CasaTools, a leader in whole house audio systems, today announced that the CasaTunes Gadget is the first gadget to support Windows SideShow for whole house audio distribution. The CasaTunes Gadget is currently being tested with early Windows SideShow production models from various vendors, as well as the simulation tools from Microsoft. A preview version is immediately available with the CasaTunes Multi-Zone Music Server.
MAITLAND, Fla. (Business Wire EON) October 25, 2007 --
CasaTools, a leader in whole house audio systems, today announced that
the CasaTunes Gadget is the first gadget to support Windows SideShow for
whole house audio distribution. The CasaTunes Gadget is currently being
tested with early Windows SideShow production models from various
vendors, as well as the simulation tools from Microsoft. A preview
version is immediately available with the CasaTunes Multi-Zone Music
Server.
“As these Windows SideShow devices become
readily available, we anticipate that Windows SideShow will be a key
technology in the adoption of Microsoft Vista media centers PC in the
home,” said David Krinker, CEO of CasaTools. “It’s
anticipated the low-cost of these devices, and the rich interface they
provide, will help accelerate the adoption of Windows SideShow Gadgets,
bringing home automation to the average consumer.”
Windows SideShow uses gadgets, convenient mini programs, extending audio
information from the computer to remote control devices. Using the
CasaTunes Gadget, users can view and control their music in any zone as
well as turn all zones on and off for personal listening preferences.
Users can browse their PC and iPod music by song title, album, artist,
genre and play list, and control their AM/FM, XM or Sirius tuners if
present.
Information about the music that is currently playing is easily viewable
from the CasaTunes Gadget. Further, the CasaTunes Gadget displays a rich
graphical interface with ‘Glance Content’,
or summary information, allowing homeowners to quickly see where music
is playing in the home and what music is being played in each room.
Typical home automation systems have limited keypad capabilities which
can prove to be a challenge as users listen to their music in various
rooms. The CasaTunes Gadget provides an additional control option, in
that it is tightly integrated with Windows SideShow, in addition to the
existing browser and Windows Media Center support. Thus, allowing users
the freedom to move around the home while selecting and changing their
music options via a low-cost remote control.
The CasaTunes Gadget can support multiple remote controls in the home
and unlike typical gadget applications, each remote control can operate
independently of the other remote controls. Installers and DIY (do it
yourself) homeowners now have a lower-cost alternative compared with
using a display panel or UMPC device. In the near future, installers
will be able to download multiple gadget applications from other vendors
who support Windows SideShow, providing homeowners with a complete home
automation control solution.
CasaTunes Multi-Zone Music Server with the preview of CasaTunes Gadget
is available immediately through the company’s
web site, www.casatools.com,
with a suggested list price of $249. Ideal for the mid-tier, multi-room,
music system market, CasaTunes is also sold through a nationwide network
of resellers, integrators, installers and distributors as well as direct
to the DIY market. The final version of the CasaTunes Gadget is expected
to be released as Windows SideShow remote control devices become readily
available. CasaTunes supports Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows
Vista Home Premium, Business and Ultimate, and Windows XP Media Center
Edition.
About CasaTools
CasaTunes integrates legacy multi-room audio vendor technologies with
Windows Media Center, allowing users to control and listen to music
through out the house. Its flagship product, CasaTunes, is currently
available through a network of sales partners or via the company’s
web site. Founded in 2006 and privately held, CasaTools is headquartered
outside Orlando, FL. Visit www.casatools.com
for more information.
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