The modern version of multiroom solutions
It is no secret that the implementation of work with multimedia content is in the installation of automation systems in one of the first places along with light and climate. In this case, the most significant characteristic is often the ease of management, since this is what the end user will have to deal with.
Traditional solutions for projects with several rooms (multi-room) are usually implemented according to the scheme with one central node and wiring dedicated cables to each point where it is necessary to realize the output of video and / or sound. A feature of this approach is the ability to work through a single signal switch, the ease of adding new sources, support for the "transfer" of content between points during playback, the ability to use any type of equipment. However, there are also disadvantages, the most significant of which are the difficulty of adding new viewing points, the high cost of laying cables, a significant increase in cost when expanding the system, the difficulty of introducing new standards for signal quality. Of course, to say that such a scenario would have become obsolete would be wrong, but that it’s worth considering other options,
Today, when the overwhelming majority of content is digital, and the cost of high-quality media players is relatively low, it is much easier and more efficient to send the original stream to the receiver than to decode it centrally and transmit it unpacked. In this article, we will consider the possibilities of implementing a system of working with media content based on receivers installed near viewing points or audio equipment, connected by a standard computer network and controlled from touch panels controlled by iRidium Mobile.
At the moment, several technologies are presented on the market that are positioned to solve this problem. The most commonly mentioned option is the DLNA protocol. “On paper” it looks quite interesting - support for popular multimedia formats, the ability to split functions into centralized storages, media players and controllers, widespread support from manufacturers, and even certification. At first glance, for a minimal, but fully functional installation, a media server (for example, based on a network drive) and a modern Smart TV are enough. However, it is no secret that in reality things are much worse with him. Most users encounter incompatibility issues, lack of such convenient features, like storing a position when stopping playback and switching audio tracks and subtitles, not to mention file formats. Of course, some issues can be solved privately, but the solution is rarely when it can be called simple, universal and convenient.
Two other technologies that provide a partial fulfillment of this task are proprietary solutions AirPlay from Apple and Chromcast from Google. Due to their closeness, they are significantly more convenient and stable in operation, however, they have limited capabilities and are not able to satisfy demanding users.
Thus, the most universal receiver, in our opinion, today can be a microcomputer with specialized software. This combination provides high flexibility, the choice of various configurations (for example, sound output through a high-quality sound card), the ability to expand the capabilities of the system (for example, the inclusion of support for new codecs), and control over the network.
One of the products often used in this scenario is Kodi(formerly known as XBMC). This free open source software has been on the market since 2002 and can run on a uniquely wide range of platforms, including not only traditional x86 PCs, but also Android consoles and even the Raspberry Pi microsystem. At the same time, the system has a single interface, a wide range of capabilities (including the use of external plug-ins), support for network resources, formally unlimited support for media file formats, as well as an interface for network management.
When choosing a platform for a home theater based on Kodi, you should pay attention to its following characteristics: the presence of hardware decoders for the required video formats, support for automatic switching of the video output frequency and the ability to output digital audio formats, network connection speed (if we are talking about Wi-Fi, but this option should be considered only as a last resort). As an option, you can bring compact systems of the Intel NUC series.
Note that you can use this product as an audio player without turning on the display device and with control exclusively over the network. Installing and configuring Kodi software is usually not a problem. If necessary, you can use the Wiki site of the project.
To control the player, you can use local devices, including a keyboard, traditional IR remote controls, programs for smartphones and tablets, as well as the iRidium Mobile interface. The last option has certain advantages, the main of which is the ability to create an individual control panel interface design. The second feature of the solution is support for integration into the system of other equipment. For example, when you turn on a movie, you can activate a specific light scene, turn off non-essential alerts, configure audio-video equipment (in particular, open a screen, turn on the projector and receiver to the necessary inputs). Note that, if necessary, several control options can be combined in one project at once, because, despite the trends in the widespread installation of touch screens,
The minimum set of software for creating a project consists of iRidium GUI Editor for working on design and code, as well as i2 Control for debugging a project for Windows. To transfer the project to physical panels after checking the operability, you will need to use iRidium Transfer and the i2 Control program for them. Note that appropriate licenses for the emulator and panels will also be required. By the way, their fully functional versions with a limited validity period can be obtained free of charge after training on the company's website.
