News

AMX Launches RFID Solution for Integrated Control Systems (5/7/2007)

CEDIA UK Expo 2007

AMX, worldwide leader in automation and control, technology management and audio/video switching and distribution, has launched Anterus - the world's first Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solution designed specifically for use with integrated control systems. Anterus is a new product family that extends the capabilities and features of AMX control and automation systems, allowing users in any commercial or residential environment to locate, track and secure any device, or trigger automated events.

Anterus was designed to extend the capabilities of AMX's Resource Management Suite (RMS) - the most robust software platform available for managing and monitoring electronic equipment and scheduling meeting/class rooms - for the ultimate in device management, monitoring and scheduling. For example, when Anterus is used in conjunction with an RMS application, such as MeetingManager or ClassroomManager, system administrators will not only know when a device has been unplugged or moved - an existing feature of RMS - they will also be able to pinpoint the device's exact location. Simply place an Anterus Asset Tag on a device such as a projector, DVD player or laptop, and the AMX control system will notify administrators as the device moves in and out of areas monitored by Anterus.

The Anterus product line consists of three RFID tags - an Asset Tag, ID Badge and Key Chain - which are attached to devices, worn by people or attached to key chains to identify and track location, and trigger automated events. It also includes an RFID Reader, which communicates between the RFID Tags and the AMX NetLinx Controller.

"With an increase in technology adoption by businesses, hospitals, schools, museums, and others, system administrators and facility managers need a way to track their valuable equipment as it moves from room to room. By adding the location-based information provided by RFID to our powerful RMS software platform, AMX has created a truly unique, first-of-its-kind solution that addresses this very real market need," said Robert Noble, AMX chief technology officer. "With the introduction of Anterus, AMX is really adding a whole new level of intelligence to integrated control systems."

Beyond tracking the physical location of devices, Anterus can also be used to extend the simplicity and convenience of AMX control systems. For example, homeowners using an Anterus Key Chain will be able to automatically trigger a series of automated events - such as lights turning on and temperature adjusting to a specified level - by simply walking up to their front door or stepping off of the elevator.

"While Anterus was designed with RMS in mind, it can also serve as a standalone support device within the AMX control system, which opens up a whole new world of possibilities to our dealers," added Noble. At the end of the day, the only limitation to what Anterus can do is your imagination."

The Anterus Reader (ANT-RDR), Asset Tag (ANT-TAG), ID Badge (ANT-BDG) and Key Chain (ANTKEY) are expected to be available within 90 days.

www.amx.com