Lowdown:
Cool New Product of the Week - Crestron iServer

Millions of consumers love their iPods, but have been waiting-until now-for a home audio server solution that doesn't cost thousands of dollars, and more importantly, will store and play back iTunes content. Inexpensive docking stations are great, but fall short when the owner leaves the house with iPod in hand. Now there is a convenient, cost-effective and elegant solution: the award-winning Crestron iServer.

Bridging the gap between traditional, expensive audio servers and basic docking stations, iServer uses an iPod as a permanently installed hard drive. Just open the drawer on the front panel, connect the iPod to the built-in docking cable, close the drawer, and mount the iServer on a shelf or in the equipment rack; it's that simple.

iServer stores and plays back iTunes-protected content, including music, audio books, and videos. Exclusive Crestron technology transmits USB communication over Ethernet, which empowers iServer to connect to the home computer network and automatically synchronize with the iTunes library whenever new content is added or playlists are created.

With easy plug-and-play connectivity to Adagio® audio distribution systems, iServer delivers iTunes content throughout the house. An enhanced user experience, with full access and control, is achieved by adding interfaces such as touchpanels or APAD LCD controllers. For family members on the go, personal iPod docking and undocking is provided by CEN-IDOC, a perfect complement to the iServer.

The first fully integrated audio server for iPod,® the new iServer has already won a plethora of awards: Electronic House magazine's Product of the Year for 2008; the Multi Room Award from the 2008 Electronic House Expo; and CEDIA's 2008 Electronic Lifestyles Award.

Key Features:

• "Made for iPod" network audio server
• Full 2-way touchpanel control of the iPod
• Sync to iTunes over Ethernet
• Buffered audio and video outputs
• Crestron Home CAT5 Balanced AV connectivity
• Plug-and-play integration with Adagio systems
• Single-space 19" rack-mountable

To learn more about the iServer, contact Crestron at www.crestron.com and let them know you read about it on Go AV Now! The good folks at Crestron can refer you to a qualified Creston dealer/integrator in your area. Or, if you're in the Mid-Atlantic region (MD-DC-NoVA), contact Advanced Video Systems directly. We'd be glad to help you out!