Smart Home Lifestyle
September 9, 2006
Multizone music systems lets you play different
tunes in different rooms
If you’re like most couples, chances are you’re a little
bit “Shania Twain” and he’s a little bit “Rolling
Stones.” And agreeing on a music station at home is about
as tough as picking a TV station, especially if you’ve got kids. To
get the music you want, in the room that you want it, look to multi-zone
music systems to keep you in tune.
There are two types of whole-house music systems, single-zone and
multi-zone music. In a single-zone system, only one music selection
can be listened to at a time, whether it’s a CD, radio station
or satellite music.
A multi-zone system lets you listen to different selections in different
areas of your home depending on the number of rooms or zones that you
have. One zone could be the kitchen and dining room, another,
the bedroom and bathroom, and a third, the deck, each one playing different
music from the same source.
For a basic single-zone system, standard speaker wire will do, just
make sure you have enough wire for a volume control and your speakers. And,
make sure you check the impedance.
Impedance matching volume controls are great options, allowing multiple
speakers to interface properly with your receiver. Plus, they
keep output ratings of your amplifier at normal operating specifications. Just
remember, the more speakers you add on, the less power each will receive. Just
because you have the capability of adding 8 pairs, don't assume the
sounds levels will remain the same. In a whole house system, a
receiver with at least 100 watts/channel is optimal.
Multi-zone music, on the other hand, requires more planning, with
the addition of keypads and touchpanels and extra wiring throughout
the house. A multi-zone system requires a special wiring bundle
to accommodate the specialized features.
IntelliControl ICS, made by Niles Audio, is a whole-house distributed
audio system that accommodates all of today's popular sources, including
Sirius and XM satellite radio, iPod, CD players, media servers and AM/FM
radio. ICS offers two-way communication, delivering detailed information
to and from its keypads, touchscreens and wireless remote controls.
ICS features "plug and play" configuration, allowing simultaneous
listening and control of a variety of music or programs to different
rooms or zones throughout the house. The receiver accommodates any combination
of up to six modules, and with additional GXR2s, the system is expandable
to up to 30 zones, each with fully independent choice of source and
control.
ICS comes with a choice of four system control devices, like color
touchscreens and wall-mountable keypads. They even offer a remote
control, called iRemote, which supplies song title, artist, album while
allowing the user to scan, select and play their music selection from
anywhere in the house.
An ICS system runs about $6000.
Crestron’s Adagio is similar to the ICS unit, but also acts
as an introduction to Crestron’s whole-house automation solutions
including iPod interfaces on touchpanels, wireless dimmers and HVAC
control. Plus, the Adagio easily translates to the Crestron audio
server, with no programming, PCs or touchpanel necessary for system
set-up or control. The Adagio system also runs around $6000.
For a more cost-effective approach, check out NuVo Technologies’ multi-zone
music system. The Grand Concerto unit offers up to eight zones
of music, expandable up to sixteen, with 80 watts of power per zone.
Touch control panels allow for easy browsing
by play list, track, artist, album, genre or station and “favorites.” Concerto’s
bidirectional port also allows it to be “home automation compatible,” for
use with systems like Crestron. And what’s the best part? NuVo
Technologies systems range around the $3000 mark.
Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec
