Control4 Introduces New Media Distribution Family

[t_rebert]

http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130904-905327.html

[SMHarman]

Control4 Introduces New Media Distribution Family

New AV distribution product line includes new Control4 Audio Matrix Switch, new 100 Series Amplifiers, and new HDMI Matrix Switch for sophisticated whole-home entertainment solutions.

SALT LAKE CITY-- Control4 (Nasdaq: CTRL ) , a market leader in home automation systems, announced today a new family of audio and video distribution products that deliver superior sound and video quality and are designed for fast installation, simple setup and exceptional performance. The new audio and video product line now provides Control4 integrators with a broad array of media distribution solutions for any size home or business installation. Boasting a sleek industrial design, the new Control4® media distribution product line also deliver a polished, clean, clutter-free look that customers will love.

“Today’s homeowners want to access and distribute their favorite music and video libraries instantaneously throughout their homes,” said Martin Plaehn, CEO of Control4. “By broadening our offering, we’re enabling Control4 Dealers with sophisticated distributed media solutions for their customers – delivering exceptional multi-channel audio experiences with wide dynamic range and stunning full HD video. We also have added installation-friendly features to all of these products, simplifying installation and configuration,” he added.

New Control4® Audio Matrix Switch

At the center of audio distribution products is the new Control4® Audio Matrix Switch, which enables customers to enjoy any of 16 audio sources in 16 audio zones and delivers high quality sound to every zone. The Audio Matrix Switch features: a 16-input / 16-output analog audio matrix with wide dynamic range; input gain controls for proper source level balancing; audio sensing inputs that provide control and feedback to the Control4 system; and ½ dB volume steps for smooth volume control. The new Audio Matrix Switch also supports Control4’s SDDP (Simple Device Discovery Protocol) technology for efficient auto-discovery – simplifying setup and programming via Composer Pro.

New Control4® 100 Series 4 and 8-Zone Power Amplifiers

The new Control4® Audio Matrix Switch can be paired with the new Control4® 100 Series 4 and 8-Zone Power Amplifiers, offering flexible, scalable and cost-effective audio amplification for installations of any size. Each amp features individual zone stereo-line inputs and outputs, a global input and output, input gain controls for both global and individual zone inputs, and selection switches for zone or global inputs.

The Control4 100 Series 8-Zone Amplifier delivers 30 watts per channel into 8 ohm in stereo mode, or 60 watts per channel into 8 ohm when bridged, while the 4-Zone Amplifier delivers 45 or 90 watts per channel, respectively. Both 100-Series Amplifiers are stable to 4 ohm and their Class D design, input signal sensing, and 12-volt trigger operation provide energy savings while in stand-by mode. Using the zone pre-amp outputs and/or global “bus” input/outputs, Control4 Dealers can combine multiple 100 Series Amplifiers to deliver audio into much larger spaces such as great rooms or outdoor patios that utilize many speakers.

New Control4® 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switch

A new 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switch also joins the Media Distribution Product line and enables customers to share up to 8 video sources in up to 8 video zones. The Control4® 8X8 HDM Matrix Switch features: seamless Control4 integration; reliable switching and distribution of 1080p 2D and 3D video; multi-channel audio; and Ethernet, RS-232 (Serial), and infrared (IR) control signals over a single Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable. In addition to eight HDMI inputs and eight HDBaseT outputs, the Control4 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switch can be set up to use two local HDMI outputs, eight LAN pass-through ports, eight stereo audio outputs, eight RS-232 ports, eight bi-directional IR control ports, and an Ethernet port for control.

In addition to an abundance of “connectivity” capabilities, the new Control4 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switch also benefits from a number of advanced setup options, including sophisticated EDID (extended display identification data) management to ensure fast and reliable switching between sources, along with zone-lock capability dedicating a video source to a specific zone.

Integration of Control4’s SDDP (Simple Device Discovery Protocol) technology makes setup of the new HDMI Matrix Switch a snap. Once the HDMI Matrix is connected to the home network, Control4 Dealers will be able to use Composer Pro to automatically install the applicable driver, removing the need to search for the correct and most up-to-date driver.