To work with Kodi, the AV & Custom Systems driver and a specially written software module are used, which can be downloaded from the developer's site. The easiest way to start creating a project is based on the examples provided in the kit. But before that, it is necessary to enable remote control on the player and specify access parameters to the Web interface. In addition, it is advisable to immediately set up media libraries on the player. It is most convenient to place them on a network drive, since in this case access is possible from any players on the network. Kodi has built-in indexing tools, so music can work with tags.
In the examples, the dynamic control of several players is implemented. To do this, already during the operation of i2 Control in the panel, you need to add them to the dynamic list by specifying the IP address, port number and other information.
The developers also did not forget about the feedback, so if your system is already playing some kind of composition, then on the new panel you will see information about this, not to mention the coordination of the volume control values. This can also be added to the advantages over local control from a traditional control panel.
Another version of the media player for which you can use the ready-made driver in the iRidium Mobile system is the devices offered under the Dune HD brand. Today they are one of the most convenient options that work “out of the box” without shamanism with firmware and settings.
The reason for this is the high-quality original software of our own design. True, it should be noted that the cost of devices is much higher than the numerous models from the Middle Kingdom. At the moment, these devices are able to not only provide the basic capabilities of a media player with support for local and network resources, but also connect to online services through user-installed plugins.
The network API for managing the device using the HTTP protocol is described on the player’s manufacturer’s website and does not have a wide range of features. But for the scenario considered in the article, it will be enough. In particular, it includes commands to control playback, obtain the current status, emulate the buttons of the standard remote control, system operations. Note that there is no protection and access control to the player, which may not be very convenient in some cases.
The example supplied with the module does not use the full capabilities of the API, but only emulates the remote control. However, the interface is quite simple, so if you wish, you can easily expand the capabilities of the demo page. For example, literally a couple of mouse movements are required to create a new field that reflects the current state of the device. The display of the current playable content is likewise implemented. With minimal effort, you can create a panel to turn on your favorite Internet radio stations.
The current version of iRidium Mobile mainly implements automation system control functions from dedicated panels. It is quite difficult to implement any background operations on it. However, if you wish, you can also come up with rather unusual implementations in the direction under discussion. For example, you can program a panel to switch home equipment to the “Watching Movies” script or to turn on the “Viewing Now” sign at the cinema door when it detects a change in player status.
Traditional solutions for projects with several rooms (multi-room) are usually implemented according to the scheme with one central node and wiring dedicated cables to each point where it is necessary to realize the output of video and / or sound. A feature of this approach is the ability to work through a single signal switch, the ease of adding new sources, support for the "transfer" of content between points during playback, the ability to use any type of equipment. However, there are also disadvantages, the most significant of which are the difficulty of adding new viewing points, the high cost of laying cables, a significant increase in cost when expanding the system, the difficulty of introducing new standards for signal quality. Of course, to say that such a scenario would have become obsolete would be wrong, but that it’s worth considering other options,
Today, when the overwhelming majority of content is digital, and the cost of high-quality media players is relatively low, it is much easier and more efficient to send the original stream to the receiver than to decode it centrally and transmit it unpacked. In this article, we will consider the possibilities of implementing a system of working with media content based on receivers installed near viewing points or audio equipment, connected by a standard computer network and controlled from touch panels controlled by iRidium Mobile.
At the moment, several technologies are presented on the market that are positioned to solve this problem. The most commonly mentioned option is the DLNA protocol. “On paper” it looks quite interesting - support for popular multimedia formats, the ability to split functions into centralized storages, media players and controllers, widespread support from manufacturers, and even certification. At first glance, for a minimal, but fully functional installation, a media server (for example, based on a network drive) and a modern Smart TV are enough. However, it is no secret that in reality things are much worse with him. Most users encounter incompatibility issues, lack of such convenient features, like storing a position when stopping playback and switching audio tracks and subtitles, not to mention file formats. Of course, some issues can be solved privately, but the solution is rarely when it can be called simple, universal and convenient.
Two other technologies that provide a partial fulfillment of this task are proprietary solutions AirPlay from Apple and Chromcast from Google. Due to their closeness, they are significantly more convenient and stable in operation, however, they have limited capabilities and are not able to satisfy demanding users.
Thus, the most universal receiver, in our opinion, today can be a microcomputer with specialized software. This combination provides high flexibility, the choice of various configurations (for example, sound output through a high-quality sound card), the ability to expand the capabilities of the system (for example, the inclusion of support for new codecs), and control over the network.
