Whole House Audio with Intercom

R

RobWalker

Active Member
I am trying to decide which type of whole house audio set up to install. In addition to the usual music listening features, an intercom system is a must have, and there will be more intercom stations than actual audio zones.

The current front runner is the Russound CAV with ComPoint. I like the look of the ComPoint keypads and the basic intercom features look good. The cost is definitely at the upper end of what I want to pay, but do-able.

The main reluctance I have with this set up is that I can't find any indication that ComPoint is an 'open' system in any way. I'd like to be able to intergrate the intercom system in the automation system more thoroughly. For example:

1. play Elk announcements through ComPoint. I know I can do this through the CAV, but I can't see how to hook it up to ComPoint.
2. have a ComPoint station that is input for voice recognition. ie. wiring a ComPoint station to the line in of a sound card and being able to signal the PC when someone opens a channel to it.
3. be able to add other sources to the intercom system -- eg. being able use a bluetooth headset as an intercom station.

Are there any products out there that offer this degree of programmability?
 
Hi Rob,

The Russound CAV6.6 & ComPoint combination works really well. I've installed Nutone, M&S, Greyfox/On-Q and ComPoint is leaps ahead in audio quality and functionality. It is a closed system, so I don't know of any way currently of adding functions for voice recognition or inputs for TTS announcements, etc.

You mention that you like the basic keypad, there will be more intercom than audio zones and that ComPoint is at the high-end of your budget. The basic keypad can only be used in systems containing six or fewer intercom zones. Once you go past six, you have to use the advanced keypads. I mention this because it sounds like you are planning more than six intercom zones and the advanced keypads will increase the cost even further.

I'm not aware of any intercom solutions that provide all the integration functionality that you are looking for.

Cheers,
Paul
 
pkoslow said:
Hi Rob,

The Russound CAV6.6 & ComPoint combination works really well. I've installed Nutone, M&S, Greyfox/On-Q and ComPoint is leaps ahead in audio quality and functionality. It is a closed system, so I don't know of any way currently of adding functions for voice recognition or inputs for TTS announcements, etc.

You mention that you like the basic keypad, there will be more intercom than audio zones and that ComPoint is at the high-end of your budget. The basic keypad can only be used in systems containing six or fewer intercom zones. Once you go past six, you have to use the advanced keypads. I mention this because it sounds like you are planning more than six intercom zones and the advanced keypads will increase the cost even further.

I'm not aware of any intercom solutions that provide all the integration functionality that you are looking for.

Cheers,
Paul
Click to expand...

Thanks -- it is good to get some feedback from someone who has experience with multiple systems.

I used 'basic' poorly ... I was planning on the ISK2 keypads and meant to refer to the 'normal' intercom functionality as opposed to the advanced features that might be possible.

The ComPoint manual includes a wiring diagram for the CAT5 cable, so I wonder if Russound would consider releasing the comm protocol in the same way they do with RNET? If it is simply a serial protocol it might even be possible to infer enough of it hook up a station as input to a VR system.
 
RobWalker said:
...I wonder if Russound would consider releasing the comm protocol in the same way they do with RNET? If it is simply a serial protocol it might even be possible to infer enough of it hook up a station as input to a VR system.
Click to expand...

I don't expect this will happen... I inquired about the same before ComPoint was even released, I understand the protocol is proprietary just like RNET. What you really have with the RNET systems is a serial interface protocol with the RNET systems while the devices actually communicate between each other using the RNET protocol which is proprietary.

I've provided lots of feedback to Russound in regards to ComPoint and it sounds like the product will remain with out any signifigant changes until the next intercom product is rolled out.

The only "tweak" I've been able to manage with ComPoint is to extend the distance of the door units beyond the 250ft maximum. I have two working a gates located 1300ft & 1800ft from customer's homes.

Cheers,
Paul
 
Admittedly, I have very little experience with Compoint having just installed my first system about a week and half, two weeks ago but I also have experience with M&S (don't care for it) and NuTone (Ughh...) and played with a Greyfox while on a job in AZ a few weeks ago (well, um...ugly). Paul knows how I feel about the ComPoint. It's crazy good and VERY easy to work with. I mean, my mom could install this stuff. The one big drawback in my opinion is the fact that I can't name rooms or zones but have to use what's already loaded. That's a drag that I hope Russound will address...
 
