I've been looking for a home music/intercom distribution system and I cam across these guys.

http://www.audioshare.net/

Has anyone had any experience with them? They did a home in a local homeshow. The product pricing looking very resonable and the technology looked exactly like something I would need.

Mike

Did you get to hear it at the homeshow? Most systems that use amplifiers in the keypad are low power (around 7 watts). What was the price?

The deal they were advertising at the show was:

5 Wall Stations
1 Power Supply
1 Door Station
1 Music Source Port
and installation for $1699

The sound out of the wall stations was fine. Not sure how many watts but the thing that sold me on the product was the pre-amp audio out and in jacks on each wall station so you could wire any wall station to an external amp and/or wire an audio source back into the system if you wanted. Through the wall the audio is all cat 5 and digitally encoded so no signal loss from station to station. Any station can dial up any other station as an audio source and get a direct digital feed.

Mike

Doesn't look that great to me. Maybe I'm just put off by their simplistic web site. I would stick with something more mainstream such as a multizone/multisource Russound, Niles, Elan, etc. system. You're still in the same price range.

Do you have a specific Russound, Niles, or Elan system in mind for a similar price that acts as both an intercom and music distribution system? Although I am a novice in this space last I looked I thought most of the main stream systems were either intercom or music but not both. And the few systems I saw that did both were much more expensive. Did I overlook one?

Assuming installation cost say $250 that brings the price to $1449 for 5 zones/sources and a doorbell.

Mike

Disclaimer: I am new to distributed audio.


I'm also looking for a distributed audio solution. I am investigating both A-Bus systems, and central amp based systems, such as Russound CAV.

One thing these two types of systems have in common is that the distributed sources are at a central location. Whether the amps are distributed (A-Bus) or centralized, the sources are centralized. Local sources are just that: local. Whatever source may have been selected originally, it is overidden by any local source, but the local source is only available in the local zone in which it is located. It is not "fed back" to the hub or central amp for distribution to other zones.

Maybe it is possible to feedback a local signal to the central location, but that would require an additional signal cable (typically cat5e) from the zone back to the central location. If one hadn't had the foresight to anticipate which zones to equip with the extra runs when the system was installed, one would be "out of luck" regarding making a local source available to other zones.

This Audioshare system seems to be radically different. Every (local) source is as "distributed" as desired: it could distributed to any and all zones. That's how it looks to me.

This Audioshare system is also all digital. The audio is distributed digitally. I wonder about the quality of the A/Ds and D/As. A source is digitized, goes over the network, then is converted back to analog at the destination.

I wonder why I haven't seen any "chatter" about this system.

DG

Do you have a specific Russound, Niles, or Elan system in mind for a similar price that acts as both an intercom and music distribution system? Although I am a novice in this space last I looked I thought most of the main stream systems were either intercom or music but not both. And the few systems I saw that did both were much more expensive. Did I overlook one?

Assuming installation cost say $250 that brings the price to $1449 for 5 zones/sources and a doorbell.

Mike

I guess I should have read your requirements better. If you need BOTH intercom and music, then there seem to be few options. Some of the "music" only systems have a doorbell/paging interface though, so if you don't need 2-way communication and only paging, you could still go with a "music" only system. Check out the channel plus mds6 for another option.

I just happened to stumble upon this discussion thread. It's actually pretty cool to see the audioShare system discussed on the AVS board.

I'm actually the co-inventor of the technology that makes audioShare perform its magic. I would be happy to answer any questions about how it works and how it differs from any product on the market.

First of all, davidgrove is correct; audioShare is a radical new approach to home intercom and music distribution conveniently packaged into one easy-to-use affordable solution. With current trends in audio technology home consumers have more audio devices in their homes than ever before. The problem is that these devices are not located solely in their entertainment centers anymore. They are in fact all over the house. The trick now is how do you connect everything together? That is why we invented audioShare (not to mention that current intercoms stink and we new our digital approach would actually work). Also, audioShare is 100% digital with analog stereo inputs and outputs as well as digital (100% surround sound ready) inputs and outputs on every wall station. Connect to your hearts content. It really is cool when it's in action! Keep in mind, audioShare is more of an "audio network" than the traditional "distribution" systems we are all accustom to.

