicker , easier and more reliable by reducing layers of connectivity and potential points of failure in a system .
New to the KIT Series , the H2A lets installers do more with audio by offering internal audio switching , giving the option to de-embed audio directly from the HDBaseT outputs or even from the HDMI sources themselves . Used in conjunction with the EXP-CON-DAC-D , the H2A can also offer a simple solution to downmix 5.1 content if using a mixture of stereo and surround sound zones .
The H2A-KIT offering 4x S / PDIF digital and 4x stereo RCA audio outputs , it means audio can be sent to a 5.1 AV receiver or a stereo multi-zone audio system depending on the source content that is selected . All switching can be done on the fly via the API , control system or WebUI .
When it comes to control , the H2A offers plenty of options , with CEC triggering of connected screens featured in addition to front panel buttons , bidirectional IR and RS232 supporting WyreStorm Enado and other major third party control systems and an embedded Web UI enables setup , configuration and matrix switching all within an easy to use interface accessible from a computer or laptop . WyreStorm + 44 ( 0 ) 1793 230343 , www . wyrestorm . com
Chowmain has developed an IP driver to control Sky + HD , Sky Q and Sky Q mini boxes
Chowmain Develops ELAN IP Driver Sky Set-Top Boxes
Chowmain has developed an IP-based driver that provides control over UK-based Sky set-top boxes . The company says its IP driver eliminates the need to attach infra red emitters to the set-top box and is compatible with the Sky + HD , Sky Q and Sky Q mini boxes .
On top of IP control , the driver also imports guide meta data and channel artwork into the ELAN user interface . This ensures that the meta data and channel artwork on ELAN ’ s user interface is always up-to-date with the latest channels for that particular region which makes channel browsing that much easier . This driver is available immediately .
Chowmain says its driver means no more IR bleeding if there are multiple boxes in the rack . It also means no more accidental knocks on the IR buds that cause service calls .
“ Speed up control over your customer ’ s Sky set-top box by three to 10 times over IR control ,” the company says .
More information : Chowmain + 61 3 9028 6999 , www . chowmainsoft . com
pi-top launches pi-topPULSE
Jesse Lozano , pi-top ’ s co-founder pi-top , the maker of the affordable Raspberry Pi-based computer , has launched pi-topPULSE , which adds lightshows and Amazon Alexa capability to the Raspberry Pi 3 .
Measuring only 60x67mm , it ’ s easy to transport and can be used both as an add-on for pi-top . Useful in projects as a LED array , speaker and microphone , the pi-topPULSE can be used for games , to listen to music , sample music recordings and be programmed as a voice controlled Raspberry Pi .
Jesse Lozano , pi-top ’ s co-founder , says : “ Although children love technology , there is often a difficulty when it comes to keeping them engaged for long periods of time without an interactive and creative based exercise .
“ Therefore , the inclusion of art within science , technology , engineering , arts and maths ( STEAM ) is vital . Arts encourage the development of visual-spatial skills , an increased practice in problem solving and collaboration as kids contribute to creative projects . Aiding in this pi-topPULSE adds a depth of perseverance , focus and creativity to the classroom .”
As has happened before however , there is every chance installers will find a use for the new capabilities as well .
More information : RS Components + 44 ( 0 ) 8457 201201 , http :// uk . rs-online . com
ULTIMATE POWER ABSOLUTE CONTROL
Meridian Audio ’ s Hi-Res , 1U tall 218 Zone Controller and 258 Eight Channel Power Amplifier . Tailored for custom install , competitively priced and with a five year warranty included ; it ’ s not just the performance that ’ s outstanding . info @ meridian . co . uk + 44 ( 0 ) 1480 445678
meridian-audio . com
72 | July 2017