News

The Unicam Group unveils whole-house HDTV signal control systems (13/4/2006)

CEDIA UK Expo 2006

The Unicam Group, European distributors for Audio Authority Corp. of Lexington, Kentucky, will use CEDIA for the European launch of a new line of high definition signal control components for custom installation.

The timely arrival of the 1166 model will enable retailers and installers to capitalise on consumer and commercial interest in Sky's HDTV launched this Spring. The new product, 1166, is easy for consumers and installers to use and comes loaded with all the features needed for integrated applications. For instance, it is delivered with a fully-featured IR remote and it can learn 3rd party IR codes and be operated via RS-232.

The 1166 incorporates Audio Authority's proven signal sensing technology, adding to the user-friendliness of any multi-source HDTV system. When any new source is turned on, the 1166 senses the new audio or video signal and switches its output to the desired source - no further user involvement is needed. For more complex applications, the auto-select feature can be turned off and the model operated from a 3rd party control system.

The 1166 is a handsome, component-sized, 6x1 signal switcher with a number of signal distribution options. It has input and output connections for DVI with HDCP, has component video, digital audio (coaxial and optical) and is enabled for stereo audio. All component video sources are up-converted to DVI automatically so all positions are always available on the DVI output. Both digital audio inputs are automatically converted so that every input position's digital audio is always available on both coaxial and optical outputs.

The 1166's front panel plainly shows the active source input on a blue vacuum fluorescent display and, if desired, the source unit's identity can be added achieving even greater user-friendliness.

Steve Hopkins, Audio Authority's UK Sales Manager, added, "The auto-selector's output is expandable by adding the 1176 router to feed up to 6 wall plates via Cat-5 cable. Audio Authority wall plates house connections for component video, digital and analogue audio, IR pass through and with the whole system being capable of expansion to deliver signals across 72 wall plates - we expect that the 1166 signal control system will find application in leisure, commercial as well as domestic environments."

The unit retails at around £1,686.00+vat and is delivered ex-stock.

www.unicamgroup.com