New iPort™ Update Enhances Control and Video Functionality

Posted by Nicoll Publi... on Friday, January 05, 2007 - 09:45 am:

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San Clemente, CA—January 8, 2007— iPort, the company which introduced the worlds first in-wall music system for the Apple iPod®, is unveiling a new hardware and software upgrade for its IW (in-wall) and FS (free-standing) music systems. iPort’s new Authentication IC upgrade smoothly integrates the new iPod video features that are driving the portable-media-player market, and dramatically enhances third-party control systems such as those from AMX, Control4, Crestron and NetStreams with iPort installations.

The most important iPort feature upgrade is browsing of the iPod video menu including playlist and view list data, via RS-232 control systems. Delivering an entirely new level of intuitive operation to iPort owners, the new technology update integrates the iPod even more seamlessly into everyday living.

Once installed, the new RS-232 component identifies a connected iPod in an authorized dock enabling it to activate its video output and engage additional features, which include browsing the video menus via data communicated by the RS-232 link, giving the user complete control over the content on the iPod from the RS-232 control system. Additionally in the iPort docking hardware, the video signal is electrically balanced and buffered for lossless connection, even over long runs, via the system’s Cat5 structured cabling.

The new Authentication IC will be integrated into IW (in-wall) and FS (free-standing) level 4 and 5 iPort systems shipping by the second quarter of 2007. Upgrades to existing systems can be performed by authorized iPort custom installers and dealers who will replace the RS-232 circuit card found in level 4 & 5 iPort models that incorporate RS-232 serial control for integration with remote keypads or touchscreens.

iPort will be displaying the new features at this years International CES in the Sonance booth, South Hall 1, 21235 and in the Control4 booth, South Hall 1, 21413.