One of the products often used in this scenario is Kodi(formerly known as XBMC). This free open source software has been on the market since 2002 and can run on a uniquely wide range of platforms, including not only traditional x86 PCs, but also Android consoles and even the Raspberry Pi microsystem. At the same time, the system has a single interface, a wide range of capabilities (including the use of external plug-ins), support for network resources, formally unlimited support for media file formats, as well as an interface for network management.
When choosing a platform for a home theater based on Kodi, you should pay attention to its following characteristics: the presence of hardware decoders for the required video formats, support for automatic switching of the video output frequency and the ability to output digital audio formats, network connection speed (if we are talking about Wi-Fi, but this option should be considered only as a last resort). As an option, you can bring compact systems of the Intel NUC series.
Note that you can use this product as an audio player without turning on the display device and with control exclusively over the network. Installing and configuring Kodi software is usually not a problem. If necessary, you can use the Wiki site of the project.
To control the player, you can use local devices, including a keyboard, traditional IR remote controls, programs for smartphones and tablets, as well as the iRidium Mobile interface. The last option has certain advantages, the main of which is the ability to create an individual control panel interface design. The second feature of the solution is support for integration into the system of other equipment. For example, when you turn on a movie, you can activate a specific light scene, turn off non-essential alerts, configure audio-video equipment (in particular, open a screen, turn on the projector and receiver to the necessary inputs). Note that, if necessary, several control options can be combined in one project at once, because, despite the trends in the widespread installation of touch screens,
The minimum set of software for creating a project consists of iRidium GUI Editor for working on design and code, as well as i2 Control for debugging a project for Windows. To transfer the project to physical panels after checking the operability, you will need to use iRidium Transfer and the i2 Control program for them. Note that appropriate licenses for the emulator and panels will also be required. By the way, their fully functional versions with a limited validity period can be obtained free of charge after training on the company's website.
To work with Kodi, the AV & Custom Systems driver and a specially written software module are used, which can be downloaded from the developer's site. The easiest way to start creating a project is based on the examples provided in the kit. But before that, it is necessary to enable remote control on the player and specify access parameters to the Web interface. In addition, it is advisable to immediately set up media libraries on the player. It is most convenient to place them on a network drive, since in this case access is possible from any players on the network. Kodi has built-in indexing tools, so music can work with tags.
In the examples, the dynamic control of several players is implemented. To do this, already during the operation of i2 Control in the panel, you need to add them to the dynamic list by specifying the IP address, port number and other information.
The developers also did not forget about the feedback, so if your system is already playing some kind of composition, then on the new panel you will see information about this, not to mention the coordination of the volume control values. This can also be added to the advantages over local control from a traditional control panel.
Another version of the media player for which you can use the ready-made driver in the iRidium Mobile system is the devices offered under the Dune HD brand. Today they are one of the most convenient options that work “out of the box” without shamanism with firmware and settings.
The reason for this is the high-quality original software of our own design. True, it should be noted that the cost of devices is much higher than the numerous models from the Middle Kingdom. At the moment, these devices are able to not only provide the basic capabilities of a media player with support for local and network resources, but also connect to online services through user-installed plugins.
The network API for managing the device using the HTTP protocol is described on the player’s manufacturer’s website and does not have a wide range of features. But for the scenario considered in the article, it will be enough. In particular, it includes commands to control playback, obtain the current status, emulate the buttons of the standard remote control, system operations. Note that there is no protection and access control to the player, which may not be very convenient in some cases.
The example supplied with the module does not use the full capabilities of the API, but only emulates the remote control. However, the interface is quite simple, so if you wish, you can easily expand the capabilities of the demo page. For example, literally a couple of mouse movements are required to create a new field that reflects the current state of the device. The display of the current playable content is likewise implemented. With minimal effort, you can create a panel to turn on your favorite Internet radio stations.
The current version of iRidium Mobile mainly implements automation system control functions from dedicated panels. It is quite difficult to implement any background operations on it. However, if you wish, you can also come up with rather unusual implementations in the direction under discussion. For example, you can program a panel to switch home equipment to the “Watching Movies” script or to turn on the “Viewing Now” sign at the cinema door when it detects a change in player status.