/ home / home theatre system

Let's face it: the days of gathering around the kitchen table for meals are well and truly over. Most families these days tend to gravitate toward the living room, where they can sit down, discuss how their day went, have a bite to eat, and more importantly: watch TV.

Introducing the Home Theatre Controller

With this in mind, Control4 have created a product that automates a lot of the functions in your living room, where most of the family will gather. The "Home Theatre Controller," or HTC, is a small box about the size of a set-top box that allows you to automate your entertainment system and so much more. The Home Theatre Controller is comprised of two components:

• Controller: The "brains". All automated devices connect to the controller. This is about the size and shape of a set-top box.
• Remote Control: Your interface to control the automated devices. Looks very similar to a standard remote, but also has a 4-line LCD screen.       

Benefits of using the Home Theatre Controller

• It's simple: Control4 can make watching movies a two-step procedure if you wish. Imagine how easy the Home Theatre would become if all you have to do is load the DVD into the player and press play. The controller will automatically sense that the DVD has turned on, and therefore turn on the Plasma, the surround sound receiver and make sure they are set to the correct inputs. It can also handle items such as lights and blinds at the same time.
• Wireless Remote with 2-way feedback: Using the included remote control, you no longer have to be within line-of-sight. The remote will work anywhere in the house - even through walls. The remote can receive status information such as lighting levels and album listings on the built-in LCD.
• Plays music off different devices: The Home Theatre Controller can play MP3s from a networked PC, iPod or external USB drive. The unit displays album cover art on-screen, adding a unique visual approach to organising and playing your music collection.
• Onscreen display: The home theatre can be controlled using an on-screen display. Imagine using an interface that is the size of your Plasma or TV. Alternatively, you can use the wireless remote's built-in LCD while you move around your home.
• Control through Relays and RS232: The Controller has an in-built RS-232 port for bi-directional control of other home theatre devices. It also has a relay for motorised blinds and screens.
• Expandability: The Home Theatre Controller has the ability to do lighting, climate control, security and more because of Control4's extensive product line.

How it connects to other devices

Here is a system diagram of a home theatre with a few AV devices. This demonstrates the type of control the HTC can provide. The diagram shows the HTC controlling two IR devices, but it is capable of up to six.

Also illustrated is the ability to control motorised devices and those that accept RS-232. Video-sync is used to ensure the HTC knows the power state of the AV equipment at all times.

Taking the Home Theatre Controller and attaching a USB hard drive allows us to store MP3s we can listen to in the home theatre. As a bonus, you get a convenient on-screen display to manage the music, complete with cover-art.