Accompanying the 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switch is the new Control4® HDBaseT Receiver (Balun), that receives the incoming video, audio, and control signals from the HDMI Matrix via a single Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable and breaks them out into individual HDMI, LAN, and two-way RS-232 and IR outputs at the distribution endpoint.

New Control4® Media Distribution Product Available in September

Control4’s new media distribution products are available to order immediately through Authorized Control4 Dealers and are expected to begin shipping before the end of September. The MSRPs of the Media Distribution Product line are:

8x8 HDMI Matrix Switch: $6,900 USD MSRP

HDBaseT Receiver: $350 USD MSRP

16x16 Audio Matrix Switch: $1,500 USD MSRP

100 Series Power Amplifier (8-Zone): $1,400 USD MSRP

100 Series Power Amplifier (4-Zone): $1,100 USD MSRP

For more information, please visit www.control4.com

About Control4

Control4 [NASDAQ: CTRL] is a leading provider of automation systems for homes and businesses by offering personalized control of lighting, music, video, lighting, temperature, security, communications and similar functionalities into a unified home automation solution that enhances the daily lives of its customers. Control4 unlocks the potential of connected devices, making entertainment systems easier to use, homes more comfortable and energy efficient, and families more secure. More than 75% of Control4’s consumers have integrated two or more functionalities with Control4’s solution, which is available through more than 2,800 custom integrators, retail outlets, and distributors in over 80 countries. By delivering insightfully simple control solutions that enhance the lives of individuals and families, Control4 is the automation platform of choice for consumers, major consumer electronics companies, hotels, and businesses around the world.

Forward Looking Statement

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements regarding Control4’s possible future products and financial outlook. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date they were first issued and were based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond Control4’s control. Control4’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to, risks detailed in Control4’s most recent S-1/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as well as other documents that may be filed by the company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In particular, the following factors, among others, could cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements: the ability of Control4 to remain competitive and maintain its position in the market; Control4’s ability to increase market awareness of its solution and brand; the ability of dealers and distributors to sell Control4 solutions; quarterly and annual operating results may fluctuate more than expected; the ability of Control4 to develop new solutions and develop and expand its network of dealers and distributors; the ability of Control4 to realize the intended benefits of its strategic relationships; the compatibility of Control4 solutions with third-party products and applications; the ability of Control4 to adapt to technological changes; the market for Control4’s solutions may develop more slowly than expected; the risk of losing key employees; increased demands on employees and costs associated with operating as a public company; general political or destabilizing events, including war, conflict, or acts of terrorism; and other risks and uncertainties. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent Control4’s views as of the date of this press release. The company anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. Control4 undertakes no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Control4’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Caster Communications, Inc.

Kelly Ahern, 401-792-7080

pr@control4.com

KEYWORDS: United States North America Utah

[SMHarman]

Those new amp prices are great.

[ILoveC4]

That looks great. I noticed the amp produces less power per zone...is this a more "budget level" amp and the current one stays, or does this replace the "old" ones? I have V3 amps right now...and I think they are 100 watts per channel and carried an MSRP of $2,500.

Just curious if these ones are a replacement product to the current offerings, or just a more budget friendly option.

[SMHarman]

^

It's a good question. The PR talks about

Using the zone pre-amp outputs and/or global “bus” input/outputs, Control4 Dealers can combine multiple 100 Series Amplifiers to deliver audio into much larger spaces such as great rooms or outdoor patios that utilize many speakers.

I've seen other comments of why do you need more than 30WPC for background music.

I suspect that these are replacement amps and you would then choose to bridge. If you need more power. 2 x 8 zones bridged gives you 8 x 60w at $2800 or 1 x 60 + 6 x 30 (stereo pairs) or something inbetween for about the $2500 you recall as the price of the old 8ch.

Generally these are feeding ceiling or in wall speakers that don't have big bass drivers / big magnets to move / big air to shift.

[Cyknight]

The new amps no longer have switching/matrix capability which would be the biggest price reduction.

[chesterwilson]

So they came out with a budget line of audio products and an overpriced matrix.

Would have been more impressed with a budget 8x8 matrix and keeping the current audio line.

[ERDrPC]

I'd like to know if the Matrix has same limitations of lowest common denominator audio. i.e. theater playing 7.2 but bar area and landing stereo only. I've only seen the Crestron DM switch successfully conquer that.

