News

Opus expands Integrated Partner Programme (6/2/2009)

Integrated Systems Europe 2009

The WCU600 touchscreen keypad was launched in 2008 to enormous acclaim taking Opus to the forefront of the smart home market. Now, Opus Technologies, manufacturer of whole-house multi-room entertainment systems has dramatically increased the flexibility and versatility of this keypad.

Integrating with the widest range of third-party smart home solutions is key to Opus’ strategy and developments to the WCU600’s sophisticated software mean iPods can now be fully integrated and content interrogated via the touchscreen in the same way as using an iPod directly. In addition, Windows Media Center PCs can now be accessed thanks to Opus’ new Navigator™ and Hotspot™ features and for Apple TV fans, an ingenious interface means the Opus touchscreen can control iTunes content - including HD video, music and other media – from anywhere in the home. Additionally, it is now possible to control the Opus system using the iconic iPhone or iPod touch.

All this and more is the result of the wide-reaching Integrated Partner Programme designed to enable Opus to control a multitude of other devices and also enable Opus to be controlled by a range of third-party interfaces. With the WCU600, Opus is now a true smart home gateway which sets a new industry standard for performance at this price point.

Key technologies with which Opus can now interact include lighting, HVAC, blinds, media servers, video matrices and CCTV products. “The notion of a multi-room entertainment system being confined to just audio and video is long gone”, said Peter Brown, Opus’ Chief Operating Officer. “Opus IPP adds huge value not just to end users who ultimately benefit from one simple intuitive interface but also to our dealer partners who have a more impressive, broader platform to offer.” Indeed, this initiative has made Opus one of the most flexible multi-room entertainment systems on the market.

Key integration categories include:

* Lighting/blinds
* Apple TV
* Video switching and distribution
* iPhone and iPod touch
* Audio distribution
* Third party controls and remotes
* Windows media Center PCs
* HVAC
* Media servers
* Security/CCTV

There has been much hype around the concept of a smart home but with Opus’ Integrated Partner Programme it has become a reality as key home automation solutions can be adjusted from one user interface. Thanks to the SCU600 Serial Control Unit and the stunning WCU600 touchscreen keypad, Opus multi-room can control and be controlled by third party automation products by both replicating manufacturers’ control solutions and working alongside their existing interfaces. The IPP guarantees that Opus and partners have both tested and documented the driver ensuring it is fit for purpose. This gives the installer confidence and adds value to any installation by providing easy installation of complex solutions. For the end user, one simple keypad controls their entire system.

Lighting and environment

Opus’ rapidly expanded software team has been working closely with a number of companies to create pre-tested drivers for their systems. Solutions from Rako, EIB/KNX, Dynalite, Clipsal, Honeywell, Lutron, Mode, Polaron, iLight, Helvar, Niko, Bticino, Leax, LS Design and e-Home can already be controlled by Opus and many more drivers will be released over the coming months.

Video distribution

To further enhance Opus’ ability to integrate with the latest video distribution systems drivers for solutions from Gefen, Kramer, Extron, Neo Pro, Key Digital, Smart-e and Cyprus Video, with more to follow, allow Opus to provide high-definition video switching and distribution facilities to add real value to any project.

Source control

Opus has created two classes of interface for control of the Windows Media Center PC. The first is Opus ‘Hotspot’™ which allows areas of the WCU600 touchscreen keypad to be assigned commands linked with the Windows Media Center PC such as ‘Up’, ‘Down’, ‘Enter’ and ‘Back’. The second type is the Opus ‘Navigator’™ interface which allows ‘mouse-like’ taps and scrolling movements to fully access and control the connected Media Center PC.
Opus’ Hotspot facility also enables Apple TV to integrate with Opus via the WCU600 touchscreen. This cost-effective but highly sophisticated source allows users to access and control all their iTunes content – such as high definition video, music and other media – from any Opus-equipped room.

Third party controllers

Meanwhile custom applications have been created for the iPhone and iPod touch replicating the WCU600’s display on their screens and transforming them into simple wireless, non-directional 2-way control platforms for the Opus system.

Philips’ Pronto remote and RFX9600 serial extender unit, now allow full control and feedback from the Opus system again making life easier for the end user by reducing the number of control interfaces. Discussions are in place with other remote control manufacturers to broaden Opus’ scope in this crucial area.

The Opus 500 system can also be controlled by both Crestron and AMX systems in larger installations where a developer may have a number of complex solutions in one custom installation. Indeed, Opus has for some time been a member of both the Crestron IPP and AMX In-Concert partner programmes, with full drivers available.

To fully support Opus installers with these key advances, comprehensive Certified Installer Programme training is offered at the company’s London headquarters and supporting resources are available on the Opus extranet.

www.opus.eu