One of the major changes in the residential space noted by AV Technology's Graham Barrett was that while 10 – 20 years ago, and AMX control system was typically $10 000 plus the price of a touchscreen, new technologies have meant that now a consumer can get a basic controller and touchscreen package for under $4000.

Mio Modero R4

Barrett showcased a range of products including the funky iPod-styled DMS pinnacle keypad – which offers a medium between keypad and touchscreen functionality, as well as the latest Mio Modero remotes, such as the R3 and upcoming R4. Both of these are based on the ratified 802.15.4 Zigbee standard – which Barrett said offers serious security (Level 5 Zigbee is what the NSA in America use). The R4 is particularly innovative as it is a remote, but with a built-in 2.4 inch touchscreen, meaning it can do everything a G4 touchscreen can.

The partnership with Pioneer is in line with AMX's Dynamic Device Discovery Protocol initiative – which essentially allows you to plug an AMX touchpanel into any DDDP enabled device, such as a Pioneer plasma and it will automatically discover the device, driver etc to provide instant connectivity. AV Technology listed a range of manufacturers apart from Pioneer, such as NEC, Denon and Yamaha who are embedding the DDDP into many of their products.

Other additions and upgrades include VoIP versions of the seven inch and MVP touchpanels. This functionality will eventually be moved into all panels, Barrett says. The acquisition of Endeleo by AMX last Thursday, also means AMX will use these devices for switching, transferring and managing DVD, TV, VCR or audio.

See: www.avtechnology.com.au