Sounds like ComPoint definitely has more of a fan base than other systems. I was looking at the audioshare system ... and whilst I like the technology bullet points, this is a case where form definitely matters and the UNO/ComPoint keypads blow the others away for this price point. Whilst the higher-end 3" or 4" touch screens would look great in each room, that just isn't going to happen!

Maybe when I have more time I'll try hooking a compoint station up to the PC and seeing if I can work out how to integrate them.
 
Twilo, interesting, but why would you need both russound and the ge audio? Is he using russounds backbone and GE's interface in the rooms?
 
Ranger Digital said:
rob, did you make a decision on what you are installing and purchasing? If so, how did it go?
Click to expand...

Not fully ... I have purchased an HTD MCA66 amp/controller instead of the Russound since I decided I really didn't need much control on the wall. I've only deployed a couple of zones so far but am very happy with it.

For the intercom I still like the look of ComPoint, but am having trouble swallowing the price ... 6 zones is $1180 (w/o dedicated speakers), and I'd really like at least 8 zones.

I could go with a M&S system and get 8 zones for around $655 ... the main loss is zone-to-zone communication. Everything becomes broadcast. Not sure how much of an issue that would be in practice since the main use case is to avoid having to shout up at the kids ;)

I've also looked at the OnQ system, but don't like the keypads and ChannelVision have a nice offering ... but the price puts it competitive with Compoint. The GE system mentioned above looks good too, but a quick scan suggests that the price is also in the ComPoint range.

If ComPoint (or ChannelVision) offered serial control to allow integration with the other systems that would make their price point much more compelling. As it is I'm willing to sit on the fence for a while longer and tackle all the other backlogged projects first!
 
he tends to use one or the other on a project, not typically both. it's cheaper, keypads are nice, expandable up to 16 zones, integrates lighting/hvac, has intercom, door strike capabilities, ir passthrough, etc. it's actually a nice package. he does a lot of security and uses GE so i think he picked this line up off of ADI.

the Russounds have more of a name brand effect so if the customer is pushing in that direction, then Russound is used. usually a cav6.6.

has anyone gotten hold of a sphere yet? any experiences with it? is it even being shipped yet?
 
twilo123 said:
has anyone gotten hold of a sphere yet? any experiences with it? is it even being shipped yet?
Click to expand...


The Sphere products aren't shipping yet. I've met the requirements and completed all the training to be an authorized Sphere dealer, so just waiting on the products.

The ACA-E5 controller has some nice improvments over the CAV6.6 so I'm looking forward to installing them.

Cheers,
Paul
 
Any idea as far as time frame when the sphere will be shipping?

Any ideas as far as cost? How much more will it cost over the CAV6.6? 2x? 3x? ???
 
sic0048 said:
Any idea as far as time frame when the sphere will be shipping?

Any ideas as far as cost? How much more will it cost over the CAV6.6? 2x? 3x? ???
Click to expand...

The base products are expected to start shipping sometime this summer with some of the accessories like dedicated touch screen and 2-way remote later in the year.

The ACA-E5 kit with six keypads and integrated tuner retails for $9300 which is roughly equivalent to twice the retail price of the CAV6.6 kit with six UNO keypads.

Since this is a protected line, the street prices should reflect close to retail so the reality is that a SPHERE system will cost 3-4 times what most people are currently paying for the CAV6.6 based system.

Russound has several layers of protection in place to ensure these systems are only purchased and installed through authorized dealers so there won't be any opportunity for DIY install.
 
thanks Paul. there have been so many delays on the sphere that i haven't bothered with the training yet. by the time it comes out i would probably have to go through it again or work out the nuances myself in the field. for now the cav is just fine...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
Consultant with expertise with HAI/OmniPro/UPB?
2
Replies
22
Views
2K
M0n@rch
M
O
Door Station with OmniPro II and OmniTouch 7 Screen
Replies
2
Views
404
OMNIuser
O
J
Help with ideas to cross-communicate between OmniPro II and Elk M1G
Replies
4
Views
222
jcd
J
D
OP2 troubleshooting and possible replacement
Replies
0
Views
508
dth122
D
B
Russound Advice
Replies
3
Views
1K
Neurorad
Neurorad
Back
Top