Gatormike, sorry the website looks simplistic. Looks like we've got some work to do to make the product look sexier through the website. However, trust me. You've never seen anything like this.

youngm most likely saw this when we launched at a local parade of homes show in Utah. Being a small gguy on the block we have focused all of our energies on the local Utah market since it was close to home and had a solid home market. Therefore, I'm sure no one outside of Utah has ever heard of us. That will change soon as we are currently working with distributors in California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada so hopefully you guys will get to try this system out soon.

Anyway, feel free to send me questions or concerns you may have.

Steve

Russound Compoint
http://www.futurehomesystems.com/compoint.shtml

Works with any distributed audio system.

Russound Compoint
http://www.futurehomesystems.com/compoint.shtml

Works with any distributed audio system.


Ahh Julie, you stole my thunder! :p Couple the Russound Compoint with Sonos (www.sonos.com) and you have the most versatile Music and integrated intercom system on the planet. You can find Compoint at http://www.russound.com/compoint.htm or check out their demo at http://www.russound.com/

Wow. I'm surprised that we are already off to the smart alec comments by people who seem to know everything about technology and whom couldn't possibly fathom the thought that a new technology could actually work better or enhance a customers experience. I'm surprised that people pass judgments or sarcasm without evening knowing how audioShare works.

No product is the end all as both of you so confidently have suggested. People have different needs and limitations. That's why we have menus at restaurants; not everyone loves to eat hamburgers everyday.

The Russound Compoint is nice but underneath the hood it is the same old intercom technology wrapped in a sexy looking decor. It's like taking a Ford Pinto and putting a Lamborghini body on it and calling it state-of-the-art. It's still the same old matrix-switched, analog transmission, limited technology our grandparents had in their homes. Plus, it does not handle music on its own. Consumers have to buy an additional totally separate system to even get music adding both cost and complexity not to mention the lack of complete integration.

Sonos is nice for music distribution but costs more per room than a single audioShare wall station which does both digital Music and digital Intercom together. Plus Sonos is a packet based transmission technology which results in potential latency problems with real-time audio sources. Control of the Sonos system is done through remote keypads which like other remote controls can easily get lost when you need it the most. :-) OK, that wasn't a real problem but it is kind of funny when it happens. Sonos is limited to left-right stereo signals and always requires an ADC conversion to send audio from external devices. However, I don't want it to sound like Sonos isn't cool and perfect for people who just want music. It works great for what it is. However, not all people will be happy with Sonos. Personally, If I were to go solely with a music system I would probably prefer NetSteams' Digilynx or Colorado VNet's Vibe systems over Sonos. Sonos' wireless capability is not a strong selling point with the convenience of wireless being equally matched by the problems with wireless.

Before we all jump to conclusions lets all take an honest look at technology today. All intercoms suffer from the same problems:
- EMI interference due to analog transmission technology. Even with differential (balanced) transmission schemes, EMI and analog are not friends and often times hum is introduced especially when transmitting mic level or line level signals around the home.
- manual volume controls. Intercoms are useless if someone turns the volume down in the room you are trying to talk to. If I have to walk to the room to turn the volume up I might as well talk to them in person.
- feedback. Not all homes are the same. Acoustics of each room often cause intercoms to scream or feedback especially with manual volume controls.
- scalability. Homes often have more rooms than intercom systems inherently can scale to. Manufacturers often make their systems stackable to try to overcome this problem but this only adds cost and complexity to the end user.
- intercoms using music system speakers are often way to boomy. I don't want a heavenly call from God coming out of my music speakers everytime someone calls me on the intercom.
- decor intercoms sound like tin cans. Greyfox had a nice idea but really, I couldn't stand to listen to that cans-on-a-string intercom everyday.

Music systems are too centralized and suffer from scalability, future expansion, and do not fully utilize existing audio devices already located throughout the home. Also, most music systems suffer from a lot of the same problems as intercoms due to their analog transmission, matrix-switching technology under the hood.

Forward thinking, let's start moving into surround sound capabilities. With easy access to surround sound content on computers, satellite, and DVD's, why not wire homes with more surround sound listening capability. It's not like the cost of speakers and amps are too pricey to make it feasible. No product other than audioShare can deliver multiple DTS and Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound streams over a single CAT5 wire.

Anyway, I don't want to argue. I want to talk about true advancements in fundamental technologies which enhance the customer experience and bring new capabilities thought impossible even a few months ago. Let's talk new technologies which make it more affordable to the average home owner to purchase whole house communication and entertainment.

