Any iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch can access the LiivController units running vAutomation 2.0 via Wi-Fi., turning the devices into the ultimate touch screen interfaces for control over any and all components — from cable boxes and displays to receivers — all via IR, TCP/IP, and RS-232 commands sent from LiivController. LiivController is available in an entry-level version (LC-200) featuring four-zone multi room audio and a premium version (LC-500) with 12-zone multi room audio.

“The Apple iPad, iPhone, and iPod are the hottest products on the market right now, and consumers are eager to incorporate them into their home systems for a sophisticated control and media browsing experience. LiivController provides installers with an easy-to-program and cost-effective solution for meeting this demand and provides consumers with the integration they crave,” says VidaBox president Steven Cheung.

“Furthermore, the LiivController is not limited to video distribution and control. It has powerful multi zone audio distribution capabilities, taking advantage of virtually any audio source — from stored collections to iPods and Internet radio — and streaming it wherever and whenever desired.”

Beyond controlling devices, the powerful vAutomation 2.0 interface can be used to control any VidaBox media centre, giving users complete access to Blu-ray discs, DVDs, Netflix, and more, and allowing them to browse through their media in the cover-flow style that is familiar to Apple users. Tapping on any cover art will bring up rich, detailed metadata and allow playback to start.

The LC-200 and LC-500 control four and 12 zones, respectively, of synchronised multi room audio without the need for additional matrix switchers, and they provide integration with Internet radio services such as RadioTime and other on-demand platforms without the need for any additional hardware. The units support a variety of devices with two-way feedback, such as an added iPort FS-22/IW-22 docking station for iPod playback. Audio can be streamed from stored music collections in any location across the network.

LiivController units control up to six IR devices on-board with built-in 3.5-mm ports. Each individual IR port is discretely controlled, and VidaBox offers hundreds of thousands of IR codes in its integrated database for a wide range of devices. Brand-new components can also be controlled, as the LC-200 and LC-500 can learn new IR codes and attach them to the custom GUI. More IR ports can be added to the units with Global Cache devices.

For integrators, providing their clients with this exceptional experience couldn’t be easier. The touch screen interfaces on the vAutomation 2.0 platform are based on predefined templates and require minimal programming, dramatically reducing the time needed to complete new projects. All programming is Web-based and can even be done straight from an iPad, enabling updates in real time.

The VidaBox LC-200 and LC-500 will be available in Q2 2011.

Integrators in attendance at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), Feb. 1-3, will get an exclusive look at VidaBox’s complete digital entertainment and control solutions at stand 9F138.