[chesterwilson]

I'd like to know if the Matrix has same limitations of lowest common denominator audio. i.e. theater playing 7.2 but bar area and landing stereo only. I've only seen the Crestron DM switch successfully conquer that.

Agreed, that would potentially make it worth the cost for some. Otherwise I'm more than happy paying $1300 for a gefen.

[cashmoney]

I would assume, though I hate to do that, the key word in the new product line - Control4® 100 Series indicates that other options such as a 200 or 300 series may be in the works...

With that said nothing about these products screams BUY ME over currently available products. As an example I'm in the market to upgrade my audio matrix and would have gladly gone C4 however for slightly more $ I can get a matrix from AVocation Systems that does 16 analog and 32 digital inputs with full audio conversion. I would have been pre-ordering today.

[Cyknight]

The hdmi has lock settings that allow you to say set it to lock your blu-ray to the theatre (receiver) - this changes the EDID to pass through. So if that bluray is setti auto, when selected in the theatre it would see that it can do HD audio while when on other inputs it would grab the lowest denominator.

[chesterwilson]

Its more like $10k for the hdbaset matrix. The HDBaset Receivers are required (unless you have them lying around, lol).

[SMHarman]

Its more like $10k for the hdbaset matrix. The HDBaset Receivers are required (unless you have them lying around, lol).

LOL and why an 16^2 audio matrix. How many have 16 different audio sources they want to distribute and how many have 16 rooms they are distributing audio to?

Can you make a 100 Series 4x8 or 2 digital + 4 analog x 8 or something that is more normal home sized?

Are you dealers doing 16 room audio distribution regularly?

[dogdvr]

^LOL

Yes

Did you think that they refreshed the product because it was not selling?

Just did 28 zones two weeks ago

Brent

[SMHarman]

^LOL

Yes

Did you think that they refreshed the product because it was not selling?

Just did 28 zones two weeks ago

Brent

How many inputs were there in the 28 zones?

I can see it on the output end more than the input end, some have 28 room houses etc, but do they have 28 sources to connect to those 28 rooms? Or even 16!

[dogdvr]

The new amps no longer have switching/matrix capability which would be the biggest price reduction.

The presentation I watched today clearly stated that each zone's input could be local or global.

Global would mean Matrix

what presentation did you watch?

Brent

[LSDave]

I'd like to know if the Matrix has same limitations of lowest common denominator audio. i.e. theater playing 7.2 but bar area and landing stereo only. I've only seen the Crestron DM switch successfully conquer that.

No, i'm pretty upset that they did not address any of the limitations of existing product.

The EDID will be managed in composer pro, but they did not add the ability to control the TV over CEC. Also the HDBaseT outputs cannot supply power to the receviers. And the ethernet ports are just pass through. Being a "CONTROL" company, you think they would have at least added CEC to the matrix to get rid of IR bugs. When already spending this much on a video switcher, i would drop an extra $1500-2000 for those kind of features. ALso being able to downmix the audio in the matrix would be great as well.

Being that i work for a smaller install company, i rarely get to install 8x8 and larger matrix's, but when i do need a 8x8 i will call hydraconnect or Zektor.

[SMHarman]

The new amps no longer have switching/matrix capability which would be the biggest price reduction.

The presentation I watched today clearly stated that each zone's input could be local or global.

Global would mean Matrix

what presentation did you watch?

Brent

He's right, look on the back of the box

https://dealer.control4.com/Images/Downloads/C4-AMP104/101526_RevA_100SeriesAmplifiers_DS.pdf

Each amp pair has an input (and output)

There is also a global input to the unit, so you can switch between the source sent to the specific amp or the global source.

It's not a 4^4 arrangement.

I guess the global source is useful for distributing doorbell chimes and alerts.

The website has these and the existing amps on there so this is an addition to the product line not a replacement.

[Cyknight]

The new amps no longer have switching/matrix capability which would be the biggest price reduction.

The presentation I watched today clearly stated that each zone's input could be local or global.

Global would mean Matrix

what presentation did you watch?

Brent

Err global would not mean matrix at all - indeed global is ONE input for ALL the outputs.

What I got out of it is - either an input is set to the global input (with any number of outputs possibly connected to that global input) OR to the local input, being input one to output one two to two etc.