I'm not saying that audioShare is the "end-all" solution for all customers. However, it is worth taking a serious look at audioShare if you are considering an intercom system, music system, or both in your home. You can't beat the price when you consider;
- the seamless integration of the best intercom and fully digital music system
- full digital transmission (including multiple full surround sound streams)
- true "network" connectivity of all audio devices throughout your home without packet buffering latency
- room to room connectivity runs over 2000 feet
- computer-controlled volume controls with real time room ambiance and feedback monitoring/adjusting
- virtually unlimited scalability
- easy and affordable future expansion and integration with future digital technologies
- upgradeable firmware adding new features at the customer's request
- background noise cancellation for baby monitor mode
- remote control of all room stations from any other room station
- reliability
- etc.

The Russound Compoint is nice but underneath the hood it is the same old intercom technology wrapped in a sexy looking decor.

I wouldn't underestimate the value of form factor in this business.

I wouldn't underestimate the value of form factor in this business.
Julie,

In total agreement.

I took a quick look at the AudioShare system (and will take a closer look when I have a few minutes). While it may be based on new digital technology, it "looks" like my grandpa's old intercom. Neither the wall unit or door station have the looks that my customers require... most are trying desperately to eliminate as many boxes on the wall as possible.

We're installing lots of ComPoint just because of the fact that it has such a nice form factor.

srlindsey - Please use the criticism in these posts in a positive manner and share them with your team. It looks like you've got a neat product but it may not be successful if cutomers don't want to look at it on the wall?

Cheers,
Paul

The last story I wrote about wireless lighting control, I interviewed lots of dealers about their preferred systems. Virtually none of them talked about the various technologies. What it boiled down to: customer likes the look of the keypads. Industrial design is a big, big deal.

Does the ComPoint work if the audio is not running? I.E. can I use the intercom when I am not running any other audio?

Being a comsumer, and being new to this arena, I can tell you I really like the look of the Russound wall plates better but it looks like I would like the AudioShare tech better. I also like the AudioShare price better, but in order to get the wife to sign on I would need to pony up the extra $ to get a pretty system...

CTay,

Yes, Russound ComPoint will work if the whole-house audio that it shares speaker swith is off. It's really an entirely independant system that uses relays in the keypap to interrupt whole-house audio (if it's playing) and route the audio from the intercom system to the speakers.

Originally I was a little underwhelmed as the integration didn't seem very elegant, but it does work well and can also connect with almost any music system (not just Russound).

Cheers,
Paul

If you're looking for a dedicated intercom system that doesn't use the audio system, OnQ has an elegant look as well: http://www.onqlegrand.com/jahia/Jahia/pid/1358

pricing info here: http://www.home-technology-store.com/structured-wiring/onq-intercom.aspx

I certainly don't mean to hijack the thread. Audioshare looks to have a nice solution. I just don't care for the aesthetics.

http://www.audioshare.net/Images/WallStation_small.jpg
audioshare

http://www.home-technology-store.com/images/onq/1G-F7593WH-KIT.jpg
onq

http://www.russound.com/images/isk2_image.jpg
Russound

The Russound Compoint is nice but underneath the hood it is the same old intercom technology This is not entirely true. It is not the same old technology in that it does not aspire to be centric. It is meant to play second fiddle to an audio distribution system. Therefore it "piggy backs" off an existing audio distribution system although it can operate on its own. Old intercom systems were standalone systems, that, as an afterthought provided their own "music" capability. Some of the more ambitious intercom sysems allowed an external audio source to be integrated at the base station. In that respect audio share is that "old technology". It has only changed what it distributes but still, like those dinosaur intercom systems of old, tries to be centric to audio distribution. To me that is the same old, same old.

