Hi,
end user here trying to get the concept clear in my own head before approaching my dealer. The more I read the more confused I seem to get!
My current system consists of an HC800 & HC300 in the rack centrally, as well as an HC200 and HC250 locally behind 2 different screens. I have an AMC Digital H.O.M.E. X86i, which I presume is some form of audio matrix, as well as amplifier (I can’t seem to find out much information about it on the web)?
My system is still on a version of 2.6.
I have six separate audio zones & would like the possibility of playing at least 4 different streams concurrently. (I also have a wireless music bridge - does it matter whether this is wired straight into the amp, ie centrally, or into the HC250, as it is now?) At present I can’t seem to play more than 1 at a time. Presumably this is to do with the way the audio outputs are wired into the X86?
Should I be able to get 4 different streams playing concurrently based on my existing hardware or do I need to change anything? The HC800 has 2 analogue audio outputs so these should go into the X86 providing the ability for 2 separate streams, no? Does Shairbridge on the HC800 (I realise the OS will need updating) provide for multiple virtual streams or am I still limited to the 2 hard-wired outputs?
Is it worth scrapping the HC300 and relocating the HC250 centrally to be able to use its audio output? (I don’t use the onscreen GUI so I should probably scrap the HC200 also) Is there any merit in replacing either of these with an EA1 given I don’t use the onscreen GUI? I believe the HC200 is primarily acting as a Zigbee extender upstairs (and utilising a single IR to control the TV but this could be done over Cat6).
I had been looking at something like the Autonomic MMS-5a but I’m not sure if it’s overkill if I can do what I want with the equipment I already have, although I do like the way it integrates everything together.
Thanks a lot for answering several questions in one!
Pete