RE: UKHA2004 Video Ready for Download!

["Mark McCall" <lists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robert - I forwarded your Comfort questions to Andy there.  Here's his
reply.

M.




> > I've got a few questions about Comforts companion:
> > * I've been looking at getting comfort for a long time, and
really=20
> > like the look of the the companion touch screen.
> > * Is the Companion UI reprogrammable, e.g. via a PC much like
the=20
> > pronto

The Companion is 'loosley' programmable via the browser, it is a complete
package does all it's own processing and doesn't require a PC. The addition
of modules such as Audiomate and Home Theatre enable the integration of
Audiotron, Imerge or Barix Exstreamer(soon) into it's screens. Home Theatre
is a transport control screen for controlling DVD etc and sending IR or
RS232 command signals out. IR codes are pasteable from a CCF file or
directly from ProntoEdit software into the Companion browser setup screen.
These commands may be added to buttons within the ransport screens and IR
i=
s
outputtted via a lead on the rear of the screens.

There is full documentation here for more information:
http://www.coraccesssystems.com/public/docs/

> > * Is the companion a completely sealed unit or does it have to
off=20
> > load some of its processing to a HA PC Server of somesort?
> > * The half second or so lag that appeared when pressing the
buttons=20
> > has/will this be improved to the proved for the production
model.=20=20
> > The screens
look
> > very good, but the speed of the UI I think needs to be more=20
> > responsive, much like Ian Birds simpler but responsive control.

Sometimes during the demo, the buttons were not being pressed properly and
resulted in an apparrent slowness, however there is a small delay, it just
depends on what you are expecting or used to I guess. You have to remember
that loading a new screen involves graphics and depends on processing
speed/power, screens don't usually have as much power as the PC's we are
used to using.

> > * The camera feeds that were demo'd on the comfort, do they
plug=20
> > into comfort somewhere, or can this just be a feed or something
of a
GeoVision
> > camera system.

The camera feeds are direct composite analogue into Companion (x5) or as IP
addressses from Intranet or the web. You need DHCP server for Companion to
get it's IP address and should be used with a home LAN. Remember that local
video feeds can be split, one feed goes to Companion and the other (from
each camer) can feed into a switcher for Comfort to select camera via
movement (viewed on TV/PC). This can be a stand-alone switcher or our relay
board RLY01 which can act as a very low cost but intelligent switcher.

Addionally, the sidekick server ( now =A3763 + VAT Retail) This Companion
workhorse extends the same interface control to the TV network and PC's
throughout the home. Additionally  it provides for access from outside the
home. This server sports a 800Mhz Pentium-class processor and can be either
a "Master" or another "Client" on the network for ease
of installation.
Comes with a CD for easy PC access setup. Drops an icon on the desktop for
easy access. Control via the TV with the Gyroscopic RF wand.
Ideal for the rack or connection cabinet. Remote browser access is provided
by installation of 'VNC type' software on the client browser.

New Retail Prices are as follows, we expect the full release during August:

Companion C6ai =A31068 + VAT
Companion C10ai =A31395 + VAT
Companion Sidekick =A3763 + VAT
Audiomate Software =A3132 + VAT (per screen as required) HomeTheatre
Softwa=
re
=A3132 + VAT (per screen as required) Backboxes for C6 and C10 are ordered
separately

We will not be selling the Animate Flash Module for support reasons.

Regards

Andrew Roberts
Comfort Home Controls
Companion Link:
http://www.home-control.co.uk/products/product_info.php?products_id=3D221
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