This is an extremely common setup in "standard" multichannel amplifiers

[Cyknight]

And the ethernet ports are just pass through. Being a "CONTROL" company, you think they would have at least added CEC to the matrix to get rid of IR bugs.

What else would you expect the LAN port to be?????

CEC is still not all that reliable so I can't say that's a big loss in my eyes.

[thecodeman]

And the ethernet ports are just pass through. Being a "CONTROL" company' date=' you think they would have at least added CEC to the matrix to get rid of IR bugs.[/quote']

What else would you expect the LAN port to be?????

CEC is still not all that reliable so I can't say that's a big loss in my eyes.

Meh. The CEC stuff works great for us where I work, but we use it with Just Add Power HDMI/IP. I personally like the smoother volume ramping on the matrix for using with third party amps. I will probably keep using the current 8 zone amps for their power ratings.

[control4guy]

Its more like $10k for the hdbaset matrix. The HDBaset Receivers are required (unless you have them lying around' date=' lol).[/quote']

LOL and why an 16^2 audio matrix. How many have 16 different audio sources they want to distribute and how many have 16 rooms they are distributing audio to?

Can you make a 100 Series 4x8 or 2 digital + 4 analog x 8 or something that is more normal home sized?

Are you dealers doing 16 room audio distribution regularly?

Yes.

In the last 18 months the only jobs I've done with distributed audio that didn't have a 16x16 audio matrix were the ones that had a 32x32 audio matrix. A typical job for me will have 7 or 8 zones with 2 channel audio and 1, 2 or sometimes 3 home theatre receivers throughout the home. Of the 16 inputs, 2-3 are usually used up by streaming audio from an HC800+HC250, 2-4 are used up by PVRs, add in a couple of blu-ray players, a dune player or two and you're easily over 8 inputs. 8 of the outputs go to the 8 zone amp, and 2-3 go to the home theatre receivers leaving a few inputs and outputs for future expansion.

On the larger jobs it's easy to go over 16.

[carl01]

I think the new amps and matrix are a brilliant idea, the matrix has needed these improvements for a long time. Cant wait to get my hands on the HDMI solution, I believe it to be a Leaf underneath so should be good.

Two thing's I think control4 missed a trick with is the HDBASE T Baluns, 1st being the lack of POE is this really correct, 2nd is a personal idea I would of loved to see them of put Zigbee zaps into the Baluns. Here in England due to construction methods its really awkward to implement a mesh network and often find ourselves utilising HC250's behind each Display just to get local remotes working. Zigbee in the Baluns would of resolved this.

[chesterwilson]

I think the new amps and matrix are a brilliant idea, the matrix has needed these improvements for a long time. Cant wait to get my hands on the HDMI solution, I believe it to be a Leaf underneath so should be good.

Two thing's I think control4 missed a trick with is the HDBASE T Baluns, 1st being the lack of POE is this really correct, 2nd is a personal idea I would of loved to see them of put Zigbee zaps into the Baluns. Here in England due to construction methods its really awkward to implement a mesh network and often find ourselves utilising HC250's behind each Display just to get local remotes working. Zigbee in the Baluns would of resolved this.

If you are going to spend $10k on a matrix, I would spend it on the Hydraconnect.

[Cyknight]

Correct it doesn't support POC (over cable vs ethernet as hdbaset is not ethernet)

The ZAP thing is so often asked.... It would not be realistic to add this to a balun - it would make it that much more expensive (as it would need to be ZAPCo and Zserver. Another common misconception is that you can just drop ZAP units where you need some coverage.

That's just not how it works.

For a ZAP to work it still HAS to have a ZigBee path to the ZAPCoordinator, having two ZAP units at two parts of the house would do nothing - it would have to be ZAPCoordinators, which means separate ZigBee servers which means separate "networks" where remotes and other portable devices can no longer be moved around the house.

Either place controller behind every TV like C4 wants you to do (and the balun could then provide the network to that controller) or use a proper grid of extenders (CA or I've seen better success with the Axxess Ind units).

It's in then end an inherent limitation of ZigBee - and the reason to have a working love/hate relationship with it.

Now if the next gen of sub-controllers would have the HDbaseT balun built into it on the other hand.......