News

NetStreams DigiLinX Perfect Partner for ReQuest's Digital Music Server (2/2/2005)

Stand 5410 at Integrated Systems Europe (Amsterdam RAI, 26-28th January, 2005) will showcase the DigiLinX(TM) Family of IP-Based Products and Seamless Integration with the AudioReQuest(TM) Server

NetStreams, the market leader in Networked Audio/Video distribution, is pleased to announce that its innovative DigiLinX IP-based distributed audio system interfaces easily with ReQuest Multimedia's AudioReQuest Music Servers. The result is a perfect fusion of two remarkable systems, with added audio and control features, increased system efficiency, and greater ease of installation.

New firmware Ð released by ReQuest to dealers in January 2005 - allows for up to 6 simultaneous streams of uncompressed audio over the DigiLinx system, as well as meta-data for easy song selection and control from the Ethernet connection located on the rear panel of the AudioReQuest.

Herman Cardenas, founder and CEO of NetStreams is excited about this integration and what it represents to the company. "As audio and video distribution in the home is becoming increasingly IP-based, there is a growing need for manufacturers to develop products that will serve our consumers' new lifestyle." He further added "The DigiLinX and AudioReQuest integration is a natural fit and is one important step in that direction."

The AudioReQuest server is the first 'native' device on the DigiLinX IP-based audio distribution system. This seamless integration not only makes the AudioReQuest music server a compelling source on the DigiLinX home network, it also reduces programming time for dealers. By using NetStreams' TouchLinX in-wall LCD touchscreen controller, end users can easily select a stream of uncompressed audio that they want to listen to from the Album cover art, song title, track title and artist information displayed on the AudioReQuest.

Steven Vasquez, co-founder of ReQuest Multimedia, joined Cardenas' enthusiasm. NetStreams has established itself as pioneer in networked audio and video distribution; we are pleased to join forces with a quality team in providing the best products possible for our installers and homeowners."

The DigiLinX System - using NetStreams' StreamNet patent-pending technology - distributes audio over Cat5e using TCP/IP on an Ethernet network in meshed network architecture, allowing for automatic synchronization of audio throughout the home. For non-native audio sources, DigiLinX converts audio from a legacy source (Tuner, CD player etc) in real time to uncompressed audio streams, allowing up to 24 bit, studio quality audio to be distributed throughout a home. All devices are network upgradeable.

"Traditionally, distributed audio systems have been hampered by mediocre performance, poor user interfaces, and highly specialised programming. Control signals were routed one way, IR signals another, audio and video handled in a myriad of ways, all with expandability limitations." said Steve Beahan of Invision, NetStreams' UK distributor. "The DigiLinX system has been designed to overcome these issues and deliver high quality networked audio with ease and versatility throughout a home. Our goal of providing superior audio performance and simplified operation is achieved with this integration of the DigiLinx system with AudioReQuest."

Among DigiLinX's most impressive features is its ability to distribute and play both uncompressed (.wav) and compressed audio formats like MP3. Additionally, because all of the processing code is stored in flash memory, updates to allow DigiLinX to support other new digital audio formats will be easily available in the future. Moreover, DigiLinX does not limit the user interface to its keypads. Each component contains its own IP address and web server that can serve up rich control pages to third party products such as PDAs, Web Tablets, or computers, for a new experience in music management.

NetStreams have no intention of stopping at audio and the company is set on providing installers, builders and developers with IP-based distribution and control solutions throughout the entire home - for high quality audio and video, with integration onto security, lighting, and HVAC systems to follow.

www.NetStreams.com
www.invisionuk.com