Articles and whitepapers

Product Article: The Crestron Adanto - out-of-the-box audio, video and automation (3/1/2008)

By Michael Izzett, Crestron UK

When Crestron introduced the Adanto system in September 2005 it opened up opportunities for custom installers to offer Crestron technology to homeowners across new market segments. Adanto is an audio distribution system that also forms the core of a Crestron home entertainment and automation solution. It combines of-the-box functionality, and plug-and-play connectivity, with seamless expandability into the rest of the Crestron family of products.

The Crestron Adanto Entertainment System.

The Adanto Entertainment System (AES) comprises stereo signal routing, processing and amplification for up to six zones, with the option to increase to 24 zones by adding up to three six-zone expanders. A choice of ten stereo sources can be selected from each zone. Also included is the proprietary 'Cresnet' control for each zone, Ethernet connectivity, a built-in 'e-Control' Web server for full remote control over IP from computers and PDA devices, and built-in IR, RS-232, relay and digital input ports to interface Adanto with non-Crestron devices ranging from CD changers to security systems.

Up to three dual-radio-tuner cards can be installed in the system for combinations of up to six AM/FM, XM and SIRIUS satellite radio tuners, allowing listeners in different rooms to choose different stations. In addition, line-level inputs are provided to accommodate external audio sources including the four-stream Crestron AAS audio server and the CEN-IDOC iPod interface, with fully-bidirectional communication for browsing by album, artist, and song title.

Control

Although the entire Adanto range will work out of the box with Crestron keypads and compatible basic remotes, the system can be setup and controlled from the backlit LCD display on the front panel, allowing installers to connect and test the entire system in a matter of minutes. Furthermore, by using Crestron System Builder Software, installers can design custom programs, and expand or change the system very quickly.

For control from other rooms, the system will work with basic 12-button keypads or the advanced APAD wallmount LCD controller. A keypad provides controls for adjusting volume, selecting sources, and toggling up and down through tracks and radio channels, whereas the APAD extends the many functions of the Adanto front panel to each room, providing feedback for display of audio sources, radio stations, CD titles, artists, and tracks by name, plus audio settings and other parameters.

The AMS and AMS-AIP

A recent addition to the Adanto range is the Adanto Media System (AMS) which, in addition to complete whole-house audio distribution, adds surround sound processing and video for home cinema. This has been joined by the AMS-AIP, which supports video scaling up to 1080p.

The Crestron Adanto AMS-AIP with video scaling up to 1080p.

The AMS-AIP provides exceptional image sharpness and resolution from both SDTV and HDTV sources thanks to Gennum Visual Excellence Processing with TruMotionHD fully-adaptive deinterlacing. It scales video input signals to match the resolution of a high-definition display, and supports output resolutions up to 1080p with a choice of component, HDMI, DVI, or RGB connectivity.

Rear view of the AMS-AIP with tuner cards fitted.

For picture in picture functions, the AMS-AIP has the ability to display multiple screens of varying and scalable sizes. As well as allowing the viewer to display, for example, security camera feeds, it can also display a touchpanel layout which can be operated from any basic type of compatible IR remote control device. This added functionality means that any one-way remote can be used, including non-Crestron, to navigate the on-screen touchpanel and to display feedback, allowing advanced control of lighting, HVAC and security devices.

Audio features

The AMS and AMS-AIP feature a built-in surround sound processor, 100W 7-channel amplifier, DTS 96/24 decoding for the latest generation of DVD titles, and Audyssey MultEQ equalisation for correcting time and frequency response problems and effectively removing sound distortion at every listening position. Theatre-zone speakers to be configured as a 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 or stereo layout, with options for including/excluding centre speaker and subwoofer, and for using side speakers or rear speakers as primary speakers for stereo sources, for improved performance at different listening positions.

The audio zones can be configured as four stereo zones if the theatre zone is setup for 7.1, but if the theatre is setup as a 5.1, the two spare speaker outputs can be assigned as a single additional stereo zone or two mono zones.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Adanto range was a new departure for Crestron and has proved that there is a definite desire for 'out-of-the-box' solutions for custom installers and users who simply do not have the space for a large rack of equipment.

Although the range looks like a stereo system, it is in fact a whole-house audio distribution system, and provides the expandability to a complete Crestron home automation solution. The new AMS and AMS-AIP further broaden the appeal of the range to custom installers and end-users who want high-performance video and surround sound for their home cinema, at an entry-level price.

Michael Izzett is responsible for technical support and training, Crestron UK. Crestron is a leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems.

www.crestron.co.uk