So, respectfully I disagree with your assertion about the same old technology. Compoint is exceptional because it was not designed to be the hub for audio distribution. It was designed to be integrated into existing audio systems and to piggy back on their technologies. That is elegance and beauty in design. Truly revolutionary systems wow you with that kind of elegance. Its ease of use and setup is seamless. Another feature of truly revolutionary systems To me audio share is trying to be centric to audio distribution and control which is just like the old technology. The difference is they go about digitally. I agree with Julie Compoint has the aesthetics and with it comes elegance. It is intuitive to operate and simple in its integration. Compoint is a winner. We will see if audio share expands beyond its home turf and becomes a winner. This is one mans opinion. I am not the end all and I don't profess to be I just call it like I see it. My advice to audio share is to expand upon your use of the digital technology but improve its aesthetics. Meaning, don't approach the problem by making audio share the centric solution. Think integration and ease of use. Be an unobtrusive device sitting on the wall, be subtle (something I usually am not :D )

Music systems are too centralized and suffer from scalability, future expansion, and do not fully utilize existing audio devices already located throughout the home. Also, most music systems suffer from a lot of the same problems as intercoms due to their analog transmission, matrix-switching technology under the hood. Well put and truly describes what Sonos is not. Sonos is another elegant solution that is a winner using its SonosNet for audio distribution throughout the home and fully scalable to accomodate expansion. As far as cost is concerned, compared to other systems like Elan, Digilinx, ADA and others, Sonos is pennies for the similar capabilities.

Forward thinking, let's start moving into surround sound capabilities Why? As a music format surround sound has gone nowhere. why would it be any different in a distributed audio system. stereo seems to be perfectly fine. Is their a surround sound format that people just have to have. I don't think DTS or Dobly Digital offer anything that stereo doesn't surpass for audio distribution. To me it sounds like the swiss army knife phenomenon, "we could put it in so lets do so".

You have the beginning of a useful product. Good luck with it and I hope I wasn't too critical just offering my honest opinion about what is quality out there. Hopefully it is helpful.

Now we're talking. I thank everyone thus far for your honest feedback. I'm curious about the form factor criticism from Julie. Up until now we haved received great feedback on the current audioShare design from customers. I guess we are all talking to customers and getting the various tastes of the market. There seem to be those customers who want looks and could careless about functionality and then you have those that will sacrifice on the looks to have specific functionality. Our current customers seem to fit into the later category. However, I agree that we can definitely improve on the faceplate.

There was also feedback from David about the interpretation of "Old" Technology. Although the ComPoint does integrate with existing audio systems which is a great idea, the underlying methodology for establishing an intercom communication between stations is built on the concept of the telephone matrix switchers. This means that a central device has to control everything and is limited by the number of inputs and outputs. audioShare is fundamentally different. There is no "central" controller to audioShare. The brains and control of the system for both music and intercom are inherent in each wall station. This is what makes it possible for audioShare to have stations be both digital sources and digital destinations for music, virtually unlimited scalability, and intercom features such as complete full-duplex hands-free, ambient room monitoring/background noise cancelation, unlimited station conference-calling, and independent computer-controlled volume for all stations in the system individually or system wide. True peer-to-peer network connectivity is much more flexible than Client-Server (or centralized distribution). I hope that helps to clarify my meaning.

Good feedback,

Steve

I agree with what Steve is saying. I am looking for a digital audio solution.

If you need content to justify digital, you can look at HD radio and XM radio. I also think music will be encoded in Intel/Dobly TrueHD Audio in the near future.

My house has three amps in different room's wired for suround sound. My sources are all digital media recievers with digital or analog output, they play centrally storaged mp3's plus I listen to internet radio (live365.com) on these DMR's.

My main goal is to provide a party mode, were a play list is queued up via a source like the bedroom and heard through out the house.

Other times my wife or kid should be able to select a source stream of music that may be queued up via on one DMR in the kitchen or via a PPC wifi Remote and selected in the bathroom or kitchen via a keypad.

Steve, The digital signal seems to make sense, I think the killer applicatoin would be for metadata to move along your music bus and display on all devices. Do you have support or plans for this?

I sent an email to your support email asking for more info on your line.
Thanks,
-mw

Speedbump49, sorry for the delay. I haven't had a chance to read the forum in a very long time. Anyway, we do have plans to support metadata transfer from the transmitting device to all receiving devices. We don't have an exact time frame for this feature but it will be a software upgrade (maybe an additional hardware module but we are trying to avoid that).

I will admit that as a first to market product of this type we are not 100% feature enabled but we are close and are adding new features everyday. Our customers are giving us great feature ideas and we try to implement them as fast as we can. The interesting thing is that a lot of the feature ideas we get are a result of the incredible flexibility the system gives you and all of the "new doors" that open when you realize you can really send uncompressed multi-channel digital audio signals bi-directionally throughout the home. We get some really wild ideas that are very cool when you think about it. :-)