A-Bus which was granted a US patent this month is more than 7 years old. So is the patent worth it as distributed audio moves on and new Companies battle to deliver a new generation of IP base distribution systems.

Based in Australia Leisuretech  has little regard for Australian Consumers who they openly overcharge so it may make no difference here. But it could in the fast growing US market where the battle for distributed audio customers has just gone up a notch or two as demand grows. Investigations by Smarthouse have revealed that Australian consumers are being asked to pay $4,000 for a 4 zone A-Bus kit with entry level speaker Vs $526 in the USA. Several web sites in the USA are also selling the A-Bus control systems online for discount prices.

 Frank Di Bartolo Managing Director of Pacific Hi Fi in Sydney an A-Bus installer said late last year "We know that A-Bus in Australia is expensive. We have looked at buying from the USA as there appears to be no reason for the difference. One could almost jump on a plane and personally collect the system and still be in front" he said.  Andrew Goldfinch the Managing Director of LeisureTech could not be contacted to comment on the price difference however he did comment to the US media on the recent patent success. He said "This is very welcome news indeed and it certainly reaffirms our long-held belief that A-BUS is a truly compelling idea. Over the last seven years, LeisureTech and our partners have successfully marketed the many benefits of A-BUS technology throughout the world. Having the actual U.S. patent in hand will further strengthen the A-BUS platform as the standard for affordable multi-room audio."  No press release was issued to Australian magazines or web sites that cover the automation market.

The problem for Leisuretech is that  A-Bus multi room technology is now becoming old hat as new IP based multi room audio systems come to market. A-Bus is also set to come under pressure from, Companies like Control4, AMX and Crestron all automation Companies that are expanding their distributed audio technology. 

A-BUS is a technology for multi-room audio that utilizes a single Category 5 cable to carry signal, data, infrared, status, and power. This  approach places the amplifiers closer to the speakers. However little has been done during the past 7 years to advance the product beyond what was offered 7 years ago when competitors are deliver a host of new features beyond the Leisuretech offering with A-Bus.