News

Russound Announces New Firmware For TCH1 RNET Touchpoint System (31/7/2010)

CEDIA US Expo 2010

Rich Content Browsing Experience and iPad Compatibility Offers Exciting New Control Possibilities For Users And Integrators

Russound, the #1 brand in multiroom audio, today announced a new firmware update for its innovative TCH1 Touchpoint system, which allows users to control an RNET multiroom audio system via an Apple® iPhone® or iPod® Touch. The update provides end users with powerful new content browsing and filtering conveniences, including smart browsing by content source and seamless integration with Apple's new iPad® tablet.

“The new firmware for our TCH1 Touchpoint makes finding, filtering and sorting through content easier and more enjoyable,” says Roger Soucy, Product Manager, Russound. “And when you factor in the incredible appeal of the Apple iPad as a control surface, integrators can expect to see an instant crowd pleaser.”

The new firmware, version 2.00.09, adds functions to the TCH1 Touchpoint that greatly speed access to desired content. This enhanced user experience allows browsing through digital content, using specific filters, including themes, playlists, genres, artists, albums and songs. These familiar SMS3 Media Server, iPhone and iPod Touch methods allow users to apply filters either to narrow the desired content possibilities or to drill down deeper into more specific levels of the content, even down to a specific song, if desired.

In another familiar touch, the firmware update offers a "Back" button to retrace navigation steps, or to move from specific to more general content criteria. The firmware update also supports cover art for media stored on a Russound SMS3 Media Server.

The TCH1 firmware update makes content browsing "smart" by way of a new dedicated source control button for easy access to source-specific content browsing. On each source's home page, a small box appears in the lower right screen corner that allows content access for that particular source component. For tuner sources such as AM/FM and satellite radio, a keypad button accesses a Numeric Entry page for station selection. For content browsing through an SMS3 Media Server and iBridge Bay and Dock, a List button appears. The user simply touches the button to access the desired content lists.

The new TCH1 firmware upgrade also allows Apple's new iPad tablet device to act as a controller for the Russound Touchpoint system. “The iPad's form factor, visual appeal and intuitive operation makes it an important new control option for both consumers and integrators,” says Soucy. “We’re letting our dealers meet this new sales opportunity with dedicated Russound integration that extends Apple's renowned user experience.”

www.russound.com