News

NetStreams Releases Latest Software Update for DigiLinx Family of IP-Based Products (5/10/2006)

CEDIA US Expo 2006

Free Dealer Setup Software Package Supports All DigiLinX and Third Party Add-Ons; Plug-and-Play Compatibility for Faster Installation and Profitability

NetStreams(r), the global leader in networked entertainment systems and technology based on Internet Protocol (IP), introduced the latest firmware update for its DigiLinX(tm) Multi-Room Entertainment and Control system here today at the CEDIA Expo, the world's largest exposition devoted to multi-room home entertainment and control systems. The DigiLinX Dealer Setup (v.1.50) software package is designed specifically for DigiLinX, offering a wide range of hardware/software updates for virtually the entire lineup of NetStreams IP-Based products. The software package allows installers to configure each unique system's design requirements, with plug-n-play compatibility for fast installation and enhanced profitability.

"Our dealers are going to be happy about these new software features for their DigiLinX installations - past, present and future," said NetStreams President and CEO Herman Cárdenas. "The new Dealer Setup software release enhances DigiLinX's appeal with expanded features - a plus with our technology. No other multi-room audio and control system can expand as easily to accommodate additional new functions and new products and additional rooms. We continue to believe that open source protocols such as TCP/IP are the industry's future."

DigiLinX Dealer Setup Version (v.1.50) software package supports all DigiLinX add-ons, as well as any third-party devices for enhanced two-way feedback and control between DigiLinX and third-party products. NetStreams makes these software features available for free to its authorized dealers.

Hardware Upgrades

On the hardware side, the upgrade now allows for the support of the new NetStreams Streaming Music Manager (SMM100), providing direct communication with the DigiLinX system.

NetStreams' Streaming Music Manager unlocks the potential of the music stored on networked PCs, NAS drives, and USB devices by making it available for playback across the DigiLinX system. Streaming Music Manager builds a database containing the locations of music files and makes this information available to the DigiLinX network. DigiLinX can then browse the database, locate and play the files from the computer network, and display metadata from those files on the DigiLinX graphical user interface (GUI).

Software Upgrades

The new DigiLinX Dealer Setup software also adds control of a security subsystem by including a new driver and user interface for seamless integration and control of the GE Concord(r) security system from any TouchLinX touch screen or web browser-based user interface.

Software upgrades for NetStreams' StreamNet(tm) device driver Application Programming Interface (API), allows third party system devices to send commands to DigiLinX and for DigiLinX to communicate back for full system control via TouchLinX keypads. Although DigiLinX already has built-in drivers for a variety of third party systems, including Lutron(r) for lighting and Aprilaire(r) for HVAC, the API update means that virtually ANY third party lighting or HVAC system or security system can be interfaced and controlled by DigiLinX.

The new DigiLinX dealer setup software also includes a feature that NetStreams calls "Playmates(tm)". Playmates now allows multiple SpeakerLinX(tm) IP Amplifier / Room Controllers to be linked together permanently, accomodating installations that have larger rooms, which require multiple SpeakerLinX' to amplify multiple pairs of speakers, without causing conflicts in room control.

Cárdenas explained that these upgrades give NetStreams dealers a pathway to increase recurring revenues from system service and upgrades given to consumers. "It really allows the dealer to go back to their existing customers and show them what kinds of upgrades can be made to a legacy system, such as providing more features and functionality." In fact, NetStreams will not charge its dealers for the software package, allowing them to set upgrade charges. "It's just one more way we are helping our dealers succeed."

With its plug-and-play capabilities, NetStreams estimates that it is up to 80% less time consuming to configure a DigiLinX system than program an AMX(r) or Crestron(r) system. "Within five minutes of plugging DoorLinX(tm) or Streaming Music Manager into the DigiLinX system, a dealer can have it configured and running with DigiLinX Dealer Setup, as compared to hours of programming to integrate these types of devices on other systems," commented Cárdenas.

New Skins and User Interface Screens

NetStreams continues to expand its skins and user-interface screens, with new ones available for TouchLinX or any Adobe / Macromedia flash-enabled devices (web browser, PDAs, etc). Clients can step up to a cool looking Digital Video Recorder (DVR) graphical user interface that mimics the controls of a DVR, such as TIVO(r), ReplayTV(r), TimeWarner(r), and others. There's also a Security Interface that controls a GE Concord Security system with a TouchLinX user interface screen that emulates the security system keypad with fire, medical, and police buttons, keypad, and armed/disarmed indicators.

A new "machine" skin design is now available for the flash-enabled TouchLinX graphical user interface. Additional available skins include: Carbon Fiber, Golf, Monet paintings, Renaissance, and several customizable skins with editable button colors, and background colors. With the DigiLinX Dealer Setup program, dealers can now easily select different skins to provide different user interface control screens for each room or device, all without the need for special programming skills or a user interface designer on staff.

The new DigiLinX Dealer Setup program is available free of charge to authorized NetStreams dealers and can be found on the dealer section of the NetStreams website.

www.netstreams.com